Throughout last week, the concourse outside Evergrande's mirrored offices in the southeastern city of Shenzhen was occupied by unpaid contractors, angry sales agents and investors — scenes echoed across a country where prolonged protest is rarely tolerated. Now, as default appears all but inevitable, fears are abounding of a contagion within the Chinese property market — and far beyond. – 'Severe punishment' – In an apparent response to rumors that riled investors, the company on Saturday vowed "severe punishment" for six managers found to have redeemed their investment products ahead of maturity dates. It has also offered property and parking spaces instead of cash repayments of its debts. Investors have given the plan a frosty reception, citing a collapse in faith. "What I want is cash," said an investor who identified himself only by his surname Feng. "I'm not considering this plan." AFP has reached out to Evergrande repeatedly in recent days, but the firm has declined to comment.