The Great Sage Returns from Ten Years of Imprisonment

"It's over!"

When the two investment directors from Goldman Sachs and Barclays learned that the US stock market had plummeted by about 3% at the opening, the same word flashed through their minds.

They quickly realized that, given the opening drop in US stocks, if they immediately terminated the stock index options betting agreement, both Goldman Sachs and Barclays would face huge losses.

Goldman Sachs suffered losses exceeding $3 billion, while Barclays also lost over $1.5 billion.

Such staggering losses would be difficult for even top financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and Barclays to withstand.

What's worse is that the US stock market has only just opened. What if it continues to plummet?

If the US stock market follows the same pattern as the major European stock markets today, plummeting by 6%, 7%, 8%, or 9%, then Goldman Sachs and Barclays will be doomed!

According to the stock index option betting agreement signed with Yuanda Group, if the Dow Jones Industrial Average falls by more than 5% tonight, the losses faced by Goldman Sachs and Barclays will increase exponentially!

The total losses are at least eight billion US dollars, and could be tens of billions or even hundreds of billions of US dollars.

If losses reach tens of billions of dollars, Goldman Sachs and Barclays, which are currently mired in the financial crisis, seem to have no choice but to file for bankruptcy protection!

Of course, outside of the rules, they have two other ways to save themselves!

The first approach is to lower your stance and negotiate privately with Yuanda Group to find a solution acceptable to both parties!

The second option is to completely abandon all pretense and blatantly tear up the stock index option betting agreement, refusing to pay compensation.

If Goldman Sachs and Barclays dared to do that, their reputation in the international financial markets would be completely ruined.

From now on, any investor or institution dealing with them, especially when it comes to betting, will think twice before acting!

Goldman Sachs and Barclays do not want to take this step unless absolutely necessary!

After all, everyone has a sense of shame when they're out in the world, and they're no exception!

Thinking of this, the two investment directors from Goldman Sachs and Barclays turned even darker, their faces showing a hint of despair.

Overjoyed, Wang Mian and his executives ignored them completely.

"Excuse me, we need to go to the company to take care of some business. Let's talk about it tomorrow!"

"According to the performance-based agreement we signed, this stock index options performance-based agreement has entered the substantive stage. Judging from the current situation, we are clearly the winners."

"According to the agreement between the two parties, the two parties to the bet can only terminate the agreement two hours after the US stock market opens, and the settlement process will begin immediately."

"Since there's a stipulation in the agreement, I hope both of us can abide by it. I'll be waiting for your call in two hours. I have to excuse myself now."

After saying that, Wang Mianchong and the two foreigners waved goodbye.

Then, with a broad smile, he strode out and led his senior executives into the company.

Just as they were about to enter the company, the desperate investment director of Goldman Sachs' Hong Kong branch suddenly shouted:

"Did you already know that the US stock market would crash today, which is why you proactively approached us to make a bet, luring us into this deadly trap?"

"You are well aware of Goldman Sachs' influence and power in the international financial market. No one can recklessly exploit Goldman Sachs; there will be a price to pay!"

His threat stunned everyone present who could understand English.

Immediately afterwards, a look of disdain appeared in everyone's eyes.

So this is how Goldman Sachs, the world's largest investment bank, operates. It's utterly shameful!

Wang Mian stopped and turned to look at the investment director of Goldman Sachs' Hong Kong branch.

"Are you threatening me, Mr. Paul? So this is how the renowned Goldman Sachs does business. I'm truly amazed today!"

"You say we knew today's US stock market trend days ago? You overestimate our Yuanda Group. Now I'm starting to wonder if you're even a professional?"

"As you just said, Goldman Sachs is the true behemoth that controls the international financial market. Our group is just a small fry in the international financial market, and we can't compare to Goldman Sachs at all."

"If any financial institution could manipulate the US stock market, it could only be Goldman Sachs, not our Yuanda Group. Anyone with a brain would agree with that."

After a barrage of blunt and sarcastic remarks, Wang Mian turned around and walked straight into the Yuanda Investment office area.

Looking at Paul, his face turned pale and then black, he was extremely embarrassed.

He knew better than anyone that what he had just said was incredibly stupid, a result of his anger and rage that had driven him to madness!

On the contrary, Wang Mian's rebuttal was utterly devastating!

While they were still in a daze, another burst of excited cheers came from inside Yuanda Company, much louder than before!

"Oh my god! The Dow Jones Industrial Average has plummeted 3.6%! Is the US stock market about to crash?"

Paul suddenly felt his knees buckle and he almost knelt on the floor.

Central, Goldman Sachs Hong Kong Island branch.

Erwin stared intently at the plummeting US stock market index with bloodshot eyes, his face ashen as if he had just lost his father.

At that moment, he was perfectly clear about the situation.

I'm basically finished. Not only have I lost everything in this stock index options bet, but I'll also lose my high-paying job that everyone envies.

Moreover, it is highly likely that Goldman Sachs headquarters will use them as a scapegoat to bear some responsibility for this staggering loss!

Although the stock index option bet with Yuanda Group was approved by headquarters, it's not right to make Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd responsible.

Irwin is the general manager of Goldman Sachs' Hong Kong branch. He is no exception among those who bear responsibility for this huge loss!

The reason I say it's basically over is because there's still a tiny glimmer of hope for a comeback.

But this hope of a comeback belongs only to Goldman Sachs, not to Elvin himself!

According to the performance-based agreement signed with Yuanda Group, if the Dow Jones Industrial Average rebounds strongly before 11:30, Goldman Sachs may be able to turn the tide and win.

If the Dow Jones Industrial Average doesn't rise above the water level by 11:30 p.m., Yuanda Group can terminate the bet at any time and lock in the outcome!

As for Elvin himself, he had already been liquidated when the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by more than 3.5%.

In just one move, he went from a well-off Wall Street financial elite to falling below the kill line!

He not only lost all the savings he had worked so hard to earn over most of his life, but also incurred a huge debt of at least ten million US dollars!

The only saving grace is that he's not going to have to become a frequent flyer for the time being, provided that Goldman Sachs headquarters is willing to let him off the hook!

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned!

Before we knew it, it was already 10 p.m.

In less than half an hour, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 4.5%, falling below the 10,000-point mark for the first time since 2004.

What's even more disheartening is that the US stock market showed absolutely no signs of a rebound, offering no resistance whatsoever.

Seeing this, Erwin buried his head in his hands, looking utterly dejected, and began to mutter to himself.

"It's over, completely over. Everyone's going to die. Not a single one will survive!"

The "everyone" he mentioned naturally included Lewis, who was far away in Beijing.

In a hotel in Beijing.

For the past half hour, Lewis had been staring intently at the computer screen, like a madman, his eyes bloodshot and almost bursting out of their sockets!

At the same time, he was holding his phone, hysterically lashing out at his investment manager.

"I bet 30 million US dollars, how come I got liquidated as soon as the market opened? We were both losers in this stock index options betting, why didn't Goldman Sachs get liquidated?"

The next moment, the investment manager's cold voice came through.

"The reason is simple: Goldman Sachs has plenty of ammunition, with multiple $30 million reserves. They can continue to replenish their options premiums, thus avoiding a margin call."

"You only had thirty million US dollars, not even enough to cover the premiums. Nobody expected the Dow Jones to plummet at the opening, which is why you were liquidated immediately."

"You now owe JPMorgan Chase $420 million, all your assets belong to JPMorgan Chase, and you need to find a way to repay this $420 million as soon as possible..."

Upon hearing this, Lewis completely broke down.

"Fuck JPMorgan Chase, you're trying to kill me! What the hell am I supposed to do? Dream on!!"

"No one can renege on their debt to JPMorgan Chase, and you should be well aware of the consequences of doing so."

The investment manager offered a cold, sarcastic remark.

10:30 AM, CIC headquarters.

Looking at the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which had plummeted by more than 5%, Director Li of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and Director Lou were both dumbfounded.

After realizing what was happening, Director Li excitedly patted Ling Yun's shoulder gently.

"This is insane, Xiaoling! You and Yuanda Group have got Goldman Sachs wrapped around their little finger!"