National Tide 1980.

"It's a real shame."

When facing Ning Weimin, Hiroji Goto's tone was full of apology.

"However, given my situation, I am in a very difficult position. You are a foreigner and may not be aware that in Japan, Keio University graduates form their own system in the financial world; they are truly exceptional. A senior executive at Nomura Securities headquarters is also a Keio graduate, and it was he who issued the order to immediately withdraw Nomura Securities' leveraged funds from you, citing risk control. Compared to him, I am just a nobody and have no choice whatsoever. I hope Chairman Ning can understand my predicament. However, the situation is somewhat different now. The person who issued the order has been transferred from headquarters to Yokohama due to a job adjustment, and will be away for at least three years. So, if you are willing to accept my apology and continue to trust our Minato branch, I assure you that this will only happen once. I guarantee with my reputation that our branch will do everything in its power to protect your interests and will never let you down again."

As he said this, Hiroji Goto bowed repeatedly across the table.

He acted as if he were a hero who had compromised, having made extremely sincere concessions, which in turn put Ning Weimin in a situation where he felt slightly morally blackmailed.

It was as if Ning Weimin would be an unreasonable and wicked person if he didn't grant his request.

Ning Weimin, of course, wouldn't buy it, nor did he believe his so-called predicament; he just felt disgusted.

However, he had his own plans, so he did not immediately slam his fist on the table and expose the other party's hypocrisy.

Instead, they chose to feign compliance and play hard to get.

"You make it sound nice, but how can I believe your assurances? Even though you say the person who helped Takahashi Harunori has been transferred from headquarters, the Keio network still exists within your company, doesn't it? It's impossible that only that one person in Nomura Securities' upper echelons bears the Keio mark. And my conflict with that guy Takahashi is irreconcilable. Even if that person is transferred, there will be others who don't like me, right? If you're just making empty promises to make me believe you, that's impossible. I'm sorry, but you broke the contract and betrayed your clients' interests first; I have absolutely no trust in you anymore..."

Ning Weimin's merciless questioning caused Goto Hiroji's thick brows to furrow with distress.

Although he felt ashamed, he had no reason to continue complaining, so after thinking about it, he could only make a promise in an even more humble manner.

"I completely understand your concerns. But I must say, Nomura Securities aspires to be the world's number one securities firm, and we cannot afford to repeatedly make mistakes regarding our reputation. We have indeed learned our lesson. Although it's inappropriate to say, I'm willing to reveal a little inside information: the transfer of that person to headquarters this time was, in effect, a form of punishment. It's just that we haven't made it public because that person's identity is somewhat unusual..."

"Really? This is what punishment means?"

Ning Weimin first gave a contemptuous laugh, then continued with his probing questions, "You didn't demote him, nor did you make him apologize to me. What kind of punishment is this? I see not a shred of sincerity from you. His status is extraordinary, so what am I? If you think that I should forgive you for going to this extent, then you've misunderstood. Especially since you caused me actual financial losses. Because of your forced liquidation, I lost a lot of money. That's a fact, isn't it? Even if you punish that person, what about my losses?"

After saying this, Ning Weimin stared intently into Goshima Hiroji's eyes.

Perhaps it was the lighting, but his eyes shone brightly, further amplifying the sense of oppression.

Unable to find a reason to speak, Hiroji Goto couldn't help but wipe the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.

It's no wonder he was so nervous; after all, money is the most practical issue.
It's worth noting that when Nomura Securities decided to heed Harunori Takahashi's advice and reclaim the 60 billion yen financing quota from Ning Weimin, Ning Weimin's stock holdings were only worth around 160 billion yen.

In other words, after Nomura Securities withdrew its investment, Ning Weimin's stock holdings were reduced to only about 100 billion yen. However, as the market subsequently rose, the stock price nearly doubled in the past six months.

If they were to pay compensation, it would have to be at least 50 or 60 billion yen, which is far beyond their means.
But it would be unreasonable not to compensate, and I believe no one would be willing to suffer such a huge loss.

"Yes...yes, headquarters has authorized me to offer you even more preferential treatment in terms of services, such as lower transaction fees and financing interest rates. As you know, the Bank of Japan has raised interest rates, and financing interest rates will also increase accordingly, but we are willing to maintain the existing low interest rate level for you. Alternatively, we can provide you with additional financing leverage. Currently, we mostly offer clients 1:1 leverage, but if you need it, we can offer 1:2. What do you think?"

"This isn't enough. You think you can satisfy me with such a paltry sum? Do you think I'm a fool?"

The conditions that Hiroji Goto had painstakingly come up with were immediately rejected by Ning Weimin as soon as they were uttered.

This made his square face tremble slightly, extremely embarrassed.

The problem is, that's all the authority he has. Even if he tries his best, he can't find anything more convincing, and he feels powerless.

Having exhausted all other options, he could only turn to Kenichi Sagawa, who was listening in, and couldn't help but ask his subordinate for help.

Despite their strained relationship, in Hiroji Goto's mind, Kenichi Sagawa's personal interests also stemmed from Ning Weimin, a major client.

If Nomura Securities really loses Ning Weimin as a major client, then Kenichi Sagawa will also be in trouble, and he will no longer be able to stay with the company.

Therefore, he was 100% certain that Kenichi Sagawa would not remain indifferent and watch him make a fool of himself.

"Chairman Ning, I know that from your perspective, any dissatisfaction is justified. However, as a member of Nomura Securities, I would still like to say a few words of justice for General Manager Goshima."

Sure enough, it seemed that Kenichi Sagawa also understood the principle of mutual dependence. After receiving a plea for help from Hiroji Goto, he did not stand idly by. He hesitated for a moment before speaking up.

What's even more gratifying is that Ning Weimin treated Sagawa Kenichi with great kindness.

"Oh, you have something to say? In that case, I'll listen to your opinion..."

This made Hiroji Goto breathe a sigh of relief, and a glimmer of hope began to sprout within him.

"President Ning, first of all, you don't need to doubt General Manager Goto's sincerity. To be honest, if we lose an important client like you, our company headquarters might not care much, but for our sales department, the pain is real and tangible. The impact on performance cannot be underestimated. So even back then, General Manager Goto argued with headquarters about this matter, but unfortunately, General Manager Goto is only a middle-level manager, and there are high-ranking officials from the Keio Group at headquarters who deliberately favor Takahashi, so it didn't have much effect..."

"Oh, I see. So, Manager Goshima has always been on my side."

Hearing Kenichi Sagawa defend himself like this, Hiroji Goto was genuinely moved for a moment.

When he saw Ning Weimin's gaze soften, he couldn't help but bow quickly, trying to take credit for himself.

"That's right. As the head of the sales department, I certainly understand that customers are our bread and butter, especially big customers like Chairman Ning. But unfortunately, some short-sighted people at headquarters don't understand the hard work of our frontline staff. They always act recklessly and arrogantly, which has caused you to misunderstand us."

As a result, Ning Weimin naturally became even more friendly towards him.

"Well, in that case, it can't all be blamed on you. It seems you're quite innocent too."

As a result, Hiroji Goto felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Although he said, "No, no, it's all my fault. My abilities are limited, and I've disappointed you," his gaze towards Kenichi Sagawa was full of encouragement, urging him to continue.

As expected, Kenichi Sagawa once again flattered Ning Weimin from a novel angle.

"Furthermore, if I may be so bold, it seems that Chairman Ning and our branch have a particularly good synergy. Since you opened an account with our branch, you have consistently lost less money and earned more. In just a few years, you have made more than ten times your initial investment. Although this is all thanks to your own efforts, your unique vision and superb trading skills, we dare not take credit. But our branch really values ​​you as an important client."

"Think about it, in terms of transactions, haven't we always tried our best to make things convenient for you and prioritize your needs? We've also congratulated you on your investment success with gifts on several occasions. If it weren't for that unpleasant incident, I think our cooperation would have been quite pleasant, with a long-standing tacit understanding between us."

"Therefore, I firmly believe that, on this basis, if you are willing to continue trading in our branch and use more leverage, you will soon be able to recover the profits you missed, or even double them."

These words were undoubtedly more pleasing to the ear.

At this moment, Hiroji Goto could clearly see Ning Weimin smiling amidst Kenichi Sagawa's compliments.

Then, Ning Weimin said in person, "That's true. I've gotten used to your branch. If I were to move to another place, I would have to readjust, and it might affect my mood while working."

He seized the opportunity and quickly echoed the compliments.

"Yes, yes, Chairman Ning, our sales department sincerely hopes to continue serving you. In the future, we will do our best to meet your needs as long as you have any requests."

"What about my compensation? How about that? Can you offer something better...?"

"This..." Hiroji Goto got stuck again, even though he could say nice things.

But Ning Weimin insisted on demanding compensation based on actual issues, which was beyond his ability to handle.

Fortunately, at this moment, Kenichi Sagawa stepped in to help resolve the deadlock.

"President Ning, please don't think the offer we're giving you is too small. We know, of course, that our terms are insufficient to satisfy you and cannot fully cover your losses. But to be honest, General Manager Goto has limited authority, and he's in a difficult position. Although he sincerely hopes to offer better terms, he's afraid he's powerless to do anything more. Of course, if you absolutely cannot accept these terms and have further requests, we can relay your concerns to headquarters and assist you in communicating with them at a higher level..."

"Is that so? While it's true that there are extenuating circumstances, and I can understand your situation, it's still a bit too unfair to me..."

Seeing Ning Weimin's disdainful expression and hesitant demeanor, Goshima Hiroji knew that this was probably the most crucial moment for Ning Weimin to decide whether to stay or leave.

So he decided to go all out, giving up all his remaining resources.

"President Ning, it's almost November, which means Christmas and New Year's are just around the corner. Our company always gives year-end gifts to high-level clients like you. Especially this year, our budget is a bit more generous, so please feel free to suggest anything you'd like. How about that? For example, whether it's a luxury imported car or solid gold golf clubs, anything is fine, whatever you like..."

To be honest, this statement did have an effect.

Ning Weimin's expression immediately softened, and he nodded noncommittally, saying, "In that case, it makes sense..."

Hiroji Goto couldn't help but feel pleased, believing himself to be truly wise and capable, adept at understanding changes in people's hearts.

With the help of Kenichi Sagawa, he was finally about to win over Ning Weimin.

Unfortunately, to be honest, he still oversimplified things.

Little did he know that Kenichi Sagawa, whom he considered reliable in critical moments, had long been disappointed with Nomura Securities, turned his back on him, and sided with Ning Weimin. He was a complete traitor, turning his back on the enemy.

Everything that just happened was planned by Sagawa and Ning Weimin beforehand; they were putting on a show for him step by step.

What Ning Weimin was about to say next was the real reveal, the conclusion to all the previous build-up and performance.

"Manager Goshima, I have another question. Could you please help me resolve it? I can only agree to stay at your branch and continue trading if you agree to that; otherwise, I'll have to forget about it..."

"What is it? Please tell me..." Although he didn't know he was already on the verge of a trap, Goshima Hiroji couldn't help but feel a little nervous, fearing that Ning Weimin would make an excessive request.

"Then I'll be frank. This time, I don't want to use your financing; I only want to borrow some stocks from you to sell. Is that alright?"

"Borrowing stocks to sell?" Hiroji Goto was taken aback. "You mean securities lending, which is the opposite of margin financing?"

"Yes, that's how it seems, according to the Americans. I've heard that since stock index futures trading opened in Osaka, many international brokerages have started offering this service. Since your company aspires to become the largest brokerage in Japan, you should be able to offer me this service as well..."

"Yes, it's possible. Our branch received approval to conduct this business three months ago. But frankly, this model only makes money by shorting a particular stock, and the Japanese stock market is currently a one-sided market. Very few people are willing to try this kind of business. Are you sure you're not joking?"

"I'm not joking. I won't lie to you, Harunori Takahashi has been trying every means to target me, which makes me very unhappy. So I'm going to find an opportunity to short his company and let him know what I'm capable of. I have two questions for you now. First, does your company's proprietary trading desk hold EIE stock? Second, are you willing to lend me these shares to sell? If you agree, I'll stay; if you don't agree, I'll leave. It's that simple, understand?"

Although he couldn't detect anything wrong with it, Hiroji Goto still hesitated for a moment.

"This... I need to discuss this with headquarters. Could you give me a little time?"

Ning Weimin's answer was absolutely concise and to the point—"Okay."

But for some reason, I saw a faint smile in his eyes.

At that moment, as he was about to make a phone call, Hiroji Goshima suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

How inexplicable... (End of Chapter)