The morning light seeped into Fang Bowen's apartment, illuminating the jade amulet on his desk. It sat lifeless now, but its significance hadn't diminished. Liang's absence was still a void in his life, but his parting knowledge lingered, a flickering flame that Bowen was determined to nurture.
As he stared at the city skyline from his window, a thought struck him. Liang had often mentioned pivotal moments in history, events that shaped the global economy. One particular memory stirred in Bowen's mind: the stock market crash of 2008.
The crisis, as Liang described, had begun in the United States but sent shockwaves across the globe, including Blue Star. Real estate values plummeted, banks failed, and fortunes were lost—yet some bold investors had reaped immense rewards by betting against the system or buying undervalued assets at rock-bottom prices.
"If the crash happens here like it did in Liang's world," Bowen thought, "this could be my chance to build real wealth."
But there was a problem. Bowen's modest royalty check from his first book wasn't nearly enough to capitalize on the opportunity. If he wanted to seize this moment, he needed more money—and fast.
The gears in Bowen's mind began to turn. Liang had imparted countless memories of books, films, and music from his world. Creative works from that future Earth didn't exist here on Blue Star, making them valuable untapped resources.
"If I can write another book," Bowen mused, "one that's just as impactful as the first but completely different… I could sell it outright for a lump sum. That would give me the capital I need."
The idea crystallized, and Bowen's determination surged. He grabbed a notebook and started sketching out ideas, drawing from Liang's memories. By evening, he had the framework for a story—a gripping tale of love, war, and resilience.
Over the next two weeks, Bowen poured himself into the project, working tirelessly. The process was exhausting but exhilarating. Every page he wrote felt like a step closer to his goal.
When the manuscript was finished, Bowen printed it out and made his way to the publishing company. The bustling energy of the office was familiar now, but today he was here not as an author awaiting feedback but as a man with a plan.
Mr. Chen, the young publisher who had taken a chance on Bowen's first book, greeted him warmly. "Bowen, you're back already? What brings you here?"
Bowen placed the manuscript on the desk. "This," he said, "is my next book. I'm offering it to your company, but with a twist."
Chen raised an eyebrow. "A twist?"
"I'm selling you 100% of the rights to this book," Bowen explained. "I won't take royalties this time. I'll transfer everything—film adaptations, translations, merchandise—all to you. But in exchange, I need a lump sum payment of 100,000 yuan."
Chen's expression shifted from curiosity to skepticism. "100,000 yuan? That's a steep price, especially for an unpublished manuscript. Why not stick to royalties like before?"
Bowen leaned forward, his tone earnest. "I know it's a gamble, but I believe in this book. And I believe in your company's ability to make it a success. If the book doesn't make a profit within a year, I'll personally pay back the 100,000 yuan."
Chen frowned, clearly intrigued but cautious. "That's a bold promise. What makes you so confident about this story?"
Bowen smiled, recalling the timeless appeal of the works Liang had shared with him. "Because this story has the potential to resonate with readers everywhere. It's universal, emotional, and unforgettable. Trust me, Mr. Chen—it's a risk worth taking."
Chen picked up the manuscript, flipping through a few pages. His sharp eyes scanned the text, and gradually, his expression softened.
"I'll need to run this by my team," he said after a pause. "But… I'm intrigued. Leave it with me, and I'll get back to you in a few days."
Bowen nodded, standing up. "Thank you, Mr. Chen. I won't let you down."
The next three days were agonizing. Bowen tried to distract himself by revisiting Liang's lessons on finance and reviewing historical trends, but his thoughts kept circling back to the deal. If Mr. Chen rejected his offer, Bowen had no backup plan.
On the fourth day, his phone buzzed. Seeing Chen's name on the screen, Bowen's heart raced.
"Hello?"
"Bowen," Chen's voice came through, calm but firm. "We've reviewed your proposal. After much consideration, we've decided to accept your terms."
Relief flooded Bowen's chest. "Thank you, Mr. Chen. You won't regret this."
"I hope not," Chen said with a chuckle. "You've put your reputation—and your wallet—on the line with this deal. Don't let us down."
With 100,000 yuan in hand, Bowen wasted no time. He began researching investment opportunities, focusing on the financial market and real estate sectors that Liang had described.
The looming crash was still months away, but Bowen knew preparation was key. He contacted financial advisors, studied Blue Star's market trends, and kept a close eye on global news.
Every night, he stared at the jade amulet, hoping for Liang's guidance. But even in his absence, Bowen felt the echo of his mentor's wisdom.
Fang Bowen sat in his modest apartment, the faint glow of his laptop screen illuminating his face. The jade amulet lay on the desk beside him, its once-vibrant energy now dormant. Liang Ziyang's absence weighed on him, but Bowen felt the lessons imparted by his mentor resonating in every decision he made.
He took a deep breath, staring at the data on his screen. Charts, trends, and market analyses filled his view. The stock market on Blue Star was eerily mirroring the events Liang had described from his Earth. It wasn't just a coincidence—this was his opportunity, and he was ready.
"Time to act," Bowen muttered, steeling himself.