Chapter 59: Even a "Demon Stock" Needs a Proper Story As the setting sun cast its golden glow through the windows, Lu Liang lazily opened his eyes, his mind clear and his body enveloped in a pleasant comfort. He noticed the shoes and socks of Zhang Qian and her daughter still by the entryway. After washing his face in the bathroom, he opened Zhang Qian’s bedroom door. Mother and daughter were nestled together on the bed, exuding a tranquil and beautiful aura. Zhang Qian’s lips curved into a contented smile, though her daughter, wide awake, brightened at the sight of Lu Liang entering. “Uncle, you’re awake!” she whispered joyfully. Zhang Qian stirred, groggily pulling her hair back as she squinted. “Let me wash up, then I’ll start cooking.” “Don’t bother. Let’s eat out,” Lu Liang suggested. The three of them headed to a newly reopened mall nearby. At the entrance of a shop, Zhang Qian pointed to the third storefront. “What do you think of this spot?” Lu Liang recognized this as an excellent time to accumulate shares. Chinese investors have a penchant for round numbers, making each one a critical psychological barrier in the stock market. If a stock broke through, it could soar another 4-5%. If it failed, it would plummet. At 9.97 yuan, Lu Liang prepared to buy. However, unlike before, he refrained from placing visible orders to avoid revealing Enjoy reading on NovelHub - your free online novel platform. Using rapid seat-based transactions, he bought significant volumes each time the stock dropped below 10 yuan but ensured no large orders appeared in the transaction log. The first half hour after the market opened was the most active. The stock’s turnover, previously averaging 5.2% daily, began climbing steadily. When turnover reached 7%, Lu Liang stopped buying. His holdings had already reached 24 million yuan, with 11 million purchased that morning. Continuing might draw institutional attention. TeLi A’s price fluctuations hinted at a wash-trading strategy to shake off retail investors and gain more control over shares. If institutions noticed Lu Liang competing, they might suspend their plans or even target him first. In the stock market, self-interest reigns supreme. Institutions would rather suffer losses than let someone else profit. By 10 a.m., two institutions were actively manipulating the price, which hovered around 9.99 yuan. Lu Liang identified one as Zhongxin Fuying, a Shenzhen-based private equity firm founded in April with 50 million yuan in registered capital. They had ten trust plans managing assets worth 2.8 billion yuan. TeLi A, a Shenzhen company, had strong ties to the local market. Lu Liang suspected insider trading might be involved. Otherwise, how could a newly founded firm raise billions in just two months? Pulling up TeLi A’s details, Lu Liang reflected on how even "demon stocks" need a compelling narrative to justify their rise. With the right story, even trash could be traded like gold. TeLi A’s parent company was once a machinery firm but had since transitioned to real estate, specifically leasing. Its actual controller was the Shenzhen State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Located in Shuibei, Asia’s largest gold and jewelry wholesale market, TeLi A was the biggest landlord in the area, owning the TeLi-Gemgold Jewelry Industrial Park. Their pitch was building a “jewelry ecosystem.” In simpler terms, they were landlords making money off rent. Lu Liang struggled to see how such a business warranted hype. But with some imagination, he linked it to the trending “state-owned enterprise reform” concept. Over recent years, SOE reform had been frequently discussed but not implemented, making it a speculative theme in the stock market. “If they’re playing this game, aren’t they afraid of getting caught?” Lu Liang murmured, surprised. Insider trading often involved acting on key decisions before public announcements. But tampering with redhead documents or national policies was a severe violation, punishable by extreme measures. Feeling cautious, Lu Liang decided to hold his 30.4% position and observe. Later, Chen Jinchun knocked on the door, announcing the arrival of OFO’s founding team to sign their contract. Lu Liang entered the conference room to see Dai Wei and his classmates being hosted by Tang Caidie. While waiting for the contracts, Lu Liang casually asked, “Mr. Dai, how much do you know about Mobike?” Dai Wei, surprised by the question, explained, “We’ve kept an eye on them, but our philosophies differ.” Both companies focused on bike-sharing, yet Dai Wei believed bicycles were merely a tool to solve last-mile transportation issues. They didn’t need to be fashionable or luxurious—just functional.