dkrc Chapter 38 2.5% of doping
Chapter 38 2.5% of doping
(Thanks to the amazing "Suiki-kun" for the verification, here's an extra 5,000 words~)
Monday, February 23, 1987.
Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
The sky was an unhealthy leaden gray, weighing heavily on this steel forest of granite and glass curtain walls. The early spring wind was still biting, howling through the gap between the KPMG building and the Sankei News building, whipping up a few scraps of newspaper from the roadside and slapping them hard onto the asphalt.
But the cold wind cannot chill the bustling Tokyo at this moment.
At 8:50 a.m., ten minutes before the Tokyo Stock Exchange opened.
The entrance to Nomura Securities' Otemachi branch was already packed with a large crowd. Among them were salarymen in dark suits carrying briefcases, housewives wearing scarves and carrying shopping baskets, and even a few retired elderly people wearing reading glasses and leaning on canes.
Everyone was doing the same thing: tilting their heads back.
They stared intently at the rows of huge red electronic displays in the shop window, their eyes burning with fervor, as if those weren't just ticking numbers, but scriptures leading to paradise.
"Why isn't the market open yet? It's driving me crazy!"
"I heard that futures prices went crazy last night!"
"The central bank is really going all out this time! 2.5%! That's practically handing out money!"
The noise, like boiling water, echoed through the narrow streets.
Not far away, a black Nissan Presidential Sedan with a special license plate glided slowly through the bustling crowd, like a silent deep-sea fish.
The car windows were tightly closed, and the double-layered soundproof glass kept out the roaring noises from the outside world.
Inside the carriage, the heating was on full blast, and a faint scent of leather filled the air.
Shuichi Saionji sat on the left side of the back seat, a newly purchased copy of the Nikkei Shimbun spread out on his lap. The newspaper still had the distinctive smell of ink, slightly pungent.
The headline on the front page was printed in bold, strikingly large font:
A historic decision! The standard rate of fire is lowered to 2.5%! The lowest level since the war!
Below the title is a photo of the president of Chengtian Zhixing bowing at the press conference. Although his face is expressionless, the slightly upturned corners of his mouth seem to hint at the beginning of some kind of madness.
"They've gone mad, they've all gone completely mad."
The CFO, Endo, sitting in the passenger seat, kept wiping his forehead with a handkerchief. Even though the car was at a comfortable temperature, he felt like he was in a sauna.
He turned his head and looked out the car window at the crowd waving bankbooks and seals.
"President, look at that person, the one in the gray trench coat, isn't that the section chief from Suzuki Trading? Last week he was complaining to me that his salary wasn't enough to cover his expenses and that he was coming to borrow money to pay his rent. How come he's queuing up in front of the brokerage firm today?"
Shuichi glanced at the object Endo was pointing at.
Indeed, the middle-aged man was beaming and talking animatedly with the person next to him, spitting as he spoke, showing no sign of financial hardship whatsoever.
"Because everyone thinks that as long as they throw money into that pool, they can become a millionaire tomorrow."
Xiu folded the newspaper, making a crisp "rustling" sound.
"Mr. Endo, if you knew that money in the bank not only doesn't earn interest, but is actually depreciating every day due to inflation, what would you do?"
"I..." Endo, an old-fashioned accountant who had always believed in "living within one's means," stammered, unable to answer, "I would... deposit in a fixed-term account?"
"Find a fixed deposit?" Xiu smiled, a hint of coldness in his smile. "The current fixed deposit interest rate can't even keep up with a fraction of the increase in land prices."
The car turned a corner, and a magnificent building came into view.
Huge Doric columns support the heavy portico, and the bronze doors are carved with intricate patterns, making it look as majestic as a temple.
Mitsui Bank Headquarters Building.
This place is one of the key hubs controlling the lifeline of Japan's economy, and a manifestation of the power of the old zaibatsu.
In the past, this door was always tightly closed, exuding a cold indifference that kept people at a distance. The presidents of small and medium-sized enterprises would often have to sit in the reception room by the side door all day, drink several pots of cheap tea, and finally have to endure the sullen face of the loan officer in order to get a life-saving loan here.
And today.
The heavy bronze door was completely open.
Two rows of bank employees in crisp uniforms stood in neat rows on either side of the entrance. With their hands clasped in front of their abdomens, they immediately bowed in unison as the black Nissan sedan drove in, the angle of their bows so precise it looked as if they had measured it with a protractor.
Ninety degrees.
"Member of Parliament Saionji! Welcome!"
The unified shouts echoed through the corridors of the hall.
As soon as the car came to a stop, before the driver could even get out, a hand wearing a clean white glove quickly opened the back door.
"You've worked hard, Mr. Saionji."
The lobby manager's face was plastered with an almost fawning smile, and he was so bent over that he almost wanted to bury his head in the carpet.
Shuichi took a step forward, his leather shoe clicking crisply on the gleaming marble floor. He straightened the collar of his dark blue cashmere coat, his gaze sweeping over the respectful heads.
"Is President Kanda here?"
"Yes! Yes! The bank manager is already waiting for you at the elevator!"
The manager gestured for Xiu Yi to walk towards the president's private elevator deep in the lobby.
"bite."
The elevator doors slid open.
An elderly man with gray hair, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and a slightly plump figure was standing there. He was wearing a well-tailored three-piece suit, and a silk handkerchief folded into a triangle was sticking out of his pocket.
President of Mitsui Bank, Masayuki Kanda.
"Oh dear, Mr. Saionji!"
Before Xiuyi could even step out of the elevator, President Kanda strode up to him and extended his hands.
"It's such a sin to have you make this trip yourself!"
He grasped Shuichi's hand and shook it vigorously. Those hands were warm and damp, their palms covered in sweat.
It was sweat from tension, and sweat from excitement.
"I was supposed to visit your home, but things have been so chaotic at work these past few days that I haven't been able to spare the time."
As Kanda spoke, he stepped aside to lead the way.
"Please come in, please come in. It must be cold outside. I had some Gyokuro (a type of Japanese herbal tea) that was just flown in from Uji. It'll warm you up."
Shuichi felt the slight stickiness remaining in his palm and calmly put his hand back into his coat pocket.
"Mr. Kanda, you're too kind."
His voice was calm, carrying a kind of aristocratic reserve and aloofness.
"I just happened to be passing through Otemachi, so I thought I'd stop by and take a look."
"Your humble abode is truly honored!"
President Kanda smiled so hard his eyes narrowed into slits, and the wrinkles on his face smoothed out, like a blooming chrysanthemum.
Top floor, the bank president's office.
The air here is much quieter and much more expensive than in the lobby downstairs.
A painting of Monet's "Water Lilies" hung on the wall. Whether it was genuine or not, it had to be real in a place like this, even if it was a fake. The Persian carpet beneath my feet was excessively thick; every step felt like sinking into the fur of some enormous creature.
The huge floor-to-ceiling windows face the moat of the Imperial Palace.
On the grey water, several black swans were leisurely preening their feathers, completely oblivious to the madness unfolding in the financial district just a wall away.
Shuichi sat down on the leather sofa.
"please."
Kanda personally picked up the teapot and poured the emerald green tea into the two exquisite hagi ware teacups.
The aroma of tea rises gently; it is indeed top-grade Gyokuro, with a fresh, seaweed-like fragrance.
But today, the main focus of this room isn't tea.
"Director Kanda."
Xiu Yi picked up the teacup, gently blew away the foam, but did not drink it.
"The thing mentioned on the phone..."
"Everything is ready!"
President Kanda put down the teapot, quickly picked up a thick document from his desk, and handed it to him with both hands.
"Based on the results of the overnight meeting of the Head Office Risk Assessment Committee, we would like to express our apologies to you."
"apology?"
Endo, who had been sitting upright and somewhat reserved, paused for a moment.
"Yes," Kanda said sincerely. "The credit line we previously granted to Saionji Corporation was far too conservative. It underestimated your assets and was also a...disrespectful attitude towards our cooperative relationship."
He turned to the first page of the document and pointed to a number.
"Therefore, with the special approval of the board of directors, we have decided to provide you with a new comprehensive credit line."
"Total amount: 30 billion yen."
"Pfft—cough cough cough!"
Endo, who had just taken a sip of tea, almost spat it out, spilling some onto the expensive carpet. But he didn't bother to wipe it off; he just stared wide-eyed at the number as if he'd seen a ghost.
"How much...how much?!"
Endo's voice changed tone, becoming sharp and somewhat shrill.
"Three hundred billion?!"
He quickly calculated in his mind. Although the Saionji family had made a fortune this year, and the Ginza building was generating a stable cash flow, their net worth was only a little over 20 billion yen (not counting overseas assets). A loan of 30 billion yen? This not only mortgaged their entire fortune, but also mortgaged their profits for the next few decades?
"Yes, 30 billion."
Kanda Yukinaga smiled at Endo, his gaze as tolerant as if he were looking at a country relative who had never seen the world.
"Furthermore, to show their sincerity, the Saionji family will not need to provide any additional collateral for this loan."
"What?!"
This time, Endo jumped up from the sofa.
"No collateral required? Unsecured loan? A 30 billion unsecured loan?!"
This completely violated all the common financial knowledge he had acquired in his thirty years of accounting career. Banks are not philanthropists; they are vampires, snobbish people who will only lend you one dollar if they see you have two dollars.
When did vampires start acting as blood transfusion stations?
"Mr. Endo, please calm down."
President Kanda waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down.
"We are not lending blindly. We have revalued the assets currently held by Saionji Corporation."
"For example..." Kanda turned to a page in the assessment report, "the scattered plots of land you purchased at the end of last year in Shibuya and Shinjuku..."
Xiu Yi raised an eyebrow.
That was the "garbage plot" that Satsuki bought for 12 billion yen that crazy afternoon. It consisted of a two-meter-wide passageway, oddly shaped triangular plots of land, and even a garbage recycling station. The variety was endless, as if Satsuki bought whatever plot she saw without any selection.
"Those plots of land, though not perfectly regular in shape," Kanda carefully chose his words, "are in prime locations in the current market. According to our valuation department, their value has more than doubled since you bought them."
double.
two months.
Shuichi's fingers gently caressed the rim of the teacup.
Even though he was mentally prepared, his heart still skipped a beat when he heard the number.
Is this the magic of 2.5%?
Is this the "wind" that Satsuki was talking about?
"As for interest rates..."
Kanda Yukinaga observed Shuichi's expression and, seeing that he remained silent, assumed he was still not satisfied with the terms. He gritted his teeth and revealed his final trump card.
"The long-term prime rate is reduced by 0.5 percentage points. That is... 3.2%."
The room fell silent.
All that remained was the hissing sound of water flowing from the radiator.
3.2%.
The current inflation rate is close to 2%, coupled with land prices rising by more than 50% or even 100% annually.
It's not just about being cheap.
The bank is practically giving away money; he's kneeling on the ground begging them to take the money away.
"President..." Endo trembled as he reached out and tugged at Shuichi's sleeve, "This is... this is insane. If we're burdened with such a huge debt, and land prices correct, even if it's only down by 10%, we'll be insolvent, and the whole family will be..."
"Mr. Endo."
Shuichi didn't turn around, but simply interrupted him.
He looked into President Kanda's bloodshot yet expectant eyes. Gone was the arrogance of the past; only a thirst for loan performance remained.
The bank's vaults were overflowing with cheap banknotes, threatening to burst forth like a flood. If they weren't released, the money would simply rot in their hands.
"Director Kanda."
Xiu Yi spoke up.
"I want all 300 billion."
Kanda's face lit up instantly, like a light bulb that had been turned on.
"However, I have one condition."
"Please speak! Please speak!"
"I want to see all the money in my account this week." Xiu Yi held up one finger. "And I want a mix of cash checks and money orders so I can access it at any time."
"No problem! We'll handle this as a special case!" Kanda patted his chest confidently. "Sign the contract today, and the first 10 billion will be deposited into your account by tomorrow morning!"
Shuichi turned his head and looked at Endo.
"seal."
Endo's hands trembled as he pulled the ivory-carved company seal from his briefcase. He looked at Shuichi, his lips moving as if he wanted to dissuade him one last time.
"President, this is gambling..."
"Mr. Endo."
Kanda Yukinaga suddenly stood up, walked around the coffee table, and went to Endo's side.
He reached out and placed his hand on Endo's shoulder, his face displaying an almost missionary-like fanaticism.
"You're being too cautious."
"At this interest rate, in this era."
Kanda pointed out the window, pointing to the crazy Otemachi, pointing to the expanding Tokyo.
"Not lending money is like running naked in the street."
"The cash you hold is losing value every day. It's only safe when you turn it into bricks, stocks, or anything tangible."
"Borrowing is the greatest form of saving."
This utterly absurd statement, on this morning filled with the smell of money, sounded so resounding, so...undeniable.
Endo loosened his grip.
Xiuyi took the seal.
He pulled out his Montblanc pen from his breast pocket and unscrewed the cap.
The pen tip landed on the signature line of the contract, and the ink seeped into the paper.
Shuichi Saionji.
These characters were written very steadily, without the slightest tremor.
"Smack."
He pressed the seal firmly into the bright red inkpad and then stamped it on the name.
The dull thud echoed through the luxurious office, like the sound of a starting gun.
Kanda Yukio looked at the bright red mark, let out a long sigh of relief, and leaned back on the sofa as if he were completely exhausted, but a bright smile appeared on his face.
"It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Saionji!"
He reached out his damp hands again and grasped Shuichi's hand.
"With this money, I believe the Saionji family will definitely become the most dazzling zaibatsu of the new era!"
……
Twenty minutes later.
Shuichi walked out of the Mitsui Bank gates.
The wind outside was still strong, making his coat flutter loudly.
The noise in the streets seemed even louder than when they arrived. The Nikkei index was still rising, having already broken through 21,000 points. The cheers of the people were like waves crashing against the sturdy bank building.
Xiu stopped walking and did not get into the car immediately.
He stood by the roadside and took a deep breath.
The crisp air rushed into my lungs, carrying the smell of car exhaust, the fragrance of the distant pine trees near the Imperial Palace, and...
That taste.
Xiu Yi wrinkled his nose.
He seemed to smell a sweet, cloying odor, like the fermentation of rotten fruit.
That smelled like cheap ink.
Countless brand-new ten-thousand-yuan banknotes were gushing out of the printing plant's assembly line. They spread throughout the city, down the sewers, along with the radio waves, and with people's greedy breaths.
In this 2.5% world, money is no longer money.
It is water.
It was a flood that submerged everything.
"Father?"
The car window rolled down, revealing Satsuki's calm little face.
She skipped school today and came along, but stayed in the car the whole time. She was holding a thick, black leather diary in her hands, and a red pencil rested on her lap.
Xiu opened the car door and got in.
The car door closed, shutting out the cloying sweet smell.
"Signed?" Satsuki didn't look up, her pencil lightly tracing lines on the paper.
"Signed."
Xiu Yi leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and felt his temples throbbing.
"Three hundred billion. The first payment will arrive tomorrow."
Satsuki paused for a moment, then ticked off a mark in her diary.
"very good."
She closed her diary with a soft click.
"With this money, we can give the Seibu Group a big gift."
Xiu opened his eyes and turned to look at his daughter.
"Satsuki, that Kanda bank manager said that not lending money now is like running naked."
"Is he right?"
Satsuki turned her head and looked out through the tinted car window at the Mitsui Bank building, which resembled a behemoth. An armored truck was slowly driving out of the underground parking garage, and heavily armed guards were vigilantly watching their surroundings.
He's right.
Satsuki said softly, a playful smile curving her lips.
"However, he didn't tell you the second half of the sentence."
"What?"
"When you put on borrowed golden armor, you are no longer yourself."
"You are a slave to desire. You are a bank employee. You are part of this bubble."
She turned around and gave Shuichi a sweet yet cruel smile.
"But it's alright, Father."
"We are not slaves."
"We are the ones wielding the whip."
"Let's drive, Fujita."
"Go to Akasaka."
"Let's go check that pink cage. Are they ready to keep the birds in it?"
The black sedan slid into the traffic like a fish, disappearing into that gray, chaotic Tokyo afternoon filled with the smell of money.
On the electronic display screen behind it, the Nikkei index jumped up by one point.