area51novel Chapter 25 Wang Degui's Gift
Chapter 25 Wang Degui's Gift
Outside the securities brokerage, the crowd gradually dispersed, their faces displaying either ecstatic joy or utter dejection.
Ling Yun had just finished talking with Manager Zhou Shiming and was about to head to the internet cafe renovation site when a thick, heavy hand patted him on the shoulder, affectionately and with an undeniable warmth.
"Brother Ling! You've finally come out! I've been waiting for you!" Wang Degui's face, glistening with excitement, loomed closer, puffing out thick smoke. "You have to give me face today! I've booked a private room at Baiweilou! We two brothers must have a good drink, until we're both drunk!"
Ling Yun frowned slightly, subtly shifting his body to deflect the other's force, and said calmly, "Brother Wang, I appreciate the thought. But I really have something to do tonight, at the internet cafe..."
"Oh, my dear brother Ling!" Wang Degui interrupted him before he could finish, his face full of earnestness. "Even if you're busy, you still have to eat, right? What could be more important than our celebration?" He lowered his voice, leaned close to Ling Yun's ear, and said mysteriously, "Besides, I have some 'insider information' about the city's electronics factory. The waters there are murky! Perfect timing, let's eat and chat, I'll tell you all about it, I guarantee it'll be useful!"
"The Municipal Electronics Factory?" Ling Yun's eyes flashed, and he stopped in his tracks. He was struggling to find concrete information about the electronics factory. His uncle was tight-lipped and didn't want him involved, and the information he'd gathered from the factory's residential compound was only superficial. Wang Degui, a local bigwig with a complex network of connections, might actually be able to provide some crucial information.
Seeing that Ling Yun was interested, Wang Degui immediately seized the opportunity, half-pushing and half-dragging him towards a brand-new Santana parked by the roadside: "Come on, come on, let's talk in the car! Give your brother some face, it'll only take a meal, it won't delay your important business!"
Ling Yun hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Brother Wang."
"Haha! That's right!" Wang Degui was overjoyed and personally opened the car door for Ling Yun, his actions very attentive.
In the best private room at Baiweilou, "Juxian Pavilion," all the dishes were served, a dazzling array, clearly arranged by Wang Degui long ago. He dismissed the waiter, personally poured Ling Yun a full glass of Wuliangye liquor, then picked up his own glass, his face flushed, his emotions running high:
"Brother Ling! I must toast you with this first cup!" His voice was loud and clear, filled with heartfelt gratitude. "To tell you the truth, following you this time, I not only made up for all the losses I had incurred before, but I also made a net profit of this amount!" He stretched out two chubby fingers and shook them vigorously. He didn't say the exact number, but his excitement said it all.
"I, Wang Degui, have been in the underworld for so many years and have never admired anyone! But I truly admire you, Brother Ling! You have a sharp eye, you're decisive, and you have a steady mindset! I admire you to the core!" After saying that, he tilted his head back and emptied his three-ounce wine glass in one go. The spiciness made him grimace, but he laughed heartily.
Ling Yun took a small sip and said calmly, "Brother Wang, you flatter me. It's because you have great courage and good luck."
"Hey, brother, I'm not kidding," Wang Degui waved his hand, refilled his glass, and blushed even more. "If it weren't for you, I, Wang Degui, might still be stuck in some backwater, exchanging money! I'll remember this favor, brother!"
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Wang Degui's face showed a hint of drunkenness, but his eyes still gleamed with shrewdness. He wiped his mouth and finally got to the point. He bent down and laboriously pulled out a thick, brick-like object from his leather briefcase, which was wrapped in a brown paper bag.
With a "clang," he placed the "brick" on the turntable and spun it in front of Ling Yun.
"Brother Ling, I took your inquiry about the electronics factory to heart last time." He hiccuped and lowered his voice. "This factory is a mess, but even a broken ship has some nails. There are many intricacies involved; you can't rely on just asking around."
He pointed to the package of materials, a smug look on his face: "Look, this is a copy I secretly made through a bunch of connections—one of my 'insiders' in the factory who manages the files. Absolutely genuine! Much more detailed than the ones circulating in the market!"
Ling Yun's heart stirred. He untied the binding on the kraft paper bag and took out the thick stack of materials inside. The documents emitted a mixed smell of ink and old paper.
After just a quick glance, his expression turned serious.
This is by no means an ordinary introductory document; it is meticulously categorized and extremely detailed.
Financial records: These are not just simple debt figures; they include detailed account statements for the past three years, copies of bank loan contracts, lists of collateral assets, accounts receivable units and amounts, and even some shady "slush fund" withdrawal records.
The technical volume includes a complete list of equipment, models, purchase years, depreciation status, and current operating status. It also contains several technical upgrade applications from a few years ago and copies of rejected patent applications. Although the technology appears outdated now, it provides insight into the plant's technical foundation and personnel capabilities.
Personnel section: A roster of all current and retired employees in the factory, brief resumes and family information of key personnel (senior workers, technical backbones, middle-level managers), and even some notes on interpersonal relationships. It even has scattered notes on who has connections to transfer, who is hardworking but is ostracized, and who is a lazy, unproductive old hand.
This is practically an "anatomical report" of the city's electronics factory! Its value far exceeds a meal or a few words of thanks. Wang Degui's intentions in sending this "generous gift" are probably quite significant.
Ling Yun carefully repacked the materials and placed them beside him. He looked up at Wang Degui, who was filled with anticipation, and said sincerely, "Brother Wang, I appreciate this favor. These things will be very useful to me. Thank you."
"Haha, as long as it works! As long as it works!" Wang Degui grinned from ear to ear, seeing how much Ling Yun valued it. "Why are you being so polite with your older brother!"
Ling Yun pondered for a moment. He didn't want to owe such a favor, especially not to someone like Wang Degui, who had a strong江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) spirit. Favors are the hardest to repay and the easiest to sow the seeds of future trouble. It would be better to repay the debt on the spot with what the other party most desired.
He picked up his glass, swirled it gently, and asked casually, "Brother Wang, you've made money this time, what are your plans for the future? Are you going to go all in again?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Degui's excitement subsided slightly, replaced by a hint of distress: "Brother Ling, to be honest, this money is easy to make, but how to make it multiply, I have no idea! This deep technology stock has risen so sharply, I'm really anxious! In the future... I'll have to rely on you for guidance!" His words were full of anticipation for Ling Yun's next move.
Ling Yun looked at him, smiled slightly, and put down his wine glass: "Brother Wang, since you trust me so much, I'll give you a message."
Wang Degui sat up straight instantly, seemingly sobering up considerably. His eyes widened, and his breathing became rapid: "Brother, you speak! I'm all ears!"
"In the stock market, there's no such thing as a stock that only goes up and never goes down." Ling Yun's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable force. "Shenzhen Technology's stock price has risen too quickly and too sharply this time, and it needs a correction to digest the profit-taking. I estimate..." He paused for a moment, then gave a specific figure, "The stock price will likely fall back below 11.5 yuan."
"11.5 yuan?" Wang Degui gasped in shock. The closing price was 20.99 yuan! This pullback was quite significant!
"Yes, under 11.5 yuan." Ling Yun nodded firmly, then looked sharply at Wang Degui. "Brother Wang, I need your help."
"Brother, just give me your orders!" Wang Degui thumped his chest loudly.
"You have a wide network of connections, are well-informed, and have time to monitor the market," Ling Yun said slowly. "Starting tomorrow, keep an eye on Shenzhen Technology for me. Once its stock price drops below 11.5 yuan, even if it only touches that price for a fleeting moment, notify me immediately."
Wang Degui was stunned for a moment, then his face quickly lit up with immense joy and excitement! Ling Yun's meaning was crystal clear—he was preparing to re-enter the market at a low price! And having him give the notification was clearly a signal that he was included! This was practically a windfall!
"Brother Ling! Don't worry! Leave this to me!" Wang Degui's voice trembled with excitement. He stood up abruptly, raising his wine glass with both hands. "I, Wang Degui, may not be good at much else, but I'll handle everything perfectly: monitoring the market, running errands, and relaying messages!!"
His exaggerated reaction made Ling Yun chuckle, but it also achieved its purpose. This "monitoring" job not only repaid Wang Degui for providing the materials and gave him another chance to participate, but also outsourced a simple task that would take a lot of time, freeing up Ling Yun himself.
"Alright, then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Wang." Ling Yun raised his glass and gently clinked it against his.
Wang Degui downed his drink in one gulp, this time with unparalleled enjoyment. He seemed to already see the wonderful scene of Lingyun leading him to ride the waves and reach even greater heights of wealth after Shenzhen Technology's stock price fell below 11.5 yuan.
This meal was totally worth it! Absolutely worth it!