Chapter 915
Selling in a bustling area
February 19th, sunny. North America, New York.
The clamor and frenzy of yesterday have not yet subsided. After the Nasdaq Composite Index hit a record high of 4548.90 points, the atmosphere before the market opened today was still like dry tinder, fiery and restless.
4500 points no longer seemed like an insurmountable barrier, but rather a new starting point. Countless greedy eyes were focused on the flashing price screen, anticipating the next miracle.
On the top floor of a skyscraper in the heart of Manhattan, in a trading room equipped with state-of-the-art trading terminals and offering a panoramic view of half the financial district, the atmosphere is quite different.
There were no cheers, only the deep rhythm of keyboard typing and the calm commands coming from the communicator.
Chen Fan, Lu Yang's top financial trader, was standing in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window, his back to the trading hall, calmly gazing at the city below, a city filled with the desire for capital.
Behind him were dozens of traders and analysts holding their breath, waiting for instructions.
"Boss, it's 9:10 in New York time. In five minutes, the auction will begin. What should we do?" A deputy wearing a headset and with a crisp voice walked quickly behind Chen Fan and asked in a low voice.
Chen Fan didn't turn around, his voice as calm as if stating a given fact: "How to do it? Naturally, the same old rules." He turned around, his sharp gaze sweeping across the entire trading room, "Give the order that everyone place a massive buy order at 9:15, with the price 5% to 10% higher than yesterday's closing price of Little Prodigy."
He paused, then emphasized, "Make sure to diversify your accounts and stagger your order placements so it's not obvious that this is a single institution operating. The goal is singular: create the illusion of a buying frenzy, attract speculative buying, and drive up opening expectations! Understand?"
"Understood, boss! We're familiar with this!" the deputy replied immediately, quickly relaying the instructions through the internal communication system.
The trading room was instantly filled with an even more intense clatter of keyboards, as invisible instructions transformed into a data stream, surging towards the market that was about to open.
Chen Fan walked to the control panel and looked at the screen. Yesterday's closing price of Little Prodigy was steadily at $65.50, and its market value had exceeded $200 billion.
He continued to issue instructions: "Before 9:28, cancel all the buy orders that have been placed! Then, at a price slightly higher than yesterday's closing price by $0.5, that is, $66, sweep up all the buy orders! Take as many as you can, but be quick and discreet!"
A flicker of doubt crossed the deputy's eyes: "Boss, wouldn't this result in too much loss? The market is so enthusiastic right now; we could easily raise the price first, then gradually sell off, allowing us to achieve an even higher average price. To proactively lower the price and sell off now...is that......"
"No way!" Chen Fan interrupted him decisively, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We have too many chips! Raising the price and selling in batches? Too slow, and things could go wrong! Listen to me, this time we're not only going to sell, but we're also going to take over the chips held by retail investors, and even those held by institutions! As long as they dare to accumulate chips at this price, we'll give them as many as they want. Give the order: if the stock price can stabilize above $65 half an hour after the market opens, keep placing sell orders. If it's below $65, then wait and see, and let those institutions that are bullish on it continue to push the price up!"
His eyes gleamed. "Today's mission is to sell at least 200 million shares! We must accomplish this!"
"Yes! Understood!" The deputy was intimidated by Chen Fan's determination and imposing manner, and without saying another word, immediately carried out the order.
At this moment, another assistant in charge of liaison couldn't help but interject, "By the way, boss, haven't several top Wall Street investment banks and large hedge funds contacted us privately, expressing a strong desire to directly purchase our company shares through large-scale agreements in the over-the-counter primary market? Even the boss instructed us that if the situation meets our expectations, we can go through the over-the-counter primary market route. Although their initial offer price is discounted from the market price, it's still quite considerable. Why don't you agree to their offer? At least... at least make contact and talk, wouldn't it be easier to sell a large number of shares all at once?"
Chen Fan sneered, his eyes revealing a deep understanding of the jungle law of Wall Street: "No talking! Do you think these foreigners are all kind-hearted people? They are the most ruthless and vicious, they'll eat people alive!"
He quickened his pace, analyzing the risks involved: "As soon as we let out a hint that we're willing to sit down and talk, they'll immediately sense an opportunity. Once they know our hand, they'll demand an exorbitant price! Even worse, they'll deliberately drag the media in, spreading rumors like 'Century Group's major shareholder is seeking an off-market sell-off' or 'Little Prodigy's core shareholder is bearish and leaving,' making the whole thing a hot topic! Then, with all the panic they create, guess what will happen to Little Prodigy's stock price? Several consecutive large drops would be the least of our worries! Even if we eventually succumb to pressure and actually sign the share transfer agreement at their promised 'preferential price' of 80% of the stock price that day..."
Chen Fan stared at his assistant and asked, word by word, "Do you think that after the panic selling, 80% of the stock price at that time still made sense? We'll have to swallow this loss whether we want to or not! The initiative will be completely in their hands!"
The assistant broke out in a cold sweat, then suddenly realized: "I see! These bloodsuckers... So, with so many chips in our hands, are we only able to sell them slowly on the secondary market? That's quite risky."
"That's not necessarily true." A shrewd calculation flashed in Chen Fan's eyes. "First, do as I said, sell off your shares on the secondary market for a few days, safely and at a high price, getting the minimum 5% of company equity the boss requires, and securing some real money. Then..."
He smiled slightly. "Let's observe the situation further, act accordingly, and make further plans. We'll remain steadfast in the face of change! Even if those foreigners try to play tricks, creating short-term market panic to suppress the stock price and force us to sell at a low price, we can simply hold off on selling for now! The boss will likely agree with this strategy. We have sufficient cash reserves and can afford to wait. Once market sentiment calms down, or we find a more suitable buyer, the initiative will still be in our hands."
"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Boss, you've got it all figured out!" the assistant exclaimed sincerely.
Thanks to the Nasdaq's record closing high yesterday and the continued strength of global tech stocks, the stock price of Little Prodigy staged a thrilling battle during the pre-market auction.
The massive "bait" orders posted by Chen Fan's team successfully ignited the market's buying frenzy, driving up the bidding prices all the way.
However, at 9:28, these buy orders vanished like ghosts, catching the market off guard.
At the opening bell, Chen Fan's order was as precise as a scalpel, sweeping up all buy orders in the market at $66. Whether it was retail investors or institutions bullish on tech stocks, they were all swallowed up by this powerful selling pressure. The stock price briefly dipped after the opening but was quickly supported by surging buy orders and institutions optimistic about the future, continuing its upward trend.
The plan went exceptionally smoothly that day.
Although Lu Yang, the major shareholder, had "shaken off" a huge amount of 200 million shares through Chen Fan's manipulation during the pre-market auction, causing the opening price to be slightly lower than yesterday's closing price, the market's bullish sentiment surged like a tidal wave, quickly pushing the stock price up and even breaking through $68 at one point.
Chen Fan's team not only achieved their goal of selling 200 million shares, but also achieved an average price of $66.3, far exceeding expectations.
In the following days, market enthusiasm remained high, and the Nasdaq continued its upward surge, aiming for the 5000-point mark.
Chen Fan's team strictly followed Lu Yang's instructions and established trading strategies, like a precise machine, calmly executing the "victorious retreat" amidst the market frenzy.
They took advantage of every market surge to sell off their holdings in batches and discreetly, cleverly integrating each sale into the normal market fluctuations without causing large-scale panic or obvious signs of a sell-off.
In just a few days, Lu Yang's first-stage goal—reducing his stake in Xiaoshentong by approximately 5%—has been successfully completed.
Shenzhen, Century Tower, top floor, Chairman's office.
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the sun shines brightly, offering a panoramic view of Shenzhen's bustling cityscape.
Lu Yang sat behind his large desk, having just hung up an encrypted satellite phone call from New York.
Chen Fan's calm, slightly relieved voice, carrying a hint of satisfaction at having completed his mission, still lingered in my ears through the receiver:
"Boss, everything went smoothly, and the first phase of the plan was completed. The 5% equity stake has been safely exited, and a total of US$10.75 billion has been recovered. The actual average transaction price was slightly higher than our initial conservative estimate, and we even recovered US$7500 million more than expected."
Lu Yang smiled with satisfaction and said into the microphone, "Very good, well done, thank you for your hard work. The safe return of funds is the top priority."
"What's next?" Chen Fan asked.
Lu Yang leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the smooth mahogany surface—a habitual gesture when he was thinking. "Since the situation is even better than we expected, and market sentiment remains high,"
He decisively ordered, "There's no need to rush to contact those bloodsucking vampires on Wall Street. Continue to sell off your shares in the secondary market as planned! This time, I'll give you a week. The goal is still to reduce my holdings of the remaining 5% of Little Prodigy's shares. Remember, timing and secrecy are still the highest priorities."
"Understood, boss! I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Chen Fan's voice was full of confidence.
Lu Yang added, his tone carrying an undeniable bottom line: "By the way, don't be so stubborn. The market is constantly changing. If, within this week, Little Prodigy's stock price falls below the psychological support level of $60, or if the Nasdaq shows clear signs of a significant correction..."
He paused, his voice turning cold, "Then you must immediately change your strategy, stop selling in the secondary market, and start negotiations with those foreigners. I don't care what methods you use, whether it's dividing and weakening them or introducing competition, the bottom line is that by the end of the month, you must achieve the 20% total reduction target I set! The funds must be safely recovered!"
"Yes! Understood! $60 is the bottom line, and the end of the month is the deadline!" Chen Fan clearly repeated the key instructions.
Lu Yang hung up the phone, casually tossed the expensive satellite phone onto the table, and completely relaxed, even letting out a contented whistle.
$10.75 million!
With another huge sum of money planned for the future, this would be a massive cash flow that could unlock the future. His deep gaze drifted out the window, as if piercing through the concrete jungle to see a broader capital landscape.
“Now I have plenty of cash on hand again,” he muttered to himself, a hint of excitement in his voice as he took control of the situation. “What should I do? It’s time to stockpile more ‘food’ and ‘ammunition’ for the coming ‘winter’…”
"Knock, knock, knock." There was a gentle knock on the office door.
"Go in." Lu Yang composed himself, regaining his usual calm.
The office secretary opened the door and respectfully announced, "Chairman, President Mou and President Xiao have arrived."
"Let them in." Lu Yang turned his executive chair to face the door.
Mu Qizhong and Xiao Jun walked in one after the other.
However, in stark contrast to Lu Yang's relaxed and carefree demeanor, both of them appeared somewhat gloomy, their brows furrowed, as if they had just experienced an unpleasant argument.
Xiao Jun, in particular, had a glint in his eye, revealing obvious dissatisfaction and anxiety.
"Brother, something's not right!" Mu Qizhong plopped down on the sofa and spoke first, his tone full of complaint. "Look at the Nasdaq, it's like it's on drugs, it broke a new high again today, closing at 5849 points! Little Prodigy is rising too, and we've been reducing our holdings as you suggested these past few days. Although we've successfully sold some, it's just that it's been too damn successful. The stock price isn't falling but rising instead, and I just feel... like we're losing out!"
He slapped his thigh, "How come the stock price keeps rising even as we reduce our holdings? If we had known this would happen, we shouldn't have rushed to sell! Wouldn't we have made more money if we had held on until it reached $70 or $80?"
Xiao Jun immediately chimed in, "Yeah, brother-in-law! This seems a bit different from what you predicted... Look at the market, there's no sign of it collapsing at all! It's like a raging fire, the more it burns, the brighter it gets! Did we withdraw too early? Did we miss out on the big market rally that followed?"
He walked closer to the desk, placed his hands on the surface, leaned forward, and looked directly at Lu Yang. "Moreover, we've recently been instructing our people to cash out our Little Prodigy shares. Although everything has gone smoothly, seeing the decreasing number of shares in our accounts and the cash that, while considerable, could have been more, coupled with the ever-increasing stock price on the screen, it's really unsettling! Have we been fooled by the market's illusion? Or... is your judgment this time... perhaps we should temporarily refrain from reducing our holdings?"
He didn't finish his sentence, but his questioning was already very clear.
Lu Yang listened calmly to their complaints and doubts, his face expressionless, with even a faint smile playing on his lips.
After they finished speaking, he slowly said, "Isn't this great? Market sentiment is high, making it easy for us to cash out at the peak! Taking profits and securing them is the best policy, cash is king, what's wrong with that?"
“But…” Xiao Jun wanted to argue.
Seeing everyone continuing to reduce their holdings, and realizing that his position as the prodigy CEO was likely in jeopardy, he panicked. He wished he had known...
“There are no buts.” Lu Yang interrupted him, his tone still calm, but his eyes sharpened as he swept over Mu Qizhong and Xiao Jun. “Trust me, and continue with the plan, selling off some of your chips. If you think you'll suffer losses by continuing like this, or that my judgment is wrong…”
He shrugged, his tone nonchalant yet filled with an invisible pressure. "Your feet are your own feet, your hands are your own hands, and I haven't sewn your mouths shut. It's simple: just tell your men to buy back the shares you sold at the current market price. That way, you'll keep the profits from the previous sale and continue to enjoy the benefits of rising stock prices. Isn't that a win-win situation?"
Lu Yang's words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing their rising complaints and leaving them speechless.
Buy it back? Easier said than done! Putting aside the transaction fees and impact costs of frequent transactions, more importantly, their deep-seated fear of Lu Yang's almost monstrous judgment, and the profound meaning behind Lu Yang's "do as you please" attitude, made them dare not act rashly.
What if... what if the market collapses right after they buy it? Wouldn't they be caught in the middle and suffer losses from both sides?
Mu Qizhong and Xiao Jun exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness and compromise in each other's eyes.
Mu Qizhong coughed lightly, breaking the silence first, his tone softening: "Cough, forget it! Let's not talk about this anymore! Since you made this decision back then, I trust you! I trust your judgment, Brother Lu! Let's go for it, it's better to have the money in hand and feel at ease!" He waved his hand, trying to hide his embarrassment and wavering.
Xiao Jun's expression shifted a few times, and he managed a forced smile: "Hehe, I was just muttering a few words and venting, don't be angry, good brother-in-law."
He tried to use their kinship to bridge the gap, saying, "Come on, let's go for a drink. It's on me tonight, you pick the place! Let's relax."
Lu Yang glanced at the still bright sunshine outside the window; it was still a long time before evening.
He withdrew his gaze, looked at Xiao Jun, shook his head, and said with a laugh, "Forget it, I'm not going. You guys go ahead. I'll go back tonight to spend time with Mingyue and the children. Besides, I have to go on a business trip in a couple of days."
"Business trip?" Xiao Jun's eyes lit up, his previous gloom seemingly vanished, and his face instantly filled with an ambiguous smile. "Where are you going? Not to Hong Kong again, are you?" He deliberately lowered his voice, carrying a tacit understanding.
He knew about Lu Yang's affair in Hong Kong, and he'd even heard that she'd given birth to a son for his brother-in-law.
He didn't have enough fun in Hong Kong last time, and he heard that Fatty Wang has recently "discovered" a few fresh and attractive young stars... Perfect, he can have Lu Yang take him along, and he, Young Master Xiao, can "help" check them out...
When Lu Yang saw Xiao Jun's lewd and lewd expression, he knew that the guy was up to no good and was probably thinking about those sensual pleasures again.
His face darkened, and he glared at Xiao Jun without any politeness, his tone carrying a warning: "Get out! I'm not taking you this time! Go by yourself! You play with your woman, I'll do my business." He deliberately emphasized the words "business," drawing a clear line between them.
"Tch!" Xiao Jun's face stiffened at the retort. He pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, his voice filled with obvious resentment and sourness. "Keep pretending! We're brothers, aren't we? I go out and play around with women, but you do the same, don't you? The only difference is that mine is a 'public vehicle,' and yours is a 'private vehicle'... Humph, I hate people like you who are hypocritical and 'use public vehicles for private purposes' the most!" Of course, he only dared to mutter these words in his heart and didn't dare to say them out loud.
He tugged at Mu Qizhong resentfully, "Old Mu, let's go, if he doesn't want to go, fine, let's go have some fun!"
Watching Mu Qizhong and Xiao Jun leave the office arm in arm, each lost in their own thoughts, Lu Yang's lips curled into a bitter smile. He shook his head helplessly. "It's only been a short while, and you're already regretting reducing your holdings. If you wait a few more days until the Nasdaq breaks through the historical high of 5000 points, won't you be kicking yourselves? But don't you understand the principle of buying when no one's interested and selling when everyone's talking about it? If you wait until it hits its peak before considering cashing out, well, that'll be the end of you." (End of Chapter)