Chapter 64: Enter the net

Return: My Hell and Heaven
Chapter 64: Enter the net

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Qinrui Investment Bank, Chairman’s Office

Qinrui Capital is one of the most established investment banks in the domestic financial sector. Apart from Vio and its predecessor, Qin’s, which sometimes outperforms Qinrui Capital in quarterly financials, few in the industry can rival it.

In the financial derivatives market, Qinrui Capital has dominated since Vio’s strategic withdrawal and restructuring years ago. In fact, a significant portion of Qinrui’s financials is supported by its Product Division. However, for the first time, there’s a sense that Qinrui’s dominance in derivatives might be under threat.

This is most visibly reflected in the stock price: as rumors about Vio’s impending re-entry into derivatives grow, Qinrui’s stock, which had seen a steady rise, has been closing down for several consecutive weeks.

This trend has stirred up tension, especially among the management. Over the past few weeks, the executive team has been holding frequent meetings—some formal, others private—discussing strategies and responses, both overt and covert.

Today’s meeting in the chairman’s office is clearly one of the latter.

The Chang family has always held control over Qinrui. Initially, Qinrui was jointly owned by several partners, with a different figure at the helm. After the company went public, the current chairman, Chang Jianfeng, used a series of equity agreements to gain absolute control, securing Qinrui under his family’s ownership through strategic maneuvering.

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For years, Chang Ting had harbored jealousy and resentment toward Vio’s young and celebrated Chairman and General Manager, Qin Lou. Despite being a few years older, Chang felt overshadowed by Qin’s reputation and capability.

However, Chang’s plans to leverage this opportunity faced obstacles, as his grand comeback strategy stalled at Qinrui’s own risk management department.

Early in the morning, the chairman’s office filled with a few trusted Chang family associates—executives who have stood by the Changs through various controversial tactics.

There’s no doubt they’re here for the product Chu Xiangbin brought back.

Despite his indulgence toward his son, Chang Jianfeng remains a shrewd and cunning strategist. Although Chang Ting holds the title of General Manager, important decisions are ultimately routed to the chairman’s office.

That’s apparently the case this time.

This situation undoubtedly frustrates the headstrong Chang Ting, as he perceives it as a glaring lack of trust. Each time this happens, he reacts with visible anger, heatedly arguing with those who disagree.

“Enough,” Chang Jianfeng finally interjects from behind his desk, irritation clear as he taps his desk to quiet the room.

The sharp sound silences everyone, including Chang Ting, who still respects his father’s authority.

Seeing the room quiet down, Chang Jianfeng, satisfied with his influence, raises an eyebrow, pauses briefly, then speaks calmly. “One at a time. This isn’t a marketplace.”

“Dad, I—” Chang Ting begins, but a sharp look from his father corrects him. “Chairman Chang, the opportunity is rare, and the Product Division’s assessment is ready. Their analysis is here—this product could allow us to suppress Vio completely, but we must act swiftly!”

Chang Jianfeng listened without comment, then looked to the other side. “Let someone from the opposition speak as a representative. If others have additional points, they can add after.”

After some whispered discussions, a senior executive from Qinrui stepped forward. Before he spoke, he cautiously observed Chang Jianfeng’s expression to make sure there was no displeasure before he began.

“Chairman Chang, we understand this product has significant profit potential, but according to our department’s analysis, the leverage on this product is extremely high. It relies on predicting international interest rates, and with such high leverage, even a small change in rates could lead buyers of this product to one of two extremes—either massive profits or a complete loss.”

Chang Ting’s eyebrow twitched sharply. He hated hearing the words “complete loss”—they reminded him of his own post-graduation, disastrous attempt at starting a business, a memory that stung especially now, at this critical juncture he saw as his comeback opportunity.

His face flushed with anger, he turned and glared at the executive, already planning to find a way to ruin and oust him from the company. He shot back loudly, “So what if there’s risk? We thrive on risk! If everyone only played it safe with deposits and index funds, we’d all be out on the street—none of you would be sitting here in a bright office sipping tea and watching the view!”

The senior executives at Qinrui, many of whom had helped build the company alongside Chang Jianfeng, had long felt discontent toward Chang Ting’s arrogance. Provoked by his words, one of them couldn’t hold back.

“General Manager Chang, that’s not accurate—we make our profit by capitalizing on favorable risks while mitigating losses from adverse ones. Since the company’s founding, Chairman Chang and we have advanced carefully, calculating every move to create today’s success. How could you—”

The executive’s words abruptly stopped. Not because of Chang Ting, but because of Chang Jianfeng. From behind his desk, Chang Jianfeng had been listening quietly, but at some point, his brow twitched, and his gaze turned icy as he stared sharply at the executive who had spoken.

The executive quickly shrank back, lowering his head in silence.

Chang Ting, however, was too engulfed in his anger to notice his father’s shift in mood. He grew even more irate, “Nonsense! My father—Chairman Chang—isn’t a coward like you all! Have you all grown so comfortable in your positions that you’ve lost your nerve? This matter—”

“That’s enough,” Chang Jianfeng interjected in a steady tone, cutting off his son.

Chang Ting, taken aback, stopped speaking reluctantly. Though dissatisfied, he didn’t dare defy his father.

Chang Jianfeng said nothing further, sitting with a furrowed brow, deep in thought. After a moment, something seemed to occur to him, and he looked up at Chang Ting.

“What’s the name of the young man who brought you this product?”

“Chu Xiangbin,” Chang Ting replied.

“Is he here today?”

“Yes, he is.”

Realizing this, Chang Ting’s spirits lifted, remembering his ally. Although he loathed to admit it, his younger schoolmate had abilities that exceeded his own. Perhaps Chu Xiangbin could help him make this opportunity work.

Thinking this, Chang Ting eagerly turned and looked around. “Junior Brother Chu?”

The executives also scanned the room.

A voice came from the other side of the office a few seconds later. “Here.”

The executives blocking the front of the chairman’s desk parted, revealing a young man sitting on a sofa in the lounge area on the far side of the room. He casually placed a teacup down as he looked over.

The executives exchanged glances, their expressions subtly complex. After they’d entered, the chairman’s assistants had served each of them tea, but they had left it untouched—no one was in the mood to drink right now. But this young man was…

As they silently searched for a word to describe Chu Xiangbin, Chang Jianfeng gazed at him for a long time. Despite Chu’s calm, almost nonchalant demeanor, an appreciative look surfaced in Chang Jianfeng’s eyes.

“Chang Ting, is this your junior?”

“Yes,” Chang Ting quickly replied, assuming his father was displeased with Chu’s relaxed demeanor. He laughed awkwardly, “My junior has a habit of being casual, but his abilities are outstanding. Please don’t mind him.”

Chang Jianfeng waved his hand. “Of course, I know. Xiao Chu is probably the most famous rising star at Vio in recent years, besides that young CEO of theirs, right? I’ve heard his name several times—it’s surprising to learn he’s a junior of yours, Chang Ting. Well, then, let’s consider ourselves one family from now on.”

The people in the office had various reactions to his words: some were pleased, others anxious, and some showed mixed expressions, deep in thought.

Only Chu Xiangbin, seated on the opposite sofa, stood up with a rare display of deference. “I’m honored, but undeserving. My senior has given me a lot of guidance—I owe him more than I can repay.”

“There’s no need to talk of repayment within the family,” Chang Jianfeng said, waving it off. “Since you brought in this product, I’d like to hear your perspective.”

Chu Xiangbin hesitated slightly. “I’m still young and inexperienced. Would it be appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate? Wisdom isn’t determined by age or seniority.”

Some executives’ faces subtly changed at this.

“Then I’ll take the liberty to offer my thoughts. Please correct me if I’m wrong,” Chu Xiangbin said, bowing respectfully to the executives who looked displeased, before continuing.

“I followed Vio’s elite team on this project every day without fail, so I don’t think I need to say much about its profitability. As for its risks, I can say with certainty that the core concept model for predicting interest rate trends was personally developed by Qin Lou, Vio’s general manager.”

Chang Jianfeng raised his gaze. “What are you implying?”

Chu Xiangbin smiled. “I’m not implying anything. I’m just giving you the facts so everyone can judge for themselves—consider how much you trust Qin Lou’s abilities and whether you think it’s worth taking this risk.”

Chang Jianfeng looked over at the group of executives.

Everyone had different expressions, but finally, one person spoke up—it was the same executive who had been silenced by a glare from Chang Jianfeng earlier.

“In this case, I think there’s no doubt. Qin Lou may be young, but years ago, he transformed Vio successfully without outside financing or allowing us any foothold. Most of his funding came from the derivatives market—and at that time, he made daring, contrarian predictions that no one else dared to make, yet he always came out on top. That’s how he earned the nickname ‘Genuine Madness.’”

As he mentioned this part of history, many executives nodded, their eyes filled with admiration and awe. Stories like these, though not their own experiences, inspired shivers in anyone who knew the difficulty and skill involved.

After finishing, the executive wore an expression of admiration but quickly shifted gears, noticing the Chang family’s less-than-enthusiastic expressions. “Of course, no matter how skilled he is, he’s still just a technician in the end—after all, his latest product, his pride and joy, is in our hands now, isn’t it?”

Chang Jianfeng’s face softened, and after a few seconds, he allowed a faint smile.

This smile made the risk management executives go pale, casting helpless looks at one another as they silently sighed and lowered their heads.

Still, someone voiced a lingering concern, carefully choosing his words. “But predicting interest rate trends is inherently risky, and we aren’t Vio. We don’t have Qin Lou’s reputation as a selling point—if clients don’t buy into it, we might struggle to market the product.”

Chang Ting sneered at this, “Isn’t that the marketing department’s job? If every product could sell itself, what would we need them for?”

On this point, it was clear that Chang Jianfeng didn’t fully share his son’s view. He frowned at the executive, about to speak when a chuckle interrupted him.

Everyone turned to see Chu Xiangbin stepping forward. “Actually, it’s precisely for this reason that I believe this product has tremendous value.”

Chang Jianfeng raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“The currency risk can be hidden,” Chu Xiangbin said, giving just enough detail. “Most importantly, we profit from the fees between the interest rate market and the buyers—so whether or not they trust Qin Lou doesn’t matter, because as long as there are interest rate fluctuations, we’ll profit even if the buyers suffer losses.”

Chang Jianfeng’s eyes gleamed.

After a few seconds, he spoke in a slightly reproachful tone. “Xiao Chu, that’s not quite right. We still have to put our clients’ interests first.”

Chu Xiangbin immediately adjusted his expression and nodded. “You’re absolutely right, Chairman Chang.”

“Chairman Chang—”

Someone tried to say more, but Chang Jianfeng raised his hand, cutting them off.

“That’s enough. I’ll give this some thought. For now, all of you can go back.”

Realizing the decision was practically made, those opposed to it left one by one, looking defeated.

Chu Xiangbin lingered at the back, and just before leaving, Chang Ting pulled him aside. Once the executives had left, only the Chang family father and son and Chu Xiangbin remained in the office.

Chang Jianfeng stood up from behind his desk, walked over to Chu Xiangbin, and patted him on the shoulder with a warm smile. “Well done, well done—so talented for your age. Chang Ting, you could learn a thing or two from this younger man!”

Chang Ting’s smile stiffened.

Chu Xiangbin quickly responded, “Chairman Chang, you flatter me. I’m just a technical guy; no matter what I achieve, I’m still working for you and General Manager Chang.”

This flattery was exactly what Chang Ting wanted to hear, and his smile became more genuine. He looked at his father with a hint of pride. “Dad, what do you think? I told you my junior was talented—he didn’t let you down, right?” Chang Jianfeng glanced at him, then turned back to Chu Xiangbin. “Before you came, Chang Ting talked about you so much I was starting to grow deaf from hearing your name.”

Chu Xiangbin smiled. “My senior overestimates me.”

After a bit more courteous small talk, Chang Jianfeng finally got to the point. “About what you mentioned earlier—hiding currency risk—is that really feasible?”

“Absolutely,” Chu replied confidently. “I’ve submitted several proposals for it. Chairman Chang can have someone in the risk department evaluate them.”

“Good, very good. Young people like you who know how to get things done are rare these days. Don’t worry; if this goes through, I’ll make sure your efforts are recognized.”

“Thank you, Chairman Chang.”

Chu Xiangbin bowed his head with a smile, though a trace of coldness flashed in his eyes.

He knew that with the Chang family’s ruthless nature, if the deal succeeded and they made enough profit, their first move would likely be to find a way to kick him out of the industry entirely, ensuring he’d never be able to speak of their faults again.

Having obtained the information he wanted, Chang Jianfeng seemed eager to verify and arrange things. With a few words, he dismissed them both.

Chang Ting personally escorted Chu Xiangbin out, and they walked to the elevator together.

“Xiao Chu, we really owe this one to you!”

“You’re too kind, Senior.”

“No, really—if you hadn’t tipped me off about them planning to corner me in my father’s office, I’d probably still be in the dark.”

“Not really my doing. It’s just that you’ve built a strong reputation in the company. Someone wanted to win your favor, heard that I’m close to you, and thought they could use me to reach you.”

“Oh? Who?”

As they reached the elevator, Chang Ting looked up and noticed an executive who had stayed behind, lingering there.

The moment he saw this executive, Chang Ting’s smile vanished.

It was the same person who had challenged him in the office earlier, saying the company should be cautious and avoid risking everything.

Chu, noticing Chang Ting’s expression, gave a faint smile. “General Manager Chang, let me introduce you. This is the one I mentioned.”

Chang Ting looked bewildered, glancing back and forth between the man and Chu. “Are you sure? He was the one arguing with me in the office just now!”

The man quickly stepped forward, giving a sheepish smile as he apologized to Chang Ting. “Please don’t misunderstand, General Manager Chang. I was only saying what Mr. Chu suggested.”

“??”

Chang Ting looked at Chu Xiangbin, even more puzzled.

Chu Xiangbin laughed. “It was all to help you secure this opportunity.”

“Him? But his words didn’t seem to help me at all.”

Chu Xiangbin explained, “To convince Chairman Chang, it ultimately comes down to benefits. Nobody else can help with that—the product itself is persuasive enough.”

“Then what was the purpose of what he said?”

“Just to speed up Chairman Chang’s decision, to help him make up his mind,” Chu Xiangbin explained with a smile. “After all, time is of the essence, and you’re eager to get this product launched. Sometimes, provoking someone can be more effective than trying to persuade them.”

Chang Ting, not entirely unwise, thought back on the executive’s earlier comment that had made his father’s expression shift, finally seeming to understand.

“All these years, my father has been dissatisfied with the… reputation people have given him. Your move really caught them off guard.”

He spoke with some admiration, looking at Chu Xiangbin with newfound, though deeply buried, respect.

After a bit more small talk, Chang Ting left.

Once he was gone, Chu Xiangbin and the executive both dropped their polite façades.

The executive hesitated before saying, “Mr. Chu, laying things out like that… Chang Ting isn’t exactly a tolerant person. This might make him start keeping his distance from you.”

“That’s exactly what I want.”

“What?”

Chu Xiangbin was silent for a few seconds, then let out a smile. The pride he’d concealed under layers of polite courtesy finally showed a bit of edge.

Turning back, he patted the shoulder of the only close confidant he had left at Qinrui.

“He can’t trust me, and he can’t trust you either. Now that the job is done, the further he distances himself from us in the future, the better.”

The man was stunned but then began to understand. “You’re looking to mitigate risk.”

“Yes,” Chu Xiangbin replied. “Qinrui may be a giant ship, but it’s bound to sink sooner or later. When that happens, the further we are from its center, the safer we’ll be.”

The executive considered this, then chuckled and gave Chu Xiangbin a thumbs-up. “Mr. Chu, I can’t even keep track of how many birds you’ve killed with this one stone. But…”

He trailed off.

Chu Xiangbin glanced at him with a half-smile. “You’re wondering why I’d walk into this storm, knowing how dangerous it is?”

“Not at all, not at all,” the man replied, laughing.

“Well, I didn’t want to, either.”

The man’s face changed slightly. “Is someone forcing you?”

Chu Xiangbin walked out, sighing.

“No one forced me. It’s just me, I blame myself for being foolishly obsessed.”

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