The Great Sage Returns from Ten Years of Imprisonment

Around 3 p.m., stock markets across Europe reopened, but continued to plummet.

With the news of negative GDP growth in the UK now widely known, officially indicating a recession, the UK stock market experienced the most dramatic decline.

The UK stock market opened at around -3%, then quickly fell below -5%, plunging into a deep recession.

The stock markets in other countries, such as Germany and France, fared no better, with declines exceeding -4%.

Seeing that stock markets across Europe were also plummeting, Lingyun was completely relieved.

He understood that a sharp drop in the US stock market that night was inevitable.

Having confirmed this, he began packing his things, preparing to leave the CIC headquarters and go home to rest.

Just as he finished packing his things, he suddenly remembered something.

After a moment's hesitation, he took out his phone and dialed Director Li's number from the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.

After the call connected and they exchanged greetings, he immediately got to the point.

"Director Li, how's the matter I mentioned three months ago—that CITIC Pacific was framed by Australians and 13 international financial institutions using leveraged foreign exchange options contracts in connection with their acquisition of a Western Australian iron ore mine—being handled?"

"Back in July, the Australian dollar plummeted due to falling commodity prices, dropping more than 30% in three months. If I remember correctly, the Australian dollar exchange rate had already triggered the double delivery clause in the contract."

"In other words, if CITIC Pacific hadn't jumped out of this leveraged foreign exchange option contract in time, it would have already started accumulating losses. As of now, the losses could very well have reached HK$15-16 billion, or even higher."

"What's worse is that it's coinciding with Black Friday globally. If this problem isn't resolved, CITIC Pacific would have better apply for an emergency trading halt immediately, otherwise its share price will definitely collapse..."

Next, he briefly analyzed the predicament faced by CITIC Pacific.

After he finished analyzing the situation, Director Li remained silent for a moment before speaking in a deep voice:

"Xiao Ling, your reminder was very timely, but some people at CITIC Pacific were stubborn and did not completely believe your analysis, thinking that the Australian dollar exchange rate would definitely bottom out and rebound."

"So they only partially stepped out of that leveraged foreign exchange options contract, reducing the total financing to around 60 billion Australian dollars, and proposed to modify some of the terms."

"But the 13 international investment banks that participated in the betting agreement either refused or pretended to comply but actually went against it, and have been using the excuse of negotiation to delay, and the negotiations have not been completed yet."

"The result is that the losses you mentioned have already occurred and accumulated to a rather staggering figure. As far as I know, the accumulated losses are currently close to HK$90 billion."

"Although this result is much smaller than the losses caused by the original betting contract, it is still quite astonishing and proves that your analysis was very correct. It's a pity that some people just won't listen to advice."

"Now that the losses have already occurred, we can only try to mitigate them. Do you think CITIC Pacific should suspend trading immediately? I will convey your opinion to Vice President Wang and relevant CITIC officials..."

Upon hearing Director Li's reply, a hint of regret flashed in Ling Yun's eyes.

When he first mentioned this matter to Director Li, he just mentioned it casually and vaguely, and he did not follow up on it afterward!

The reason for this is that the leveraged foreign exchange option contract signed by CITIC Pacific and 13 international investment banks has not been fully disclosed; only some related information has been leaked.

The specific details of this treacherous foreign exchange options betting contract have not been released.

In this situation, Lingyun naturally couldn't offer a detailed solution; doing so would only invite trouble!

Another reason is that he cannot appear too monstrous, nor can he portray himself as an omniscient and omnipotent god!

That's why he pretended to care, mentioned it to Director Li a few times, but didn't get deeply involved in the matter.

The result is acceptable so far!

CITIC Pacific's current accumulated losses are only around HK$9 billion, unlike its previous losses which amounted to HK$15-16 billion!

The fact that the losses were reduced by more than HK$6 billion shows that the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) responded in a timely and appropriate manner, and also shows that some people are no longer suitable to continue to lead the company...

Just as he was thinking of this, Director Li also mentioned it.

"CITIC Pacific's huge loss is a painful lesson; someone must pay the price so that they will learn their lesson!"

"In the future, any state-owned institutions and enterprises should avoid signing performance-based agreements when cooperating with international investment banks, to prevent being deceived again. There are simply too many traps in the financial sector, and it's impossible to guard against them all!"

Ling Yun didn't respond to that, but just chuckled and agreed.

There are some things he doesn't want to get involved in, at least not right now; he doesn't have the weight to do them, nor is it necessary.

After finishing his call with Director Li, he picked up his backpack, left the office, went downstairs, and took a car home.

Twenty minutes later, he returned safely to his luxury villa.

Upon seeing him return, Da Meiyuan, who was watching TV in the living room, immediately got up to greet him.

Compared to usual, she seemed more enthusiastic today, and there was something inexplicably special about her.

To be more precise, her expression seemed somewhat apprehensive, but even more so, expectant.

In terms of body language, she became more clingy than usual.

Upon getting closer, she immediately clung to Ling Yun, hugged his arm tightly, and stood on tiptoe to give him a passionate kiss.

Then she snuggled into his arms, wishing he would carry her to the living room.

Ling Yun keenly noticed the difference. After the kiss, he put his arm around Da Meiyuan's slender waist and asked in surprise:

"Honey, what happened? You're acting strange today, like you've suddenly turned into a teenage girl."

"Get lost, I'm not old at all!"

Da Meiyuan giggled and gently pinched Ling Yun.

After a moment's hesitation, she said expectantly:

"Well, honey, based on past experience, my period should be here in the next couple of days, but it's late this time."

"I had several plays performed yesterday and didn't have time to think about it. It wasn't until I got here this afternoon that I realized I haven't gotten my period."

"Could it be that I'm pregnant, which is why I haven't had my period? Although I haven't noticed anything unusual, I have a strange feeling that I'm different."

"Due to the time constraints, I haven't had time to buy a pregnancy test, and I can't buy one myself, nor can I ask my assistant to buy one, as that would be tantamount to admitting guilt."

"This isn't confirmed yet, and I haven't told anyone. Whether I'm pregnant or not, I wanted to tell you first so we could take a pregnancy test together and welcome the results together..."

Ling Yun was completely stunned, seemingly unable to believe his ears!

Although he was determined not to get married, he was eager to have as many children as possible!

There are factors involved: completing the task, giving an account to his parents and grandparents, and also to Da Meiyuan and the others; there is also the natural instinct of male animals to reproduce.

Of course, there are also considerations regarding inheritance and risk diversification.

Hearing this good news, he was naturally extremely excited, his eyes instantly filled with ecstasy!

When he came to his senses, he picked up Da Meiyuan and excitedly spun her around in circles.

"That's wonderful, honey. This is the best and most touching good news I've heard in a long time. It's even more exciting than making billions in one go!"

"Let's stop guessing. You stay home and wait. I'll go out and buy a pregnancy test right away, and we'll take them together when I get back. I'm sure the result will be great."

As he spoke, he put Da Meiyuan down and gently kissed her pretty face.

Then he turned around quickly and ran straight towards the door!

Da Meiyuan was stunned for a moment, then giggled happily.

"Virtue, is it really necessary to be in such a hurry?"