The Anda Finance Company.

Even if you're not a native of Jiangzhou, anyone who has lived there long enough knows that this so-called financial firm is, in reality, nothing more than a ruthless loan shark business.

Countless families have already been destroyed by this predatory lender.

Yet, despite its notorious reputation, despite knowing how merciless Anda Finance is when it comes to debt collection, many desperate individuals, gambling addicts, or substance abusers still flock to it like moths to a flame.

The reason is simple: Anda Finance has an extremely low lending threshold.

Forget about collateral like houses or cars. As long as you have a wife and kids—if they live in Jiangzhou—that's enough for them to approve your loan.

But the interest rates are even more horrifying than your typical predatory payday loans.

Take Ye Chen's case: he initially borrowed 150,000 yuan, but after just over a month, the compounded interest had ballooned to 270,000 yuan.

Such outrageous loans would typically be considered illegal, but these ruthless lenders operate with backing and protection. Despite ruining countless families, the doors of Anda Finance remain wide open, waiting for the next wave of victims.

"Brother Biao, he's here!" someone shouted as Ye Chen stepped inside.

"Damn, why are you standing there like an idiot? Hurry up and bring in our college graduate!" a rough voice boomed from the back of the 40–50 square meter office.

Hearing this, Ye Chen sneered coldly.

He walked deeper into the office under the watchful eyes of the lackeys.

"Ah, the college graduate is here! Come, try this premium Biluochun tea. The boss gave it to me—it's good stuff, haha!" Brother Biao said, laughing like a sly tiger.

"No need for tea, Brother Biao. Principal and interest—everything is here. We're settled," Ye Chen replied, placing a black bag on the table.

"Ah, why the rush? No need to be in such a hurry. Let's chat for a while," Brother Biao said, standing up and casually placing a hand on Ye Chen's shoulder.

"College graduate, I have to hand it to you university types. You've got all kinds of ways to make money. Tell me, what's your latest moneymaking trick? Care to share it with Brother Biao?" he asked, grinning.

Brother Biao's curiosity was evident because he knew Ye Chen had recently visited Jinlin Mansion to look at properties. A gambler like Ye Chen couldn't have won that kind of money from the gambling table.

Brother Biao had seen hundreds like him—there was no way Ye Chen could have turned his situation around. The money wasn't from gambling, and the idea that someone had lent it to him was equally absurd. Who would lend to a gambling addict, apart from predatory lenders like Anda Finance?

"I won the lottery," Ye Chen replied with a forced smile.

"Bullshit! Are you messing with me? Lottery winnings just happened to fall into your lap?" Brother Biao scoffed.

"Brother Biao, does your company really need to investigate where a client's money comes from?" Ye Chen shot back.

"Damn it, you're not going to tell me?" Brother Biao's face darkened.

"There's nothing to say," Ye Chen replied calmly, showing none of the cowardice or panic he used to exhibit.

"Fine, you won't talk? Then let's go over the interest calculations again. Hmm, 270,000 yuan..."

"It was a few days ago, but now a few more days have passed. It definitely can't be the same amount as a few days ago. I believe you understand these rules!"

Brother Biao smiled at Ye Chen and raised three fingers. "I won't make things difficult for you. 300,000, principal and interest. That'll do!"

"I understand the rules, so I didn't plan to settle this with just 270,000. Here's exactly 300,000. Go ahead and count it!"

Unexpectedly, Ye Chen came fully prepared.

Brother Biao was quite surprised. He then gestured to his subordinates, who immediately opened the bag to count the money.

"Brother Biao, it's exactly 300,000!"

Hearing this, Brother Biao looked at Ye Chen again. "Not bad, college boy! Seems like you've found a way to make some real money. Hey, want me to introduce you to a better place? Way classier than the ones you used to go to. There's even special services. Whenever you feel the need to 'cool off,' the resources are always available. Each one of them is like a star—no exaggeration!"

Ye Chen, who had been about to leave, stopped in his tracks upon hearing this.

Brother Biao's words stirred up his memories again.

In his previous life, Ye Chen had spent a lot of time and effort trying to take revenge on these predatory lenders. Yet, every time, they managed to escape justice by relying on their backers.

Even when inspection teams entered Jiangzhou three times, they returned empty-handed each time.

It wasn't until the fourth inspection team launched a surprise operation, after months of covert surveillance, that they raided the secret den—a massive gambling and vice hub. The operation not only took down the gang but also uprooted their boss and the protectors shielding them.

When the news broke back then, countless people in Jiangzhou cheered, but behind the applause was a sense of horror at the gang's depravity.

Many of the women providing "special services" were students or others coerced into compliance through threats and addiction to drugs. The gang used these tactics to crush their will to resist completely.

Compared to loan-sharking, the activities at that secret den were the real atrocity.

After being reborn, Ye Chen had assumed that this den hadn't yet come into existence. After all, in his previous life, it was years before these scum were wiped out due to this operation.

But hearing Brother Biao's words now, he realized the den was already up and running.

"Oh? A better place?" Ye Chen feigned interest.

"Come on, do you think I'd lie to you? If you're interested, I can hook you up. It's not a place just anyone can get into. Fresh faces need the right passcode to enter!" Brother Biao said.

"Where is it?"

Ye Chen put on the eager look of a gambler itching for action.

"Maple Leaf Hotel. Someone will ask if you have a reservation. Just say Brother Biao referred you. Then someone will take you to the 19th floor. When you get there, someone will ask about the weather outside. Just answer with 'clear skies.' That's it!" Brother Biao said.

"Alright, thanks, Brother Biao!" Ye Chen replied.

"No problem! Enjoy yourself!" Brother Biao laughed.

"Thanks for your kind words!"

After Ye Chen left, Brother Biao pulled out his phone and made a call.

One of his subordinates couldn't help but ask, "Brother Biao, how much money could that kid possibly have? He used to be dirt poor. Why'd you send him to Maple Leaf Hotel?"

"You don't understand. This fish not only repaid the 300,000 quickly but also bought property in Jinlin Mansion. I don't know how he struck it rich overnight, but it doesn't matter. What matters is he must have plenty of cash. At the very least, we can bleed him for a few million!" Brother Biao sneered.

"But Brother Biao, the boss said we need to be cautious about what we do at Maple Leaf Hotel. He said not to draw too much attention—"

Before he could finish, Brother Biao smacked him on the head.

"That cowardly fool couldn't possibly cause us trouble! Damn it, if he can outmaneuver us, I'd let the boss chop me up and feed me to the dogs. Besides, with our boss's connections, how could a nobody like him stir up any trouble?"

Thinking of how even a high-ranking official in the city police department had been firmly in their boss's pocket, Brother Biao smirked, feeling invincible.

The subordinate quickly agreed, not daring to argue further. He didn't dare mention how Brother Biao had already been tricked by the "college boy" back at his rented apartment a few days ago.