Chapter 61: It's hard to go from extravagance to frugality.

The stock market turmoil had barely subsided when the Greek default crisis erupted.
The entire securities industry was thrown into a whirlwind, thrown into chaos, shrouded in gloom and fear.
These successive blows completely shattered the mental defenses of many professionals, leading them to resign and retire from the industry.
Of course, some stubbornly chose to persevere, dreaming of a bull market comeback and a return to glory.
Usually, during such a dismal market, heavily damaged private equity firms would experience a massive wave of layoffs, with everyone feeling insecure.
But strangely, Fanghuan Investment, where Su Hao worked, remained calm.
Instead of panicking, they seemed to have been injected with adrenaline, defying the trend and secretly preparing for a major breakthrough!
"The company is establishing a top-tier strategic investment department?"
"It's supposedly a top-tier department! The very pinnacle of our company!"
The weekend had just ended when a bombshell announcement appeared on the company intranet.
Like a depth charge, it created a massive ripple on a calm lake!
Top-tier! Within Fanghuan Investment, this represents the highest level of recognition.
It signifies the most exclusive resource allocation, the highest operational authority, and the most prestigious position within the company!
Generally, the formation of such a department is handled internally by the company's top executives, drawing the most elite talents from various departments and appointing them directly.
It's never a question for lower-level employees; ordinary staff wouldn't even dare to dream of it.
But this time, Fanghuan Investment defied convention and, for the first time ever, launched a company-wide open recruitment drive, accepting internal applications!
"Wow! A top-tier department! We have to sign up, even if it means fighting tooth and nail! What if we hit the jackpot?"
"The funds they're managing must be at least hundreds of millions, right? We have to apply! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
In an instant, the entire Fanghuan Investment was in an uproar!
From seasoned veterans in each department to fresh-faced newcomers...
Anyone who thought they had a bit of talent was energized and submitted their applications like crazy.
They were terrified of missing this golden opportunity to rise to the top.
The email inbox was practically overflowing with resumes!
"Goodness, the application forms are piled up higher than a mountain! The number of applicants...it's outrageous!"
"Outrageous?! I bet everyone below them, except for the team leaders, has signed up!"
The young people in Trading Department Seven stared in astonishment at the thick stacks of application materials transferred from HR.
"Speaking of which, Manager Su was only recently promoted to manager of Department Seven, right? And he's already getting promoted again, directly to the top-tier department director?"
"Of course! Look at our team's profit rate this month!
And look at Manager Su's incredible, almost insane, skills! Who else would be promoted if not him?
Alright, stop standing there, quickly organize the materials from HR and send them to the manager."
"Roger!"
Actually, the members of Trading Department Seven didn't have much to do at work, so they buried themselves in organizing the snowflakes of application materials that were pouring in.
The Greek crisis was resolved faster than expected, and the market is temporarily calm.
Most importantly, their manager, Mr. Su, after his resounding success during the previous market turmoil, decisively withdrew all his funds.
He adopted a "let the storm rage, I'll remain calm and collected" attitude, showing no intention of making any further significant moves.
No wonder, with both the stock market crash and the Greek debt default,
these two heavy blows stunned the entire financial market.
Investor sentiment plummeted, and trading volume was shockingly low.
Buyers dared not buy, and sellers were reluctant to sell; everyone was watching and waiting, the market was lifeless.
At this time, the wisest choice is to hold cash and observe the situation.
"I wonder how many people Manager Su plans to hire this time? He'll definitely have to conduct interviews, right?"
"What can you tell just from a resume? Anyone can embellish what's on paper. It's just a stepping stone. We'll only know if they're truly capable once they're put to the test."
"Yeah, looks like things are going to be lively here for a while. The line for interviewees will probably stretch from the office to the main street!"
***
Global stock markets are frozen.
Not just their A-shares, but stock markets worldwide are in the same boat.
Two bombshells have struck in quick succession, leaving everyone stunned. Who dares to enter the market easily?
Everyone's busy withdrawing their money from the market, holding onto it, and waiting to see what happens.
But Su Hao has no intention of "putting away his weapons and letting his horses graze freely"!
He's joking, managing such a large sum of money that would drive countless people mad with envy.
Wouldn't it be a waste to just leave it idle?
Especially the day of the Greek debt default, when he was sweating profusely, directing everyone in that breathtaking short-term sniping operation.
The ultimate thrill of dancing on the edge of a knife still sends his adrenaline soaring, making his scalp tingle with excitement, even now!
However, a strange problem arose.
'But...why do I feel nothing now?'
When he prepared to mobilize funds again, to wreak havoc in the market,
no matter how focused he was, trying to sense the pulse of the market,
he discovered that the "intuition" that had once been his constant companion, guiding his accurate judgments, had vanished without a trace!
It was as if it were telling him: the global stock market was stagnant, offering no opportunity whatsoever!
He refused to believe it and tried reducing the size of his trading capital.
200 million…no reaction.
100 million? Still no movement.
50 million? Still no reaction.
Until he gritted his teeth and reduced the amount to 10 million.
That familiar, once exhilarating "market feel" finally stirred, like a mosquito bite.
'But 10 million…that's too pathetic! Is this how you treat a beggar?'
Su Hao's lips twitched, wondering if he was going crazy.
Back when he first entered the industry, having a million in hand would make his palms sweat and his steps unsteady.
But now, a mere 10 million…
In his eyes, that's not even worthy of being called money.
Absolutely no interest whatsoever!
No wonder.
It's like a veteran player who spends their days grinding epic raids on hellish difficulty;
fighting epic bosses with relentless ferocity;
commanding armies across battlefields;
suddenly throwing them back into the starting village to slaughter chickens, ducks, and sheep…
The contrast is just too much!
No wonder they have no enthusiasm!
Those petty squabbles can't even stimulate their nerves, already craved by a feast of luxuries; they don't even warrant a dopamine rush!
Indeed, it's easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go back.
So, instead of using this "small amount" to speculate in the market, it's better to follow other investors and honestly withdraw the funds.
Hold cash and wait for the right opportunity.
"Manager Su, we've done a preliminary review of the application materials sent by HR,"
Liang Haiyuan knocked and entered, handing over a USB drive.
"It's all on this USB drive. Quite a few applications!"
"Oh? So enthusiastic?" Su Hao raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
"Yes, Manager. If you can't review them all by yourself and need help, just let me know."
"No need, I'll take a look myself first, and call you if I need anything."
"Okay!"