Chapter 657: A New Mission!
New York International Airport!
As the plane touched down gently on the runway, Li Yi took a deep breath and prepared to disembark.
Two days earlier, after spending a day in Guangzhou, Li Yi had returned to Hong Kong Island, and then flown to San Francisco again with Li Yunbao and the others.
However, unlike last time—when his sole purpose in coming to New York was to invest and make money—this time he had another important mission: to purchase a color television production line.
Thanks to Jiang Longyin’s mediation, coupled with his father-in-law personally calling Wang Tianrong, the State-owned Assets Department responded swiftly and launched an investigation into the matter.
The results revealed that, just as his father-in-law had analyzed, someone was sabotaging the deal.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, it is essentially certain that the Du family is involved.
Clearly, after lying low for over half a year, they felt they were ready to strike again.
Upon learning of the situation, Wang Tianrong personally stepped in to communicate with key leaders at both the municipal and district levels in Beijing. They soon reached a decision: to fully accept the terms proposed by Li Yi.
Subsequently, Wang Tianrong spoke with Li Yi by phone. After explaining the situation, the two engaged in detailed discussions regarding the financing of the Yanjing Television Factory.
Based on the outcome of their discussions, the Ministry of State-Owned Assets and the Beijing Municipal Government decided to sell a 49% stake in the Yanjing Television Factory for 100 million yuan.
Regarding management and operational rights, both parties agreed that Hong Kong Island Star Investment Company would have the right to manage and operate the Yanjing Television Factory, but it must be subject to the supervision of the factory’s Party Committee, and the factory’s Party branch must not be dissolved!
In addition, the Beijing Municipal Government offered significant tax incentives. Although they did not agree to Li Yi’s request for “three years of tax exemption followed by three years of half-rate taxation,” they did agree to a two-year tax exemption.
After reaching a consensus, Li Yi and Wang Tianrong agreed that Huang Lixing would represent Star Investment in Beijing to negotiate the specific details of the financing.
As for himself, he would continue on to New York to continue shorting gold while also seeking to acquire a color television production line to complete the industrial upgrade of the Yanjing Television Factory.
Just as Li Yi was deep in thought, the aircraft door slowly opened, and the crew began guiding passengers off the plane.
Li Yi and Li Yunbao grabbed their luggage, quickly disembarked, and headed toward the airport exit.
By the time they emerged from the terminal, Zhou Xinghua and the others were already waiting for them at the exit…
New York International Airport was not far from the Green Brothers’ estate, and before long, the car pulled into the estate.
Knowing that Li Yi was coming today, Lan Xinyi, Cai Bingyan, George, Billy, and the others were all waiting for him at the estate.
As soon as Li Yi walked through the door, enthusiastic applause filled the estate’s living room, as everyone welcomed his return in this way.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Li Yi gathered everyone in the temporary conference room!
Taking his seat at the head of the table, Li Yi cleared his throat and said, “Everyone has worked hard while I was away. I know how much you’ve all put in. When this investment is complete, your efforts will be richly rewarded—I promise!”
“Clap, clap, clap!!!”
Hearing this, the conference room erupted in enthusiastic applause that lasted for quite some time.
After a while, as the applause died down, Li Yi spoke again: “Who can tell me what the current situation is in the New York gold futures market? How significant has the Federal Reserve’s second rate hike been in affecting international gold prices?”
After Li Yunbao finished translating, Bill, the lead trader, stood up immediately and said, “Boss, the Fed’s second rate hike has had a massive impact on the gold futures market. In just five days, international gold prices have dropped by 10% compared to before the hike, and the rate of decline is accelerating!”
“What is the current international gold price in US dollars?” Li Yi asked again.
“It’s at $475. According to forecasts from relevant institutions, international gold prices might fall below $400 by the end of the month, before the Fed’s third rate hike. So we recommend that you close out your positions after the Fed’s third rate hike!” Bill said.
Perhaps worried that Li Yi didn’t fully grasp Bill’s meaning, George, standing nearby, immediately added, “Based on our understanding of the Fed’s consistent approach, they raise rates solely to curb inflation. Once they achieve some results, they’ll opt to cut rates and ease monetary policy. At that point, gold prices will likely rebound rapidly. We must wrap up this investment before the Fed eases its policy!”
“So what price do you think is most appropriate?” Li Yi asked.
“$380!”
“$360!”
The first answer came from George, while the second was Billy’s suggestion.
Li Yi didn’t comment on their answers but shifted his gaze to Lan Xinyi, Cai Bingyan, and the others, asking, “What about you? Do you think that price is suitable for the buyback contract?”
Cai Bingyan immediately replied, “$320!”
“Between $270 and $300!”
Hearing Lan Xinyi’s answer, everyone in the room froze, staring at her in disbelief.
After all, if the international gold price were to drop to $320 per ounce, it would mean the price had fallen by more than half from this year’s peak—something completely impossible given the current global economic climate.
After hearing everyone’s answers, Li Yi gave Lan Xinyi a satisfied look.
He knew full well that after the Federal Reserve’s third rate hike, the international gold price had plummeted below $300, and at that time, the entire gold futures market had been in utter chaos.
Although futures trading offers opportunities to profit whether you’re long or short, it’s the same as in any industry: only when the overall market conditions are favorable can the majority of people make money.
If prices are falling across the board and the overall market conditions are poor, then only a tiny handful of people stand a chance of making money; for the vast majority of investors, it’s actually very difficult to turn a profit.
Clearly, as one of the top performers among that select few who profit, Li Yi is extremely satisfied with the current trends in the New York gold futures market.
“When to buy back the contracts and exit the market—that’s entirely up to me!”
Li Yi then turned to Billy and asked, “Has there been any movement on William’s end lately?”
Li Yi still took this man—who had once tried to force him into a margin call—very seriously.
Of course, the reason Li Yi was keeping an eye on him wasn’t just because he feared the guy might be lying in wait to ambush him again—Li Yi also wanted to teach him a lesson.
It would be rude not to return the favor—he wasn’t the type to take a beating without fighting back!
“Nothing yet, but knowing Legendary William as we do, after taking such a huge hit last time, he’s bound to make a move!” Billy said in a low voice.
“No problem. I’m actually hoping he does come!” Li Yi said casually.
“Boss, what should we do next?” Billy asked.
“We don’t need to worry about the futures market for now. We’ll deal with it once the international gold price drops to $350 per ounce!”
Li Yi continued, “Right now, we have two things to do. First, keep investing in stocks on the NASDAQ. Second, help me get in touch with Corning. Tell them I have a big business deal to propose!”
Billy replied immediately, “Boss, Corning is a partner of our Sharp Company. If you’re interested in collaborating with them, I’d be more than happy to facilitate the connection!”
“Then I’ll leave that to you!” Li Yi said.
“The customer is always right—it’s our duty…”
Just then, a young man gently pushed open the door and walked over to Zhou Xinghua, whispering a few words to him.
Zhou Xinghua immediately stood up and said to Li Yi, “Mr. Li, Mr. Gray is here. He says he needs to see you about something!”
Li Yi was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said, “Alright, let’s wrap up today’s meeting here. Dismissed!”
After saying that, Li Yi led Zhou Xinghua, Li Yunbao, and the others toward the estate’s living room…
………