There were only two office chairs opposite the desk. As Apple Bro and Fan Jia sat down, Brother Li took a puff of his cigar and smiled at Apple Bro: “You softhearted kid, especially with girls. You know I’m not interested in these small projects anymore, yet you still bring them to me. Is it because she’s pretty?”

Apple Bro’s face reddened as he hurriedly waved his hands: “How could that be? Brother Li, don’t tease me. She’s my junior schoolmate, I just genuinely appreciate her potential. Please help out, okay?” He turned to Fan Jia: “How much do you want to borrow?”

Fan Jia said timidly: “Ten thousand.”

Brother Li said: “That’s not a small amount. He probably told you that I’m willing to help ambitious college students. But you need to have something as collateral. What if I lose my money?”

Fan Jia grew anxious, glancing at Apple Bro who gave her an encouraging look. She gathered her courage and said with a slightly trembling voice: “Brother Li, I-I’ll work very hard. It’s just that my family’s situation isn’t good, and things are difficult right now. I want to partner with a classmate to open an online store, but I need money for inventory. I’ve planned everything about how to run the store. I’m sure I can make money and repay you. I brought my graduation certificate and ID card.”

Apple Bro took them and handed them to Brother Li, who remarked: “I didn’t know the Chinese Literature Department had such a beautiful graduate. Do you know Xie Ziyi? She’s also my client.”

Fan Jia smiled ingratiatingly: “Yes, she’s from Class 1, I’m from Class 2.”

Brother Li nodded, placing the two documents in front of him. Seemingly satisfied with how things were progressing, he pulled out a stack of contracts from his drawer and placed them before Fan Jia: “Look these over, and if there are no problems, sign here.”

Fan Jia lowered her head and began reading the contracts. Brother Li and Apple Bro exchanged glances, and Apple Bro smiled saying: “These are just standard contracts, very simple. Since we’re acquaintances, you’ll get the lowest interest rate, don’t worry.”

Fan Jia nodded gratefully, only glancing at the interest rate and late payment calculation formula before asking: “So how much interest will I need to pay?”

Brother Li said to Apple Bro: “Is she not trusting me? I have a company meeting to attend later, I’m very busy. If she wants to sign, sign. If not, take her away. Don’t waste my time on trivial matters.”

Apple Bro hastily said: “Not at all! Brother Li has helped us so much, how could we not trust you?” Then to Fan Jia: “If there’s no problem, sign quickly. It’s not good to hesitate. You only need to pay very low weekly interest, just over a hundred yuan, easily manageable.”

Fan Jia’s expression relaxed. She bit her lip and picked up the pen, but just as she was about to turn to the last page to sign, she froze, hesitating: “This processing fee…”

The contract stated a 20% processing fee for the loan.

Apple Bro looked up and asked: “Brother Li, could this… be reduced a bit? This clause is for regular people, but Fan Pingping just graduated, and starting a business takes time.”

Brother Li smiled and said: “I know what you’re going to say. Seems you care about this junior of yours. Little Fan, let me be honest with you. This 20% processing fee firstly covers my company’s operating costs. I can’t help you while running my company into the ground, right? Secondly, part of it goes to Apple – his help, this trip, gas money, maintaining relationships – all that costs money. He’s suggesting he doesn’t want his share, meaning he’s willing to pay out of his pocket for you. I ask you, could you do that? You’re just starting in society – is this how we treat people who help us?

Moreover, Apple, even if you don’t want it, I can’t agree. This is industry practice. Apple, you’re too young. Breaking industry rules – you might be willing to take the loss, but what about your other juniors who borrowed through you before? What will they think? Won’t they feel their senior is showing favoritism? What if they cause trouble? Remember last year, that junior who couldn’t repay his loan because he spent it all on games and entertainment? You ended up covering for him and encouraging him to do better, but he still beat you up badly. Have you forgotten so quickly?”

Fan Jia’s face flushed red. She looked at Apple Bro with great emotion and impulse, saying: “Brother Li, say no more. I’ll sign right now.” She picked up the pen and wrote down the name Fan Lingling.