Chapter 107: God is playing tricks on him on purpose!

"The hotel?! How's the hotel in Paris?! It's supposed to open tomorrow!"
Shen Zekai practically roared, his eyes bloodshot.
"Chairman... the hotel... I'm afraid it's doomed." Uncle Cui spoke with difficulty, his voice hoarse.
"With the border closed, not only can we not get our guests out, but even our own people can't get out! This opening... it's definitely going to fail."
'Heaven is against me!' Shen Zekai felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.
He had pushed forward the French hotel project at all costs, gambling everything on a quick opening to recoup funds and alleviate his immediate financial crisis.
The Changqing Group's internal cash flow was already stretched thin, nearing its end.
Everything was ready; all that was needed was tomorrow's opening to revitalize the cash flow!
But of all times, it had to explode—not earlier, not later, but the very day before the opening—that this earth-shattering event occurred!
This was clearly fate playing a cruel trick on him!
“This…this border closure, it should…be lifted soon, right?” Shen Zekai asked, his voice trembling, clinging to the last glimmer of hope.
“I’m afraid it’s difficult, not that easy.” Uncle Cui shook his head in despair.
“The French side claims that the border will not reopen easily until all the terrorists involved are apprehended, the source of the weapons is determined, and whether there are any accomplices. Even if they wanted to lift it quickly, it wouldn’t be something that could be resolved overnight.”
However, even if the border were reopened, would the problem be solved?
That was wishful thinking!
That was Paris! A world-renowned tourist destination! And now it had suffered such a devastating terrorist attack!
This meant that no matter where you were, you could face the shadow of terrorist attacks!
This deep-seated panic would inevitably trigger a catastrophic collapse of the entire tourism industry!
In fact, news had already come that France, leading European countries, had begun a complete suspension of accepting international tourists in order to reassess and strengthen security measures.
The reason is simple—who can guarantee that there aren't hidden terrorists among the tourists?
What does this mean?
It means that Changqing Group's meticulously planned and highly anticipated expansion plan in the European tourism industry, just before the dawn of success was about to break, has been utterly ruined!
All investments have been lost!
“…”
The conference room was deathly silent. Everyone hung their heads, afraid to breathe, their faces ashen.
Everyone knew that the current situation was a dead end.
The French government had closed its borders due to the terrorist attacks; how could Changqing Group, a mere company, possibly influence national policy?
"Chairman... the most critical issue right now... is the group's cash flow problem!" The CFO broke the suffocating silence, forcing a smile.
"Our original plan was to use the proceeds from overseas projects to cover the group's various operating expenses. Now that the European route is completely cut off, the revenue from the domestic market alone simply can't sustain us for long!"
Upon hearing this, Shen Zekai's anger flared up: "Then take out a bank loan to cover it! Do I have to teach you this?!"
"But Chairman, loans are possible, but that would cause the group's overall debt ratio to skyrocket!"
The CFO's words were like a bucket of ice water, chilling Shen Zekai to the bone.
"Have you forgotten? The contract you signed with Fanghuan Investment last time clearly stipulated that
once our group's debt ratio exceeds the warning line… they… they can activate the 'betting agreement' clause!"
"...!?" Shen Zekai trembled violently, as if struck by lightning!
He had completely forgotten this crucial step!
At the time, he never dreamed he would encounter such a sudden and unexpected calamity!
"Then...what will happen?" His voice trembled uncontrollably.
"Fanghuan Investment...can demand immediate repayment of the entire loan at any time. If we cannot repay on time...according to the performance-based agreement in the contract..."
The CFO's voice trailed off, but everyone understood his unspoken meaning.
"The group's flagship project, 'Changqing Tianxi'...will directly fall into the hands of Fanghuan Investment!"
***
Paris, France, as the cultural flag bearer and fashion trendsetter of Europe, has always considered itself a world power, standing tall and proud, with its national security rating consistently ranking among the top.
Therefore, this horrific terrorist attack in Paris has truly shocked the world.
Now, probably no corner of the global village dares to confidently guarantee absolute safety anymore.
A panic of "Will I be next?" spread rapidly across the globe like a virus.
"This...is this for real?!"
However, compared to the gunfire in the streets of Paris, another piece of news brought Huang Fengwen not fear, but ecstatic joy!
"What the hell?! We...can give those bastards at Changqing Group an ultimatum anytime? Did I hear that right?!"
Huang Fengwen's eyes widened, almost unable to believe his ears.
"Chairman Huang, it's absolutely true! Let me explain!" In the chairman's office, Lin Fan, Huang Fengwen's deputy, couldn't hide his excitement.
"With the chaos in Paris, the French tourism industry is practically paralyzed in the short term."
"What's worse, those idiots at Changqing Group just had to choose this crucial moment to open their luxury hotel in Paris!
Their pre-opening publicity was deafening, their boasts higher than the Eiffel Tower, hoping to use it as a springboard to pry open the door to the entire European market!"
"And then? Right at this critical moment, something happened in Paris?"
Huang Fengwen's lips twitched uncontrollably. This plot was more thrilling than all the melodramatic soap operas he'd ever seen combined!
“Absolutely! The French borders are closed now, and those companies that rely on tourism are crying out in despair, their stock prices have plummeted!” Lin Fan added.
“Even Accor, France’s largest hotel giant, has been reeling from this storm and is nearly bankrupt.
If Accor is in such a state, what good can a newcomer like Evergreen Group, which has just entered the European market and is barely established, expect?”
Even more devastating is that the terrorist organization calling itself “Islamic State” has issued a statement claiming this is merely an “appetizer,” with even more “surprising” “God’s judgment” to follow!
Now, all of Europe is on edge. Countries have temporarily closed their borders, shutting down entry for foreigners and tightening security to prevent the infiltration of dangerous individuals carrying explosives.
However, the Evergreen Group was also preparing to open hotels in other European countries.
Now, even if the hotels are built, they can only watch helplessly.
Opening?
Opening my foot!
The exorbitant maintenance costs and loan interest are gushing out like water, more alarming than a river bursting its banks!