Zhang Tianxing was shocked by the curriculum when he attended class. The educational methods here were completely different from those in Huaxia. He felt he had been tricked and was now abroad. Fortunately, the teacher only discussed case studies in class, which was relatively simple for Zhang Tianxing. He managed to get through the first lesson without any major incidents.
However, Zhang Tianxing immediately became worried. This was clearly two extremes. If he tried to study diligently here, his brain would probably explode. But he held back after seeing the school's rules and regulations. The rules stipulated that any student whose grades fell in the bottom ten percent would face expulsion or leave of absence, which was not what Zhang Tianxing wanted. Adding to his distress, their coursework included daily performance scores, which accounted for fifty percent of the total grade.
During the business class, the teacher presented a topic: "Please discuss the Nasdaq index and predict its trend for the next six months."
"Kelin, why don't you start?" the teacher prompted.
A white student stood up. "Teacher, I believe the Nasdaq index will break new highs. The internet sector's potential has not yet been fully realized. As more internet companies go public, the Nasdaq index will continue to climb. I firmly believe in the spring of the internet, and we will lead the global stock market."
John F nodded with satisfaction. The index was currently rising and developing healthily. It was only a matter of time before the Nasdaq reached new highs, though the path would be winding, not a direct ascent.
"Zhang Tianxing, what is your opinion?"
"Teacher, my view is rather pessimistic. I believe the Nasdaq index will experience a significant correction in the near future, and the stock market will experience a circuit breaker," Zhang Tianxing replied after some thought. "Damn it, the Nasdaq has already soared to the sky. As I always say, extremes lead to reversals, and the moon waxes only to wane. When something rises to the heavens, it must eventually fall back."
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, the class burst into laughter.
"This Oriental kid doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth. Doesn't he know that if our America sneezes, the whole world holds its breath?"
"A sharp rise is followed by a correction, which sounds plausible. But you have no basis for your claim. I could say you're just sour because you can't get the grapes."
"Zhang Tianxing, what basis do you have for saying that?" John F asked sternly. He had never heard such a pessimistic view from a student. While he was displeased, as a teacher, he allowed students to have different opinions. What if this student was right?
"Teacher, I have no evidence. This is just my personal speculation," Zhang Tianxing replied, regretting his carelessness and feeling like he had made a fool of himself.
"Haha, young man, I admire your courage. You are the first person to speak so negatively about the Nasdaq index. I dare say you will become a Harvard celebrity, the first Harvard student to bet against the Nasdaq!"
"Zhang Tianxing, I'd like to ask, since you're so bearish on the Nasdaq, have you shorted it?" Kelin asked with clear displeasure. This Oriental kid actually dared to be pessimistic about the Nasdaq index, which was simply unforgivable.
"Kelin is right. You confidently predict a significant correction for the Nasdaq. Why haven't you shorted it?"
"I think he's just talking nonsense."
"Exactly. He clearly didn't prepare for class and is just winging it. Teacher John F, give this Oriental kid zero points for his participation, to show him he shouldn't disrespect you."
"Zhang Tianxing, what do you think of everyone's opinion?" John F threw the ball back to Zhang Tianxing, wanting to see how the Oriental student would respond.
"Teacher, don't we still have time? Whether I'm right or wrong isn't decided by you or me, but by the market's movement. Let's see who is correct, me or Kelin," Zhang Tianxing replied respectfully but firmly.
"Then have you shorted the Nasdaq index?" John F asked with a smile.
"Not yet, but classmate Kelin has just provided me with an opportunity to get rich. I'll do it after class," Zhang Tianxing said with a smile. "Damn, why didn't I think of this earlier? Shorting the Nasdaq now can earn me some pocket money."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, everyone was stunned. This Zhang Tianxing must be an idiot. The Nasdaq was currently aiming for its previous highs, and this time with increased volume. Breaking previous highs was almost certain. Who would have expected Zhang Tianxing to predict a significant correction? If a major correction occurred, it would mean devastating losses for the United States.
"I'm truly impressed by Zhang Tianxing. Does he genuinely not know, or is he fearless because of his ignorance?"
"If he wants to die, he can die on his own. We don't need to worry about him."
"I never imagined someone like this could get into Harvard. This is a disgrace to our Harvard."
"I am ashamed to be associated with him. I feel embarrassed."
Kelin chuckled. "Zhang Tianxing, is it? How about this: I have an uncle who works at Chase Investment. If you plan to short the Nasdaq, I can introduce you. It might help reduce your commission fees."
It was like a pillow arriving just when one was dozing off. Zhang Tianxing was overjoyed. Having someone guide him would save him a lot of trouble, especially since he needed to visit an investment bank anyway.
John F smiled. "In that case, since there's nothing else scheduled, if Zhang Tianxing needs to short the Nasdaq, I'll give both of you some time off to handle the paperwork." In his view, Zhang Tianxing was likely just a student at heart. How much money could shorting the Nasdaq involve? It was probably just a small-scale venture. However, John F supported students gaining early practical experience. No matter how much theory one learned, real-world operation was essential; otherwise, learning would remain purely theoretical and lack practical application. Applying knowledge was key to better understanding and retention.
Kelin smiled and extended his hand to Zhang Tianxing. "Since the teacher has spoken, I must accompany classmate Zhang Tianxing on this trip to ensure it's handled perfectly. Teacher, please observe."
The classmates in the room looked at Zhang Tianxing with pity. A few classmates who were on good terms with Zhang Tianxing desperately signaled for him to back down. Admitting a mistake wasn't shameful. While profiting from investing in the stock market would be joyous, losing everything would be devastating. Seeing Zhang Tianxing, who was so young, act as if money meant nothing, and still stubbornly insisting on going to an investment bank to short the Nasdaq, it seemed Zhang Tianxing was beyond saving. They all concluded that this person was being obstinate and would surely meet his end. This attempt to short the Nasdaq would undoubtedly lead him to crash headfirst into a wall, resulting in severe injury.