Chapter 27: 026 Buy a Car

Compared to similar Beijing tourism sector stocks like China Youth Travel Service and Capital Tourism Holdings, Beijing Tourism had a smaller market cap, but suddenly surged in late June 2008, rising from around 12 yuan to a peak of 30 yuan in just 30 trading days—a gain of roughly 150%—earning it a spot as one of the top ten “phantom stocks” of 2008.

Any stock anomaly has a main force behind it, and the reason for Beijing Tourism’s explosive rise was the upcoming Olympics in Beijing.

Just as investors rejoiced, the speculation ended quickly, followed by a sharp plunge from highs, with dozens of consecutive limit-downs trapping many retail investors.

Now, Beijing Tourism remains obscure, its stock price hovering around 11 yuan, with sluggish trading that pales in comparison to China Youth Travel Service and Capital Tourism Holdings.

Unexpectedly, the Dongguan girl had noticed too!

“Why?” Fang Qingye asked deliberately.

According to my model, the main force has been quietly accumulating shares, but the position isn't large enough yet—it needs more time before a rally. I'll let you know when it happens.

“Strange.” Fang Qingye typed two characters.

“What’s strange?”

“You just said in the group you don’t trade stocks—so why are you so interested? Are you just playing around with simulated trading?”

“Of course not—I’m collaborating with the Investment Banking Research Center at the headquarters of Oriental Bank, so naturally I follow the market.” The Dongguan girl typed back.

Is that really the reason?

Fang Qingye still doubted and asked again: “Aren’t you planning to make money in the stock market?”

“What’s the point of trading stocks? If you ever get into futures, I’ll play with you.”

This guy’s got such big talk?

Futures were definitely something he’d trade—but not now.

He didn’t have enough capital.

What’s the point without tens or hundreds of millions?

Of course, Fang Qingye didn’t say this aloud.

“Husband, are you short on cash? Then you’d better earn more, and when you do, come marry me—you need to be a legendary hero like Zhi Zun Bao, clad in golden armor, stepping on seven-colored clouds...” The other party sent another string of text.

She’s having another midlife crisis moment.

Fang Qingye logged off decisively.

The next day after work, Fang Qingye turned on his computer and sold all his Longping High-Tech shares at 40 yuan, netting 1,108,664 yuan after stamp duty and handling fees.

Hmm, not bad.

Of course, he needed to repay Song Dahai’s 200,000 yuan principal.

Fang Qingye immediately called Song Dahai about repaying the money, but the other man flatly refused.

“You don’t need to pay back the 200,000.”

“You’re too generous. As the saying goes: even brothers should settle accounts clearly—I can’t do this.” Fang Qingye said.

“Ye Zi, you paying me back is cutting off my livelihood.” On the other end of the line, Song Dahai’s tone was weary.

“What do you mean?” Fang Qingye was confused.

“The day before yesterday, over dinner, I accidentally mentioned you borrowed 200,000 from me to trade stocks. My father heard it and immediately said I didn’t have to repay you—if I even tried to take that 200,000, I’d never get another cent from home! You see? You’re cutting off my livelihood... Please, don’t pay me back, okay?”

I #￥%……&

Fang Qingye didn’t know what to say.

He wasn’t sure if Song Dahai had made up the story, but clearly the Song father-son pair were thanking him this way.

“Alright...” Fang Qingye agreed: “Then I’ll keep it for now.”

“Not ‘for now’—permanently...”

After chatting a bit more, Fang Qingye hung up.

Now he had a million yuan himself—he wanted to buy a car.

Although his commute was short enough for a scooter, traveling farther or going out in the rain was inconvenient.

And fishing!

With a car, he could go farther and not worry about wind or rain.

But buying a car was a big decision—he needed to tell his parents.

Around nine that night, his father Fang Jianwen returned from a business dinner, sitting in the living room sipping tea his wife had brewed, when Fang Qingye brought it up.

His father agreed readily.

“Buy it. Lots of families in the city have cars now—it’s convenient. I wanted one too, but I don’t have a license, and I don’t have time to go to driving school... I’ll give you 150,000. Is that enough?”

“Dad, I don’t need your money—I have my own. I’m just letting you know.” Fang Qingye smiled.

“You have your own money? You’ve only been working a few days—where did you get 100,000? Don’t tell me you embezzled company funds?!” Fang Jianwen’s tone turned stern.

“Dad, why do you always suspect me of doing something wrong?! I’m just an intern—do I look that capable?!” Fang Qingye replied irritably.

“I made money from stock trading.”

Stock trading?!

His mother, Zhang Meili, who had been snacking on sunflower seeds while watching TV, turned to look at him.

“Yes, stock trading.” Fang Qingye briefly explained borrowing money to trade stocks, leaving out the modeling part and not mentioning he’d made 900,000—only saying he’d made around 200,000.

“Ye Zi, you’ve got guts—if you’d lost Dahai’s 200,000, what then? Stop now—never trade again!” His father said seriously.

Sigh...

Hearing his father’s scolding, Fang Qingye sighed inwardly.

There was nothing to be done—his father was just overly cautious.

His mother Zhang Meili didn’t scold him; instead, she asked curiously: “Ye Zi, you actually made that much from stocks? I never would’ve guessed. Tell me—is the market about to surge? Will my funds finally break even?”

Unlike her cautious husband, his mother had bold instincts—during the 2005–2007 bull market, she rushed in and bought over 200,000 yuan worth of funds.

Unfortunately, she got greedy and didn’t redeem them in time; now she’d lost half her principal and never stopped thinking about it.

Hearing her question, Fang Qingye smiled: “Mom, it’s a bear market now—stock prices won’t surge for years. But don’t worry, your funds will break even eventually. Just treat them like a fixed-term bank deposit.”

“Oh...” His mother sounded disappointed, but her attention quickly shifted back to the TV, ignoring the two of them.

“Ye Zi,” his father spoke again: “Here’s what I’ll do—I’ll give you 100,000. We’re also saving to buy you a house. You keep some for yourself—saving for dating and marriage will cost money. Nowadays, young people don’t just stroll in parks and walk the streets like your mother and I did.”

“Back then, you couldn’t even afford a two-yuan movie ticket.”

His mother suddenly chimed in. His father looked embarrassed and retorted: “You said you didn’t like movies.”

“Which girl in that era didn’t like movies? I was saving money for you!”

“Alright, Mom and Dad, you two enjoy your memories—I’m heading to my room.” Fang Qingye quickly slipped away.

Parents were like this—constantly arguing over old memories and dragging him in as judge. Who was right or wrong? Impossible to tell.

Once he left, with no judge around, they lost interest in arguing.

Sure enough, the living room fell quiet again, save for the TV’s sound.

Even though his father offered 100,000, Fang Qingye planned to buy only a 200,000-yuan car—just for daily use.

Fang Qingye turned on his computer and searched online. After a long search, he found the Buick Regal suited him best.

The 2.0L Elite model was priced at 199,900 yuan—likely with discounts available.

That’s the one!

Tomorrow, he’d visit the 4S dealership.