Chapter 36

Zhou Ming's words gave Sun Wei a glimmer of hope. Sun Wei muttered, "That's right! For every stock index transaction Mr. Zhou makes, I can earn a commission of five ten-thousandths. But... can it really amount to 100,000 Hong Kong dollars?"

In response to Sun Wei's question, Wang Yunlong explained on Zhou Ming's behalf, "Sun Wei, Mr. Zhou has already analyzed the future trend of the Hong Kong stock index. According to his analysis, the Hong Kong stock index will face the largest decline since its inception, with a drop exceeding 1,000 points."

"1,000 points? Wouldn't the entire financial market of Hong Kong collapse completely?"

Sun Wei exclaimed in shock, his face filled with disbelief. As a Hong Kong resident, it was hard for him to believe that the financial market of Hong Kong would collapse without any warning. However, if this was Zhou Ming's judgment, he couldn't help but believe it. Moreover, he not only had to believe it wholeheartedly but also hope for the worst, because only if Zhou Ming made more than 20 million could he settle the debt with Brother Haonan.

Thinking of this, Sun Wei clasped his hands together and bowed towards the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, praying aloud, "Heaven, please let the Hong Kong stock index continue to plummet. Please let Mr. Zhou make more than 20 million! I beg you, Heaven!"

The bizarre scene left everyone in the café stunned. Everyone who witnessed it felt that their worldview, life view, and values were all wrong.

"Who is this person?" the café server asked in disbelief.

Lin Muqing, who had spent the most time with Zhou Ming, was the first to recover. She turned to look at Zhou Ming, her eyes filled with admiration: This man is amazing!

Zhou Ming had never expected Sun Wei to be so thorough, praying for his success in front of so many people. This was the power of capital and money.

"I hope your dream comes true," Zhou Ming said with a smile.

Sun Wei nodded vigorously, "It will, the God of Wealth will surely bless you, Mr. Zhou. You said this stock disaster is so severe, you will definitely make 20 million!"

Zhou Ming waved his hand, and Sun Wei, knowing that Zhou Ming had other matters to attend to, left the café tactfully. Of course, before leaving, he couldn't help but bless and hope for Zhou Ming's success, leaving Zhou Ming helpless. After all, how could he refuse someone's blessing for his wealth? Pretending to be a big shot would invite lightning.

After Sun Wei left, Zhou Ming asked Wang Yunlong, "Do you know the various fund companies or other financial investment firms in Hong Kong?"

"Yes, due to my work, I have business dealings with several fund companies," Wang Yunlong replied, then thought for a moment and asked, "Mr. Zhou, are you planning to acquire a fund company after this stock disaster?"

Zhou Ming nodded, "Yes, because starting a new fund company from scratch would take too much time and energy. It's more efficient to directly acquire an existing one."

Wang Yunlong agreed, "Mr. Zhou, that's a wise decision. I believe after this stock disaster, many fund companies in Hong Kong will face financial pressure and have to sell at a low price."

"Hong Kong is more familiar to you, and you are also the fund manager I have in mind. I'll leave this task to you. I need a fund company that is well-established in all aspects and has a positive and upward spirit. Please gather the information on eligible fund companies and send it to me as soon as possible," Zhou Ming said. "As for the stock market, you can put it on hold for now. It will likely continue to plummet, and it won't turn around until the decline exceeds 50%. There's nothing much to watch."

"Please rest assured, Mr. Zhou. I will do my best to gather the information for you as soon as possible!" Wang Yunlong said with determination.

...

The Victoria Hotel is a five-star hotel located in Central, Hong Kong. After their previous hotel stay expired, Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing moved here.

After checking in, Zhou Ming had the hotel staff deliver their luggage to their respective rooms.

Zhou Ming booked two luxury sea-view rooms. Upon entering the room, Lin Muqing eagerly pulled back the curtains, and the azure Victoria Harbor came into view.

"Beautiful," Lin Muqing exclaimed.

"Unfortunately, the best rooms are all booked by others," Zhou Ming said with a hint of regret.

Lin Muqing glared at Zhou Ming, clearly displeased with his lack of sentiment. She then said, "You still have the nerve to say that. This room costs over a thousand Hong Kong dollars even with a discount, and that's 40,000 Hong Kong dollars a month. You're being too extravagant, as if you're afraid people don't know you're a nouveau riche."

Zhou Ming chuckled. The Hong Kong stock disaster had been ongoing for four days, and the stock index had fallen by over 500 points. Zhou Ming's initial 52 short positions had already earned him 10 million, making him a millionaire. However, even a nouveau riche couldn't increase his wealth twentyfold in just four days.

Zhou Ming had calculated that their room at the Central hotel would expire today, so he had withdrawn 500,000 from the futures market to secure the sea-view rooms at the Victoria Hotel for himself and Lin Muqing.

"There's no way around it. I'm just a bumpkin from the mainland, and I can't change my desire to make... Sister Muqing live a good life," Zhou Ming said.

Lin Muqing rolled her eyes, "Silly!"

She then pushed open the floor-to-ceiling window, and a sea breeze blew into the room. Lin Muqing walked to the balcony and leaned on the railing, gazing into the distance. Zhou Ming followed, and she suddenly said, "It's unbelievable. I'm actually staying in a luxury sea-view room in Hong Kong. Zhou Ming, tell me, is all of this real? Will it all disappear when I wake up tomorrow morning?"

Seeing Lin Muqing's melancholic figure, Zhou Ming felt a pang in his heart. He reached out and embraced her, whispering in her ear, "Of course it's all real. We are millionaires now. Even if this is a dream, as long as I'm here, I will make Sister Muqing's dreams come true, no matter how many times it takes."

Held in Zhou Ming's arms, Lin Muqing initially stiffened but then relaxed, enjoying the feeling of being protected by a man.

"These past few days have been terrifying. I never thought that in such a developed place as Hong Kong, the economy could collapse so suddenly. The newspapers say that people are jumping from buildings every day due to the stock index decline. You also said that millions of dollars are evaporating every day, and the entire city is filled with pessimism. It feels like the end of the world. What's going on?" Lin Muqing asked Zhou Ming, as if in a daze.

"Actually, the economic situation in Hong Kong is not as good as everyone expected, or rather, the global economy is not as good as everyone expected. Although it seems that the global economy is growing rapidly, it is actually full of vulnerabilities and on the brink of collapse. As a free port, Hong Kong is heavily dependent on the global economy. Once the global economy, led by the United States, experiences a large-scale fluctuation, Hong Kong will inevitably suffer a severe blow."

Zhou Ming paused for a moment, then continued, "Let me give you an analogy. The economy of Hong Kong was like a paper ladder. It might look shiny and beautiful, but it was actually fraught with danger. Once a strong wind blows, the paper ladder will fall quickly, and the higher people climb, the harder they will fall."

"But if that's the case, aren't the people of Hong Kong too pitiful?" Lin Muqing asked.

Zhou Ming shook his head, "I think it's better to push down the paper ladder early and build a sturdier one, so that the Hong Kong financial market can truly get back on track, rather than letting it climb higher on a paper ladder."

Lin Muqing turned and smiled at Zhou Ming, "But unfortunately, those stubborn and proud Hong Kong people are unwilling to accept this. You, Zhou Ming, are smart!"

"Can't help it. Heroes emerge in turbulent times. With such significant events happening in Hong Kong and the world, wouldn't it be a waste if I didn't do something?" Zhou Ming laughed.

Lin Muqing nodded earnestly, "Yes, Zhou Ming, you are the hero of this era!"

Their conversation enlivened the atmosphere in the room. Zhou Ming and Lin Muqing looked into each other's eyes.

Zhou Ming subconsciously swallowed, always knowing that Lin Muqing was beautiful. He clearly remembered the envious and jealous looks of other men whenever he dined with her. But now, as Lin Muqing slowly closed her eyes under his gaze, her submissive demeanor made Zhou Ming's heart race.

Unable to resist, Zhou Ming leaned down and kissed her lips, which all men longed for. The moment their lips touched, Zhou Ming felt Lin Muqing's body stiffen, but she made no move to resist.

With her silent consent, Zhou Ming deepened the kiss, parting her lips and exploring her mouth with his tongue. His tongue, like a nimble snake, sought out her shy and retreating tongue, gently caressing and entwining it.

This was Lin Muqing's second kiss and her first while fully conscious. Zhou Ming could feel her awkward but responsive kisses. Her lips were moist and soft, making him reluctant to let go. When he gently sucked, Lin Muqing felt as if her soul was being drawn out, and a cat-like moan escaped her throat.

This moan instantly ignited the fire in Zhou Ming's heart. Unable to control his desire, his hands reached for the peaks on Lin Muqing's chest.

The sensitive touch made Lin Muqing react immediately. She opened her eyes and said, "No!"