bioinnovel Chapter 51 Preparations Before Going Abroad
Chapter 51 Preparations Before Going Abroad
June 3, 1996, the summer heat was growing stronger.
After finishing his graduation matters, and with the trip to the United States being prepared intensively under General Manager Zheng's efficient management, Ling Yun finally had a rare period of relatively free time. He deliberately slowed down his pace and devoted more time to An Shiyu.
Their relationship was no longer confined to the campus and internet cafes. They would stroll together along the moat at dusk, watching the sunset melt into gold and dye the river a warm orange; they would go to newly opened bookstores, where he would browse the latest computer magazines and business biographies, while she would linger on the literature shelves, occasionally exchanging passages they found interesting; or they could simply have a meal together in the school cafeteria, listening to her tell stories of her time in the student council, or her thoughts on a book she was reading.
There were no earth-shattering romances, but rather a gentle, enduring affection. Ling Yun was diligently fulfilling his responsibilities as a boyfriend, while An Shiyu peacefully enjoyed the tranquility and tacit understanding stolen from her busy schedule. She could sense that Ling Yun was about to leave, but wisely refrained from asking too many questions, instead transforming her reluctance and concern into even more attentive companionship.
However, Ling Yun's thoughts never truly strayed from his business empire. After spending some time with An Shiyu at the library, he made an excuse and returned to the familiar special account room at the provincial securities branch.
The computer screen lit up, displaying the account information clearly. Compared to the peak moment a little over a month ago when he held over 20 million yuan after liquidating his Shenzhen Development Bank shares, his asset structure had undergone a dramatic change.
Cash balance: a glaring, near-zero figure.
Positions:
Sichuan Changhong: 40 shares, current market price 23.00 yuan, market value 920 million yuan.
Shenzhen Technology: 65 shares, current market price 16.50 yuan, market value 1072 million yuan.
The total market value of the holdings is still as high as nearly 20 million, but the available cash is almost exhausted.
Ling Yun stared calmly at the figures. The flow of funds flashed clearly through his mind:
500 million yuan was injected into Xinghuo Technology Electronics Factory to pay overdue wages, purchase materials, and start production.
200 million yuan was invested in the Xinghuo-Shandong University Joint Laboratory as initial research and development funding.
A grant of 100 million yuan was allocated to Xinghuo Internet Cafe (new store and expansion) for new store decoration, equipment purchase and second floor renovation.
These three massive expenditures, like three powerful blood vessels, continuously channel the nutrients drawn from the capital market to the three core entities he has established: manufacturing, R&D, and offline traffic entry points. This ability and decisiveness to rapidly transform financial capital into industrial capital is precisely what sets him apart from the vast majority of people in this era.
But the consequences were immediate—his personal account was empty again, with only 200 million left.
My upcoming trip to the United States will require US dollars, and not a small amount, whether for project inspections, contacting potential investors, or exploring potential investment opportunities. Relying on the considerable but time-consuming cash flow generated by internet cafes is clearly not feasible.
His gaze returned to the two stocks he held on the screen: Changhong and Shenzhen Technology. He remained optimistic about their performance in this bull market and felt it was far from time to liquidate his entire position.
"Mortgage." This plan instantly popped into Ling Yun's mind. Use leverage to revitalize dormant assets.
He immediately picked up the phone and dialed Mr. Zheng's number.
"Mr. Zheng, it's me, Ling Yun. I have a business deal I'd like to discuss with you."
Half an hour later, Mr. Zheng's brand-new Audi pulled up in front of the sales department. He strode into the special clients' room, his face beaming with enthusiasm.
"Mr. Ling, how can I help you?" President Zheng sat down with a smile, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the enviable market value of his holdings on the computer screen.
"I need some US dollars in cash for expenses during my trip to the United States and for potential investment opportunities," Ling Yun said bluntly. "I plan to use the value of my stock holdings as collateral to exchange for them from you at the current exchange rate."
Mr. Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, quickly getting into the zone: "How much?"
"Two million US dollars," Ling Yun announced.
Mr. Zheng was shocked. Two million US dollars was an enormous sum in 1996! He pondered for a moment and asked, "Mr. Ling, what exchange rate do you intend to use for the settlement? The official exchange rate is currently around 8.27."
Official exchange rates are often ineffective, especially for large transactions. Ling Yun was well aware of this, and he offered a solution that both demonstrated sincerity and allowed President Zheng to profit:
"We don't need to use the official exchange rate. Between us, we'll settle at 1:8.3. I'll use the equivalent value of my stocks in RMB as collateral, which translates to approximately 16.6 million RMB worth of stocks."
At an exchange rate of 1:8.3, Mr. Zheng could almost instantly exchange his shares through his own channels and earn a substantial profit, all without any risk—he had high-quality stocks worth nearly 20 million yuan as collateral!
This was practically a windfall! Mr. Zheng's heart began to pound uncontrollably. He suppressed his excitement and confirmed, "Mr. Ling, are you sure? At 1:8.3? With shares as collateral?"
"Confirmed." Ling Yun said calmly. "I will sign the mortgage agreement, and the shares will be frozen and monitored by Manager Zhou of the business department. You have the right to dispose of these shares until I return your principal of two million US dollars and the agreed interest. If we return to China and I fail to return the shares on time, you have the right to sell the mortgaged shares on the market to recover your funds."
The terms were clear, the risks were manageable, and the profits were substantial. Mr. Zheng had virtually no reason to refuse. He took a deep breath, stood up, and extended his hand to Ling Yun: "Mr. Ling, easy peasy! It's a deal! I'll arrange the funds immediately, at the latest the day after tomorrow, two million US dollars, whether by cash draft or overseas account transfer, I guarantee it will be in place before your departure!"
Their hands were clasped tightly together.
Having completed this crucial financial transaction, Ling Yun felt somewhat relieved. However, he also knew that owing President Zheng such a significant favor couldn't be repaid with just interest. President Zheng's decisive action indicated that he was interested in far more than just the exchange rate difference and interest.
He looked at Mr. Zheng and offered the return the other party most wanted: "Mr. Zheng, besides conducting business in the United States, I will also be looking for some short-term trading opportunities. If you are interested, you can follow along and trade with me."
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zheng's face instantly lit up with a radiant smile, as if he had heard the most wonderful promise. He shook Ling Yun's hand vigorously: "Mr. Ling! With your words, my trip to America has been worthwhile! Absolutely worthwhile! I'll do whatever you say!"
He knew perfectly well that the potential gains from Ling Yun's promised "short-term opportunity" probably far outweighed the risks he took and the profits he gave up in helping with the currency exchange.
After seeing off Mr. Zheng, who was so satisfied he was almost humming a tune, Ling Yun remained alone in the special room.
Outside the window, the street scene of Jinan in early summer of 1996 was ordinary yet full of life.
He leveraged his funds again, exchanging dormant stock market value for a precious two million dollars in ammunition. This money would accompany him across the ocean to a country full of opportunities and risks, in search of the next opportunity to ignite a prairie fire.