Setting Up Bitcoin

When the final settlement figures appeared before Zhao Chen, even he held his breath for a moment.

After deducting all estimated transaction costs and fees, this short-selling strike, which had lasted only a few weeks yet had been utterly nerve-racking, had brought him profits exceeding 256 million Hong Kong dollars.

After commissions, interest, and other expenses, the net profit exceeded 240 million.

Adding the initial principal of 280 million and the 50 million Hong Kong dollars paid for the share transfer, the cash pool under his personal control had instantly swelled to an astonishing scale of over 470 million Hong Kong dollars.

This money lay quietly in an account under some offshore structure, the sharpest and most secretive weapon in all his future plans.

However, the pressure on the surface had not been lifted. The 10% of Henglong Shares he had pledged to the Singapore Investor had long fallen below the liquidation line due to the stock price's collapse.

Over the past few days, Zhang Qingxue had been handling their margin calls and inquiry calls on his behalf. The initial plan they had discussed was to redeem the shares outright.

But now, with a massive sum in hand and a clear grasp of Lin Wanqing's weakness, Zhao Chen had changed his mind.

Redeeming them outright would certainly be clean and decisive, but it would also mean tying up this enormous sum in equity for the long term and losing liquidity.

And in the coming battle against Lin Wanqing over the Cash Deficit and the Overseas Trust, cash equivalents—especially "bullets" that could be deployed swiftly—were crucial.

More importantly, it was now the eve of Bitcoin's meteoric rise. He could not waste such a good opportunity.

He called Zhang Qingxue and Chen Xi into his office. These two were now his most trustworthy partners.

"Regarding the pledge in Singapore, I've changed my mind."

Zhao Chen got straight to the point, gesturing for them to look at the account summary on his tablet.

"We have the money. But for now, I don't want to use it to redeem the shares."

Zhang Qingxue's gaze swept over the heart-pounding string of numbers, her lawyerly caution intact. "What do you mean?"

"Additional collateral." Zhao Chen spoke the four words.

"We'll use cash or equivalent assets to top up the margin, lower the Pledge Ratio, avoid Forced Liquidation, and keep this financing in place. I'm planning to use the money to buy Bitcoin."

Chen Xi was somewhat surprised. He had thought Bitcoin was merely a joke Zhao Chen had mentioned in class.

He had not expected Zhao Chen to not only be bullish on it, but to put his beliefs into action.

Zhang Qingxue, on the other hand, was not surprised at all. The funds from shorting Henglong had been intended for buying Bitcoin from the start.

She frowned slightly, rapidly considering the legal and practical aspects.

"Providing additional collateral requires the pledgee's consent, and we need to offer collateral that meets their risk assessment standards. What we have on hand..."

Before she could finish, Chen Xi, who had been quietly listening with his gaze shifting between Zhao Chen and the figures on the screen, suddenly spoke. His voice was clear and calm.

"We have shares. Ms. Su Wantang owns 5% of Henglong Group's shares. There should currently be no encumbrances on them."

The Meeting Room fell silent at once.

Zhang Qingxue looked at Chen Xi in mild surprise, then suddenly understood. A flash of realization and approval crossed her eyes.

She immediately understood Zhao Chen's entire scheme—he had long since incorporated Su Wantang's key asset into his battle plan.

Zhao Chen looked at Chen Xi. There was not the slightest surprise in his eyes, only a profound tacit understanding.

Ever since becoming his Assistant, after learning of his identity as the "Great Bear" and seeing the tip of the iceberg of his entire revenge plan, Chen Xi's attitude toward him had undergone a subtle yet fundamental change.

That scrutiny and observation had transformed into unquestioning faith and highly efficient cooperation.

He no longer asked "why" when given Zhao Chen's instructions. Instead, he focused on "how to do it best."

"That's right."

Zhao Chen nodded, affirming Chen Xi's reminder—and his own plan.

"Wantang's shares are clean and powerful leverage."

Without the slightest hesitation, he picked up his phone and called Su Wantang.

The call was answered after only one ring, as if she had been waiting all along.

"Xiao Chen?" Su Wantang's gentle voice came through. The background was very quiet.

"Wantang, I need your help with something." Zhao Chen's tone was direct and candid, without any circling around the matter.

"I have an equity pledge in Singapore that needs additional margin. I want to use the 5% of Henglong Group shares under your name as supplementary collateral.

"This will help free up cash for me. My 15% has not yet been transferred into my name, so I can't pledge it, but I need it right now."

There was silence on the other end for about two seconds.

It was not hesitation. It seemed more like she was processing the urgency in his words and the unreserved trust he had placed in her.

Then Su Wantang's voice sounded, without the slightest delay, even carrying a lightness of relief.

"Alright. What do you need me to do? Sign something or grant authorization? I can do it anytime."

There was not a single unnecessary question.

She did not ask about the extent of the risks or the details of its purpose. Based solely on her trust in him, she handed over her most important asset.

That unconditional support suddenly warmed Zhao Chen's heart on the other end of the line. Even Zhang Qingxue and Chen Xi, listening nearby, could feel the weight of that trust.

"Thank you." Zhao Chen's voice lowered slightly. "Lawyer Zhang will prepare the specific documents. You may need to come over to sign them. There won't be any problems. I promise."