Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

With the satellite phone pressed close to his ear, Xu Changping's words, "Someone asked me to pass on a message," echoed coldly against the blast-proof metal walls.

Lu Yang's knuckles turned white as his gaze swept across the flickering screen in the trading room.

The Hang Seng Index continues to twitch violently under a 300% interbank lending rate, with its glaringly green candlestick chart resembling the electrocardiogram of a dying beast.

"Please speak," he said calmly, the chill that shot up his spine being forced back down into his stomach.

“Although you did it very discreetly, Microsoft’s stock price has been fluctuating significantly in recent days. Many brokerages on Wall Street are watching closely, and there are rumors circulating… that it might be related to your Century Group. Don’t forget, you made a bet with the foreign shareholders behind the listed company Little Prodigy. Goldman Sachs, the largest foreign shareholder, is one of the giants among Wall Street brokerages. Following the trail, it’s not hard to find out that it was you, this young man from the East, who was involved in the Microsoft stock transactions… In terms of specifics…” Xu Changping deliberately omitted the subject, his words as precise as a scalpel, “Three billion US dollars… You really have a big hand. I never realized you had such a strong gambling instinct.”

Lu Yang didn't speak, but his pupils contracted slightly.

He knew that his father-in-law on the other side would definitely have more to say.

What message is being relayed?

The rustling sound of papers turning over came through the receiver. "Listen to me," the speaker said. "As the financial crisis intensifies, following the collapse of the Thai stock market, the Wall Street international financial groups, led by Soros, have tasted success and set their sights on Hong Kong, one of the Four Asian Tigers that we just reclaimed. They have lured a large amount of international speculative capital, showing no sign of giving up until they achieve their goal. Under pressure, the Hong Kong government has no choice but to initiate market intervention procedures..."

What I'm about to tell you, you mustn't reveal to anyone else, is that after withstanding the first wave of attacks, the Hong Kong government still has US$60 billion in foreign exchange reserves. I believe you are aware of the current situation. Given the current circumstances, this US$60 billion might not be enough to hold them off, but the country won't stand idly by. If that day truly comes, the central bank's US$170 billion in foreign exchange reserves is also readily available, however…”

Lu Yang's pupils suddenly contracted.

Microsoft's secret operation to liquidate itself was exposed, and even the total amount of funds was found out!

Before he could speak, Xu Changping's tone suddenly turned serious: "But some battles require 'private capital' to take the lead."

"..."

"Don't feel awkward, your relationship with me can't be hidden from those who are interested..."

Nobody did anything to you.

"It's an old friend of mine who asked me to pass on a message to you, hoping you'll carefully consider your position. If it doesn't affect you, try to form a united front with the Hong Kong government, instead of mixing with international speculators and taking advantage of the chaos, following Soros and others in plundering the entire city..."

"Remember, given your current status, you can't just consider financial gains and losses..."

"As for your concerns, the central bank's 1700 billion US dollars in foreign exchange reserves cannot be touched lightly. It serves as a ballast. However, if a last resort is reached, we will absolutely not sit idly by, and we will ultimately be the victors!"

"...Think it over carefully, that's all I have to say!"

The call was abruptly disconnected.

The busy signal kept ticking, and the Singaporean sun outside the window scorched the bulletproof glass with dazzling spots, but Lu Yang felt a deep sea-like cold.

This is hardly a "suggestion".
It was clearly a military order wrapped in silk!
In this financial crisis, Hong Kong was clearly on the defensive. Anyone with eyes could see that being passive meant being vulnerable to attack. At this time, jumping out to support the Hong Kong government was like an egg hitting a rock, facing Wall Street giants led by Soros, as well as countless international speculative funds flocking in.

This small domestic private enterprise has only been developing for a few years.
How many of them are actually useful?
Although Lu Yang was tall and strong among them, he wasn't three-headed and six-armed. He couldn't possibly be invincible.
One wrong move and the billions of dollars they just made by fleecing Microsoft, along with the principal and the six hundred million dollars they borrowed, would all be lost, swallowed whole by Wall Street giants led by Soros, becoming cannon fodder on the Hong Kong government's road to market intervention before the central bank could step in.

How to do?
Should I agree or not?
My father-in-law made a very good point on the phone just now. At Lu Yang's current level, making money is secondary. Money is just a cold, hard number to him. He should seek something else besides making money.

"Chen Fan!"

He suddenly pushed open the observation window.

The chief trader, who was closely monitoring the fluctuations in the yen exchange rate, jumped up upon hearing the sound.

"Suspend all offshore fund collection!"

Lu Yang pointed heavily at the Hong Kong stock market's real-time quotes. "The entire 3 billion US dollars has been transferred to the group's foreign exchange account in Hong Kong, sending a message that Century Group is not optimistic about international speculative capital's plunder of the Hong Kong government... We will firmly stand with the Hong Kong government, and if necessary..."

The room was dead silent.

The traders froze in front of their screens. Chen Fan's Adam's apple bobbed: "Boss... are we going to go head-to-head with the Quantum Fund? Our little bit of money is no match for international short sellers..."

"It's not about a direct confrontation, it's about raising our flag!"

Lu Yang grabbed his electronic pen and drew a blood-red arrow on the Hong Kong stock intraday chart. "Before the Hong Kong government runs out of its $700 billion ammunition, I predict that Soros will definitely be unable to hold on and will choose to retreat, and then find an easier target to tackle, such as the Hang Seng Index..." The pen tip pointed sharply at the Hang Seng Index crash zone. "This $30 billion is for drawing the sword, it doesn't necessarily have to be invested, do you understand what I mean?"

If he weren't afraid of scaring the chief trader in front of him, Lu Yang would never have spoken so conservatively.

Having been reborn, he had already foreseen the future. The Wall Street giants, led by Soros, were destined to suffer a crushing defeat this time. They didn't even need the central bank to intervene with $1700 billion to prop up the market. All they needed to do was flex their muscles and issue a few statements, and the other side would be so frightened that they would pack up and abandon this tough nut to crack and choose a softer one to gnaw on.

With such a great opportunity, and with a mysterious person even extending an invitation through his father-in-law, why doesn't Lu Yang simply stand firm, make a good impression, and leave a good impression on his superiors?
A look of shock flashed in Chen Fan's eyes.

He knew all too well what this meant: investing three billion US dollars into the panicked Hong Kong stock market was like throwing flesh and blood into a crocodile pond! But when he met the blazing light in Lu Yang's eyes, all his doubts vanished instantly. That was the kind of decisiveness only a player who had staked the fate of the nation could have.

"Boss, really... I feel like crying, you're so patriotic."

He was deeply moved at that moment.

A gentleman judges by actions, not intentions. He can't tell what his boss is really thinking yet, but his boss's behavior is worthy of his admiration!
"Disperse the channels, disguise it as foreign capital repatriation!" Chen Fan roared as he turned around, the keyboard slamming down like a storm. "Enter the market through five routes via BVI shell companies, linked to Hang Seng Index heavyweight stocks, break buy orders into tens of thousands of small orders, and mix them into the algorithmic trading flow... First, give the market a little commotion, then slowly withdraw the main force... and sit on the sidelines and watch the fire..."

The fund flow chart was being refreshed rapidly on the main screen.

The US dollars in Swiss accounts, like a receding tide, flowed into Hong Kong Island through BOC International's hidden channels.

A few days seem like only a fleeting moment amidst the turbulent waves of the financial markets.

However, just after this brief "moment," a bombshell exploded in the calm public discourse.

Shenzhen, the headquarters of Century Group. A concise yet explosive announcement was suddenly released through official channels after the Hong Kong stock market closed.

The core content addresses two key points:

Amazing profits: Thanks to the outstanding strategic vision of Chairman Lu Yang, who accurately grasped the opportunity of Microsoft's stock price soaring over the past year, the group achieved a profit of over one billion US dollars in the third quarter through related securities investment operations.

Declaration of Action: The Group is highly concerned about the impact of the current Asian financial crisis on Hong Kong and firmly supports the Hong Kong government's efforts to maintain the stability of the financial market. Mr. Lu Yang, Chairman of the Group, has made an important decision and has already mobilized at least US$3 billion in foreign exchange reserves, ready to provide support for the Hong Kong stock market at any time.

The announcement was short, but every word carried immense weight.

"Profits exceeded one billion US dollars!"

This is enough to drive any financial media outlet crazy.

Century Group, a private enterprise that has already made a name for itself in the domestic internet and emerging technology fields, has had its leader, Lu Yang, instantly basked in the golden light of a "stock god".

What's even more astonishing is the source of its funding.

They actually managed to squeeze money out of tech giant Microsoft!
The rumors on Wall Street were confirmed, and for the first time, Lu Yang's name entered the sights of international financial giants in such a powerful manner.

"Three billion US dollars to support the Hong Kong government!"

This declaration was like a spark thrown into boiling oil.

With the world's attention focused on the defense of Hong Kong, international short sellers like Soros sharpening their knives, and market panic spreading, a private enterprise from the mainland dared to announce so boldly that it would invest real money in this seemingly doomed "meat grinder".
This is no longer just a business transaction, but a clear political statement!
The statement in the announcement that they were "ready to enter the market to support it at any time" perfectly matches the "flag-raising" strategy that Lu Yang told Chen Fan in Singapore.

Funds are in place, posture is adopted, and deterrence is prioritized.

boom!
The news exploded like a supernova, instantly igniting global financial and media discourse.

Bloomberg Terminal, Reuters News, and headlines on major financial websites were flooded with keywords such as "Century Group," "Lu Yang," "$3 Billion," and "Support HK."

CNBC and BBC financial channels made emergency broadcasts, with the presenters' faces filled with disbelief.

The South China Morning Post's front-page headline was huge and eye-catching: "Mainland giant Century Group enters the market with huge sums of money! A high-stakes gamble on the Hong Kong government's victory?"

Mainland mainstream media were even more excited, praising it as "the backbone of national enterprises" and "the responsibility of patriotic capital".

Countless interview requests flooded into the headquarters in Shenzhen.

Reporters flooded the Century Group's front desk with calls, and cameras and microphones were set up outside the headquarters building, trying to capture any information.

Everyone wanted to be the first to interview this legendary figure who "became famous overnight" and dared to stand against international capital with the strength of a private enterprise.

However, Lu Yang, who was at the center of the storm, still chose to stay in Singapore.

The sun in this garden city was still blazing, but it couldn't dispel the deep, thoughtful look between his brows.

He declined all requests for public appearances and interviews, and the command center maintained a state of outward relaxation but inward tension.

In this eerie moment of alternating noise and silence, the dedicated satellite phone vibrated again.

The number flashing on the screen was still that familiar one—Xu Changping.

Lu Yang took a deep breath, answered the phone, and heard his father-in-law's voice, which was unusually warm and even approving, coming through the receiver:
"Lu Yang, I saw the announcement." Xu Changping's tone was much more relaxed than during their last call. "The action was swift and impressive. The higher-ups have seen this determination and execution."

Lu Yang felt a chill run down his spine; the word "above" confirmed his earlier suspicions.

He said in a deep voice, "It's just my duty. I'm just showing my stance and hoping it will have some effect."

"The effect has already been achieved." Xu Changping lowered his voice, carrying a sense of confidentiality. "Your courage in 'raising the flag,' especially your move to transfer three billion US dollars to a Hong Kong account under immense pressure, has greatly satisfied... 'that old friend.' He asked me to convey a message: 'Your patriotism and pure heart show you didn't misjudge me.'"

"A pure heart..." Lu Yang murmured these four words, feeling as if something had burned his heart.

This praise, which was more significant than any material reward, made him clearly realize that his risky move, at least politically, had been a gamble on the right direction.

This is not just about money, but also about the foundation and potential for his future development in China.

"The pressure remains immense; Soros won't give up easily." Lu Yang remained calm, not letting the praise go to his head.

"Of course, the tough battles are yet to come, but you've already established your position, which is excellent." Xu Changping paused, seemingly wanting to say something more, but then changed the subject, "By the way, your mother-in-law, Du Yuanyuan, is taking a flight to Singapore this afternoon. She's an impatient person with a short-sighted view. For Siqi's sake, please be more tolerant of her."

Lu Yang was slightly taken aback.

So fast?
Xu Changping's tone carried a hint of barely perceptible helplessness and knowing understanding, "He said he missed his daughter and granddaughter. He hasn't seen the children since they were born. Of course, by the way... I'd also like to talk to you about the specifics of that 'ten million US dollars' entertainment company agent. People always need to have a 'legitimate' name to do things."

Lu Yang's lips curled into a knowing yet slightly mocking smile.

Missing children?
At this delicate moment when he has just made a shocking announcement, become the focus of the world, and at the same time forged a deeper relationship with "the higher-ups"?

Du Yuanyuan's "not releasing the hawk until seeing the rabbit" mentality is indeed a brilliant calculation.

She sensed the presence of a "rabbit," and a "rabbit" with gilded edges, one that could bring huge political benefits.

"Understood, I'll arrange for someone to pick me up at the airport," Lu Yang replied calmly. (End of Chapter)