Rebirth of the Hong Kong Millennium Conglomerate

Chapter 77 Borrowing Money Again

Looking at Zhang Zeyang's calm face in the reception room, Zhang Guangdou was filled with mixed emotions.

After a while, Zhang Guangdou finally broke the silence!

"Mr. Zhang, to be honest, our country's foreign exchange reserves are currently very tight. Providing a sum of 4000 million pounds at once is simply beyond our means. I wonder—could we consider another payment method?"

Meanwhile, Zhang Zhenghong sat to the side, nervously clutching the hem of her clothes, her gaze fixed intently on Zhang Zeyang, afraid of hearing a rejection from him.

Robert Kuok frowned slightly. He understood how much courage it took for Zhang Guangdou to make this request, as such a request was indeed somewhat unreasonable in business transactions.

However, Zhang Zeyang's reaction surprised everyone.

There was no anger on his face. Instead, he nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Zhang, I understand the difficulties in China. Since we can't come up with so much foreign exchange right now, I naturally won't force you to do something you don't want to do."

Let's consider a compromise that can alleviate the pressure on the domestic situation while also properly resolving the payment issue.

"Are you willing to compromise?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Guangdou's voice instantly rose a few decibels.

"Mr. Zhang, this is wonderful! We're willing to discuss any terms, as long as there's a solution!"

His emotions were like a rollercoaster, rising from the bottom to the top in an instant, and the excitement in his heart was indescribable.

Zhang Zeyang raised his hand to signal him to calm down and slowly said, "The first option is that I can arrange for the payment to be made in installments in China without interest. This £4000 million loan can be repaid gradually over ten, twenty, or even thirty years in China."

"Interest-free installments?" Zhang Guangdou, Zhang Zhenghong, and Guo Henian were all stunned at the same time, their faces filled with excitement.

It is important to understand that in the international financial market in 1973, loan interest rates were high, especially for countries with foreign exchange shortages and low credit ratings. To obtain loans from international banks, they not only needed to provide substantial collateral but also had to bear high interest rates, and the repayment period was often very stringent.

Zhang Zeyang was willing to provide interest-free loans and even offered a repayment period of up to thirty years, which was unprecedentedly generous.

Zhang Guangdou quickly calculated in his mind: if he repays in ten years, he only needs to pay £400 million per year; if he repays in twenty years, the annual repayment amount will drop to £200 million; if he chooses the longest term of thirty years, he only needs to repay about £133 million per year.

Such repayment pressure is nothing compared to a one-time payment of £4000 million.

For a country with negative foreign exchange reserves, such conditions are undoubtedly a godsend and are well within an acceptable range.

More importantly, Zhang Zeyang explicitly stated that he would not charge any interest.

It should be noted that, based on the average international lending rates at the time, a loan of 4000 million pounds, even at the lowest interest rate, would have accumulated interest over thirty years that would have exceeded the principal.

Zhang Zeyang's plan is equivalent to saving the country a huge amount of interest expenses.

"Mr. Zhang, you—you're telling the truth?" Zhang Zhenghong's voice trembled with excitement; he simply couldn't believe his ears.

These generous terms far exceeded their expectations.

Zhang Zeyang met the three people's shocked gazes and nodded firmly: "Of course it's true. Since I promised to help, I won't make things difficult for the country on these details."

Robert Kuok looked at Zhang Zeyang with eyes full of admiration.

Throughout his life, he had dealt with countless businessmen and seen too many people who were only interested in profit and were petty and calculating. But he had never seen anyone so generous and magnanimous as to put aside huge profits in order to help the country overcome its difficulties.

Zhang Zeyang's sentiments made him feel inferior.

Just as the three were still basking in the joy of the interest-free installment plan, Zhang Zeyang spoke up again, offering a second option: "Besides installment payments, there is another choice."

If it remains difficult for China to raise enough foreign exchange in the short term, other goods can be used to offset the payment.

"Pay with goods?" Zhang Guangdou was taken aback at first, then realized that this was a typical "barter" transaction.

In Zhang Zeyang's past life, the country also faced a similar foreign exchange crisis. At that time, he entrusted Robert Kuok to purchase white sugar, but ultimately, because he could not come up with enough foreign exchange, he could only use high-quality liquors such as Moutai and Wuliangye, as well as other local specialties, to offset the payment.

Even so, the country has always remembered Robert Kuok's kindness. Later, the fact that Kuok's Golden Dragon Fish brand was able to successfully enter the mainland market and occupy half of the grain and oil industry was inseparable from this early favor.

Now, Zhang Zeyang's proposed barter scheme is similar to the approach taken by Robert Kuok back then, but Zhang Zeyang's terms are more favorable.

Not only is the price of white sugar half price, but interest-free installment options are also offered. Even when it's a barter transaction, no harsh requirements are imposed.

This generosity and understanding is in no way inferior to that of Robert Kuok back then, and may even surpass it.

Against the backdrop of a global sugar shortage and soaring prices, the significance of Zhang Zeyang's choice is self-evident.

This is not merely a commercial concession, but also a profound expression of affection for the country and the nation.

Unable to contain his excitement any longer, Zhang Guangdou abruptly stood up, grabbed Zhang Zeyang's hand, and shook it vigorously, tears welling in his eyes, saying, "Mr. Zhang! You are so kind! We at China Resources, and our entire nation, will never forget this timely kindness!"

Zhang Zhenghong also stood up, bowed deeply to Zhang Zeyang, and said excitedly, "Mr. Zhang, we can never repay your great kindness. In the future, if there is anything China Resources can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask, and we will do our utmost!"

Robert Kuok also stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Zhang Zeyang, and said sincerely, "Mr. Zhang, your righteous act is a model for the business community."

From a business perspective, you could have made huge profits, but you chose to generously help your country. This sense of patriotism is truly moving. I, Guo, admire you immensely!

Touched by the three men's enthusiasm, Zhang Zeyang smiled sincerely. He gently patted Zhang Guangdou's hand and said humbly, "You flatter me. I am a son of China, and it is only right that I step forward when my country is in trouble."

I feel deeply honored to be able to contribute my modest efforts to my motherland.

He knew in his heart that the £3000 million concession at this moment, along with the flexible scheme of interest-free installments and barter, would not only bring the country's gratitude, but also a profound sense of human kindness.

This favor will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the future.

In his previous life, Robert Kuok paved the way for his business empire to reach the mainland by providing timely assistance. Zhang Zeyang will also gain more opportunities in the future by relying on this favor.

Just as everyone was immersed in the joy of the impending deal, Zhang Zeyang seemed to suddenly remember something, turned to Zhang Guangdou, and asked with concern, "Mr. Zhang, you just said that there is a severe shortage of foreign exchange in China?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Guangdou's smile faltered slightly, then he nodded, his tone tinged with bitterness: "Yes, Mr. Zhang, the domestic foreign exchange situation is indeed not optimistic."

Due to limited export trade, the amount of foreign exchange earned is very small, while various construction projects urgently require the import of equipment and materials from abroad, resulting in a persistent shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which are now even negative.

We wouldn't have taken the liberty of requesting a payment postponement if we hadn't been absolutely forced to.

Zhang Zeyang was well aware that in those days, China's industrial base was weak, and its exports were mostly agricultural products and primary industrial products with low added value, resulting in very limited foreign exchange earnings.

The country was in a period of large-scale construction and urgently needed to import advanced machinery, equipment and raw materials from abroad, resulting in foreign exchange expenditures far exceeding incomes, a shortage of foreign exchange reserves, and even the embarrassing situation of negative reserves.

This is the fundamental reason why, even with preferential prices, it is difficult for China to pay for essential commodities like sugar in foreign exchange.

After listening, Zhang Zeyang's face showed a thoughtful expression. He was silent for a moment, then looked up at Zhang Guangdou and said solemnly, "Mr. Zhang, since foreign exchange is so scarce both domestically and internationally, I will help them to the end."

In addition to the interest-free installment payment or barter payment for the 50 tons of sugar, I can also, on behalf of Qian Gu Bank, provide an additional $500 million interest-free loan to the domestic market, which can also be repaid in installments over thirty years, without any collateral.

"What?!"

Zhang Guangdou was once again so shocked that he couldn't speak. His eyes widened as he stared blankly at Zhang Zeyang, unable to believe his ears.

Zhang Zhenghong and Guo Henian were instantly petrified, their faces filled with disbelief.

A $5 million interest-free loan, no collateral required, repayable in installments over 30 years!

This is like a windfall!

It's important to understand that in the international financial market of 1973, the US dollar was a hard currency. To borrow $500 million from an international bank, one not only needed to provide collateral worth far more than the loan amount, but also had to bear annual interest rates as high as ten or even twenty percent, and the repayment period usually did not exceed five years.

Zhang Zeyang was willing to provide an unconditional interest-free loan of $500 million, with an exceptionally long repayment period of thirty years, which is unprecedented worldwide.

For a country with negative foreign exchange reserves, this $500 million is undoubtedly a timely help.

With this funding, the country can import more urgently needed machinery and equipment, as well as industrial raw materials, greatly alleviating the pressure on various construction projects.

More importantly, this loan required no collateral and had no conditions attached; it was a selfless act of assistance based entirely on trust and friendship.

Zhang Guangdou was trembling with excitement. He gripped Zhang Zeyang's hand tightly again and said, "Mr. Zhang—you—"

You are truly a benefactor to our country! We will forever remember this kindness!

On behalf of the nation and China Resources, I extend my highest respect to you! At this moment, the gratitude in his heart was beyond words.

He never expected that this impetuous visit would not only successfully solve the urgent domestic problem of 50 tons of white sugar, but also unexpectedly obtain a $500 million interest-free loan.

This completely exceeded his expectations, making him ecstatic.

Zhang Zhenghong's eyes also reddened with emotion. He bowed deeply to Zhang Zeyang, remaining seated for a long time: "Mr. Zhang, we can never repay your immense kindness. We will do our utmost to help you in the future!"

Looking at the scene before him, Robert Kuok knew what Zhang Zeyang's aid meant for the country. It was not only material support, but also spiritual encouragement.

Zhang Zeyang's patriotism and selflessness deserve everyone's respect.

"Mr. Zhang, your righteous act will surely be remembered in history," Robert Kuok said solemnly, his eyes filled with admiration.

Seeing the three men's excited expressions, Zhang Zeyang smiled gently and said, "There's no need for such formalities. When our motherland is in trouble, it's only right that we lend a helping hand."

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