It was Sunday that I extinguished the fire, so today is Monday.
Praise the sun!
As the soft golden light falls upon the earth, people begin another day of labor.
Like ants emerging from their nests, streets, malls, factories, and exchanges are filled with bustling crowds, and the air is vibrant with energy.
As time passes, the stock exchange is packed with investors and financial professionals. Groups of two or three are seen with newspapers, either chatting or discussing.
Regardless of the conversation, the focal point is the impending climax of the battle for control of the E-He Machinery Group.
After last Friday's market closure, E-He Machinery's stock price had settled at 78 Hong Kong dollars, and the company's market value had risen from 1.1 billion to 3.12 billion.
The intense competition had pushed E-He Machinery into the top fifteen of Hong Kong's corporate rankings.
This morning's latest issue of *Economic Weekly* shows E-He Machinery with a total market value of 3.12 billion Hong Kong dollars, ranked 13th on the list!
And given the still uncertain situation, it is inevitable that the stock price will rise further. It might even break into the top ten of Hong Kong's corporate rankings today!
Moreover, the battle for E-He Machinery has attracted more funds into the stock market, causing the overall market to rise by more than ten points.
Many financial institutions, including Jiuding Securities, have revised their securities research reports, upgrading E-He Machinery to a "buy" recommendation, with stock price expectations ranging from 90 to 120 Hong Kong dollars.
The impact of this is evident!
Given the stakes involving a company worth billions, it is no surprise that both spectators and stakeholders are highly concerned.
Will the 'stock god' maintain his divine position and boost the morale of the Chinese people?
Or will the British financiers suppress the power of Chinese capital?
This thrilling battle will resume after a two-day pause.
*Ding!*
With the sound of the bell, everyone's spirits are lifted as their gazes turn to the display boards, eagerly searching for E-He Machinery's stock price information.
"It's up! Quoted at 84.3 Hong Kong dollars! The opening price jumped!"
"Wow! That's frightening!"
"Who's bidding so aggressively, quoting such a high price?"
"It's gone up again…"
As E-He Machinery's stock price fluctuates once more, the stock exchange is in a frenzy, with exclamations and excitement all around.
The stock price situation is immediately relayed to Old John.
Old John is not at home but has come directly to the company responsible for the trading. Alongside him are the company's head, Niu Bijian, and his two sons.
Seeing Old John's stern expression, Niu Bijian and the others understand that he is in a bad mood, so they remain silent, waiting for his orders.
"Is anyone selling stocks?" Old John asks the person in charge of trading.
"No, it's all buy orders. Not a single sell order!" The trading room manager decisively shakes his head.
Hearing this, Old John furrows his brow and looks at the traders around him who are working intensively.
After a moment of contemplation, he says solemnly, "Stop for now. Do not bid for stocks anymore!"
Everyone is taken aback. Though they do not understand Old John's intention, the trading room manager promptly executes the order, instructing the traders to halt.
With this, everyone stops their work, some confused about what to do next.
Old John ignores them and says to Niu Bijian and others, "Given the current situation, it's impossible to acquire stocks from the market. After so many days, investors and institutions have long seen that there is still room for the stock price to rise. Our bidding would only cause the price to go up further, making it more difficult to buy stocks from other shareholders."
Upon hearing this, Niu Bijian and Henry nod in agreement, recognizing Old John's point.
"So the focus should be on the major shareholders!"
"Continue to monitor. If anyone starts selling stocks, you can then direct people to buy. Otherwise, remain on standby!" Old John instructs Niu Bijian and then turns to the trading room manager, commanding him.
"Understood!" The trading room manager nods in agreement.
"Niu Bijian, send people to focus on Nomura Securities and Daiwa Securities. These two firms are inclined to sell stocks, but their asking prices are high due to Goldman Sachs' involvement. However, it ultimately comes down to price. Quickly ascertain their bottom line, and if it's reasonable, buy directly without further delay!"
"With Goldman Sachs involved, their intentions are unclear. We must stay vigilant! Also, be cautious of Jiuding Securities acquiring the shares!"
Old John then gives further instructions to Niu Bijian.
"Okay, Chairman!" Niu Bijian responds calmly.
"I'll personally negotiate for Cummins Company's stocks."
"Henry and Charles, you two keep a close watch on other companies and report any developments to me immediately!"
"Understood, Father!"
After Old John's instructions are given, everyone disperses to act, aiming to complete the acquisition of absolute control as quickly as possible.
With both flowers blooming separately, each branch shows its own brilliance!
Just before the stock market opens, Xia Yu has already set tasks at Jiuding Securities.
All traders are in position, eagerly awaiting to spring into action.
The funds from Bao Yugang and Li Jiacheng have already been transferred to Xia Yu's company's account, and the funds are in the market, ready for action at the sound of the bell!
"Prepare to act!"
Looking at his watch, Xia Yu says with a serious expression. Everyone instinctively stands tall and focuses on the machines in front of them.
*Ding!*
With the sound of the bell, the ready traders immediately start targeting their objectives, and massive funds flood into the stock market.
At the same time, with Feng Jingxi's command, large sums of money flow into the stock market from Sun Hung Kai Securities, sweeping other targets.
Jiuding Securities and Sun Hung Kai Securities are two of the top three Chinese securities firms, with substantial strength and influence.
Even though they are targeting seven listed companies, which is a larger number, the effect is still similar.
The circulating stocks of these seven companies are quickly cleared out, and their stock prices begin to rise. However, it's not a continuous upward surge.
Instead, the prices show intermittent rises and falls with high volatility. This sophisticated price control method makes investors and institutions uncertain and cautious, valuing each point of increase.
Seeing this price fluctuation trend, many investors who prefer stability and tend to take profits will likely choose to sell out once their expected prices are reached.
As a result, the stock market sees a significant increase in sell orders, which is exactly what Xia Yu and Feng Jingxi wanted!
As time passes, E-He Machinery's stock price rises from the opening price of 84 Hong Kong dollars to 90.8 Hong Kong dollars. By mid-morning, it has surpassed the 90-dollar mark, showing a strong recovery.
As time goes on, the abnormal stock prices and the sudden surge in turnover rates for the seven companies cause their CEOs to be anxious. Zhou Sen, the head of the E-He Group's observation room, receives the feedback immediately.
Seeing the abnormalities in so many companies' stock prices, he is reminded of a similar scene that happened before.
Back then, only four companies like Mei Xin Mei Shi Group had abnormal stock prices.
But this time, it's far more severe!
A rare occurrence with seven companies!
"Trouble! We must urgently notify the president!" Zhou Sen says anxiously, grabs the statistical report, and immediately dials the phone.