Chapter 22: Fate’s Unforeseen Tempests

At the end of the month, it was time for the summary meeting.

The most outstanding team in the entire Investment Department was undoubtedly Blizzard, led by Liang Xue. Whether it was opening new accounts, client deposits, or trading volume, they were far ahead of the team in second place.

As for individual achievement, there was no contest—Zhang Long was the undisputed star, contributing to half of Blizzard’s results.

One man equaled seven. Unquestionable strength.

...

“Uh, I’m very happy…”

Standing by the wall, Zhang Long faced the entire department and delivered his speech, his eyes scanning the semicircle of colleagues. “Without Shengxin, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m very grateful.”

“As for deposits and trading, there’s nothing special to it—just be determined in asking clients to execute.”

“Just make sure you remind them of the risks.”

Zhang Long didn’t say much more. It was the usual—gratitude to the company, thanks to the team, faith in the analysts and in oneself. Just keep pushing forward.

In a bear market, things are bleak enough. If you work without confidence, any performance would be a miracle.

The company's analyst team provided daily stock recommendations, all of which had undergone extensive comparative analysis; fundamentals, technicals, support levels—every angle was considered. Though many recommendations didn’t rise and even fell, the reasons for entry were always sound.

Of course, that was from the sales perspective.

From the client’s point of view, even if you strictly followed the daily picks, you’d still lose, because in a bear market, the chance of stocks falling far outweighs the chance of them rising. How could you win?

Zhang Long had a sharp eye, something like a golden touch, allowing him to see the week’s trends and make targeted moves—that’s why he dared to be assertive.

Otherwise, he’d be just as uncertain and likely to fail.

“Brother Long, you’re the best…”

When the summary meeting ended, the Blizzard team surrounded Zhang Long, showering him with praise and flattery. This time, not a single member of their team would be eliminated.

If not for Zhang Long’s techniques and the way he communicated with clients, how could their results have soared?

Though Zhang Long was aware this was unfair to other teams—after all, Blizzard’s members were actually the weakest overall, and normally four or five would be let go—now they all got to stay. But who could argue with results?

Sometimes, luck counts for a lot.

So, there was nothing for it but to accept the outcome.

...

In Shengxin’s Meeting Room No. 1, all the heads of the main departments were present. The atmosphere was somber, as the meeting was to discuss downsizing—layoffs.

This had been decided at the beginning of the month.

The Investment Department would be the hardest hit, while other departments would lose only a few.

“The results are in.” The Executive Vice President swept his gaze around the room, holding everyone’s attention. “Though it’s difficult, everyone must understand the company’s position—rent, salaries, daily expenses, the cost of keeping the lights on is high.”

“Reality is harsh.”

No one responded.

But not everyone stayed silent. The Investment Department’s Director Zhu cleared his throat. “Actually, our department performed very well this month. Total client deposits exceeded a hundred million, and trading commissions are up too. That’s good news.”

“But nearly half of this is due to Blizzard—or more precisely, Zhang Long’s indirect influence. I think we should observe a bit longer, no need to rush with the downsizing.”

“Blizzard was always at the bottom, but this time every member contributed. I believe this can be replicated.”

Everyone listened quietly. They were all senior managers, no fools among them. Whether it was luck or skill, Zhang Long’s value was clear—worth cultivating.

But nothing was decided yet.

After all, Zhang Long relied heavily on the daily picks from the analyst team.

If every team leader could become like Zhang Long—persistent, assertive, calling clients and urging them on—well, the results would be explosive.

“But what if it doesn’t work?” The Executive Vice President tapped the table lightly. “Zhang Long changed himself out of desperation, but most others have never really gone hungry. They’re hard to change.”

“Otherwise, why did the other seven teams, after copying Zhang Long in the final week, still fail to produce results?”

“We’ll observe a bit longer—no point in keeping people for nothing.”

...

By the end of the morning, no decisions had been made by the company’s higher-ups. Especially those dozen or so with subpar results had no heart for work, waiting for their fates to be decided.

The fundamental reason for the downsizing was poor performance and an imbalance between income and expenses.

But September’s numbers were strong for the Investment Department. If they could keep that momentum going, layoffs might not be needed at all—the more people, the greater the results.

Still, the final decision rested with upper management.

Ordinary employees could only wait and hope.

“Supervisor Zhang…”

After lunch, Liang Xue called Zhang Long to Director Zhu’s office. He had a hunch what this was about, but hearing the offer still left him stunned—no way.

Leading half the Investment Department? Was this a joke?

“Director Zhu, I can’t do it,” Zhang Long protested, shaking his head so hard he was sweating. “That’s too heavy a responsibility. I’m fine making calls myself, but teaching others? That’s beyond me. Blizzard’s results are due to their own efforts.”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not up to it.”

He had planned to resign today, but a sudden spark of resolve made him decide to finish things properly before leaving. Even delaying his departure by two months was frustrating enough; if he had to turn half the department around, he’d be stuck until year’s end.

Busy all day, working overtime at night, making calls to earn trading commissions—and the higher the commission, the higher the tax: anything over 83,500 and you lose 45%...

Forget it. Better to resign and trade on his own account. Aside from some minor fees, that was it.

Whatever he earned was his. Wasn’t that better?

“Zhang Long, don’t refuse so quickly…” Director Zhu didn’t press the point. “Leading half the department comes with a promotion and a pay raise. Take some time to prepare during the holiday; you’ll take over as soon as we resume.”

“Don’t worry—your salary and bonuses will be much better, far more than you’d make on your own.”

...

Would it really be more than he’d make trading for himself?

Zhang Long wanted to argue, but Director Zhu waved him out. He explained that the Investment Department’s reprieve from layoffs was thanks to the promise of future performance—so do your best.

With great power comes great responsibility. Damn it!

“What’s wrong with you?” In the lounge, Liang Xue was puzzled. “Isn’t a promotion and a raise a good thing? Why do you look so miserable?”

“Snow, I…”

Zhang Long’s lips twitched. But he didn’t explain. He couldn’t exactly say he wanted to quit because he wanted to trade for himself and make big money, not wear himself out for a little bonus at the end of each month—it just wasn’t worth it.

But he couldn’t say that.

Damn, if he’d known, he wouldn’t have performed so well and let the company discover his value.

“Come on, you’re hitting the jackpot,” Liang Xue said, unable to understand why Zhang Long was so glum. But she was genuinely excited as she explained, “After National Day, all Blizzard clients and those from other teams who are being laid off will be managed by you. You’ll get half the commission. Isn’t that great?”

“The teams will be restructured: regular employees will just open new accounts, and the former supervisors will continue managing trades.”

“You’ll be appointed Trading Manager…”

Zhang Long was stunned, his mind spinning.

But as Liang Xue explained further, he began to understand: he’d continue to guide his existing clients, while the two restructured teams would only need to handle their trades and deposit strategies under his supervision, earning half the commission.

If the two restructured teams didn’t fall to the bottom in October, he’d be responsible for all trades and maintenance in the department, separate from front-end development. His position would be parallel to the two department directors.

No matter how you looked at it, it was a tremendous opportunity.

What was he waiting for? Time to go all in!