Chapter 167: Ten‑fold Leverage! The Hong Kong Island Stock Market Meets Its Harvester

He spent the whole morning, and Lu Qingshan opened an account at HSBC.

Holding the brand‑new bank card, he felt somewhat conflicted.

This tiny card carried his first attempt in the capital market after his rebirth.

"Second brother, are we really going to trade stocks on Hong Kong Island?" Lu Qingjun looked at the bank's gilded splendor, his heart still fluttering.

"Don't worry, I have it all figured out," Lu Qingshan patted his younger brother's shoulder, a flash of past‑life memory crossing his eyes. The years spent studying K-line Charts in a rented room were finally ready to be put to use.

They left the bank and headed straight for the securities firm.

Manager Huang Chaowen was already waiting for them in the office, a thick stack of documents on the desk.

"Mr. Lu, is the bank account set up?" Manager Huang rose to greet them, his smile warmer than yesterday's.

"All set," Lu Qingshan handed him the bank card information. "Manager Huang, I'd like to consult about Leverage."

Manager Huang took the documents, skimmed them quickly, then set down his pen: "Mr. Lu, how much capital are you planning to invest now?"

"HK$50,000," Lu Qingshan replied outright.

"HK$50,000…" Manager Huang mused. "To be honest, that amount is only a small account in the Hong Kong Island stock market. However, considering you were introduced by Mr. Zhang and are a mainland friend, we can offer you some preferential terms."

Lu Qingjun, listening from beside, sounded confused: "Manager Huang, what exactly does Leverage mean?"

Manager Huang smiled: "Simply put, it's borrowing money to trade stocks. For example, you have HK$50,000; I lend you HK$450,000, giving you HK$500,000 to invest. If the stock rises, your profit multiplies tenfold. But if it falls…"

"If it falls, you lose ten times as much," Lu Qingshan took over. "I understand the risk."

Manager Huang nodded, his expression turning serious: "Mr. Lu, you seem knowledgeable. Based on your capital and Mr. Zhang's guarantee, I can offer you up to ten‑fold Leverage. That means your HK$50,000 can become HK$500,000 of trading funds. The monthly interest rate is 1.5 %."

Lu Qingjun's face went pale at the figure: "Second brother, isn't this too risky? If we lose…"

"If we lose, it's a total loss," Lu Qingshan's voice was calm, yet his eyes burned with unprecedented fire. "But if we profit, our returns will be multiplied."

Manager Huang studied Lu Qingshan's expression closely, finding the young man steadier than expected: "Mr. Lu, are you sure you want ten‑fold Leverage? I suggest starting with two‑fold and increasing gradually as you become familiar with the market."

"No, ten‑fold," Lu Qingshan's tone left no room for doubt. His past‑life experience told him that the 1981 Hong Kong Island stock market was about to bottom; missing a dip now would forfeit the best opportunity.

Seeing his resolve, Manager Huang stopped persuading and began sorting the relevant documents: "Since you've decided, I'll process it right away. However, there's another question—do you plan to trade yourself or hire a professional trader?"

"What are the advantages of hiring a trader?" Lu Qingshan asked.

"First, professionalism—they're more familiar with the market. Second, convenience; you can place orders by phone without going to the exchange daily. Most importantly, if an emergency arises, they can handle it promptly," Manager Huang explained patiently. "Of course, traders charge a commission; single‑position trades usually cost 10 % to 15 % of the profit."

Lu Qingshan weighed the pros and cons swiftly in his mind. Hiring a trader was indeed convenient, but he didn't want anyone to know his strategy. Yet trading himself daily would draw too much attention.

"Manager Huang, where do you think we can find suitable traders?"

"There are plenty in the exchanges," Manager Huang laughed. "Especially the young traders who'll do anything for commission. You can stroll around the Hong Kong Island Stock Exchange and the Far East Exchange; you'll easily find suitable candidates."

Lu Qingshan nodded: "That's the plan. You handle the Leverage paperwork first; I'll go find a trader."

Manager Huang got busy, signing, stamping, and photocopying various documents. Lu Qingjun, beside him, felt dizzy, his worries mounting.

"Second brother, is this really safe?" Lu Qingjun whispered during a pause while Manager Huang was photocopying, "If we lose everything, how will we go home to see Mom and Dad?"

Lu Qingshan looked at his brother's anxious expression, a wave of guilt rising. In his past life he had always let his family foot the bill for his impulsive decisions.

"Qingjun, do you trust your older brother?" Lu Qingshan grasped his brother's hand, feeling the sweat on his palm.

"Of course I do, but…"

"No 'but'," Lu Qingshan's eyes flashed with resolve. "This time is different, I promise."

Lu Qingjun looked into his older brother's gaze and saw something he had never seen before—a steadiness and Confidence beyond his years, not impulsiveness nor gambling.

Manager Huang returned with the documents, his expression somewhat solemn: "Mr. Lu, there's one final step. According to regulations, using ten‑fold Leverage requires you to sign a risk acknowledgment and provide an emergency contact."

"Emergency contact?" Lu Qingshan was taken aback.

"It's the person we should notify should your account suffer a significant loss," Manager Huang explained. "It's to protect the investor and also to protect us."

Lu Qingshan thought for a moment and wrote down Zhang Zhihua's contact information. Though they had only just met, Zhang Zhihua was the most trustworthy person on Hong Kong Island at present.

All the procedures completed, it was already 2 p. m. Lu Qingshan carried a stack of documents, feeling their weight. They were more than mere papers—they represented his most important investment since rebirth.

"Mr. Lu, your account will be officially activated tomorrow," Manager Huang handed him the final document. "However, I must remind you that the stock market carries risk; invest cautiously. Especially with Leverage, risk multiplies."

"I understand," Lu Qingshan carefully stored the documents. "Manager Huang, tomorrow I'll go find a trader."

"Very well; if any issues arise, feel free to contact me," Manager Huang rose to see him off. "Wishing you a smooth investment."

Stepping out of the securities firm, the Hong Kong Island afternoon sun was blazingly bright. Lu Qingshan squinted at the distant skyscrapers, a surge of ambition swelling in his heart.

"Second brother, what do we do next?" Lu Qingjun asked.

"We'll go to the exchange and find a reliable trader," Lu Qingshan set off. "Qingjun, starting tomorrow we'll officially enter the Hong Kong Island stock market."

Lu Qingjun followed behind, watching his older brother's steadfast silhouette, his worry gradually giving way to an inexplicable anticipation.

Perhaps, second brother can truly create a miracle.