Chapter 272: Black Monday

Wei Li currently manages the Longteng Fund and other businesses under Chen Jiajun, and can be considered Chen Jiajun's confidant.

Hearing Chen Jiajun's inquiry, Wei Li smiled and said, "What is strange about this? The stock market situation has been excellent lately, and many ordinary citizens have taken the opportunity to enter the market and make a small profit."

Chen Jiajun frowned and said, "But do you think this is normal? Even grandmothers who know nothing but buying groceries are talking about the stock market all day long."

Wei Li was stunned for a moment and said, "Boss, do you think there is a problem?"

"Of course there is a problem, and a huge one at that." Chen Jiajun glanced at the date, and terms like "Black Monday" and "October Stock Market Crash" immediately flooded into his mind.

He had been wondering if he had missed something, and now it all made sense at once.

Consequently, Chen Jiajun said directly to Wei Li, "Notify the Landlord Association for me; we are playing cards at the Peninsula Hotel this afternoon."

Wei Li became anxious immediately and said to Chen Jiajun, "Boss, do you know something? Tell me about it."

One must know that the Longteng Fund has invested in quite a few projects; if something were to go wrong at this time, the consequences would be dire.

Chen Jiajun waved his hand and said, "Wait until I finish playing cards tonight, and I will tell you tomorrow."

Wei Li was worried to death, but faced with the mysterious Chen Jiajun, there was nothing he could do.

He could only watch with a resentful expression as Chen Jiajun hurried out of the office.

By the afternoon, several luxury cars were parked at the entrance of the Peninsula Hotel.

Sima Xiang, Huang Shitong, Chen Zhan, Mai Shengyun, Lin Rundong, and Luo Minsheng, these gold-medal brokers, had all arrived.

After all, when the Big Boss calls, they must rush over immediately regardless of what they are doing.

"Little Luo, you have been working by the Big Boss's side for the past two years; do you know what the Big Boss wants with us?"

Mai Shengyun asked Luo Minsheng directly.

Luo Minsheng spread his hands and said, "How would I know the Big Boss's business? But calling us over so urgently, it must be something significant."

Luo Minsheng was also completely confused about this matter and could not make heads or tails of it.

The group stopped dwelling on it and went straight to the private room where they usually played cards.

At this moment, Chen Jiajun was already waiting for them there.

After meeting, the group immediately bowed and called out, "Big Boss."

Chen Jiajun then snapped back to reality and said to them, "Everyone, sit."

After the waiter left, Chen Jiajun began to shuffle the cards, saying to the group, "The Hong Kong stock market has been rising all the way recently; you all must have made quite a bit during this time, right?"

The Landlord Association that Chen Jiajun established is a loose organization, although it is mainly for helping Chen Jiajun do things.

But when they are free, they also go out to do some private work, such as acting as consultants for certain companies.

This kind of thing is perfectly normal for gold-medal brokers like them.

Sima Xiang smiled and said, "With such a good situation, one could get rich just by buying with their eyes closed."

Chen Jiajun nodded and said, "You are all experts in this field; don't you feel that something is wrong?"

Huang Shitong, whose brain turns the fastest among them, immediately asked cautiously, "Big Boss, have you received some news?"

Chen Jiajun did have news, but even if he stated the intelligence, no one would believe it.

After all, this kind of thing was too fantastical, so he said indifferently, "There is some news, and it came from the United States, and the news is absolutely reliable."

Hearing Chen Jiajun say this, the members of the Landlord Association immediately became fully alert.

Chen Jiajun scanned the group and then said slowly, "I want to short the Hong Kong stock market."

"What?" Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, everyone was shocked.

"This... Big Boss, you aren't serious, are you?" Mai Shengyun picked at his ear with a look of astonishment.

Chen Jiajun said indifferently, "That's right, I want to short the Hong Kong stock market before the stock market crash."

Sima Xiang and Huang Shitong's expressions immediately turned grave: "Big Boss, doing this requires a lot of capital."

These two could be said to be the people who understood Chen Jiajun's thoughts the best.

Since there was no room for maneuver in this matter, it would be better to simply go with the flow and make a killing.

Although doing so might very well cause many enterprises, companies, or individuals to go bankrupt, this also gave Chen Jiajun an opportunity.

An opportunity to buy up the entire Hong Kong Chinese-owned industry.

Of course, the step of shorting alone would require a massive amount of capital.

This amount is not something that a few hundred million or a few billion could achieve.

It would require at least tens of billions in capital.

Chen Jiajun had previously paid back the money to HSBC in one go, which had already sunk the funds earned from Japan.

Not to mention the subsequent investment in the China Light and Power Company.

As for liquid capital, it was simply not enough.

Chen Jiajun smiled and said, "Don't worry, I have a way regarding the capital. But I am leaving the operation to you; can you do it?"

Hearing Chen Jiajun's words, grave expressions appeared on everyone's faces.

Only Sima Xiang and Huang Shitong said earnestly, "Big Boss, we will do our best."

Chen Jiajun smiled and said, "Soon, as long as you have confidence, it will be fine. Let's play cards."

During this card game, the members of the Landlord Association were all somewhat distracted, and the final big winner was Chen Jiajun alone.

This put Chen Jiajun in a very good mood, and he left directly after the game ended.

After Chen Jiajun, the Big Boss, left, the group sat down and started talking.

Among them, Mai Shengyun was the oldest and had the most conservative mindset: "A-Xiang, A-Tong, what do you think? Such a crazy plan to short the Hong Kong stock market, and you didn't even object?"

Chen Zhan also followed up, saying, "This matter is extremely difficult to implement, and besides, this intelligence..."

Sima Xiang said with a chuckle to the group, "Do you think the Big Boss is being too risky this time?"

The group did not speak, only nodded.

Anyone with eyes could see that Chen Jiajun's move was not just risky, but somewhat insane.

Huang Shitong sneered and said, "So you are the ones working for others; Mr. Chen is the real Big Boss. You haven't seen the implications behind this matter at all. Let me ask you, if the stock market crash the Big Boss spoke of really happens, what will happen?"

Luo Minsheng frowned and said, "Perhaps many companies in Hong Kong will go bankrupt, and in more serious cases, it might affect Hong Kong's economic development."

The others heard this and nodded one after another.

Huang Shitong continued, "If even you can see this, would the Big Boss not see it?"

To be honest, the members of the Landlord Association were all very impressed by Chen Jiajun.

It was precisely because of Chen Jiajun's keen insight.

That was why they only felt a bit uneasy in their hearts this time and did not question him on the spot.

"The Big Boss has seen it; he knows how much destruction it will cause if the stock market crash really happens," Huang Shitong continued, "By then, the entire economy of Hong Kong might collapse."

"What will those Chinese Capital Merchants and those ordinary small business owners do? You don't think those England Gweilos are kind enough to spend effort saving the market in a colony they can't hold onto, do you? I tell you, these damn Gweilos will only hollow out the last penny from us Chinese merchants."

When Huang Shitong said this, many people had already caught the drift.

Just like Luo Minsheng.

"Uncle Tong, do you mean... the Big Boss is preparing to save the market?" Luo Minsheng asked tentatively.

Sima Xiang said with a chuckle, "Not only to save the market, but to become a banner for Chinese merchants, just like Mr. Huo Yingnan."

Hearing this, everyone finally understood why Chen Jiajun had gathered the few of them to handle this matter.

"Therefore, this matter is very important, and everyone must be twelve times more alert. Whether the Big Boss can successfully ascend depends on the operations of us few. Furthermore, the more money we make today, the more enterprises we can save when the time comes," Huang Shitong reminded everyone.

The members of the Landlord Association nodded one after another, and Luo Minsheng asked hesitantly, "Then... should we warn some Chinese Capital Merchants about these things?"

"Let the Big Boss decide this matter; he will certainly warn some people," Sima Xiang waved his hand and said.

This matter was originally something that the fewer people who knew, the better.

However, Chen Jiajun would indeed warn some people, such as the leftist merchants of Huo Yingnan's faction.

As for whether they believed it or not, that was not something Chen Jiajun could control; after all, this matter had not yet been verified.

In any case, he was only fulfilling his duty to notify them.

As for the issue of funds, Chen Jiajun did not intend to use HSBC in Hong Kong.

They had played a trick on Chen Jiajun by withdrawing a loan last time; it would be a lie to say Chen Jiajun did not hold a grudge.

So this time, he contacted Citibank of the United States.

This connection was actually very simple: Citibank was one of the shareholders of the Aomen Entertainment Group in Macau.

After both sides had a basic understanding, it was easy to talk about borrowing money.

Citibank Hong Kong had full business qualifications, and Chen Jiajun intended to make this loan a personal business matter.

After Chen Jiajun made a call, he quickly entered the VIP room.

A guy named Li Ailun received him.

Because they had communicated before, they didn't say any nonsense and went straight to the topic.

Chen Jiajun used his shares in Aomen Entertainment Group and China Light and Power Company to take out a loan from Citibank, totaling 10 billion Hong Kong dollars.

That was about 1.2 billion US dollars.

Added to a deposit Chen Jiajun had in a Swiss Bank overseas, it was enough to leverage the entire Hong Kong stock market.

Of course, the premise was that he had to win; otherwise, Chen Jiajun could declare bankruptcy very soon.

Li Ailun was a bit surprised by Chen Jiajun's big move and asked as a matter of routine, "I wonder what Sir Chen intends to use this money for?"

"Investment," Chen Jiajun puffed on a Cigar and said indifferently, "You also know that recently China Light and Power Company has been expanding its business in Brunei and the Philippines, and I need a large sum of capital to maintain the company's smooth operation."

Chen Jiajun was not spouting nonsense; the investments of China Light and Power Company in Brunei and the Philippines could withstand scrutiny.

Therefore, there was no problem with Chen Jiajun's loan.

For a high-quality client like Chen Jiajun, Citibank had no reason to refuse.

"A large loan requires a long approval process; I wonder when Sir Chen needs it?" Li Ailun said with a smile.

Chen Jiajun said indifferently, "Of course, the faster the better, but Citibank wouldn't be as classless as HSBC, would it? Pulling something like a mid-term Withdrawal of Loan?"

The matter of HSBC withdrawing a loan from Chen Jiajun had already become an indelible stain.

Although HSBC was trying its best to cover it up, all enemies with a certain status and position already knew about it.

This matter also damaged HSBC's business in Hong Kong, making Shen Bi furious.

Li Ailun was naturally aware of this and said with a smile, "Our Citibank has a good reputation; this will absolutely not happen."

Li Ailun said this firmly; after all, Chen Jiajun had already proven his financial strength to everyone in Hong Kong.

Not only did he pay off all loans when HSBC withdrew the loan, but he even turned around and acquired Hong Kong Electric Group and China Light and Power Company.

Citibank's service was absolutely top-notch, especially when it came to treating high-quality clients.

As long as you were considered a high-quality client, you were absolutely treated like a god.

They would even do some trivial things as long as they could build a relationship with the client.

This was to facilitate the client in carrying out a series of services at Citibank such as asset management, personal wealth management, consulting, and financial insurance.

The procedures for such large loans were very cumbersome and would take at least several months.

However, Chen Jiajun was not in a hurry; it was only April, and the "October Stock Market Crash" was still a long way off.

However, while Chen Jiajun was not in a hurry, Huo Yingnan and other leftist merchants who received Chen Jiajun's call were a bit anxious.

What Chen Jiajun said was nonsensical, leaving the few Big Bosses feeling completely confused.

So they invited Chen Jiajun over that very day to drink tea and chat.

Chen Jiajun guessed that the few Big Bosses were also uneasy, so he gladly accepted the invitation.

After Chen Jiajun arrived at the teahouse, the few Big Bosses had all arrived.

After both sides were seated, Bao Yugang asked impatiently, "Sir Chen, what exactly did you mean on the phone? You were so unclear."

Chen Jiajun said with a smile, "Sir Bao, this is just a guess; how do you want me to tell you?"

Huo Yingnan said directly, "There are no outsiders here, so just say what you need to say."

Chen Jiajun nodded and said, "Friends of mine in the United States received some news that within these few months, the United States stock market will experience turmoil. I feel it will spread to Hong Kong, so I am just giving you all a heads-up."

"Just that simple?" Bao Yugang clearly did not believe it.

Not to mention Bao Yugang, Huo Yingnan, Lin Mingze, He Xin, and the others all did not believe it.

They had collaborated with Chen Jiajun more than once or twice and knew that Chen Jiajun never did things he wasn't sure about.

If he suddenly warned everyone like this, then this matter was extremely likely to happen.

Anyway, the strange things that happened to this kid were not once or twice; they had made no small amount of money following Chen Jiajun during the last incident in Japan.

"I have heard that you recently took out a loan from Citibank," Lin Mingze said with deep meaning, "I heard the amount is not small."

"Tell me, kid, are you trying to eat alone?" Bao Yugang laughed and scolded him directly.

Chen Jiajun had no choice but to raise his hands in surrender and say, "It is not that I want to eat alone, but that I have no certainty in my own heart regarding this matter. It wouldn't be appropriate to just pull you all on board with empty words."

This stock market crash, in the final analysis, was something he only knew about because of Chen Jiajun's personal "special" experience.

This kind of thing certainly could not be told to these Big Bosses.

Moreover, this stock market crash had no obvious signs, unlike the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis which was so conspicuous.

Therefore, Chen Jiajun did not immediately pull them on board; even if he had, they might not have believed him.

Although the Big Bosses were full of suspicion, seeing Chen Jiajun's calm expression, they gave up on continuing to press him.

Furthermore, Chen Jiajun had already said that once the timing was ripe, he would definitely bring them along.

After all, the support of these Big Bosses would be indispensable for what came after.

After chatting for a while, Chen Jiajun very decisively took his leave.

In the period that followed, Chen Jiajun noticed that the Huo Family, Bao Family, and Lin Family had reined in their actions in the stock market.

Although they did not fully retreat, they had stopped expanding their investments in the stock market.

Chen Jiajun immediately smiled; it was clearly impossible to escape this stock market crash that was sweeping the globe, but being able to avoid some losses was also very good.

In the following period, Chen Jiajun waited for the Citibank loan to come through.

The Landlord Association was also making preparations.

By August, after the Citibank loan finally came through.

Chen Jiajun allocated the funds to the members of the Landlord Association.

On an unremarkable day in mid-October, as soon as the New York market opened, the Dow Jones Index fluctuated for a moment and then began to plummet, with absolutely no signs of stopping.

Panic engulfed the entire New York stock market, and investors sold off stocks one after another, so urgently that they didn't even care about the price.

This level of decline immediately gave all investors a massive shock.

Just one day later, the stock markets in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Singapore also appeared with varying degrees of decline, with the drop reaching around 10%.

The most miserable were Brazil and Mexico, with declines as high as 20%.

No one could stop such a tragic decline, not even the United States.

After the initial two days of plummeting, global investors, in a panic, sold off the US dollars in their hands on the foreign exchange market.

And they began to frantically snap up various hard currencies, which led to a sharp drop in the value of the US dollar.

Under such a vicious cycle, the Dow Jones Index slid further.

This caused the Hong Kong stock market to be forced to close for four days, but when it reopened, the sell orders that had piled up for several days surged out, and the market simply could not handle the orders.

By the time the market closed, the Hong Kong Hang Seng Index had plummeted 112 points, a daily decline as high as 33.33%, setting the highest decline record in the history of the world's stock markets.

And at this time, Hong Kong was already filled with wailing everywhere.

The extravagant consumption of the ordinary citizens who had previously made money in the stock market had disappeared.

Things like "lighting cigarettes with big bills" or "eating rice with shark fin" were even more out of the question.

Instead, on every skyscraper, there were quite a few more people preparing to take a leap of faith.

"Woo woo woo woo."

The sound of police sirens rang out again; he didn't know how many times this had happened.

The cleaner silently swept away the bloodstains on the ground.

If one had seen enough dead people, one would become numb to it.

Recently, people had been continuously leaping from the rooftops, smashing into the ground with their heads bursting open like watermelons.

At the harbor's Pier, floating corpses also drifted over every day.

They were all those guys who had lost their entire fortunes playing the stock market.

Among them were even quite a few bosses of small businesses.

Under the sweep of the stock market crash, almost no one could be spared.

Those with poor ability to resist risk became the first batch of victims.

Especially those who had borrowed money to play the stock market; not only did they die, but their debts were left to their families.

(End of this chapter)