Chapter 511 Technical Adjustment
On the way back, Ian Ball's face was still flushed with excitement. Connecting with Epstein tonight made him more convinced that Lu Yiming's identity and background were extraordinary.
"Mr. Lu, I didn't expect that you could chat and laugh with Epstein and even know someone from the Ministry of Justice!"
Lu Yiming had no intention of correcting his misunderstanding. Instead, he encouraged him, "Work hard. If you make achievements this time, the big shots you will meet in the future will definitely exceed your imagination."
After listening to Lu Yiming's words, Ian Ball felt like he was injected with chicken blood.
Now that we have just started, we have already established connections with Epstein and the bigwigs of the Ministry of Justice. It is really unimaginable what kind of big shots we will meet in the future.
He felt that Mr. Lu was really down-to-earth and honest! If he said he was beyond imagination, then he was beyond imagination!
In the next few days, Lu Yiming had to run around.
Because so many people want to meet him, shorting the stock market is like a feast and everyone wants to come and take a bite or two and eat until their mouths are full of oil.
Correspondingly, the scale of funds of the Saltwater Fund is also getting bigger and bigger, and more and more big names are getting involved, covering politics, academia and business circles. Many big names appeared in front of him.
I have to say, money really is what moves people.
They are in high positions, but they don't care at all whether the interests of the United States will suffer losses after the U.S. stock market plummets.
On the contrary, they were thinking of taking advantage of this opportunity to make a fortune.
After seeing off another group of guests, Li Yiwen couldn't help but complain: "How many of the civil and military officials in the United States are not beasts in human clothing? In the past, our domestic magazines all said that the politicians in the United States were honest, patriotic and law-abiding. I believed them, but now I see their true faces."
Lu Yiming joked, "You believe the article in Reader's Digest ? How high can the moral standards of a country that rose through slaughter and plunder be? It's just that the politicians here need the votes of the voters, so they dare not do it too blatantly. But wolves are wolves, and they still need to eat meat after all."
Li Yiwen said with emotion: "Ah, it seems that all crows are black."
Lu Yiming found a comfortable position and sat on the sofa, saying in a leisurely tone: "Now that so many big shots have been dragged into this, we are completely safe. If someone dares to come and investigate, I will overturn the table and see who is more anxious then."
Li Yiwen didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and pointed at Lu Yiming and said, "You are really mean, kid."
Lu Yiming disagreed with Li Yiwen's evaluation of him and argued: "I am a villain first and a gentleman later. How can I do business with these white people without being more cautious?"
Because of Lu Yiming's early detonation, the bursting of the technology bubble on the Nasdaq in the United States was brought forward by a month, catching many people off guard.
Soon the Nasdaq index plummeted from its highest point of 5,300 points to around 4,930 points, almost diving towards hell.
Although many stock experts and economists have come out to call on investors to remain calm, saying that this is just a technical adjustment and the stock price will soon go back up, the United States is still extremely strong.
However, the reality is that a large number of Internet companies in Silicon Valley have gone bankrupt and closed down. Countless programmers and engineers who originally earned millions a year are now busy exchanging their big houses and new sports cars for cash. A large number of unemployed people have gathered together, either protesting or on their way to protest, making countless big news.
At this point, even a fool can see clearly that there are too many bubbles in the stocks of listed companies in the United States that are engaged in the Internet and information superhighway. The stock prices are artificially driven up and are not worth so much money at all!
Despite the turmoil outside, Lu Yiming did not show up at all. All matters were left to the Saltwater Fund to handle.
As for Lu Yiming himself, his main life is to get up in the morning, eat a plate of Angus steak fried rice and a glass of fresh milk, and then go out to play golf with Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
The sport of golf has not yet become popular in China. At least Lu Yiming has never heard of any standard golf course.
After all, the construction, operation and maintenance of golf courses require very high costs and are a real aristocratic sport. With the current domestic economic level, it is difficult to have so many consumer groups to support the operation and maintenance of golf clubs.
Think about it, in just a few days, Lu Yiming has spent tens of thousands of dollars in the golf club, which is enough to buy a very nice apartment in the community when converted into RMB. How many people in the mainland can reach this consumption level at present?
On this day, the heavy snow finally stopped, and it was even a rare sunny day. Lu Yiming, who had already tasted the sweetness of golf, couldn't wait to contact Bill Gates and Paul Allen after giving Ian Ball the task, and invite them to play golf together.
On the golf course, the sun shines on people, which is indescribably comfortable and sweeps away the cold wind in recent days .
When the three met, Bill Gates praised Lu Yiming highly.
"Lu, you have been very popular recently."
Lu Yiming said seriously, "Why am I so proud? The mountains have been closed due to heavy snow lately, and I have been staying in the villa without going out. It is true that I have a carefree life with plenty of fish and meat every day, but if you say that I am so proud, then I will sue you for defamation. I know nothing about what is happening outside, and I am just an ordinary tourist from Xia Country who came to the United States for a vacation."
Bill Gates and Paul Allen both laughed. Bill Gates said, "There are only three of us here, so don't pretend. Who in the circle doesn't know that you are behind it?"
Paul Allen also said: "Do you know how many big shots in New York want to meet you now? There are quite a few who came to me alone! Your ability to make money is really enviable."
Previously, although Lu Yiming persuaded them to participate, the actual investment was not much.
After all, there are still risks here. If you fail, you will suffer a huge loss.
But Lu Yiming's method obviously shocked everyone. Now the avalanche has become a reality. Those who were originally hesitant are now unable to sit still and are eager to participate and get a piece of the pie.
Lu Yiming has now personally experienced what kind of people are in the circles of this beautiful country.
Although their nominal nationality is the United States, the United States is an immigrant country and does not have enough historical accumulation and cultural heritage. Therefore, most immigrants do not have any sense of national belonging or ethnic identity deep in their hearts.
Just like white people won't identify with Negroes, and Negroes hate white people, minorities also form their own groups, suspect and fight each other, and it's a huge mess.
For a country like this, it's fine when the economy is going smoothly, but once the development stagnates, there will definitely be internal discord.
Especially these so-called upper-class celebrities, they don’t care about the rise and fall or survival of the United States. As long as it is profitable, they are even happy to step on the accelerator on the downhill road.
This is the case now. Although they know that Lu Yiming is controlling the Saltwater Fund to short the US stock market, instead of putting up any form of resistance, they are demanding to join this feast.
Of course, Lu Yiming would not refuse such a "man of the times". However, he said in a businesslike tone: "I reiterate that it is Saltwater Fund that wants to short US stocks, not me. They also want to join, just invest their money in Saltwater Fund, it has nothing to do with me. I just happen to be a shareholder of Saltwater Fund. If you believe in Saltwater Fund, I believe Saltwater Fund will not let you down."
When Epstein was introducing Alex Acosta to Lu Yiming in the bar, Lu Yiming said the same thing. Every wrong has its perpetrator, and the one who wants to short the US stocks is Saltwater Fund. For any related business, please contact Saltwater Fund.
Bill Gates laughed loudly, obviously finding Lu Yiming's attempt to cover up his guilt very interesting.
"Is this how you Orientals keep a low profile? But of course I believe in you, so I decided to invest another billion dollars."
After hearing what Bill Gates said, Lu Yiming felt very dissatisfied.
believe?
I don’t believe it.
If you really want to believe it, why didn’t you invest in it before?
Now that I see that Saltwater Fund is doing very well and making a lot of money, I want to follow suit and invest in it.
Lu Yiming suddenly remembered an evaluation of capitalists by a netizen in his previous life, saying that they never do things like helping others in need, but rush to do things that add icing on the cake.
Although Microsoft's stock has now collapsed due to the general trend, Bill Gates is in a good mood and is even hoping that the cold wave will come more severely.
After all, Microsoft will not collapse, and no matter how much its stock price falls, it is only temporary.
It is even possible that the stock price is too low, and he can use his own money to buy back some of the shares, and then sell them again after they appreciate, which is a sure profit.
If there was money to be made in destroying Microsoft, Bill Gates would definitely be at the forefront.
This is the nature of capital.
Lu Yiming curled his lips and said, "If you want to invest, then invest."
Bill Gates asked curiously, "What are you going to do next?"
Lu Yiming waved the golf club in his hand and said, "Play golf. You used my card today and I charge by the hour."
Bill Gates said, “I meant stocks!”
Lu Yiming said nonchalantly: "Ah, you are talking about stocks. I don't plan to do anything. It's good to eat, drink and have fun every day. Now the fuse has been lit, let it burn, and then we will eat melons and watch the show, and harvest the harvest in the end. What else do you want to do?"
Now Microsoft's valuation is getting lower and lower, and many shareholders have come to Bill Gates, and he also needs to give an explanation to these shareholders. Hearing Lu Yiming say that he would do nothing, he was a little disappointed and said, "Are we going to do nothing now and just watch?"
Lu Yiming teased, "Hey, you guy, I remember you always said you were a patriot. But now Saltwater Fund is shorting the U.S. stock market! The U.S. industry has been hollowed out, and it is relying on the dollar hegemony to play finance. Shorting U.S. stocks is poaching from the U.S.! How can you be so active?"
Bill Gates coughed lightly and said shamelessly, "In principle, I am still patriotic, but how can I not teach those scammers who ruined the entire Internet industry with despicable means a lesson? To use the old saying of your Xia country, I am acting on behalf of heaven. Although I have suffered a small loss myself, I think that this small sacrifice is worth it for the healthy development of the United States!"
Watching Bill Gates talking nonsense without blushing or breathing heavily, Lu Yiming gained a further understanding of the moral bottom line of the wealthy people in the United States.
But after all, Lu Yiming was born under the red flag and grew up in the spring breeze, so he was not surprised by Bill Gates' choice. In fact, he was happy to give Bill Gates advice on this, just like he had applauded the hero who burned down the national toilet more than once.
"As for new prey, there is one. I just don't know if you are brave enough or cruel enough."
Bill Gates and Paul Allen couldn't help but be surprised to hear Lu Yiming speak in such a loud tone.
Paul Allen said curiously: "You have shorted so many big companies. Is there any prey that is bigger than Intel and Microsoft?"
Although Bill Gates and Paul Allen are both from Microsoft, it may sound a bit self-boasting to say this about Microsoft, but it is indeed the fact that by the beginning of the 21st century, Microsoft had already established its dominance in the industry, and relied on the Microsoft system to monopolize more than 90% of the global computer software market, making it absolutely a big company among big companies.
Lu Yiming simply ignored this level of bragging and directly said a name.
"I'm talking about Enron."
When Lu Yiming said this name, both Bill Gates and Paul Allen changed their expressions.
"You want to take action against Enron?"
Obviously, Lu Yiming's words scared them.
You know, Enron was founded in 1930. It was an energy industry giant that gradually prospered along with the rise of the United States!
Enron is headquartered in Houston, the United States, and is the largest natural gas purchaser and seller in the United States, as well as a leading wholesale energy market maker. In addition, the company also operates a natural gas pipeline system and broadband division.
The company's seven branches are responsible for business operations in five areas: transportation and storage, domestic natural gas and electricity services, international operations and market development, oil and gas exploration and production, and renewable energy development and utilization. It has more than 20,000 employees worldwide and an annual turnover of more than US$100 billion.
In the latest Fortune magazine list of the world's top 500 companies, Enron ranked 16th in the world.
It is definitely a super giant enterprise. If they stomp their feet, the energy industry all over the world will tremble!
Bill Gates thought there was something wrong with his ears, and reminded Lu Yiming: "You are not American, so you may not know much about Enron's position in North America..."
"Haha, who said I don't know? I know it very well."
Lu Yiming waved his hand, and Li Yiwen behind him handed over a briefcase. While rummaging through the briefcase, Lu Yiming said, "I know that the United States has always had a tradition of raiding other people's homes, so I carry important things with me."
“Found it.”
Lu Yiming took out a document, handed it to Bill Gates, and said, "This is some information I collected about Enron. It was originally part of my follow-up plan, but considering Bill's sincerity in investing $1 billion, I am sharing it with you now."
Bill Gates was even more surprised: "You have been prepared for this?"
Lu Yiming said: "In our Xia country, there is a saying that goes 'make plans before you act'. Since I want to play, I naturally have to take all factors into consideration."
Bill Gates couldn't help but say, "That's terrible."
When Bill Gates and Paul Allen finished reading the information, expressions of horror and fear appeared on their faces.
Bill Gates, who has been the world's richest man for many years, couldn't remain calm at this moment. He looked up and asked, "Is this information true?"
He was not a fool and naturally knew at this critical juncture that if Enron collapsed, it would deal a heavy blow to the entire US stock market.
Moreover, there is a huge force behind the Enron Group. If he offends them, even if he is the richest man in the United States, he will not be able to withstand the counterattack by himself.
Lu Yiming took the information back and gave it to Li Yiwen to put into the password box he carried with him. He smiled and said, "You can ask someone to verify whether the information is true, provided that you are not afraid of alerting the enemy. Of course, as for whether to take action or not, it also depends on whether you are interested in it. I don't care anyway."
There is no doubt that Enron is a big piece of fat meat, but not everyone has the ability to take a bite of it.
Anyway, if Lu Yiming was alone, he would not dare to openly short Enron Group's stocks, otherwise his private plane might be accidentally shot down by a missile from an overseas military base in the United States one day.
However, not daring to do it alone does not mean that Lu Yiming dare not instigate others to do it together. In a capitalist country, of course everyone is profit-driven, and the internal situation is by no means a monolithic entity, with countless loopholes that can be exploited.
In particular, "old money" forces like Enron Group and emerging technology capitalists like Bill Gates are in opposing camps. Even if Lu Yiming was not there, they would still fight each other.
What Lu Yiming needs to do now is to quietly ignite a fire in the hearts of both parties.
Bill Gates did not express his opinion on the spot. He seemed to know nothing. He waved the golf club in his hand and said to Lu Yiming: "Come and play golf. The weather is so good today. Don't waste time."
After playing ball for an afternoon and having a sumptuous dinner in the evening, Lu Yiming and Li Yiwen returned to the villa.
Li Yiwen couldn't help but say, "It's strange that the two of them are not tempted. This is a big deal."
Lu Yiming smiled slightly and said, “No one doesn’t like money.”
Sure enough, just one day later, Lu Yiming received a call from Bill Gates.
"Lu, I think your plan is feasible."
When Lu Yiming heard this, he immediately laughed.
This was completely within his expectations.
No capitalist can resist the temptation to make money.
"Have you thought about it?"
Bill Gates was also unambiguous and immediately explained the situation to Lu Yiming: "If it were me alone, I would certainly not dare to get involved. After all, if I am not careful, I may not see the sun the next day. But I have found a lot of allies, and they are obviously very interested in the profits here."
Lu Yiming laughed when he heard this: "That's right, this is the beautiful country I know. Without further ado, after we discuss how to divide the spoils, we can start the action."
After hearing what Lu Yiming said, Bill Gates felt strange: "Why, are you in a hurry?"
Lu Yiming smiled coldly: "You don't think we are the only ones targeting An Ran? If we don't take action now, we won't be able to drink a sip of hot soup."
Bill Gates nodded seriously and said, "Okay, I'll go and urge them. Don't worry, the funds will be in place soon. We are determined to succeed in this operation."
