Chapter Twelve: First Steps to Distinction
By June 2020, the iron ore index had already been speculated up to around 740. After a period of rallying, iron ore had been on the rise from its lowest point for some time. However, according to surveys by Xinhua Futures and Pingtai Futures, the current price was still too low. The price was still about two hundred points below the highest estimated value anticipated by retail investors, leaving substantial profits yet to be realized. Consequently, Lin Chu’s futures company, Xinmin Futures, began exchanging chips with the previous iron ore manipulators. The former controllers started unloading their positions, while Xinmin Futures began accumulating shares.
Lin Chu stood in the trading room, eyes fixed on the giant screen where numbers flickered every second. With meticulous command, he directed his staff to commence work. Having already settled matters with the shareholders, Lin Chu's plans could now proceed smoothly. His ambitions were finally ready to unfold. Excitedly, he addressed his team in the trading room: “Brothers, the time has come for us to make our mark and build our legacy.”
Meanwhile, Li Fengyu, having helped Lin Chu resolve numerous troubles earlier, was promoted to become the de facto second-in-command at Xinmin Futures, also acquiring a significant 15% stake—a considerable share given that most shares were held by the shareholders. Li Sen was appointed Lin Chu’s secretary.
Li Fengyu briskly walked from his office through the lobby to the trading room, holding some documents. Smiling slightly at Lin Chu, he said, “Young President, as the saying goes, a new leader brings three fires. You’ve already burned the first one by settling the shareholders. Now it seems the second fire is well underway. According to my research, the cultural commodities market as a whole is trending beautifully and beginning to reverse. There’s even the possibility of a major bull market this year or next. We have the perfect timing, favorable conditions, and unity—we possess all three.”
With a grand gesture pointing at the screen, Lin Chu declared, “Fengyu, this marks the start of our great journey. We young people must carve out a world of our own with our own hands. We will create history, write history, and change history. Our names must be immortalized like Keynes, revered for generations to come.”
Li Fengyu, captivated by Lin Chu’s passionate spirit, felt the same surge of enthusiasm. Indeed, the timing, conditions, and unity were all in their favor. This was an unprecedented era of transformation, with rapid technological advances and flourishing economies. Every generation had its mission, and they would rely on their wisdom, foresight, and skill to claim their own greatness. Li Fengyu, Lin Chu, and Li Sen vowed to engrave their names forever on the monument of history and become celebrated figures.
After this stirring exchange, Li Fengyu handed Lin Chu the materials and said, “The accumulation work is proceeding steadily. Next, we’ll operate according to the moving averages, MACD, and Bollinger Bands indicators. We must also closely monitor retail investors’ behavior on various forums, especially their follow-up trading after price surges.”
Lin Chu smiled faintly. “I trust you to handle things well. But there’s one more matter I want to discuss with you first.”
After instructing the staff to continue working, Lin Chu and Fengyu headed toward the office. Walking alongside him, Lin Chu wore a pensive expression and said, “Fengyu, I’m planning to hire a batch of new recruits. What do you think?”
Li Fengyu was somewhat surprised—this was not the usual hiring season. Moreover, he wondered why Lin Chu suddenly wanted to recruit new staff. Putting aside his doubts for the moment, he responded, “I think it’s a good idea. It will inject fresh blood into the company.”
Lin Chu continued, “Most of our staff are over 35 years old—around eighty people—and the majority of the rest are also quite senior. Their efficiency and mental agility simply don’t compare to younger people anymore.”