The Great Sage Returns from Ten Years of Imprisonment

The atmosphere during the small-scale briefing in the afternoon was more relaxed than Lingyun had imagined.

The autumn sun shines brightly outside the window, and a few rays of sunlight shine obliquely on the solid wood table, creating a play of light and shadow.

Ling Yun stood in front of the projection screen, his shirt sleeves casually rolled up to his forearms, exuding a composure beyond his years.

"Fellow Shenzhen residents, the US House of Representatives rejected the $7000 billion bailout plan in the early hours of the morning. It may seem like a procedural issue, but it is actually a direct clash between public opinion and Wall Street."

He lightly clicked the mouse on his laptop, and the revised bailout plan popped up on the projector.

"In the eyes of ordinary people, this is using taxpayers' money to clean up Wall Street's mess. Lawmakers need votes, but the financial markets can't wait."

Ling Yun paused, a hint of amusement in his voice.

"So as you can see, as soon as the veto passed, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plummeted 777 points, marking its biggest single-day drop. The market was voting with its feet."

Vice President Wang pushed up his glasses, looking thoughtful.

"You mean, even if the bailout plan is ultimately passed, market confidence has already been severely damaged?"

Ling Yun nodded with a smile, a sharp glint in his eyes.

"Once this bailout plan goes through the process and passes the second vote, the market will find that it's just the same old thing, and the expected full-scale rebound won't happen. On the contrary—"

He paused for two seconds on purpose, letting the suspense build up.

"On the contrary?"

One SZ couldn't help but ask further.

"Many investors and institutions will no longer fawn over them; instead, they will take the opportunity to unload their holdings."

Ling Yun spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Because investors and institutions have realized that this bailout is only a temporary solution, and the US stock market will not rebound, but rather experience an even more severe crash."

After he finished speaking, the conference room was silent for a few seconds.

The leaders exchanged glances, and they finally understood.

Why did Lingyun dare to make such a big bet, gambling against Goldman Sachs and Barclays on stock index options?

This is not gambling, but rather a well-thought-out plan and a precise grasp of international politics and financial markets!

Thinking about this, the SZs all sighed inwardly.

Demon!

Fortunately, this monster is on our side and has a firm stance!

Lingyun then continued to speak eloquently.

His analysis, from the detailed adjustments to the bailout plan to the subtle changes in market psychology and the domestic response strategies, was clear, logical, and insightful.

When a few SZs occasionally asked questions, he could always quickly provide a response that was both data-driven and forward-looking.

Before we knew it, dusk was approaching.

At the end of the report, I learned that Lingyun was relatively free today, as several investment teams had already taken a break.

Vice President Wang's direct superior offered to let him stay for dinner at the lake.

Lingyun couldn't bear to refuse such a good thing.

The group then left the conference room and walked toward the restaurant, chatting and laughing.

As they walked, the man from Guanzhong, surnamed S, slowed his pace, smiled, and asked in a low voice:

"Xiao Ling, I overheard Director Zhang mention that if you win the bet against Goldman Sachs this time, you're planning to take advantage of the situation and acquire some of the media resources controlled by Goldman Sachs?"

"These media resources reportedly include 11 local television stations in North America, the well-known Weather Channel, and Globe Television Network, which covers the entire territory of Canada."

"Whoa!"

Another SZ also came over.

"That's quite a move. Tell me, what were you thinking?"

Several leaders looked over, their gazes filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and expectation.

Lingyun knew that the news media was always the key issue.

He gathered his thoughts and nodded solemnly.

"Dear SZs, these media resources controlled by Goldman Sachs are a double-edged sword for them—they don't make money and are difficult to operate—but for us, they are strategic assets."

"Once we acquire a controlling stake, we will have our own voice in North America and Canada, enabling us to export our culture, spread our values, and even—"

He paused deliberately and uttered five words softly.

"Ideological export".

The moment those words were uttered, it was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

Several SZs simultaneously showed a look of surprise, having considered many possibilities.

Making money, strategizing, attacking competitors, expanding influence, etc.

But no one expected that Lingyun's involvement in financial investment would escalate to the level of ideological struggle.

But when they thought of the miracles he created, the SZs smiled with relief!

In their view, Lingyun is to the international financial market what Sun Wukong is to make havoc in the Heavenly Palace; it's no exaggeration to say that he can do all sorts of unorthodox things!

Meanwhile, a five-star hotel near Financial Street.

Lewis, his face grim, was reprimanding the general manager of the Beijing representative office across from him.

"So you followed him for days, only knowing which neighborhood he lived in, what kind of car he drove, and which office building he went to every day, but you didn't know what he did in the building, or even if you'd seen him?"

The general manager of the Beijing representative office had beads of sweat on his forehead and hurriedly explained.

"His residential complex and office building have strict management; non-tenants need to undergo multiple identity verifications. We're worried about alerting him..."

"To stir up trouble?"

Lewis sneered.

"Jimmy, have you been in China for too long? Have you forgotten the various tactics that are commonplace on Wall Street?"

Jimmy's face turned pale. He wanted to retort, but he held back.

Lewis stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and looked out at the street.

Outside the window is the bustling night view of Beijing, with neon lights flashing and cars flowing like a river.

"Tomorrow is China's National Day holiday. Contact this guy; I'd like to meet him and have a talk."

Jimmy nodded quickly.

"We've got his phone number, but will he agree to meet...?"

That's your problem.

Lewis interrupted him coldly.

"If he won't listen to reason, then we'll try other methods. I flew all the way from New York, not here for sightseeing."

Jimmy's heart tightened. He knew exactly what Lewis meant by "other ways"—the word "despicable" perfectly encapsulated it!

In Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea, Goldman Sachs may indeed use some underhanded tactics, but this is China!

This is the difference between a colony and an independent nation. If you can't understand this, you're just asking for trouble!

He wanted to remind Lewis, but the words changed as soon as they reached his lips.

"Okay, I'll contact Lingyun later and arrange a meeting with this guy."

Lewis was pleased with his compliance.

Tell him that you are here on behalf of the CEO of Goldman Sachs and would like to meet with him to have a talk.

Jimmy nodded and then left the room.

As he closed the door, he let out a soft breath, then took out his phone, ready to make a call.

At 7:30 p.m., Lingyun drove out of the west gate of Haizi.

The guards at the gate raised their hands in salute, and the black sedan had already driven onto Fuyou Street in the blink of an eye.

Not far away, Zhong Tao and his team quietly followed in their escort vehicle, maintaining a distance that was neither too close nor too far.

Ling Yun only took out his phone and turned it on after they drove out of Fuyou Street.

As soon as the phone was turned on, pleasant notification sounds rang out one after another.

The car screen then lit up, displaying a list of missed calls.

Mom, Leilei, Boss Kong, Lawyer Zhang... and an unknown number that called four times.

"Who's looking for a buddy? So persistent."

Ling Yun chuckled and joked, then prepared to return each call.

Just then, the unfamiliar number called again.

Ling Yun glanced at the car's screen and casually pressed the answer button on the steering wheel.

"Hello, who is this?"

The next moment, an awkward sound came from the speakers.

"Good evening, Mr. Ling. I'm Jimmy Tang, General Manager of Goldman Sachs' Beijing Representative Office. I hope I haven't disturbed you."

As expected, it came. Ling Yun's lips curled into a smile.

Good evening, Mr. Jimmy.

His tone was normal, revealing no emotion.

"Is this a personal contact, or are you representing Goldman Sachs?"

"I represent Goldman Sachs"

Jimmy answered quickly and then explained why he had come.

"Our Goldman Sachs CEO has sent a special representative, Mr. Lewis, who just arrived in Beijing today. He would like to meet with you to discuss potential cooperation."

"Oh?"

Ling Yun deliberately dragged out his words.

"A representative from Goldman Sachs' CEO flew all the way to Beijing to see me? That's quite a lot of face!"

These words sounded casual, but Jimmy on the other end of the phone felt a chill run down his spine.

Judging from his tone, this kid is not easy to deal with!

"Mr. Ling's operations in the international financial markets are impressive, which Mr. Lauder greatly admires, and he believes there may be a possibility of cooperation."

"cooperate?"

Ling Yun smiled, then changed the subject.

"Anthony, the former president of Goldman Sachs' Shanghai branch, also approached me about a collaboration, but I heard a couple of days ago that he seems to have been laid off."

Jimmy was speechless for a moment, and also felt a chill run down his spine.

After a two-second silence, Ling Yun finally spoke.

"Meeting is not out of the question; I can't refuse the Goldman Sachs CEO's request. However, tomorrow is National Day, and I already have plans. So, how about the day after tomorrow? I'll let you know the time and place later."

As he spoke, he glanced at the scenery outside the window.

As night deepened in the capital, the streets were brightly lit and bustling with traffic, creating a lively scene!

The financial crisis that is sweeping the globe like wildfire has left no trace in this city!