Old Kellin's face was practically creased with smiles. He knew instantly from Zhang Tianxing's words that the young man was an amateur. Zhang Tianxing's approach was no different from going all-in in a poker game.
In the stock market, going all-in was akin to seeking death. Zhang Tianxing was clearly on a path to self-destruction.
This kid was quite wealthy, betting over a hundred million US dollars right off the bat. It seemed his goal of buying a new villa this year could be realized.
This wasn't just a classmate of Kellin's; this was undeniably his big money-maker.
The only drawback was that this major benefactor was about to go bankrupt.
Why bet on shorting the NASDAQ with a hundred million US dollars? It was pure extravagance, a classic case of a fool and his money being easily parted.
"How about this, Mr. Zhang? I have many investment plans here that you could choose from. If you go all-in like this, I fear you'll lose everything." Kellin, seeing him as a major benefactor, wanted to try and see if Zhang Tianxing could offer him other business.
Otherwise, if word got out, he wouldn't be able to keep up appearances. Old Kellin's face was full of anticipation. "I've already shown you the way; just follow it. I'll help you make some small money, and you won't lose your shirt. Capital has a conscience, after all."
"I'm sorry, I only came here to short US stocks," Zhang Tianxing directly refused Old Kellin's kindness. This was all the liquid capital he had, and forty million of it belonged to Toufuna Wa.
Damn it, Zhang Tianxing mocked himself. He could even borrow money to trade stocks. It seemed his thick skin had grown considerably.
Kellin beside him was stunned. He had thought Zhang Tianxing was just dabbling, perhaps making a small short position.
He never imagined this handsome young man would toss around a hundred million US dollars. It was beyond his wildest imagination. Never mind anything else, if he had a hundred million US dollars, why would he bother with school? He wouldn't even attend Harvard if they begged him.
With a hundred million US dollars, he could do anything. Exaggerating slightly, even his farts would smell sweet. Now, among the many financial groups in the United States, how many could truly afford to deploy a hundred million US dollars in cash? Most of their wealth was tied up in real estate; few had over a hundred million in liquid assets.
It seemed this Zhang Tianxing was hiding his true capabilities. Was this hundred million US dollars his entire net worth? Kellin fell into deep thought.
"Classmate Zhang, I've been thinking. What you're doing is essentially going all-in. If the NASDAQ rises to 5137 points, your hundred million US dollars will be gone," Kellin advised Zhang Tianxing. He hadn't intended to persuade him further, but seeing how wealthy he was, he felt compelled to.
The situation in the United States was looking incredibly bright, with the domestic economy flourishing and signs of prosperity everywhere. The position of world leader was becoming increasingly secure.
In these times, who dared to displease the United States? The US would simply cause that country's economy to collapse. The world's financial center was not just a title.
It was also the center of technology. Technology was the primary productive force, and now the United States had the confidence to speak forcefully.
"If you displease me, I'll make sure your entire nation starves."
"The heavens are second; I am first. In this world, my United States calls the shots."
Any discerning observer could see that this was America's century of rapid development. With the momentum of a hundred years of progress, another few hundred points on the NASDAQ would be child's play.
With just the major tech companies making a move, and the stock prices of internet companies rising further, the NASDAQ breaking 5137 was only a matter of time. If not tomorrow, then the day after. It was only a few dozen points, something that could be achieved in minutes.
It was rumored that recently, even a Chinese internet company had rung the bell on NASDAQ. The US stock market was soaring.
Nowadays, regardless of a company's nationality, if they wanted to grow strong and gain sufficient capital for development, ringing the bell on NASDAQ was their only option. They had no other path.
According to the information, Zhang Tianxing was quite wealthy. Looking at his intelligence, he didn't seem like someone who had started from scratch. It appeared to be a family inheritance, and unexpectedly, an unfilial son had emerged. It truly fit the saying, "A son sells his father's land without a pang of regret."
However, the commission from this single deal was enough to make him salivate. Once this deal was done, he could head to Las Vegas for a good time.
Imagining the vibrant nightlife there, Old Kellin's eyes gleamed. This Zhang Tianxing was the money-bringing boy in his eyes.
After stamping the contract, Old Kellin handed a copy to Zhang Tianxing. "Keep the contract safe, sir. Please take good care of your account. I wish you a pleasant investment."
Zhang Tianxing took the contract and found a computer to check. His account was shorting. America was truly supportive.
In just this short period, his account showed a floating loss of one million.
Everyone nearby was stunned. Such a bold move! A loss of over a million in mere minutes. This hundred million wouldn't last much longer.
This young man, so handsome, how could he do something so unreliable? It was truly disheartening.
Old Kellin sighed inwardly. "Mr. Zhang, how about this? Forgive my bluntness, but the US stock market is currently in a 'multiple-bullet' formation, showing signs of steady upward momentum. Listen to me, reverse your position and go long. This floating loss of over a million can be recouped in minutes."
It didn't matter to Morgan Stanley whether Zhang Tianxing went long or short; the bank made money on transaction fees. As long as Zhang Tianxing didn't short Morgan Stanley's own stocks, they were happy.
Regardless, they were getting paid. Zhang Tianxing possessing such assets at his age was far beyond Old Kellin's expectations.
Kellin, standing nearby, sighed repeatedly. "Zhang Tianxing, stop now. Teacher John Fu himself said the situation is excellent, a prime time for US stocks to reach new highs. Heed my words, and you'll be well-fed. Shorting US stocks will lead to the complete loss of your money, and it could even affect your assets in China."
After all, they were classmates. In less than three minutes, Zhang Tianxing had lost over a million US dollars. Kellin felt incredibly pained. If only this money could be used for his own startup, how wonderful that would be!
He didn't need much; one million US dollars was enough to start a business!
Zhang Tianxing remained unmoved. He reiterated his stance: "I only came to short US stocks. This is my belief. In our China, we have the concept of 'unity of knowledge and action.' I say what I do, and I do what I say."
"Zhang Tianxing, even if you believe in unity of knowledge and action, there's no need to be so extravagant. My uncle used to be a golden-handed trader on Wall Street. You could entrust this money to my uncle to manage. By the time you graduate, it will have grown to one hundred and fifty million US dollars. How about that? Who else can offer you a fifty percent profit? Believe me, my uncle's reputation is well-earned."
Old Kellin stood up straight beside him. "Mr. Zhang, what Kellin says is true. My best achievement was doubling my capital in a month. Please trust my abilities."
Zhang Tianxing shook his head. They all talked a better game than they played. "I don't believe you guys. If you were as amazing as you say, you'd either be a boss yourself or renowned for your success. Instead, you're a mid-level manager at Morgan Stanley, blowing smoke like this."
"Do you really think hot air doesn't break? 'You don't need to say any more. My mind is made up.'" Zhang Tianxing directly rejected their well-intentioned offers.