Chapter 57: Chapter 057: Memories
Zhao Yang was also reminded of the past and, with a long sigh, began, "Back then, it was me, Huang Zhaokun, Wu Fei, Sun Chong, and Xu Changjie. The five of us followed Mr. Wang to trade U.S. stocks. At that time, none of us were very skilled, much like you when you first started, making little money each month. It was Mr. Wang who supported us. He would often help us out financially because we couldn't make ends meet. To be honest, it was tough! Mr. Wang sold his house to pay the margin and opened an account. We couldn't afford a decent office, so we rented a two-story house in the suburbs. We slept on the second floor during the day and traded on the first floor at night. It was tough, but there was a sweetness in the hardship."
"Later, as we got better, the company started making money, and Mr. Wang began to recruit people on a large scale. We moved into a proper office. Du Chao, Li Meng, and Wang Haijiang joined the company then. The company grew step by step, and the number of traders went from the initial six of us to over a hundred."
"Just when we thought the company was on track, something happened. We were trying our hand at market-making and were doing well initially, but we got caught off guard one night. Including Mr. Wang, more than ten of us lost over five million dollars."
"Even today, five million dollars isn't a small amount for us, let alone back then."
By this time, the elevator had reached the 26th floor. Chen Wei and Zhao Yang exited the elevator, and Zhao Yang suggested they sit by the stairwell for a while. Chen Wei, curious about the old days, followed Zhao Yang into the stairwell, and they sat down on the steps.
Zhao Yang took out a cigarette and offered one to Chen Wei, who shook his head. Zhao Yang lit one for himself, took a couple of puffs, and continued, "Five million! Atis shut down all our accounts and demanded we replenish the margin by twenty million yuan within three days."
"Where could we get that kind of money? Even if we sold everything, we couldn't raise ten million! Just when we thought the company was done for, Mr. Wang brought someone in."
"It was Chu Shaoyun, the eldest son of the Chu family from Haidong and heir to the Chu conglomerate."
"We didn't know how Mr. Wang knew Chu Shaoyun or what they discussed. But when Chu Shaoyun arrived, he immediately put up fifty million!"
"That fifty million saved the company. Of course, Chu Shaoyun rightfully became a major shareholder."
"But to him, fifty million and our little company were nothing. He hasn't bothered with the company since then, not even attending the annual meetings we invite him to every year."
"So, you newcomers don't know that the company isn't solely Mr. Wang's. Chu Shaoyun is the major shareholder behind the scenes."
"But now, Chu Shaoyun has sent his cousin, Luo Chen, to our company!"
"We don't know what Chu Shaoyun's intentions are. Is he just giving his cousin a job, or does he have other plans because the company has grown over the years?"
"Anyway, because of Wang Dongcheng's incident, I've made an enemy of Luo Chen. Even if Mr. Wang still supports me, I probably won't be able to stay in the company for long. But it doesn't matter; I can always resign, switch jobs, or even start my own business."
Zhao Yang took a couple more drags and tossed the cigarette butt, lighting another one. He seemed a bit frustrated.
Understandably, he was now in the leadership at Meitai, with a basic salary, team commissions, and performance bonuses. Even without trading, his monthly income far exceeded that of an average white-collar worker. Moreover, Meitai was built step by step by people like him. How could he just leave?
"So that's what happened. What's Mr. Wang's stance on this? Luo Chen first squeezed out Huang Zhaokun and now he's targeting you. It looks like he's trying to get rid of all the veterans. He clearly has ulterior motives. Mr. Wang won't just let him do as he pleases, right?"
Chen Wei wasn't particularly concerned about the company's fate since he was planning to leave anyway. He was just curious. Wang Wentao didn't seem like someone who could be easily manipulated.
Zhao Yang shook his head, sighed, and said, "Who knows? Mr. Wang's thoughts have become deeper and deeper. After all these years, I understand him less and less."
Chen Wei didn't ask further. After a moment of silence, Zhao Yang said, "Actually, you don't know. Next month, although you'll still be in Group Seven, your performance won't count towards Group Seven. It's all Luo Chen's doing, playing these underhanded tricks. Chen Wei, be careful in the company. Luo Chen probably hates you too, so be prepared."
"Me? I don't care. He can do whatever he wants. If he has the guts, he can just shut down my account."
Chen Wei replied calmly, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes. He didn't want trouble and just wanted to quietly trade and make some money before leaving. But if Luo Chen came after him, he wasn't someone to be bullied.
Zhao Yang shook his head, saying, "Don't worry about the account. He doesn't have the authority. As long as I'm still in the company and you're in my group, Luo Chen can't touch your account. Just keep trading. But try not to call out stocks."
Chen Wei frowned, looking puzzled at Zhao Yang.
Zhao Yang explained, "I'm worried someone in Group Seven has been bribed by Luo Chen. If he knows what stocks you're buying, he'll go against you, which could be a problem."
A cold look flashed in Chen Wei's eyes. He hadn't considered this possibility before! Indeed, with Luo Chen's authority, he could control some smaller stocks. If Luo Chen knew which stocks Chen Wei was buying, he'd definitely go against him, making it impossible for Chen Wei to make money.
"I understand."
Chen Wei nodded.
"Of course, this is just my speculation. There's no evidence that anyone in Group Seven has been bribed. You don't need to suspect everyone. Just trade as usual, but call out fewer stocks."
Zhao Yang added.
"Got it."
Chen Wei replied.
"Alright, the market is about to open. Let's go back."
Zhao Yang stood up, and they left the stairwell together.
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