Chapter 455: 427 Unity and Cooperation_2
Nie Zhenbang laughed modestly and said, “Uncle Shi, you’re too kind. My presence here primarily represents the resolution of the central government. With full state support, we have both the confidence and the abilities needed to maintain the economic prosperity and stability of Donggang. Yet, I need to request the assistance of everyone present.”
After a pause, Zhenbang continued: “We can’t do it alone. Donggang itself is the main force, and Uncle Shi is like a mighty mountain, providing stability amidst all the uncertainties. We’ll undoubtedly need your assistance. Your decisions have the power to move the Hang Seng Index.”
At this time, Li Chao laughed heartily. He didn’t deny Zhenbang’s words – it wasn’t flattery but a stark truth.
“Nephew Nie, you give me too much credit. Maintaining the stability and prosperity of Donggang is the duty of local entrepreneurs and financiers like us. Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, we would have fully cooperated,” said Li Chao, nodding in agreement.
Zhenbang added: “Uncle Shi, I also need your help in contacting and inviting the prominent tycoons of this city to join us in the banquet hall of the Bank of Huaxia tomorrow evening. On behalf of the central government, I would like to host them.”
His meaning was clear. By hosting the wealthy on behalf of the government, he aimed to unite the wealthy of Donggang into a collective force, as divided strength results in a lesser impact than a consolidated one.
Although Li Chao was a businessman, as a member of the Chinese ethnic group, he had an innate understanding of such a request.
He quickly figured out Zhenbang’s intentions and nodded, “Sure, this would be for a good cause in Donggang. Contributing to the city’s stability and prosperity aligns with my ambitions. Rest assured, Nephew Nie, I will invite everyone to the gathering tomorrow evening.”
After these exchanges, Zhenbang’s purpose for visiting Li Chao had been accomplished. He politely excused himself after a short while, and Li Chao once again saw him off graciously.
The next morning, the members of Zhenbang’s selected work team gradually arrived. Apart from himself, the Prime Minister had also appointed two deputy team leaders to assist him. However, Zhenbang had handpicked these individuals himself, and the Prime Minister had merely formalized these appointments.
The two deputy team leaders were Zhang Yunfan, working at the Huaxia Academy of Sciences, and Huo Gang, the chief trader from Jiuding Securities. Zhang Yunfan had a deep understanding of national and global economic systems, making him crucial for the skirmishes involving Donggang’s and Huaxia’s policies and financial systems. Huo Gang, a young economist and prominent scholar of international economy, had extensive practical experience and a keen understanding of the rapidly changing securities market, making him an invaluable asset.
Other team members were also prominent young talents from within the country. Zhenbang had managed to gather virtually all of Huaxia’s distinguished young experts.
After surveying the team, Zhenbang said sternly, “Cutting through all the formalities, I hope you realize the severity of the situation. Here, my only requirement is absolute obedience. We might need to maintain this discipline for a month, or maybe longer. Our goal is to entirely defeat the international speculators led by Soros and protect the national interests and stable economies of Donggang. Is this clear to everyone?”
Under these circumstances, there was no time to play nice or patronize their talents. There was an urgent need to unite the team quickly in a military-style order. Zhenbang was confident that they would comprehend and appreciate his abilities as they began working together.
Zhang Yunfan and Huo Gang took the lead and pledged, “Yes, we guarantee the completion of the task.”
Pleased with their uniform response, Zhenbang nodded, “Now, let’s get to work immediately. The first thing to do today is for some of you to gather Donggang’s economic data from the past decade. The trading team, on the other hand, should start short selling the Hang Seng Index using these pre-established accounts with maximum leverage. But keep the operations small and under the radar. I am giving you five days to complete this task.”
Short-sell the Hang Seng Index?
The room fell silent. No one said a word. However, a few of the younger and more impulsive members were visibly taken aback. The international speculators were known to short-sell the Hang Seng Index. They were supposed to be defending the market, not joining the ranks of speculators.
But given Zhenbang’s resolute instructions, they dared not challenge him. Zhenbang took out a bank card and inserted it into a nearby machine, initiating the transfer of a large number of national funds into various accounts. The sound of clattering keyboard keys echoed in the hall.
That evening
The banquet hall on the 60th floor of the Zhong Yin building was a dazzling sight. The stars in attendance were not entertainment celebrities, but about thirty of the most prominent figures in the financial sector of Donggang, each one of them powerful enough to influence the city’s economy with a mere stomp of their foot.
Accompanied by Li Chao and the head of Bank of Huaxia in Donggang, Zhenbang entered the venue and walked straight to the stage. He smiled and expressed, “Welcome, everyone. Your presence gives me great confidence that we will defeat the speculators and triumph in our economic defense of Donggang.”
No sooner had his words landed than someone said, “Mr. Nie, may I ask how you plan to defend Donggang?”
Zhenbang recognized the man from a briefing – he was the chairman of Donggang Securities, a man of resolve. He responded with a restrained smile, “We will discuss the specifics of our plan at tomorrow’s meeting. But as a small teaser, I’ve already issued our first operation order today: we’re short-selling the Hang Seng Index!”