Future Pet Shop

Chapter 85: A Thousand Searches in the Crowd

"Mr. Shen, you’re so... you’re so charitable." The VIP account manager had seen her fair share of money. Never mind just over 18 million; she’d even seen 180 million. But that was either company funds or personal savings. She had never seen anyone donate such a sum in one go like Shen Yibin.

Adding in the last donation, he had given away 35 million in less than half a month. Just how deep were his pockets? The account manager was about to kneel in reverence.

’You think I *wanted* to donate? Wasn’t I forced into this?’ "Please hurry up and process it. I have something else to do soon." Watching the money fly out of his pocket again was torture for Shen Yibin. He just wanted to get it over with and leave.

"I’ll get right on it for you." One account manager left to process Shen Yibin’s transaction, while the other seized the opportunity to pitch some services. "Mr. Shen, you see, our bank has recently launched several new services specifically for high-net-worth clients like yourself. For example, the Centurion Black Card in partnership with American Express, and also..."

’I just paid off over twenty thousand on my credit card, and now I only have a little over thirteen thousand in my savings. What’s the use of pitching me such high-end services? It’s like you actually think I’m some rich tycoon.’

Seeing that Shen Yibin wasn’t interested after her long speech, the account manager changed her approach. "Alternatively, Mr. Shen, is there anything you need? We will do our best to assist you." ’This is a rare high-value client; I have to lock him down. As long as I serve Mr. Shen well, I’ll get a promotion and a raise if he so much as makes a small deposit or does a bit of business, right?’

"Um, now that you mention it, there is some business I’d like to take care of." This reminded Shen Yibin of something. He pulled his credit card from his pocket and handed it over. "You see, I use your bank’s credit card, but the limit is a bit too low. Could you raise it for me?"

"Huh?" The account manager stared at the card, stunned. She could tell from its design that it was just a standard-issue credit card. ’Would a tycoon like him really use a card like this? And what is the credit review department even doing? How could they not handle a simple limit adjustment for such a major client?’ She immediately put on her most professional smile. "Sir, what is your current limit? And what would you like to raise it to?"

"Let me think." Shen Yibin needed cash flow for stocking up inventory and for daily purchases, and the shop’s revenue wasn’t always enough to cover it. That’s why he wanted a higher limit. But it wouldn’t be good to raise it too much; if he accidentally overspent, he wouldn’t be able to pay it back.

"Um, my current limit is forty-eight thousand. Could you raise it to one hundred thousand?" ’One hundred thousand should be enough for my usual cash flow needs. Any more would be inappropriate.’

’Are you fucking kidding me? You just donated over thirty million, and now you’re asking me for a hundred-thousand credit limit? You rich people really have your fun, don’t you? Are you here just to mess with us?’

"Mr. Shen, your transaction is complete." A voice broke the awkwardness between them. The other account manager returned with a stack of documents. Shen Yibin checked them and put them in his bag, while the account manager opposite him looked like her system had crashed.

Shen Yibin took back his card, embarrassed. "Uh, if it can’t be done, then never mind. I should get going!"

"We’ll do it! I’ll do it for you!" the young woman said, grinding her teeth. ’Let’s see what other tricks you rich people have up your sleeves.’

However, there were no tricks at all. Shen Yibin wasn’t a rich man; he genuinely just wanted another way to manage his cash flow. After finishing the paperwork, he left directly.

"Cheeky, it’s been over a month and I still haven’t found a suitable owner for you. What do you think we should do next? Where on earth can I find someone who meets your requirements?" Back at the shop, after another busy afternoon, Shen Yibin closed up, made dinner, and asked while he ate.

"It’s no big deal if you can’t find anyone for now. The food here is good, it’s comfortable, and there’s a dumb bear to tease." Cheeky finished nibbling on a jabuticaba, flicked the pit at Hah’Er’s nose, and said lazily. It hadn’t been as busy as before these past few days and had clearly gotten much lazier.

"Hmph!" Hah’Er glared at it but ultimately didn’t get up to retaliate.

"You’re enjoying it here so much you don’t want to leave?" ’Oh, please no. The money I’ve spent on fruit for you and on our KTV trips during this time has long since exceeded the commission the Future Pet Shop promised me. Every extra day you stay here is another day I lose money. This really can’t go on.’

"I’m taking you out tomorrow. I am absolutely going to find you a suitable owner." Shen Yibin began to ponder. ’Where could I possibly find someone who meets the requirements? The music department at Yunzhong University? The Yunzhong Theater Troupe? Where else would music lovers gather?’

"Sigh, I’ll have to borrow Xu Ye’s car again. When will I ever be able to afford my own?" Shen Yibin sighed in frustration.

From that day on, Shen Yibin had to shorten his daily business hours again. He took Hah’Er and Cheeky and scoured Yunzhong University, the Yunzhong Theater, the Yunzhong Music Middle School, and many other music-related venues. He used his phone to check the information of countless people, but he still couldn’t find a suitable candidate.

Meanwhile, Professor Wu Gui, having received the second donation, was constantly urging him to hurry to Sichuan. Otherwise, they would miss Hah’Er’s mating season, and the loss would be immense. The whole thing was giving him a massive headache.

"Sigh, not even at the Yunzhong City Opera Club. That was the last place on my list. Now I really don’t know where else to go. Do I have to go out of town? Tour the music conservatories in other regions?" Shen Yibin asked blankly, sitting in the car.

’But I met plenty of teachers and students from music conservatories at the previous talent show, didn’t I? They didn’t meet Cheeky’s requirements either. Even if I do go to those places, will I really find a suitable candidate? Besides, if I leave, what about the pets in the shop? Who will take care of them?’

"Mmm~" Hah’Er reached out a paw from the back seat and patted Shen Yibin’s shoulder comfortingly. Ever since being stopped by the police that one day, Shen Yibin always had Hah’Er sit in the back whenever they went out.

"Sigh, I’ll try to think of something!" ’But I’ve already thought of every possible solution over the past few days. What other good ideas could there be?’ After speaking, Shen Yibin started the car. "Let’s just eat out today." He was a little tired and really didn’t feel like cooking.

He scanned the restaurants on both sides of the road, looking for one that Hah’Er and Cheeky might like. He finally stopped in front of a Western restaurant. ’I don’t think Hah’Er has had Western food since it got here. Might as well let it try.’