Chapter 908
Soros's ruthless move: inciting the Mexican people!
New York, Wall Street, Quantum Fund headquarters.
Soros sat in his office, listening to his subordinates' reports, his smile growing even brighter.
"Mr. Chairman, it seems that the effects of our covertly disseminated statements have far exceeded our expectations."
Chief analyst Mark Schwartz stood at his desk, holding a freshly printed data report.
"The peso fell 2.8% in early trading today and by the afternoon it had fallen 4.6%, a larger drop than we expected. Mexican bond yields rose 15 basis points, and the pace of capital outflow has clearly accelerated."
Soros nodded, picked up the coffee on the table, and took a small sip.
What's Lin Haoran's reaction?
"Not yet." Mark flipped through the documents in his hand. "It's late at night in Hong Kong, and our people have been keeping a close eye on things, but Lin Haoran hasn't made a sound yet!"
Soros's smile deepened.
He remained silent.
"Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Lin Haoran must already know about this, but for now he is remaining silent."
Mark paused, a hint of worry in his voice: "However, could this be a strategy of his? Given Lin Haoran's personality, he doesn't seem like the type to sit idly by and wait for his doom."
“Mark, you don’t understand Lin Haoran at all,” Soros said slowly. “He is very likely panicked, confused, and helpless right now, but he can’t show it.”
He is the richest man in Hong Kong, the executive director of Citibank, and the officiant at the Queen of England's wedding. He has to maintain his good image. These days I have come to terms with it. In my opinion, although he is on the same level as me, he does not dare to be as unscrupulous as me, which is why he rejected our cooperation in the first place.
Now, he can only remain silent, pretending that everything is under control.
Soros looked at Mark and continued, "But silence won't solve the problem. Tomorrow, the Hong Kong media will follow up, the day after tomorrow, the European media will follow up, and the day after that, the global media will be discussing this matter. By then, even if Lin Haoran wants to explain, he won't be able to."
Mark nodded thoughtfully and asked, "So what do we do next?"
“Keep pushing forward.” Soros picked up the data report. “Have Robert release another batch of information, this time more specific.”
For example, if Lin Haoran's subordinates are involved with our Quantum Fund and there's any overlap in their funds, we don't need evidence; just information from an insider is enough.
Soros paused, his gaze becoming even more profound.
"Also, have Victor contact our informant in Mexico City and have them add fuel to the fire in the local media, hyping up the relationship between Lin Haoran and 711-Eleven."
Let the Mexican people know that the person who shorted their country is making money on their soil. Then, without the government's intervention, the people will smash his shops.
Mark's eyes lit up.
“Mr. Chairman, this is a brilliant move. Once the Mexican people are incited, Lin Haoran’s more than 700 stores there will become the target of public criticism. Even if the Mexican government wants to protect foreign investment, it cannot stop the public’s anger.”
Moreover, the Mexican government is now waiting for an explanation from Mr. Lin Haoran. If he cannot provide a clear explanation, the Mexican government can simply shift all the blame onto him.
At that point, Lin Haoran's businesses in Mexico will become the scapegoat for this crisis.
Soros smiled and sat back down in his chair.
"Therefore, no matter what Lin Haoran chooses, he cannot escape this situation. If he remains silent, we will let public opinion continue to ferment."
He denies it, but we will release more information to make his situation even worse.
He wanted to explain that the Mexican government wouldn't give him a chance; it was a dead end.
Mark nodded, but then asked, "Mr. Chairman, I have a question. What if Lin Haoran really has evidence to prove that he didn't cooperate with us? For example, did he record a conversation?"
Soros paused for a moment, then laughed.
“A recording? Mark, you think too highly of him. That meeting was just the two of us; there was no third party involved.”
If he really did record it, it means he was wary of me from the very beginning. Do you think a business partner you've just met would do something like that?
Mark thought about it and agreed that it made sense.
They had conducted an in-depth investigation into Lin Haoran, and although he was cautious in his actions, they had never heard of him having the habit of recording visitors.
A confident smile appeared on Soros's lips as he continued, "This was a game whose outcome was predetermined. He thought that by rejecting me, he could escape unscathed, but he was wrong."
In this game, no one can escape unscathed. It's either get on the boat or drown. He chose not to get on the boat, so he could only drown.
Although my wealth is indeed less than his, that doesn't mean I can't drag him down with me!
He picked up his coffee cup, only to find it had gone cold, so he put the cup down and stood up again.
"Go ahead and proceed according to plan. I want to see Lin Haoran's name in the Mexico City newspapers within three days, not in the objective way, but in the way that will anger the public."
Mark nodded solemnly and turned to leave the office.
After the door closed, Soros leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.
Outside the window, the Manhattan skyline gleamed in the sunlight.
This global financial capital is always in motion, always chasing money and profit.
A slight smile appeared on Soros's lips.
Lin Haoran, you must be having a lot of headaches right now, right?
Can't sleep?
Dozens of media outlets, the Mexican Ministry of Finance, and now the Mexican people who are about to be incited—can you handle this onslaught?
This is the consequence of refusing to cooperate with me!
Thinking of this, Soros became even more smug.
He stood up, walked to the window again, and looked down at the street view of Wall Street below.
Those financial elites, hurrying about, are currently busy pursuing their own interests.
Unbeknownst to them, a battle worthy of being recorded in financial history was quietly unfolding above their heads.
And he, Soros, was the commander-in-chief of this battle.
Lin Haoran, you are too arrogant.
Do you think that with your business acumen, your connections in Hong Kong, and your connections in Britain and the United States, you can remain unscathed in this dog-eat-dog world?
too naive.
In this world, the strong always win.
You have so many resources, yet you don't dare to take a gamble like I do.
You guard those convenience stores, those real estate properties, those so-called "real industries," carefully dancing within the rules.
But what are the rules?
Rules are made by the strong.
And I am the one who breaks the rules.
Soros's smile deepened.
He turned around, walked back to his desk, picked up the data report, and looked at it carefully again.
The peso fell 4.6%, Mexican bond yields rose 15 basis points, and capital outflows accelerated.
These numbers, like a beautiful symphony, resonated in his ears.
When Mexico completely collapses, these numbers will turn into real money and flow into the Quantum Fund's accounts.
At that point, Soros would no longer be an ordinary hedge fund manager on Wall Street, but a true financial tycoon.
As for Lin Haoran...
Soros shook his head.
Pity.
If he had been willing to cooperate back then, they would be allies fighting side by side now.
With his financial resources and the Quantum Fund's operational capabilities, they could easily tear Mexico to pieces and then divide the spoils equally.
But he refused.
Then it can only become a stepping stone.
……
Meanwhile, in John Reed's office in the Citibank building in the same city, a completely different scene was unfolding.
Citigroup Chairman Walter Riston had just left his office, and the office had returned to silence.
In its previous US stock investments, John Reed's Foresight Capital ultimately earned Citigroup a whopping $5.7 million.
This means that Foresight Capital not only made up for the losses from its previous erroneous investment in Citibank, but also earned tens of millions of dollars in extra profits.
So, unsurprisingly, John Reed became Citibank's biggest contributor!
In John Reed's mind, Lin Haoran, his ally, was Citibank's greatest contributor.
Without Lin Haoran's accurate judgment and decisive decision-making, Foresight Capital could not have made a fortune during the US stock market crash.
At that moment, he was sitting at his desk, holding a copy of the Wall Street Journal that he had just received.
The headline on the front page was particularly eye-catching: "Eastern Capital and Wall Street Vultures: The Secret Alliance between Lin Haoran and Soros."
John Reed's brow furrowed deeply.
He knows Lin Haoran too well.
That young man was cautious and thoughtful, taking each step with steadiness. How could he possibly associate with someone like Soros?
Moreover, given Lin Haoran's style of doing things, if he really wanted to short Mexico, he would definitely choose the most covert method and would never leave any evidence.
But this report...
John Reed's gaze swept across the words.
The report was cleverly written, without any direct accusations, relying entirely on phrases like "according to sources familiar with the matter," "market rumors," and "industry analysts."
This writing style allows readers to make associations while keeping the author detached from the situation.
This is a typical tactic of information warfare.
Just now, Walter Riston came over with some evidence.
And this evidence is related to Quantum Fund!
As a US financial giant, Citibank's intelligence network extends throughout the United States and even into major global financial markets.
The evidence that Walter Riston just brought is enough to prove that Soros is the mastermind behind this propaganda war.
Following the stock market crash in the United States, Walter Riston is reportedly keen to accelerate the process of getting John Reed to succeed him.
The chairman, who has led Citibank for many years, has already set a timetable for the handover at a board meeting.
The $5.7 million profit further elevated John Reed's prestige within Citigroup to new heights.
Therefore, after receiving the intelligence from Citibank's intelligence department, Walter Riston did not contact Lin Haoran personally, but instead chose to hand it over to John Reed to handle personally.
The chairman of Citibank also knew that John Reed and Lin Haoran had a close relationship, and that it would be far more valuable to have John Reed deliver the favor than for him to do it himself.
A warm feeling welled up in John Reed's heart.
This demonstrates the breadth of vision and magnanimity of the Citibank chairman.
He not only gave me a platform to showcase my talents, but also gave me such an important friendship at a crucial moment.
This trust and this high regard are something he deserves to repay with his entire life.
John Reed picked up the evidence and examined it carefully again.
These documents detail the financial transactions between the Quantum Foundation and those 38 media outlets, involving payments of "consulting fees" made through certain accounts.
Despite going through multiple intermediaries, these traces could not be hidden from Citibank's powerful intelligence network.
“Soros, you’re too hasty,” John Reed muttered to himself. “If you want to do things cleanly, you should wait a few more years until the technology is more mature. Right now, you’re not shrewd enough.”
If Soros were targeting someone else, Citibank wouldn't care.
However, the target was Lin Haoran, an executive director of Citibank and John Reed's closest ally, so Citibank naturally wouldn't stand idly by.
He checked the time; it was a little after five in the afternoon.
It's still early; it's still the early hours of the morning in Hong Kong.
Therefore, he was not in a hurry to call Lin Haoran.
He looked at the evidence again.
This evidence is enough to expose Soros's conspiracy, enough to allow Lin Haoran to escape unscathed from this propaganda war, and even to turn against him.
As the sun gradually sets, its rays illuminate the glass curtain wall of the Citibank headquarters building, refracting a golden light.
Manhattan at sunset has a unique charm.
The golden sunlight shone on the skyscrapers, making the whole city seem to be gilded.
The Hudson River shimmered in the distance, and several cargo ships slowly sailed by, leaving trails of white ripples in their wake.
Soon, night fell, and the lights of New York City lit up.
John Reed stood up and walked to the window.
Outside the window, the Manhattan skyline was dazzling.
The windows of those skyscrapers shone with lights, like stars scattered across the night sky.
The neon lights of Times Square flashed incessantly, and even from several streets away, one could feel the hustle and bustle of the place.
This city that never sleeps is always running, always burning.
John Reed's gaze, however, seemed to pierce through this bustling scene and turn toward the distant East.
In Hong Kong, it should be around 7 a.m.
Lin Haoran should already be up, having breakfast, or already handling his tasks for the day.
Did he know about those reports?
Did he know that Soros was behind it all?
Did he know that Citibank already had evidence?
John Reed didn't know.
But he knew that Lin Haoran was never one to sit idly by and wait for his doom.
He must have his own plans.
At that moment, Lin Haoran was indeed eating breakfast.
In the restaurant on the first floor, Guo Xiaohan sat opposite Lin Haoran, sipping her milk.
Her belly was already quite noticeable; even wearing a loose maternity dress couldn't hide its protruding shape.
"Brother Haoran, what should we do?" Guo Xiaohan also saw today's Hong Kong newspaper report.
Lin Haoran smiled and reached out to take her hand.
"Don't worry, it's just some low-class tricks. Your husband was prepared!"
Guo Xiaohan breathed a sigh of relief and was no longer so worried.
Just then, the phone rang.
"You eat first, I'll take this call," Lin Haoran said to Guo Xiaohan after glancing at the number on his mobile phone—an overseas call.
Guo Xiaohan nodded obediently.
Lin Haoran picked up the phone and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window.
"Hey."
"Good morning, Lin." John Reed's voice came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of a smile. "I hope I didn't disturb your breakfast."
Lin Haoran smiled and said, "No, I just finished eating. Mr. Reed, is there some good news that you're calling so early?"
John Reed paused for a moment, then said, “Lin, I have some things you should take a look at.”
"what?"
"Evidence, evidence proving financial dealings between those media outlets and the Quantum Fund, evidence proving Soros manipulated public opinion to frame you!"
John Reed paused, then continued, "Soros thought he had done it perfectly, but he was too hasty. Although the money went through multiple intermediaries, our group's intelligence personnel still managed to track it down."
I believe you desperately need this evidence, so I contacted you without hesitation!
"What kind of evidence is it exactly?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.
“Detailed records of fund flows.” John Reed’s voice carried a hint of smugness. “The Quantum Fund paid a total of over two million dollars in consulting fees to those thirty-eight media outlets through multiple accounts.”
Although the money went through multiple intermediaries, it couldn't hide from Citibank's intelligence network. We have complete transfer records and information on the intermediaries.
Lin Haoran remained silent for a moment.
Then he smiled.
The laughter carried a hint of relief, and also a hint of gratitude.
This is perhaps the benefit of investing in Citigroup.
It was worth all the effort he put into Citibank, all so that Citibank could help him when he needed it!
Although he didn't actually need Citibank's help this time, it was enough to prove that Citibank had become a major asset to him.
“Mr. Reed, thank you,” Lin Haoran said sincerely, “but I don’t need it right now.”
John Reed paused for a moment.
"Lin, are you sure? This evidence can help you..."
Lin Haoran interrupted him: "Mr. Reed, I understand your good intentions, but it's not the right time yet. Let Soros keep jumping, let him think he's won, and I'll make my move when he jumps the highest."
John Reed, upon hearing this, said no more: "Alright, Lin, Citibank will try to collect as much evidence as possible for you. When you need it, Citibank can also speak out. Also, I will fax this evidence to you in a bit!"
"Okay, Mr. John, thank you for your help," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
“We’re on the same side. Your business is Citibank’s business, isn’t it?” John Reed retorted.
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
“That’s right, we’re on the same side.” He repeated with a smile. (End of Chapter)