Chapter 36: The Real Billionaire At 10 p.m., the Federal Reserve announced an interest rate cut. Starting June 15, interest rates on savings at banks across the United States were reduced from 3.35% to 3.05%, a drop of 0.30%. Currently, the four major world currencies are the U.S. Dollar, the Euro, the British Pound, and the Japanese Yen. The U.S. Dollar holds 48.25% of the market share, more than the combined total of the other three currencies, making it an essential foreign exchange reserve for countries worldwide. From governments to citizens, as long as one has the capability, everyone wants to hold more dollars for unforeseen circumstances. This led to the dominance of the U.S. Dollar, with the Federal Reserve holding the ultimate authority over its interpretation. Rate cuts, rate hikes, and money printing — any action by the Federal Reserve can shake the global financial markets. The rate cut announced today is essentially meant to stimulate market consumption, encouraging people not to leave all their money in the banks. Lu Liang stared fixedly at the screen. During this time, whether investing in stocks or London gold, he had been calm and confident. Because he knew that as long as the market volume was large enough, his influence would be small, and the outcome was already decided. This time, however, shorting London gold required relying on his own understanding of the market and his judgment on the trend. Because the signals only indicated the highest point, not how much it would correct afterward. At this moment, Lu Liang’s focus was sharper than ever before. He could have stayed in his comfort zone, but he wanted to test the results of his learning over the past few months. Time passed by second by second, and the price of London gold kept rising slowly. Lu Liang whispered to himself, his actions once again altering the final outcome. In time, when his strength could influence the market, the predictions would no longer matter. Half an hour later, the price of London gold continued to rise, but the increase slowed, as if the effect of the Fed's interest rate cut was nearing its end. At 1 a.m., the market for London gold sharply reversed, with the upward momentum abruptly curbed. It immediately corrected 14 points and continued to fall. "This correction doesn't feel like a normal one." Lu Liang furrowed his brow. Typically, market price corrections come slowly, but this drop was sudden and sharp. He searched for the reason behind the sudden drop in a financial forum and eventually found the cause in a report from Goldman Sachs regarding gold price fluctuations. "OPEC announces an increase in oil production next quarter?" Lu Liang suddenly understood why gold prices had plunged. OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, with its Middle Eastern member states, had announced an increase in oil production. This meant falling oil prices and economic prosperity, which naturally impacted the price of gold. As the saying goes, "In times of prosperity, antiques; in times of turmoil, gold." In periods of economic prosperity, gold prices tend to fall sharply. "This just dampens enthusiasm for the gold market, but it shouldn't offset the Fed's interest rate cut." Lu Liang paused for a moment, making a judgment that the Fed's rate cut would have a greater impact than the oil production increase. After all, oil prices were controlled by OPEC, but the U.S. still held the upper hand. This was the reason for the unceasing turmoil in the Middle East over the years. "If I don't act now, it might be too late." Lu Liang stopped hesitating, trusting his own judgment. He quickly made a move and started repurchasing London gold. Just past 1 a.m., he repurchased 3250 contracts for a total of $485.1 million. He sold at $1516.17 and bought back at $1500, netting $1675 per contract. In less than half an hour, Lu Liang made a profit of $5.4437 million from the short position. After deducting fees, his net gain was $5.3387 million, bringing his total assets to $21.5934 million. "I’m so pleased, I’m so pleased!" Lu Liang smiled as he hummed a cheerful tune. Not only because his assets had crossed $20 million, making him a bona fide billionaire, but also because his judgment was correct, successfully cashing out at the highest point and making a clean escape. Right after he liquidated, the market reacted quickly — the Fed's rate cut had a greater impact than OPEC’s oil increase. London gold surged 6 points, and many speculators who were short on gold were caught off guard and had their positions liquidated. Lu Liang was in high spirits, knowing that while he relied on signals for building positions, he relied on his own judgment for liquidating them. He was gradually becoming a competent speculator. "Spring night is worth a thousand gold." Lu Liang put away his documents, left the study, and stood outside Li Manli’s door, listening for sounds inside. After a moment, he tested the door, finding it unlocked, and quietly slipped into the room. He saw Li Manli lying on the bed, watching anime. She seemed to have just showered, her hair still a little damp. She was wearing pink leggings, her white legs swinging up and down, her tight, rounded bottom forming an elegant curve. Suddenly, Lu Liang pounced like a tiger. Li Manli gasped in surprise and then exclaimed, "Liang Ge, you’re done?" "For now, yes." Through the loose neckline, Lu Liang caught a glimpse of spring, with red beans that were particularly alluring. "Wait a minute." Li Manli giggled, pushing him away and rushing to the changing room. A few minutes later, she came out wearing a purple qipao, a cosplay outfit of the Empress. "What do you think?" "I’m mad now." Li Manli pouted and ran back to change, coming out in a blue-and-white JK outfit with transparent white stockings. She proudly asked, "How about now?" "I’ve been staring at the computer too much, my eyes are a bit blurry. Come closer, I’ll take a better look." Lu Liang smiled slightly, waiting for Li Manli to approach, responding with his own actions.