Chapter 58: The Misfortune of Fang Yi

Cai Weiqiang was a formidable figure—a man who had been among the first to recognize the madness of the stock market. He devoted himself to its study, growing accustomed to the quick profits that came with it. He had never seriously considered investing in real industry; to put it bluntly, money came fast and left just as quickly. None of it was ever tied up in safe assets.

Now, as Chai Jin spoke to him, his mind cleared with unusual sharpness, as if Chai Jin had hacked a path through his thoughts. He listened intently.

After a long pause, Cai Weiqiang finally spoke. “You mean I should switch careers?”

Chai Jin smiled and shook his head. “The stock market in China’s future will be marked by short bull runs and long bear stretches. When a bull market comes, you can make a killing, but most people end up losing money. Sure, you can make money here, but you can’t rely on a single trade for survival.”

“Think about how you collapsed a few months ago. When your industry stopped feeding you, you fell into destitution—almost had to sell your mobile phone. If you’d invested in something else, maybe things would have been different. When the east is dark, the west shines—that’s the principle, isn’t it?”

Cai Weiqiang’s expression grew somber as he raised his cup slowly to his lips, his heart filled with bitterness. After so many years in society, he realized he had never truly understood such a simple truth.

He asked again after a while, “What do you plan to do once you’re over there?”

Chai Jin answered calmly, “I’ll focus on getting the airplane project done first.”

“You haven’t given up? You haven’t mentioned it recently, so I thought you’d lost interest. Why are you still talking about it?”

Cai Weiqiang still believed Chai Jin’s ambitions were impossible.

Chai Jin smiled. “That’s why, brother, I need your connections in Guangdong Province.”

“Do you want to work together?” Cai Weiqiang joked. “What’s all this about partnership? If you’re determined, then go ahead. If you need me, just say the word.”

“We’ve talked all morning. I should go inside and see what’s happening.”

With that, Cai Weiqiang stood and headed inside. Chai Jin smiled quietly behind him, saying nothing.

By afternoon, the black market price had broken four thousand. Liu Qingwen, after seeing the latest quote, ran out in jubilant excitement.

“Brother Jin, I’m about to make a fortune! Should I sell now?”

“One certificate is four thousand—I’ve got over sixty. That’s more than twenty thousand in my pocket just from flipping them!”

Chai Jin set down his cup. “Can’t you calm down? If you’re impatient, you won’t get the hot tofu. If you want to maximize your gains, you have to know how to wait.”

Liu Qingwen’s face twisted in agony. “I’m itching to sell!”

“Alright, I’ll tell you when to sell. Don’t rush.”

Just then, a clattering noise came from the black market. Fang Yi, who had been sitting quietly inside, suddenly ran out in disarray, followed by a group of thugs.

The leader glared at him. “Even if you run to the ends of the earth, Boss Mo will never let you go!”

“You caused him huge losses—do you really think you can escape?”

The gang cursed and charged after him. Soon, calm returned.

Chai Jin watched the scene curiously, then turned back into the black market, where he found someone who knew the details. After asking around, he learned that Fang Yi was a stranger to them, but the thugs had just revealed some information. They were hired by a boss named Mo to catch Fang Yi, who had caused Mo considerable losses and then fled. Mo wanted him back.

Anyone could guess: if Fang Yi was caught, it would be a matter of life or death.

Chai Jin had never expected Fang Yi to have such a story. No wonder he was always wary of those around him and never mingled with anyone.

As he left, Chai Jin suddenly asked, “Monkey, how are things with those local elders?”

“Uncle Zhang and the others?” Liu Qingwen asked, puzzled.

“Yes.”

Liu Qingwen struck a boastful pose. “I’m not bragging, but now I’m the favorite in front of those old men! My business is their business.”

“Brother Jin, why are you asking?”

Chai Jin lit a cigarette as he walked ahead. “Good. I need to handle something soon, and I may need to use their connections. No need to bother Cai again—it’s not good to trouble him too much.”

“Oh.”

After saying goodbye at the door, Chai Jin sent Liu Qingwen away and went straight to the building where he rented his apartment, intending to wait for Fang Yi.

The old man at the small convenience store downstairs saw Chai Jin and couldn’t contain his joy, pulling him aside to chat and express endless gratitude.

Some time ago, Chai Jin had advised him, “No matter the price of the subscription certificates, just buy as much as you can. Don’t worry about anything else.”

The old man had lived his whole life cautiously, counting every penny, but this time he listened to Chai Jin and spent more than six thousand yuan on subscription certificates. By then, they were already selling for hundreds each.

When he got home, his wife threatened divorce. Six thousand yuan—the family’s entire savings, earned through years of frugal living. “How could you squander everything based on the advice of a stranger?” Of course, she was furious.

Those days were hard for him, but now his spirits were lifted. The certificates he bought would bring in more than twenty thousand yuan—money that would have taken years to save. Chai Jin had become their family’s god of wealth.

Chai Jin kept a calm smile as the old man insisted he stay for dinner. He went out and bought a lot of meat, prepared a grand meal, and, with the warm weather, they ate outside at the shop’s entrance.

Around seven in the evening, a young man appeared at the mouth of the alley. He looked pale and walked with a limp; his clothes were tattered, clear evidence of a fierce fight.

As he passed the convenience store, the old man called out, “Xiao Fang, where have you been? Got into a fight?”

Fang Yi said nothing, clutching his injured arm as he headed for the building.

The old man grew more curious. “Why don’t you answer? Did something happen? If you’re in trouble, tell us. Maybe we can help.”

Fang Yi replied only when he reached the building entrance. “I’m fine, old man.”

“Hey, have you eaten yet? Go change your clothes and come down for dinner—we’ve got food on the table.”

Fang Yi didn’t respond and went straight inside.

The old man began to mutter, “What’s wrong with Xiao Fang lately? Why does he come home battered every day? Has someone targeted him?”

Chai Jin smiled and raised his glass. “Come, old man, let’s drink.”

“As a stranger in Zhonghai, meeting a warm-hearted person like you is a blessing.”