Zhang Agou, once a mere street urchin, had risen in status so significantly that people now referred to him respectfully as 'Brother Dog' and 'Master Dog'. His reputation had grown to such an extent that even Cai Asi, a notable figure in the community, addressed him as Brother Zhang. Recently, Zhang Agou had developed a particular fondness for being called "Mr. Zhang," a title he associated with being a gentleman.
"Mr. Zhang, why not join me for a bowl of Chaos?" Uncle Hu, who still sold Chaos, had also adapted to using the new honorific.
"No, thank you, Uncle Hu. I have other matters to attend to today," replied Zhang Agou, now dressed in a foreign suit, signaling his elevated social status. He continued, "Uncle Hu, I'm planning to move out soon. You might want to inform the neighbors that they should sell their stocks while they can."
Uncle Hu, taken aback by the news, could barely manage to say, "Ah, Agou, you're moving out?"
The neighbors, overhearing the conversation, gathered around, each voicing their concerns and pleading with Zhang Agou to reconsider his decision to move. "Mr. Zhang, if you leave, it will be difficult for us," one said. Another chimed in, "Brother Dog, don't move." The general sentiment was clear; his departure would be a significant loss for the community.
Their concern was not without reason. After Uncle Hu had bought shares in Willis and received his first dividend, the neighbors, inspired by his success, pooled their money and entrusted Zhang Agou to buy six shares on their behalf. When it became known that Willis stocks were no longer available in Shanghai, speculators offered to buy these shares from the common folk at a high price of 90 taels per share. However, the neighbors were reluctant to sell, knowing the potential for the stocks to increase in value.
When a group of thugs learned about the neighborhood's valuable stocks, they plotted to force the sale. Fortunately, Zhang Agou intervened, calling on Cai Asi to ensure the thugs' plans were thwarted. Now, with Zhang Agou planning to move away, the neighbors feared they would lose their protector and, possibly, their valuable stocks.
Amidst the neighbors' pleas, Zhang Agou felt a headache coming on. "Well, don't make any noise," he shouted, silencing the crowd. He then explained, "I've bought a house in the concession area. It's not sensible to let it sit empty and become a haven for rats. I'll visit when I can, but I can't look after you forever. It's time everyone took care of their own affairs." With that, he pushed through the crowd and left.
As Zhang Agou walked away, the neighbors knew they had to act quickly. They discussed finding a wealthy buyer for their shares while they still held value.
Meanwhile, Zhang Agou couldn't help but feel elated about his new residence—a two-story Western-style building that had cost him nearly a thousand taels. The thought of living there, away from his old, rundown neighborhood, filled him with anticipation.
Walking past the Willis building, Zhang Agou observed the crowd eager to buy stocks and scoffed inwardly at their naivety. Entering the Foreign Bank Building, he was greeted warmly. "Banghan Zhang, early," called out a staff member.
"Morning," Zhang Agou replied, enjoying the respect he now commanded. Just a month earlier, Mr. Sterry had promoted him to assistant and given him an office, a recognition that thrilled him.
Settling into his office, Zhang Agou brewed some fine Dragon Well tea—a gift from a businessman grateful for his help with stock purchases. Though he knew little about tea, Zhang Agou appreciated the gesture and the status it conferred.
His contemplation was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Come in," he called. An employee entered and informed him that Mr. Sterry needed him. Zhang Agou promptly headed to Sterry's office, where he was tasked with delivering a message to the Shanghai Xinbao newspaper.
The next day, the newspaper headline announced an invitation from the Willis Rubber Company for shareholders to visit their Nanyang Rubber Plantation. This news boosted the company's stock price significantly, much to the delight of Uncle Hu and the neighbors.
Meanwhile, at a dinner hosted by Kerry Road at the Anglo American Club, Sterry became the center of attention. His presence was highly anticipated, and upon his arrival, he was greeted with enthusiasm and admiration. During the dinner, conversations centered around investment opportunities and personal inquiries into Sterry's marital status.
Later, Kerry Road led Sterry to a private room where several influential businessmen, including Wei Tui and representatives from major trading companies, awaited. They discussed the potential for further boosting the rubber stock market through collective effort and strategic hype.
As the evening concluded, Sterry left with a clearer understanding of the collaborative venture he had entered into—a scheme that promised substantial profits but required navigating complex alliances and market dynamics.
In the months that followed, with the support of local financial players, the price of Willis's stocks soared, validating the strategic collaboration among the businessmen at the dinner. The rubber stock craze swept through Shanghai, capturing the imagination and investment of the entire city.
At the residence of Chen Yiqing, the esteemed owner of Zhengyuan Bank, a significant meeting was underway. He had invited Dai Jiabao, the proprietor of Zhaokang Bank, and Lu Dasheng, the head of Qianyu Bank, to deliberate on the burgeoning opportunities in the rubber market.
After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Yiqing initiated the conversation with a straightforward question. "What are your thoughts on the current situation in the rubber market?"
Lu Dasheng responded first, "Many have profited immensely with the recent surge in rubber prices. However, it's uncertain whether the prices will continue to climb."
Dai Jiabao added his perspective, "Indeed, the rapid increase in rubber prices seems somewhat precarious. I'm hesitant to dive in without further analysis."
Chen Yiqing, having done his due diligence, shared his findings. "Initially, I was skeptical too. However, after conducting thorough research, I discovered that last year alone, the United States imported 71 million taels of rubber, and the British imported an additional 11 million taels. Given the vast market potential and the current price of rubber at 6 taels per pound, coupled with low production costs, it's undeniably a lucrative venture."
The revelation of these figures made it clear to both guests that Chen Yiqing was seriously considering a major investment. "So, Brother Yiqing, are you suggesting we should seize this opportunity?" Lu Dasheng inquired.
"That's precisely my thought. Our three banks alone might not be enough to make a significant impact. I propose we collaborate with five other banks—Senyuan, Yuanfeng, Huida, Xieda, and Jinda. With their cooperation and our leadership, we can make a substantial move," Chen Yiqing explained.
The magnitude of the plan was not lost on Dai Jiabao, who was curious about the financial backing for such an endeavor. "Brother Yiqing, with such a grand scheme, you must have a solid financial supporter. Who might that be?"
Chen Yiqing acknowledged the backing of a major financier, Shi Dianzhang, a former official now overseeing the Sichuan-Han Railway Company's finances, which included a hefty sum of 3.5 million taels designated for railway construction, with 2 million under the management of Chen Yiqing's bank.
"Our combined resources total 6 million taels, but for the scale of this venture, we're looking at needing tens of millions," Chen Yiqing stated, underscoring the ambitious nature of the plan.
Both guests were impressed and somewhat daunted by the scale of the investment. Chen Yiqing, sensing their hesitation, pressed on, "Are you willing to join me in this venture? Success could mean substantial profits for us all."
Lu Dasheng, motivated by the potential and his trust in Chen Yiqing, declared, "Brother Yiqing is aiming high, and I will support this venture to the fullest. Qianyu Bank will stand with you."
Dai Jiabao, realizing his own bank's ties and potential gains from such an alliance, quickly concurred, "I too will join in this endeavor alongside Brother Yiqing."
Pleased with their agreement, Chen Yiqing smiled broadly. "Excellent, then let's proceed with vigor and make our mark."
He continued, outlining the next steps, "Once you return, issue more banknotes to raise the necessary funds. We will pool our resources and enter the market forcefully."
After the meeting concluded, Dai Jiabao and Lu Dasheng left Chen's residence, each preoccupied with plans to mobilize funds. Chen Yiqing, meanwhile, retreated to his study to draft letters to the five other banks, urging them to join this lucrative venture into the rubber market.
Within a couple of days, responses from the banks began arriving at Chen Yiqing's desk. Yan Yibin, the influential owner of Senyuan Qianzhuang and two other major banks, was among the first to reply. Despite the inherent risks, the promising outlook of the rubber market swayed him. After some deliberation, his greed overcame his reservations, and he agreed to back Zhengyuan Bank's speculative move.
With all five banks on board, Chen Yiqing was elated. The combined might of these financial institutions brought significant capital into the fray. Chen's Zhengyuan Bank, along with Zhaokang and Qianyu Banks, invested a total of 7 million taels of silver, pushing the stock price of Shanghai's star stock, Willis Rubber, to unprecedented heights, surpassing 500 taels.
The financial sector, led by HSBC, further fueled the frenzy by accepting stocks of 14 rubber companies, including Willis, as collateral for transactions. Chinese banks soon followed suit, amplifying the speculative fever. The public, unable to resist the lure of quick profits, plunged into stock purchases, often leveraging their investments heavily.
As the market soared, Sterry, a senior executive at Willis Company, decided it was time to start offloading their shares cautiously. "We should begin to release our stocks gradually. There are substantial gains to be made," he advised his team.
Stocker, previously anxious about the soaring prices, agreed, albeit with a reminder from Sterry to proceed with caution. "We hold significant stock, and a careful, phased release over three to four months is prudent," Sterry emphasized.
"Understood. I'll ensure our actions go unnoticed," Stocker assured, aware of the critical nature of their strategy.
Sterry then instructed Felix to coordinate the stock release with other teams, ensuring a smooth execution of their exit strategy.
As the stocks were gradually sold off, the market remained buoyant, with Willis's stock price eventually breaking the 1,000 taels mark. Shanghai, now the financial epicenter of the Far East, was awash with speculative fervor, setting the stage for a dramatic culmination of one of the most audacious financial gambits of the era.
Inside the Willis building, Sterry and his colleagues were also preparing for their departure.
"Let's wait a bit longer, planning to leave in June," Stockell relayed the instructions from their homeland. "Now that we've accomplished everything required and the money has been transferred, I don't see why we can't evacuate now," Felix expressed his discontent. Given the current situation at Willis, he knew they would be torn apart if people discovered their status, and understandably, he was frightened.
"The directive we received states that we need to coordinate with a domestic and American operation," Stockell explained.
"We'll be in danger every additional day we stay here. Can't you convey this urgency to the boss?" Felix implored.
"Relax, Felix, we're safe for now. The dividends were just issued, and there should be no problem holding out for another two months," Sterry responded calmly to Felix's complaints.
"Well, perhaps I am being impatient," Felix conceded after realizing both of his colleagues were committed to staying the course.
After their discussion, the trio continued with the company's daily operations until Stockell received a telegram: "Your nephew was born weighing 6.12 pounds. We plan to celebrate for him tomorrow."
Elated, Stockell rushed to Sterry's office to share the good news. "Sterry, I've received wonderful news," he announced as he entered, only to find Zhang Agou there.
"Handle your business with Zhang," Sterry suggested, noting Stockell's stern look, and quickly dismissed Zhang Agou.
"Alright, boss," Zhang Agou said obediently, passing Stockell on his way out, "Goodbye, Mr. Stockell."
"Goodbye, Zhang," Stockell replied.
Once Zhang had left, Stockell closed the door and approached Sterry, lowering his voice. "The higher-ups have set the date. They'll release the news on June 12th, and we are to depart the following day."
"That gives us ten days to prepare," Sterry noted.
"Will this plan really work?" Stockell questioned.
"Why else would we elevate an illiterate pauper to such heights? He's enjoyed status, money, reputation, and women beyond his dreams. Now, it's time for him to give everything back," Sterry explained, clearly referring to Zhang Agou, who had just exited and unwittingly played the role of a loyal subordinate only to be betrayed.
In the days that followed, each of the three men found reasons to be absent, leaving Zhang Agou to oversee the company's operations. Zhang was thrilled, mistakenly believing he was nearing the position of Taipan.
On June 12th, in Sterry's office, they discussed their final escape route. "We'll meet at the Old Sailor Bar by the pier. The 7 PM liner will take us to the United States, and from there, we'll transfer back to Romania," Stolk detailed their exit strategy.
"What about the others?" Felix inquired.
"I don't know, and don't pry, Felix," Stolk warned.
Heeding Stolk's advice, Felix nodded and gestured that he would inquire no further.
"Prepare to leave; I will be the last to go," Sterry instructed.
Soon after, Felix and Stolk departed, and Sterry summoned Zhang Agou to his office.
"Zhang, you've been performing exceptionally well recently; I'm very pleased," Sterry commended.
"This is all thanks to your guidance, boss," Zhang responded, beaming with pride.
"I'm considering promoting you to manager, but it will depend on your performance in the coming days," Sterry hinted.
Overwhelmed, Zhang felt as if he were dreaming. "Thank you for this opportunity, boss. I will definitely work hard," he vowed earnestly.
Watching Zhang's dreamy reaction, Sterry felt a pang of guilt. "No need to prove anything further today, Zhang. I have a dinner date with a lovely lady. The company is in your hands until I return tomorrow," Sterry said, adjusting his attire as if genuinely preparing for a date.
"Understood, boss. I'll ensure everything runs smoothly," Zhang assured him.
Then, Sterry left for the Old Sailor's Bar. In a hidden room, he met with Felix and Stolk, who had already disguised themselves.
"Let's finish up our disguises and head to the dock," Sterry urged.
Disguised as common laborers, the trio left the bar, blending in with others seeking new opportunities in America. They boarded the Angel Liner, which departed promptly at 7 PM, carrying the three disguised conspirators away from their past lives.
The next morning, news spread across Shanghai that American and European automakers planned to abandon rubber tires due to unsustainable costs, sending shockwaves through the industry. By afternoon, even more sensational news broke: the top executives of Shanghai's largest rubber company, Willis, had vanished.
This revelation stunned everyone, from foreign to local banks, all searching for the trio. When Sterry's car was discovered at a nearby dock, public outrage erupted. Investors stormed the Willis building, destroying everything in sight.
Zhang Agou, left to face the consequences alone, was taken into custody. Under immense pressure and fear, he later took his own life in his cell.
The news of Sterry and his colleagues' escape caused rubber stock prices to plummet, turning them into worthless paper overnight. Investors, many of whom had staked their entire fortunes, were devastated. Some went mad; others took their own lives. Banks collapsed, plunging Shanghai into a severe depression.
Meanwhile, in Romania, the orchestrators of the scheme tallied their profits. A staff member reported to Carust, the operation's overseer, "After our calculations, we invested 2.07 million pounds and incurred initial costs of 380,000 pounds with an additional 100,000 pounds for mid-term publicity. In the end, we collected 4.06 million pounds. After expenses, our net profit stands at 2.26 million pounds—a resounding success."
"Give me the breakdown, and destroy all other documents," Carust instructed.
"Okay," the staff member complied, handing over the report.
Carust then prepared to present the results to Crown Prince Edel, satisfied with the operation's lucrative outcome.