In fact, Zhongshi was most concerned about the rumor of the five hundred million. After carefully analyzing the cause and effect of this news, Zhongshi came to a conclusion: this news was likely spread by someone within the industry. This was quite simple to deduce, just from the fact that the news first began circulating within the financial circle. It started in the financial sector, then moved to the media, and eventually, people from all walks of life became aware of it.
In a way, it was a blessing in disguise. Perhaps Ai Hua Society saw the potential in Liao Chengde's near-bankruptcy and approached him. People in such a desperate situation are eager to make a comeback and might do anything, making them easier to control.
Zhongshi's funds were always managed through the brokerage of AIForex Far East, a British financial company that had grown significantly in Hong Kong over the years and had gradually purchased trading seats in exchanges around the world.
In his previous life, Zhongshi operated his funds through his own brokerage channels, so he didn't know much about the brokerage system. Before the bet with Andrew, he thought acquiring a brokerage firm was a common thing. However, after careful research, he realized it was far more complicated than he had imagined.
For example, in the Hong Kong market, the brokers of the Hong Kong Futures Exchange, which deals with futures trading, operate under a market maker system. Market makers, also known as market creators, are independent securities dealers in financial markets who undertake to buy and sell a particular security for investors. Buyers and sellers do not need to wait for a counterparty to appear; as long as a market maker steps in, the transaction can be completed.
In other words, market makers act as a third party between buyers and sellers. When a seller sells securities to a market maker, the market maker can choose to hold them for a while or immediately find a buyer to match the trade, thereby earning a spread. Ordinary brokers only facilitate the trade and earn a commission.
The Hong Kong Futures Exchange offers certain preferential policies to these market-making brokers, such as an 80% reduction in transaction fees and rent.
To become a market maker, one must have a large amount of capital and strong research capabilities. Typically, large investment banks play this role, as they have ample funds and talent, allowing them to function well in the rapidly changing market.
Zhongshi might not lack money, but he was short on talent. He made most of the decisions himself, with others playing supporting roles. In this situation, acquiring a market-making brokerage firm was possible but difficult.
Another important point was that Zhongshi had not yet reached the legal age to be a legal representative. Without this status, many things would be difficult to handle.
After much consideration, Zhongshi ultimately decided to abandon the idea of acquiring a brokerage firm. However, he was very cautious about the confidentiality of the brokerage channel. He had already sensed that AIForex might no longer be safe.
After a detailed analysis, Zhongshi and Liao Chengde believed that the rumor originated from AIForex, though they couldn't pinpoint the specific person. However, they were certain it wasn't Andrew.
The logic was simple: if Andrew had spread the news, the amount would not have been as small as five hundred million Hong Kong dollars. Andrew knew their transaction details very well and was the second most important person in their small team, even surpassing Liao Chengde in some aspects.
Apart from Andrew, the only other person who knew about the Zhongyi account was the general manager of the Far East region, but he was unlikely to be the source. If he had, it would anger Zhongshi, and if they withdrew their funds, the company would lose a significant amount of commission. This would clearly be detrimental to his career, and any rational person would not do it.
The only possibility was that a junior employee overheard Zhongshi and Liao Chengde's casual conversation about Liao Xiaohua and misunderstood, thinking that Liao Chengde had made a fortune, leading to the rumor.
Zhongshi and Liao Chengde's speculation was not far from the truth, but they didn't realize that Liao Xiaohua had also played a role.
This story began with Liao Xiaohua's womanizing. When he first appeared at AIForex, he saw a beautiful receptionist and couldn't resist flirting with her. He was later severely reprimanded by Liao Chengde and never did it again.
However, the girl, named Liang Wanru, who had graduated from a prestigious local university, was deeply scheming. She had entered the financial industry to find a wealthy husband. Her cold demeanor that day was a calculated act of playing hard to get, as she had studied psychology.
Unfortunately, her efforts were misplaced. Intimidated by his father, Liao Xiaohua never flirted with her again, much to Liang Wanru's disappointment. Despite her carefully arranged "accidental" encounters, Liao Xiaohua remained indifferent, and her hopes sank, leading to resentment.
Women's thoughts are strange. "Too close and they become disrespectful; too distant and they bear a grudge" aptly describes this. Liang Wanru knew Liao Xiaohua was a playboy, often featured on the covers of gossip magazines, flirting with celebrities. Such men were not ideal partners, but she was confident she could control him, so she didn't mind.
Liang Wanru's dream of marrying into a wealthy family had faded over two years, but the kidnapping incident involving the Liao family reignited her interest. Recently, she overheard Zhongshi and Liao Chengde chatting, mentioning "five hundred million" casually. Their relaxed expressions suggested they were not in debt, so she naturally assumed Liao Chengde had made five hundred million Hong Kong dollars in the market.
Out of a desire for revenge, she privately leaked this information to people in the industry. The news spread rapidly, eventually making it to the financial newspapers and causing a minor uproar.
When Liao Chengde debunked the rumor, Liang Wanru was terrified. She never imagined that the young man she had her eye on had lost five hundred million Hong Kong dollars in a gamble, not made it. In her fear, she was also relieved that she had not succeeded in her pursuit, or she would have become a laughingstock.
Naturally, her interest in Liao Xiaohua vanished, and she treated him coldly whenever they met at the brokerage. Liao Xiaohua was puzzled for a long time, wondering what had happened to the once热情似火的接待小姐.
These were all afterthoughts.
After realizing there was a problem with the brokerage, Zhongshi decided to consider switching to another brokerage firm. However, Andrew was still at AIForex, and this was where he had made his name. Moreover, they still had an unresolved bet, making it difficult for him to bring up the topic.
Zhongshi decided to have a serious talk with Andrew.
"Andrew, what are your plans for the future?" In the VIP room of AIForex in the Far East Financial Building, Zhongshi looked at the steaming coffee in front of him and asked casually.
The weather was already quite hot, and a cooler coffee would have been more appropriate, but Zhongshi preferred a warmer drink. The reception staff at AIForex were very attentive, remembering Zhongshi's preferences in detail, even buying the specific coffee beans for him.
"Uh... Mr. Zhong, what do you mean?"
Andrew was taken aback. Despite being in Hong Kong for a long time, he still struggled with the indirect way of speaking in the Chinese-speaking world. Initially, he detested this style, but now he had a better understanding.
Zhongshi started with small talk, even asking about his career plans, seemingly out of concern. However, Andrew knew there was more to it and asked for clarification.
"Oh! Nothing much, just wondering if you plan to stay at the brokerage for the rest of your life?"
Zhongshi didn't expect Andrew to catch on so quickly. He decided to be straightforward and reveal his intentions.
"So, Mr. Zhong, what are you suggesting?"
Andrew had a hunch and was getting excited, but he still needed confirmation before he could be sure of Zhongshi's intentions.
Brokerage firms have a complete promotion system. Many traders start from the lowest positions and work their way up. A movie called "The Pursuit of Happyness" tells the story of a man who starts from the bottom of a brokerage firm and eventually founds his own.
Besides this path, there are other options, such as starting one's own fund.
Unlike the brokers of the future, who often lack solid professional knowledge and are poorly trained, these brokers are highly skilled and well-trained. In the future, many brokers have only a basic understanding of technical analysis and lack the necessary qualifications to openly solicit clients.
Many good systems from foreign companies, once introduced to mainland China, quickly become distorted, sometimes even becoming notorious, like insurance brokers.
Ultimately, the difference between certain industries in China and their foreign counterparts is due to the differences in legal systems and enforcement.
"Join me!"
Zhongshi finished his slightly cooled coffee, foam clinging to his lips.
"Sure!"
Andrew readily agreed.
Zhongshi's development over the years had not gone unnoticed by Andrew. He was the only one who knew about Zhongshi's financial affairs, which is why he agreed so readily.
Imagine, with just a little support from such a person, one's wealth could increase tenfold or even a hundredfold. How could such an opportunity be refused! (The last chapter of the second volume will be released tomorrow. The content of the recent chapters has been revised, and I hope it meets everyone's expectations.)