My absurd experiences in North America over the years

In early April, New York's economy began a slow recovery, but it will take some time, perhaps a year or two, to fully emerge from the shadow of the pandemic.

Even if deposit interest rates drop to zero, bankers and financial institutions still dare not invest easily.

The shadow of Lehman Brothers' collapse still lingers, and every investment decision feels like walking on a knife's edge.

The streets of Manhattan are gradually becoming more crowded, but the purchasing power remains very limited, far from enough to stimulate the market to function normally.

Traders in their Wall Street offices were still staring blankly at the candlestick charts on their screens, waiting for a signal—a signal that would get investments flowing again.

Amidst this backdrop, a shocking rumor broke on Wall Street: Forrest Capital and the Trump Organization were set up to establish an investment fund with a total size of one billion dollars, most of which would be raised from external sources.

The news first leaked from JPMorgan Chase's private banking division. Jackson casually mentioned during a phone call with several key clients, "A client is setting up a macro fund, and you should have heard of the trader. Last year's biggest miracle in the foreign exchange market came from him."

This statement is practically an open secret; everyone in the industry knows Li Fu's name.

The news spread much faster than expected.

That afternoon, during a break in the final bankruptcy reorganization meeting of Time Warner's board of directors and Tribune, many people were already whispering among themselves.

The following morning, The Wall Street Journal's "Capital Pulse" column confirmed the news in a short paragraph.

On the third day, News Corporation's financial channel mentioned in its midday program "a group known for its real estate and entertainment assets' intention to cooperate with an emerging capital company".

The program didn't name names, but everyone knew who it was referring to—the Trump Organization and Forrest Capital.

Manhattan's financial circles came alive again within a week, and emails asking "how can I get involved?" began to flood the offices that had been darkened after Lehman Brothers collapsed.

The ice surface wasn't completely cracked, but cracks were already quietly spreading in the shadows.

On Wednesday evening, Li Fu and Ivanka had dinner at a French restaurant near Trump Tower.

The twilight outside the window painted the Manhattan skyline a dark gold, and a candle sat on the table, its light flickering on the rim of a wine glass.

The two sat facing each other in a private booth, separated by several plates of signature dishes and half a bottle of Chianti red wine.

Ivanka used her fork to pick up a piece of foie gras, put it in her mouth and chewed it slowly, then put down the fork, picked up her glass and took a sip.

"My father talked to me about the fund this afternoon. He was very excited," she said, glancing at Li Fu across from her, a certain light gleaming in her eyes.

"What did he say?" Li Fu leaned back in his chair, looking slightly tired.

His phone has been ringing off the hook these past two days, from Jackson, Thomas, and some other financial celebrities he's met recently.

Too many people want to participate.

Jackson wanted to recommend some of his important clients, while Thomas subtly indicated that five or six people had called him, wanting to get in through the back door, with three old acquaintances showing great interest.

Since we've mentioned old friends, it's essentially implying that these three people need to be included.

"He said that when you called him, he initially thought you were joking, but when he realized you were serious, he immediately said that it was time for us to win big," Ivanka said, a slight smile playing on her lips, mimicking her father's tone.

Li Funeng could imagine what Trump looked like when he said those words; he had been winning ever since the end of last year.

This time, they really won big.

"Have you discussed the investment ratio?" Ivanka brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead. "Could I hear your thoughts first?"