Mr. and Mrs. Suro, a married couple struggling with financial administration, contacted me for a consultation to try and secure an additional loan from the bank.
"Good morning, Mr. Wisnu. We got your contact information from someone at the bank." I put the call on speakerphone to respond.
"Good morning, sir."
"Good morning, Mr. Wisnu," greeted Mrs. Suro.
"Good morning, ma'am."
Fima. He's the one. A credit analyst at a prominent bank, he often refers clients to meâpeople who are "on the edge of the cliff," hoping I can help them pass the verification process with my approval. As a renowned independent financial consultant, I am authorized by the central bank.
I rarely deal with clients like this couple. Most of my clients are "big players." But every now and then, I make exceptions.
"Here's the situation, sir. I urgently need an additional 100 million rupiah to cover this month's business expenses. But the bank has refused additional funding because my collateral value is insufficient."
"Mr. Wisnu, please help us. Our family depends on this business. We have two children still in elementary school," added Mrs. Suro.
I listened to their concerns while reviewing documents on my laptop that Fima had sent.
The Suro family. They have three children: one son in his twenties, a high school graduate working as a private employee earning minimum wage, and two daughters still in school.
Mrs. Suro is a homemaker who used to run a catering business to supplement the family's income. Mr. Suro once held a mid-level position with a decent salary. He opted for early retirement to spend more time with his wife and family, as he approaches sixty. Currently, they run a restaurant funded by Mr. Suro's retirement savings, Mrs. Suro's savings, and a bank loan.
I don't approve every request without proper consideration. I need to ensure this couple is worthy of my support.
"Mr. and Mrs. Suro, your business revenue has fluctuated over the past year. In the last six months, part of your profits weren't deposited into the bank. Why?"
The reason was noted in the documents, but I wanted to hear it directly from them.
"We used that money to pay for our children's education," Mr. Suro explained.
"As you know, Mr. Wisnu, education costs are soaring these days," added Mrs. Suro.
"What else?"
"In the past three months, our revenue has been declining because our restaurant is losing out to competitors. Other culinary businesses can be ordered online."
"Why haven't you started offering online ordering?"
"We don't understand how to do things like that. We're not tech-savvy," admitted Mrs. Suro.
I pondered for a moment.
"Would you be willing to open an online ordering service?"
"If someone teaches us how, we're willing to try," Mrs. Suro replied after her husband nodded in agreement.
"Alright. You have my approval."
"Oh, thank God. Thank you so much, Mr. Wisnu," said Mrs. Suro, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Please drop by our restaurant often, and we'll serve you our best dishes."
I smiled faintly at her gratitude.
"I wish you success with your business, Mr. and Mrs. Suro." I ended the call.
Shortly afterward, I asked Fima to find someone who could teach them how to manage online transactions.
Now, you might think I'm some kind of miracle worker. I'm not. My approval is pro bono. The additional loan for couples like them comes from my own pocket. The bank itself is unwilling to take on the added risk. But if their business succeeds, I'll also get my share.
***
(Ringtone xylophone ringing).
I glanced at the screenâjust a phone number, no name displayed.
"Hello, this is Wisnu?" I answered, hearing a slightly deep female voice on the other end.
"Yes, that's right. Sorry, who is this?"
"This is Shania. I got your contact from Fima."
Fima didn't mention anything about this one beforehand.
"Okay. How can I help you?"
"Can we meet tonight? I have some funds I'd like to invest. Fima said you're the right person to discuss this with so I don't make any reckless decisions."
"Alright. Bar Pizzicato tonight, 8 PM."
"Okay. Thank you, Wisnu."
Shania hung up first.
Not long after, my phone rang again.
"Yes, Fima?"
"Mas Wisnu. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. I gave your contact to a friend of mine."
"Shania?" I interrupted.
"Ah... she already contacted you?"
"Yes, she did."
"Sorry, Mas. I know I overstepped. But, please don't worry. None of your money will be involved. I'm just asking for your help to guide her, to teach her how to manage her money wisely, and to help her break free from her current source of income. I care about her, and that's why I gave her your contact."
"What's her job?"
"Actually, she's (.........)"
"Okay. But remember, Fima, you owe me for this."
"Understood, Mas Wisnu. I won't forget this."
The call ended. A WhatsApp message popped up. Shania's profile. Shania Permata.
***
Ten minutes to 8 PM, I arrived at one of the best bars in Southeast Asia. Wearing a suit and white shirt, I walked to the bartender's counter.
"A mocktail, please," I ordered.
"I'm impressed," said a woman with a slightly deep voice from my right.
"For a man as handsome and dashing as you, not drinking alcohol. Or is it just a starter?" She moved closer to me, holding a drink in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other.
"I don't consume alcohol."
"Usually, I'd laugh at anyone coming to a bar without drinking the usual. But this time, I'm impressed."
I glanced at her. Who is this?
"Shania," she said, extending her hand.
"Oh, Wisnu. No need for compliments. I'll still work..."
"Sssst. It's a genuine compliment," she interrupted, placing a finger to my lips.
The strong scent of her perfume lingered. She wore an elegant yet seductive black bardot dress. Her makeup and lipstick matched perfectly. Her appearance was seductive, but I wasn't thinking about that. Straight to the point.
"So, how can I help you?"
"No beating around the bush. I like your style."
"..."
"Alright. I have ten billion rupiahs. I want to start a business but don't know where to begin. Something with a quick return on investment and pure profit."
"Here you go, sir," the bartender handed me my drink.
"Thank you," I said.
"You could start a boutique," I suggested, taking a sip of my drink.
"Please, just Shania."
"Alright."
"Why a boutique?"
"You have a talent and passion for designing clothes."
"How do you know?"
"I research my client's profile."
"..." Shania nodded, extinguished her cigarette, and took a sip of her drink.
"So, how long until I see a return on investment?" she asked.
"For a boutique business, on average, six months."
Shania lit another cigarette.
"Ah, really? That fast?"
"That's the standard. If you already have connections and a market, it could be even faster. Plus, the initial capital needed isn't very large, around 70â100 million rupiahs."
I sent a file to Shania's WhatsApp. (Ding). Her phone buzzed.
"Check the file," I said.
"What's this?" Shania opened her phone with the apple logo on it.
"It's a general breakdown of the minimum capital needed for a boutique targeting the middle-to-lower market," I explained.
"..." Shania scrolled through the business budget and revenue projections I had prepared. She smiled as she studied it.
"Do you have a clearer idea now?"
"Yes, but I think the price for my designs will be much higher than this. Three to five times more."
"Yes, I agree. Your design portfolio is excellent. It wouldn't make sense to price them so low."
Shania gave me a suspicious look. "You know everything about me, don't you?"
"Only what I need to know."
"Do you also know... other things?"
I understood what she meant. I simply nodded.
"Fima told you?"
"She just wants to help you."
Shania shifted her gaze toward the shelves of alcohol behind the bartender, exhaling cigarette smoke thoughtfully.
"I really want to leave that world, Wisnu. Ten years as a mistress for men with wandering eyes."
"..."
"I was a sugar daddy's girl. Now I'm notâthree days ago."
"..."
"I want to live a clean life."
I took another sip of my drink, which was now half-empty.
"Do you think I can succeed?"
"Nothing is easy when starting a business. But if you're diligent and patient, luck will be on your side."
"Are you sure?"
"Are you sure?" I countered.
"I'll give it my best shot."
I sent another file to Shania.
"What's this one?"
"It's a budget plan and revenue projection tailored to your goals, along with investment suggestions for your remaining funds."
Shania scrolled through her phone again.
"Interesting. I like this a lot. So, how much do I owe you?"
Oh, right. I sent her an invoice.
"Okay. I'll transfer it later."
I finished my drink and prepared to leave.
"Thank you so much, Wisnu." The woman, about my age, grasped my right hand.
"You're welcome, Shania." I used my left hand to gently move hers away.
"Do you have a girlfriend?" she asked, an unexpected question.
I paused, looking at the sharp-featured woman with long hair. A girlfriend? Talia? Our relationship had grown quite close, but we weren't officially dating.
I took a deep breath.
"Good luck with your business, Shania." I nodded and walked away.
***
In the car heading to the apartment.
All day, I haven't contacted Talia. Alright. I'll give her a call.
Just as I was about to press the call button on Talia's contact, the cardiologist's name popped up on my phone screen, calling me.
"Hi, Wisnu."
"Talia."