Chapter 4, Used Cars

The bank's representatives behave in this manner, favoring loans to individuals who have little repayment pressure. For instance, someone like Zhang Chi, who used to work as a waiter in a Chinese restaurant, raises suspicions about whether he can repay the money.

The program has been running for a month, and others have lost at least 10 pounds, while Zhang Chi has only lost half a pound. Once a heavy snowfall occurs, Zhang Chi will hardly venture out of his basement, as the food he has stored can last at least three to four months if he conserves it.

Upon seeing the car for the first time, Zhang Chi was somewhat taken aback, as the young Caucasian man had taken him to see a Tacoma, a small pickup truck from the Toyota brand, which is known to be a valuable asset in the American market

Zhang Chi is actually not concerned about these matters; he only cares about his bonus. As for the so-called pride of Asians, he does not care at all

Now Zhang Chi has also come to realize that it is not about this individual, but rather about how the production team selected him. Speaking of which, this situation feels somewhat off. The stereotypes of Asians in American media are primarily that they are either nerds or comedic figures. In terms of comedic portrayals, Asians on shows are generally depicted as short and chubby, often making their first appearance with a sleazy image

Turning his head to look around, he found that there was no one beside him. Zhang Chi asked, "Are you talking to me?"

The location for the recording of the program is a wilderness area in Canada. Aside from food, the greatest enemy is the cold weather. However, for Zhang Chi, this is nothing to worry about.

However, when Zhang Chi finally received the five hundred thousand, he cursed inwardly, as he only ended up with a little over two hundred thousand. What happened to the rest?

However, this two hundred thousand is temporarily sufficient for Zhang Chi to make a fuss.

However, Zhang Chi did not want to do this. He planned to buy a larger ranch, but the 300,000 he had on hand could not be entirely spent on the ranch, because after purchasing the ranch, there would still be expenses to consider, such as buying calves and agricultural machinery, all of which would require additional funds

If it is the full amount, the money in Zhang Chi's hands would be enough to purchase one hundred acres, which is actually quite substantial, as one acre is equivalent to approximately six mu in the country, amounting to nearly six hundred mu of land

There is a reason for the low price; this ranch has nothing at all, apart from the surrounding fence, not even a pit for waste, let alone buildings such as houses or barns

However, Zhang Chi does not like it. It is not that he rejects Toyota or anything like that, but rather that he wants to buy something affordable. Why would you take us to see a value-retaining marvel

Come over to change the car, Zhang Chi has a budget in mind and wants to spend around 20,000 US dollars to buy a second-hand pickup truck in good condition

This person caught Zhang Chi and praised him profusely

I would like to take a look at pickup trucks, preferably with a higher horsepower and at a more affordable price," Zhang Chi said

Thus, Zhang Chi immediately set his sights on this ranch, primarily because the land price was low, and secondly, the location was remote with few outsiders, making it an ideal place for him to hide.

A few months ago, the same car was cheaper by about six to seven thousand dollars. Zhang Chi could not get over this hurdle in his mind, always feeling that it was somewhat not worth it. He wondered if he should wait a few more months, whether the price would drop back to its original level, as six to seven thousand dollars was not a small amount for Zhang Chi.

Returned to the parking lot, opened the car door, and prepared to get in the car

Initially, I intended to purchase a vehicle that was two to three years old, but now, upon seeing the prices, that is simply not feasible. I can only lower my expectations further.

Originally, I thought my budget was quite generous, but who would have thought that after looking around, the prices of used cars have actually increased significantly, rising nearly six to seven thousand US dollars compared to when my uncle switched to a pickup truck, which is almost forty thousand yuan, making Zhang Chi feel a shiver in his heart

When the temperature dropped to over minus twenty degrees, the last few groups also began to rapidly decrease in number, as these so-called wilderness survival experts found that the shelters they built on the ground were nowhere near as warm as Zhang Chi's underground dwelling

Holding three hundred thousand, it is not an easy task to purchase a good ranch. The prices of ranches here are low, far below the national average, which is over four thousand dollars per acre. Here, it costs about two thousand to nearly three thousand dollars per acre.

Once the underground cellar was completed, Zhang Chi began to weave fish baskets. Every day, these fish baskets made of rattan could provide Zhang Chi with three to four fish weighing five to six pounds each

Just as Zhang Chi was about to get into the car, he suddenly heard someone speaking. Instinctively turning his head to take a look, he found that the person speaking seemed to be addressing him, and this speaker clearly had an Asian appearance.

That, that ... ...

The face of the program's director was almost turning green

Upon arriving at the dealership, he found a parking space to stop the car, and Zhang Chi began to look at the vehicles.

Hello, my name is Zhang Chi, the one who participated in the program, said Zhang Chi

After exchanging pleasantries with the young man, Zhang Chi prepared to head back home. He wanted to switch to a better car, but unfortunately, his finances were not supportive.

"It's just okay," Zhang Chi said politely

Zhang Chi felt that he had encountered a fan

Originally, this small ranch was part of a larger ranch. After the bank acquired the ranch, it divided the entire property into several parcels, selling the best ones at a premium, while this particular parcel, the most remote and devoid of any resources, was sold at a discounted price

The remainder has all been taxed

Take a look at something else

I look like you, let's speak in Chinese, I also came from the mainland

At first glance, Zhang Chi appears to fit the stereotype; he is somewhat overweight and not very tall. When he first appeared, many people thought he was just a bystander, including many individuals of Asian descent. However, as the program progressed, Zhang Chi established a significant advantage, which made many Asians feel a sense of relief, as if he had brought honor to the Asian community.

The main reason for considering this area is its affordability; over 500 acres of ranch land is only priced at 560,000.

"Within twenty thousand U.S. dollars"

Why is it just so-so? It's amazing, you made those few groups look like fools... Oh, by the way, I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Li Qiao, you can call me by my English name, Qiao.

After observing Zhang Chi for a while, a Caucasian sales representative approached and greeted Zhang Chi

Five hundred thousand is securely in hand

Although he still has 100,000 US dollars left in his pocket, which is a small amount, buying cattle and building houses will require significant expenses. Having spent a large sum on the car, he must save money elsewhere, which inevitably makes Zhang Chi frugal

Once the bank here grants you a loan, if you are unable to repay it, they can only seize your collateral. Regardless of the difference between the sale price of the collateral and the amount you owe, the lender is not obligated to return any remaining funds, no matter how much that may be. Therefore, the bank is very strict in its scrutiny of clients.

On the first day of the official recording of the program, he killed a moose with a gourd, pretending to have found it and dragged it back to the camp. With food secured, he then dug a pit house, a structure that people in the north might be familiar with, as it is almost entirely built underground, with the main feature being its insulation.

When the production team pulled him out, this kid was somewhat reluctant and said to them: "Is this it? There’s no challenge at all, SO EASY!"

For Zhang Chi, the first step is to change his vehicle. It is clearly inadequate to use his current small Hyundai for the newly purchased ranch, as the last two miles leading to the ranch are hardly considered a road; they are merely a newly opened dirt path that can only accommodate one vehicle at a time. Such a path is obviously unsuitable for a sedan, making a pickup truck the most practical choice.

Finally, a ranch has entered Zhang Chi's field of vision.

Having secured the ranch, Zhang Chi's next task is to approach the bank. This is not an easy endeavor, as many banks are reluctant to lend to someone like Zhang Chi due to doubts regarding his creditworthiness

After a while, an Asian individual approached and asked Zhang Chi, "Are you the Zhang... Zhang... who participated in the wilderness survival program..."

What should I do if I don't have enough money? Go to the bank, what else is there to say

Typically, the down payment is around 20%, but at Zhang Chi's place, it changed to 30%. Even so, Zhang Chi still spent about a month, and with the help of his uncle, he was finally able to secure the funds from a small bank.

Hello, hello, Zhang Chi said

It is said that a profit of 500,000 was made, but after paying taxes, only a little over 200,000 remains, which is not even half of it

This person is quite talkative

Upon returning to Forsen with the prize money, Zhang Chi began to visit various ranches, both large and small, under the guidance of an agent, almost one per day, continuing this for nearly a month.

Then you can follow me to take a look," said the young white man, who then led Zhang Chi to see a pickup truck priced under 20,000.

The white gentleman then showed Zhang Chi several models, but for Zhang Chi, who had only recently entered the car market a few months ago, none were satisfactory

After half a day, this person still could not carve out the character '驰'.

The used cars here are almost all parked outdoors; it is not that there are no showrooms, but generally speaking, the showrooms are filled with new cars, particularly those that are more expensive and *illustrated*. Ordinary vehicles are typically left outside, and these car dealers do not seem to care about the exposure to wind and sun.

How may I assist you

What a remarkable vehicle, six to seven years old, still valued at over 20,000. The value retention capability is truly impressive

Especially when Zhang Chi finally appeared in front of the camera and said: so easy! It made many Asians feel empowered

Who can compete with him? Although there are two very strong individuals in the production team, there is no suspense at all regarding the final distribution of the prize money

The handover has been completed, and it is now April, marking the arrival of spring. Zhang Chi has officially transformed into a small ranch owner.

One is surviving in the wilderness, while the other is hibernating like a cat

This is just the beginning; from now on, purchasing cattle and building houses will require spending money

Early in the morning, Zhang Chi drove his small Hyundai out of the apartment and headed straight for the used car dealership

There are not many used car dealers in Forsen, with only two, and they are located right next to each other. It is unclear what these foreigners are thinking.

Your performance in the show was truly outstanding. At first, we thought you were just a pawn, but who would have known that you are the true champion

Of course, the price is also quite low, as it is located in a remote area, approximately seventy to eighty kilometers from the current location of Forsen, situated between the Rocky Mountains.

Such manipulative practices are commonly employed by banks, as generally speaking, the larger the ranch, the less money is allocated per acre. This is because there are very few target customers for large ranches. Those who can afford to spend tens of thousands to millions of dollars on a ranch are unlikely to venture into the Rocky Mountains to seek one out; it is much more appealing to purchase a large ranch directly on the Great Plains.

Upon returning to Forsen, Zhang Chi began to arrange the purchase of a ranch

This person is quite enthusiastic

What do the common people at the grassroots level need so many superficial things for in their daily lives

What is your budget?" asked the young white man