Reborn in America, I am a legendary short seller on Wall Street.

Chapter 22 Bringing You Christmas Presents

The good news brought by the father cheered the whole family up.

Larry knew that his father, who already had a disability in one hand, was now desperate to find a way to earn money to support his family.

The simple values ​​of diligence, work, care for family members, and passion and respect for life, which originated from the Puritans of New England, happen to coincide with some of Larry's simple values ​​from his previous life.

The father had been obsessed with buying a small farm for a long time, and he had been working on it ever since Larry first met him.

The father pulled out a chair at the table, sat down, glanced down at the pan-fried fish on the plate, his nose twitching slightly, before solemnly saying,

"This farm is in Holliston. The farmer heard that land in the West is four times cheaper than here, so he plans to move his whole family to California. Because they are in a hurry there, he is willing to sell us the farm here, along with his house, farm tools, and four draft horses, at a low price of $80 per acre."

Larry didn't understand the land prices at the time, so he could only nod blankly.

The mother sat down in the chair, but frowned and said, "It doesn't sound any cheaper than the land you saw in Fussac before."

“They’re different. The land in Forsac is sandy coastal soil and very alkaline. The land in Holliston is much more fertile, especially the barley there, which grows exceptionally well. I asked some farmers nearby, and they say they can harvest 125 bushels per acre a year, which is comparable to corn,” my father explained.

Larry nodded in agreement, but then casually asked, "Since land is much cheaper in the West, why don't you consider going there?"

The father gave Larry a strange look and said directly, "I don't want to be with those people in the West who can't sincerely worship God, and besides, it's dangerous there. I might be more willing to go to Texas."

“Okay, Dad. So when are you planning to officially buy it?” Larry asked.

“I’ve already made an appointment with that gentleman farmer the day before Christmas, and our whole family will go together!” The father smiled and poked at the food on his plate with his fork.

"Wait a minute, Horton, we haven't done our pre-dinner prayers yet!"

The most distinctive feature of New England is its strong Puritan atmosphere and its particularly devout faith in God. After the mother finished speaking, the father's expression turned serious, and the three of them began to pray simultaneously.

Larry didn't have this kind of heartfelt faith, and he could sense that the original owner of this body didn't either; it was more of a habit.

However, adhering to the simple Chinese spirit of "respecting gods as if they were present" and "not having to believe but not offending them," Larry closed his eyes and silently prayed.

"May you bless our family with peace, harmony, and success in all things, and may you bless me to continue to make a fortune safely."

Well, I hope God understands Chinese.
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Next Monday is December 21st, three days before Christmas, and Paine Weber Securities is already getting busy.

As a legitimate stockbroker, Paine Weber Securities' clients include a group of capitalists in Boston's manufacturing, transportation, and related fields, as well as high-society figures such as state government officials, members of Congress, and their families. Therefore, this week is the busiest for Mr. Porter, as he will visit as many important clients as possible and present them with exquisite gifts arranged by the company headquarters.

The front desk manager directed his staff to erect a not-too-tall spruce tree in the corner of the company's business hall, and decorated it simply with apples, nuts, and candles.

Larry stood in the sales hall, looking at the Christmas tree, which was far from impressive, and grinned.

The New England region had a strong Puritan atmosphere, and the ancient Puritan creed held that "all entertainment is blasphemy against God." Before 1850, they even worked on Christmas Day.

By the late 19th century, the United States had begun to prosper, and the emerging bourgeoisie had widely adopted the extravagant lifestyle from Europe, leading to the popularity of Christmas trees, vacations, and entertainment.

However, specifically in Boston, people still view ostentatious Christmas trees as something undignified and unrefined. Therefore, the "mini" Christmas tree that the store has prepared is understandable.

But the most remote and quiet areas often give birth to the most subversive cultures. In 1890, Massachusetts merchants dressed up as Santa Claus and handed out candy to children and helped greet customers in the shopping street in front of department stores in Boston.

This caused a sensation throughout the United States.

This year, it is said that many business leaders on the East Coast will be launching images of Santa Claus dressed in red for Christmas to boost the holiday atmosphere in the region.

Of course, even the busiest secular life cannot stop stock ticker tapes from solemnly recounting the economic realities happening across the United States, much like a precept.

At 10 a.m., the trading hall suddenly became bustling with activity.

Larry filled in several quotes and found that the market was still weak.

Because compared to the stock prices I had in mind last week, the opening prices this week were all about 2% lower.

Trading volume is very low, and new quotes are appearing very infrequently.

The initial bustle lasted only half an hour before things became less lively. Some bored customers simply picked up their hats, put on their coats, and left Paine Weber.

Larry climbed down the ladder, took a sip of coffee, and looked at Tom, who was sitting in a chair tidying up paper tapes, with a mischievous grin.

Tom was startled by his gaze. Even someone as dull as him, after spending so much time with Larry, knew what Larry's smirk meant...

"Larry, are you taking another day off? Is it a stomachache or are you going to church to deliver some documents this time?"

Tom stared at the chalk Larry offered him, but didn't take it.

Larry smiled mysteriously and lowered his voice to tell Tom, "I'm going to buy you an early Christmas present because you've been helping me with my work these past few days."

"Really?" Tom stood up abruptly.

“Of course it’s true!” Larry made a vow-like gesture.

"Alright, alright! I hope you'll bring me some eggnog or oat pudding." Tom took the chalk and slowly climbed the wooden ladder.

Larry hid in a corner putting on his coat, thinking that Tom was a bit silly, but still quite popular.

Why did Mr. Potter hate Tom so much?
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After walking two blocks against the wind, Larry arrived at the betting shop again.

Surprisingly, the atmosphere here was much livelier than that of a regular securities firm. The air in the trading hall was thick with the smell of cigarettes and various unpleasant body odors that were hard to describe.

Simply dressed lower-middle-class Bostonians are gathered in this small business hall, ready to gamble on their Christmas dinner.

Larry frowned as he walked into the sales hall and squeezed to the front of the crowd to look at the quotes.

When Larry arrived, the casino manager and staff all frowned.

　Please vote for this post so Larry can get to New York sooner.
　　

(End of this chapter)