I'm in the county town, and you say I'm a big shot?

Chapter 735 "Qingye, the fish has taken the bait."

The news quickly reached Qiao Yongfeng's ears, and General Manager Ning at the COFCO Group headquarters in Yanjing also learned of it simultaneously. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief—the most crucial step in this business battle strategy had finally been successfully completed.

Fang Qingye received the news a little later. By then, he had already packed his bags and was preparing to return to China.

On the day he left, Xia He drove her daughter to see him off. The little girl still had a hint of reluctance in her eyes, but she knew that from now on her father would come to Singapore often, and she would no longer be able to see him only once a year, like when he was in the United States.

In the car, Xia He, while holding the steering wheel, said, "Tian Qian heard that I bought a house in Singapore and said she wants to come and visit."

Tian Qian was Xia He's best friend. During Xia He's loneliest days alone in the United States, Tian Qian was always by her side. There were some things Xia He didn't need to hide from her, nor could she.

"That's good. If Tian Qian comes often, you'll have company." Fang Qingye agreed with a smile, then casually asked, "Brother Qiao is busy buying soybeans in Brazil, braving wind and rain. He's really working hard. We should let him rest properly when he gets back."

“Yes, Tian Qian also said that Brother Qiao likes to travel all over the country, which is completely different from you who always likes to stay in Nanxin.”

"I originally wanted to go to Brazil this time, since I also have shares in Philgeri Company. But Brother Joe said it wasn't necessary, and I wouldn't be of much help even if I went."

As they chatted, the car arrived at Changi Airport. Fang Qingye kissed his wife and daughter goodbye, went through customs and security, and entered the VIP waiting area. Just as he sat down, his phone rang—it was Qiao Yongfeng calling.

"Brother Qiao, how's it going in Brazil?" Fang Qingye answered immediately.

"Fairgary's 40 tons of soybeans have finally been harvested."

Qiao Yongfeng's voice was hoarse and weary. Fang Qingye immediately understood that he must have suffered a lot and stayed up many nights behind the scenes.

"Brother Qiao, thank you for your hard work."

“Doing business is never easy,” Qiao Yongfeng paused, then his tone became more enthusiastic. “In addition, COFCO has completed its layout at several key logistics nodes in Brazil. It won’t be easy for ADM to successfully transport the soybeans to the port this time. Mr. Ning will tell you the details soon.”

"Alright, then let's wait and see how this 'bomb' explodes in the market," Fang Qingye chuckled.

"From now on, it's up to you and COFCO to work together. Once our 40 tons of soybeans are safely loaded onto COFCO's cargo ship and depart from Santos Port, my mission will be successfully completed. To be honest, I'm really exhausted these days, and I need to take a good rest when I get back to China."

"We'll definitely give you a proper welcome-back party, Brother Qiao. Take good care of yourself."

"Okay, I'll hang up now, I need to catch up on some sleep."

Not long after Fang Qingye returned to China, she received encrypted documents from Chen Zhiyuan, assistant to General Manager Ning of COFCO. Everything was ready, awaiting the opportune moment—the final blow to ADM was about to be delivered.

9:4 AM, April 20th, Chicago Board of Trade.

When ADM's report, "Brazilian Soybean Production Breaks Record," was broadcast globally through major news agencies, the trading floor erupted in excitement. On the electronic screens, the numbers representing the prices of far-month contracts began to plummet, flashing green numbers frantically.

"It's starting!" ADMI President Joseph excitedly pumped his fist. "The Chinese are doomed this time!"

At the same time, 10 PM Beijing time, at the COFCO Futures Trading Center,

The air seemed to freeze. The price curve representing the July contract on the screen was plummeting downwards, like a kite with a broken string.

The young trader, Xiao Li, clenched his fists unconsciously, his knuckles turning white, and anxiously looked at President Ning, who was standing in the center of the room.

President Ning simply stared calmly at the screen, his face expressionless. He even picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and took a sip. "President Ning..." Yang Fan, president of COFCO Futures, strode over, his voice low but barely concealing his tension: "The price is testing the psychological threshold of 1000 cents again, and the unrealized losses are widening. Should we... activate our contingency plan?"

President Ning put down his teacup, his gaze still fixed on the screen, and said calmly, "What's the panic? The script has only just begun. Tell all the traders that not a single trade is to be closed without my order. Also," he turned his head slightly and instructed Yang Fan, "release the 'gift' we prepared precisely at 10:30."

"Understood!" A look of understanding flashed in Yang Fan's eyes, and he immediately turned around to relay the instructions.

Just then, the price dropped below the 1000-cent mark! A suppressed gasp rippled through the trading room.

A barely perceptible smile played on Ning's lips, as if he had seen his prey finally step into a pre-ordained trap. He took out his phone to call Fang Qingye.

The call connected, and President Ning's voice was calm: "Qingye, the fish has taken the bait."

"Hehe, finally the moment of truth has arrived." Fang Qingye laughed on the other end of the phone, then remembered something, "President Ning, you're still up so late?"

"The arrow is already on the bowstring, how can I sleep at a time like this?" President Ning chuckled, his tone softening. "And you? What are you busy with? Did I disturb you?"

“I’m in Huijing right now. President Qiao is in the hospital, and I’m coming to visit him,” Fang Qingye replied.

"What? Yongfeng is hospitalized?" President Ning's voice rose instantly, revealing undisguised surprise and concern. "What happened? Is it serious? I didn't hear a word from him before."

"I'll have Mr. Qiao talk to you personally."

A faint scraping sound came from the other end of the phone, and then Qiao Yongfeng's voice, thick with Beijing accent and slightly weak, rang out: "President Ning, thank you for your concern. It's really nothing serious, just a slight spike in blood pressure. I was exhausted during my time in Brazil. I'll be fine in a couple of days, don't worry!"

"You've certainly had a tough time on this trip, both physically and mentally." President Ning's tone was full of affirmation. "Don't think about anything, just rest and recuperate. Once you've recovered, you must come to Yanjing. I'll personally host a welcome-back dinner for all of you heroes! And Qingye, you deserve the most credit for that too!"

"Let's welcome Feng Xing, but we agreed not to drink alcohol," Fang Qingye quickly added, leaning closer to the microphone.

“Yes, yes! The doctor gave me a serious warning, and I can’t touch a drop of alcohol from now on!” Qiao Yongfeng quickly chimed in.

Listening to the two of them chatting away on the other end of the phone, President Ning couldn't help but chuckle, and the tension from days of planning eased considerably: "Alright, alright, whatever you say! No drinking, we'll enjoy tea! Top-grade Da Hong Pao, as much as you want!"

Richard Rogers was leisurely sipping his coffee.

He is the general manager of ADM Brazil, and he was transferred from the US company after the former general manager, John, was dismissed.

In his general manager's office in São Paulo, Rogers looked out over the South American metropolis through floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything was unfolding according to his script.

However, fifteen minutes later, the coffee cup stopped at his lips.

"Why haven't COFCO's stop-loss orders been triggered yet?" He squinted and leaned forward slightly.

On the screen, prices were indeed falling, but trading volume was unusually low. The expected massive panic selling never materialized.

Just then, the office door was pushed open.

"Mr. Richard, something terrible has happened!"

(End of this chapter)