Chapter 146: What if it really comes off?

Words : 1894 Updated : Sep 17th, 2025

On December 7, Douyin quietly launched. As a platform-type product with no specific direction, identity, or uniqueness, its download volume was less than three digits within 24 hours. Moreover, at least half of those were downloads by Yang Zhenyuan's team, artificially inflating the data. Lu Liang didn't help promote it on Weibo because Douyin at that stage wasn't worth his effort. With Yang Zhenyuan being a novice entrepreneur, although his concept was recognized, his personal management capabilities remained a question mark. Not every tech-savvy engineer can successfully start a business or manage a company. He needed to rely on himself to accumulate a group of initial users to prove to Lu Liang that he was a competent business manager. Lu Liang set a target of 100,000 users, giving him enough time to develop but wouldn't invest another dime during this period. "Mr. Lu, make it 500,000 instead. I don't want you to set your hopes so low." Yang Zhenyuan's tone was firm. If he couldn't meet this requirement even with an investment of five million dollars, then both he as a manager and the product they were producing were failures. Lu Liang was taken aback, then smiled, "Alright, 500,000 it is. If you reach that, I will personally help promote Douyin and pull in investments for you." "Okay!" On December 11, the Chancellor David Cameron, after assuming office, held his first National Parliament and eventually passed his Brexit referendum plan with 72 votes, a 62% approval rate. The vote was scheduled for February 18 next year and would last for 15 hours, with over 40,000 polling stations primarily set up in libraries, churches, schools, and community centers nationwide, with 46 million citizens participating. The result of the referendum would officially determine whether or not to leave the European Union. Upon announcement, the news shocked the world. Nobody expected Great Britain to be this decisive; however, upon further thought, it seemed like a feigned show of force. After all, David Cameron had released his campaign promises; he had to take some action and not just talk without doing anything. "This is just political posturing!" Media around the world reported with such headlines, naming it the biggest political posturing of the century. As for voting, those who know, know. This way, the Chancellor fulfilled his political promise, appeasing the European Union while also managing to seek advantages from the United States—a win on multiple fronts. Given the complex relationship between the United States and the European Union, characterized by long-term cooperation and competition, The United States hoped for a strong Europe but not too strong. David Cameron saw this as an opportunity to benefit from both sides. The global media summarized this as: He doesn't have the guts to Brexit, but he has and quite substantially, the guts to profit in the name of Brexit. Meanwhile, Lu Liang, who had been missing from the public eye for almost half a month, returned online and updated his Twitter: "What if it really happens?" Although he didn't tag his post, at this timing, netizens knew he was referring to a potential Brexit. "Mr. Lu, you might be a whiz in finance, but politics isn't your thing. Unless David Cameron is a fool, Great Britain definitely won't leave the EU. He knows the difference between a feast and regular meals." A fairly mild-mannered netizen disputed this, but more aggressive ones joined in, "Liangzi, I think you've gambled yourself silly. Just putting it out there, if you dare short the British Pounds, I'll definitely blow up your position." "Liangzi, don't be so impulsive. Just make a small profit; everyone knows Great Britain won't leave the EU." "Liangzi, you're considered a veteran in finance, don't you understand the principle of going with the flow?" "I guess Liangzi's head got foggy from a few lucky winnings." One after another, they all started calling him Liangzi. Suddenly, the entire internet was mocking him; with 1.3 million followers on Twitter, Lu Liang was, nonetheless, something of an international internet celebrity. The news that he believed Great Britain would leave the EU quickly spread worldwide, and his followers instantly surged to 2 million, mostly there to scoff and watch the spectacle. Although there were not a few online celebrity media that held pro-Brexit views, all were well-known and constantly courted controversy like clowns. Now, Lu Liang was also categorized among the clowns, and Wilson from JPMorgan Group 3 bluntly stated: A strong man defeated by a stronger man can survive the disgrace, but to be defeated by a weaker one is a lifetime's shame. Though he did not name names, everyone knew he was talking about Lu Liang. In an unnoticed corner, only a few people continued to speak up for Lu Liang, including Welfare Girl Qingyin. "The world is just a grand farce; why can't Great Britain leave the EU?" Yet, soon she was labeled as a brain-dead fan: "Dumb dog, did you stroke yourself into stupidity? Stop spouting nonsense, if you really agree, go die with Liangzi on the day of the referendum." "Who says I'm just talking? You'll see whether I dare to short the British Pounds with Lu God on that day." Welfare Girl was indignantly defensive, ready to follow Lu Liang through thick and thin, even if it meant marching into a hellfire. After posting his message, Lu Liang didn't bother with the follow-up. He had made his stance clear—take it or leave it. That afternoon, he called Old Meng and Little Wang over, handing them a document, "Take a look." He had cleared all positions, domestic and international, totaling 458 million US dollars. He planned to distribute dividends of 358 million US dollars and clear the net value. Twenty percent of the total earnings, amounting to 71.6 million US dollars, went as fund management fees, with Lu Liang pocketing 42.96 million US dollars, and Old Meng and Little Wang each receiving 14.32 million US dollars. "Tsk tsk, over ninety million RMB." Meng Changkun continually marveled; though he had anticipated a substantial amount, thinking it and actually receiving dividends were two different matters. This was just from stock dividends; the main profits came from the fund. He couldn't help but ask, "Lu, do you feel like you're still missing something?" Having effectively earned over ninety million for no reason, not buying something for Lu Liang made him feel somewhat uneasy. Lu Liang smiled and shook his head, "No issues, just sign here, and then notify the bosses to come over on the 15th to sign and collect their money." Little Wang silently finished signing, then picked up the phone and said, "Bring over that big Bull, to New International here." He then turned to Lu Liang and added, "It just arrived last week, hasn't been registered yet; it hasn't even hit a hundred kilometers." Meng Changkun's eyes lit up and he hurriedly said, "Little Wang, get me one too, at least more expensive than yours." "Do it yourself," Little Wang smugly retorted. "Forget about it." Lu Liang smiled and took out his credit card, slamming it on the table, "If you're embarrassed to transfer the money directly, multiple transfers are fine." "Considering money too seriously makes things awkward, so just leave it," S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After Old Meng signed, he sneaked away to find a way to get a car. A fully-equipped Bull was just over nine million; he needed at least one worth over ten million, otherwise, he couldn't overshadow Little Wang. Wang Xiaocong laughed and said, "Just wait to receive the car, Old Lu. After all, stock rights are something we can or cannot have." "How could that be?" Lu Liang frowned, then suddenly joked with a smile, "At the very least, you would still shout '666'." "Screw '666'." Little Wang cussed, then turned to ask, "Do you really think Great Britain will exit the EU?" If Great Britain really left the EU, it would have a dramatic impact on global commodities. It was unclear about others, but Gold would definitely rise; during international turmoil, the price of gold always soared. In prosperous times buy antiques, in chaotic times, buy gold. When global capital seeks a safe haven, gold is the best sanctuary. "As a speculator, of course, I hope Great Britain exits; opportunities are everywhere, but it's also tough, you know." Lu Liang smirked, offline banter and online banter were different; after all, online requires no accountability. "Is there really not even a slight chance?" Little Wang asked. Lu Liang sighed, "There's a bit, but just a bit; who can really say for sure?" "So, is there a chance or not?" asked Wang Xiaocong with knitted brows, feeling that Lu Liang was holding back; he was not satisfied, having tasted success once, he wanted more. Lu Liang chuckled dismissively, "If I could be certain, do you think you'd still be sitting here talking to me?" "Not sitting, then what?" "Of course, kneeling in worship." "Go to hell." Wang Xiaocong glared at him, then suddenly received a message from his assistant and grumpily said, "Come on, let's go downstairs and check out your new car." "What color is it?" Lu Liang asked nonchalantly, smiling; since it was already on the way, rightfully his. "Red." "Seems a bit flashy." With a look of disdain, Little Wang said, "You're driving a Lamborghini, even if it's gray, could it be understated?" "I've only driven a 718 before; I don't know about others." "God, I really don't want to talk to you anymore, you compare a 718 to a Lamborghini? It's an insult even to place them together." Lamborghini traditionally named their new models after famous bulls, and the name 'Aventador' also comes from a bull that was one of the fiercest in the Spanish bullfighting world. The big red body, the polygon design of the car's front, had a strong impact, continuing Lamborghini's legacy of power and sharp lines. Little Wang grabbed the car keys and passed them to Lu Liang, gently caressing the hood and smiling, "How about it? Still like it?" He really liked the car but had never driven it. When it just arrived last week, he was still in Star City recording a program, and it was only today that Lu Liang had called him back to Modu. "It seems pretty good." Lu Liang sat in the driver's seat; the interior was as sharp and sci-fi as the exterior. The multitude of genuine hexagon designs, combined with metal, created a cockpit-like ambiance filled with an aura of battle. "You're as stubborn as a dead duck," Wang Xiaocong shook his head and sighed, then beckoned Secretary Wen over, "Secretary Wen, come help your boss fill out the transfer documents." Wen Chao looked towards Lu Liang, who nodded, "Go ahead, I'll take it out for a spin first, see how it feels." With that, he stepped on the accelerator and left the parking lot, leaving behind Little Wang cursing.

Chapter 146: What if it really comes off?

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