Zuri couldn't help but feel grateful. It was fortunate that she had recruited Evan first, but she admired his integrity even more. It took tremendous resolve to refuse Nolan's offer just to keep a promise.
Most people in his position wouldn't have turned down a chance to collaborate with a financial tycoon.
"I'm glad you trust me so much. As for the funding, we don't need to worry about that for now. I'll find a way to gather the money."
After parting ways with Evan, Zuri entered a mall, changed her outfit, and headed to the stock exchange. The large trading hall was not noisy; everyone was focused on the central screen, occasionally whispering to those around them.
Standing beneath the screen, Zuri scanned the list of company names and finally found the obscure, listed company "Zhangshangyun Auto Parts" in a corner.
If she remembered correctly, this company's stock would experience a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the next six months.
In her previous life, she had dabbled in stocks a few times, always accompanying her cousin Damian.
They had made some small gains together, but because she wasn't particularly interested, she handed all her earnings over to Damian, who eventually lost it all.
She never expected to enter the stock exchange and trade stocks again in this life.
Her knowledge of Zhangshangyun came from Damian. He was very interested in finance, and since they spent a lot of time together, she learned a lot from him.
Zhangshangyun, according to him, was one of the legendary stocks.
The company's stock price had a dramatic trajectory. Initially priced at over 30 yuan, it dropped steadily after listing, falling to just over 8 yuan, and no one dared to buy it.
When it seemed to be abandoned by everyone, it suddenly rose to over 9 yuan one day, but still, no one noticed or cared.
Silently, it continued to climb to 20 yuan, and finally, large numbers of buyers came in, thinking it would keep rising. Unexpectedly, it plummeted the next day, hitting the limit down and causing massive losses.
It then dropped from over 20 yuan back down to 7 yuan.
After a week of stagnation, it started to rise again, but this time no one dared to buy. It soared all the way to over 50 yuan.
When large numbers of buyers came in again, it crashed within two days.
This stock continued its cycle of dramatic rises and falls, causing many investors to nearly have heart attacks.
Savvy investors made a fortune, but many others lost everything.
Coincidentally, this company's stock was set to rise dramatically for the first time tomorrow.
Zuri registered an account and invested all her money into this company.
Just as she was about to click to confirm the purchase, someone approached her and whispered, "This isn't a good stock. It's cheap, but it's been falling steadily. You'll likely get stuck if you buy it."
Zuri looked up to see a man with refined features and a gentle voice, exuding an elegant demeanor that naturally made people like him.
In her previous life, she had been deceived by this refined exterior, leading to her tragic end.
In this life, she didn't expect to meet him here.
Damian!
Her dear cousin!
The one who had deceived her for eight years and betrayed her in the end.
Among the Lin family, the one Zuri hated the most was him.
He had been her last source of warmth, her salvation.
But...
In the end, he was the one who killed her.
His betrayal hurt far more than that of Saira or anyone else in the Lin family.
Zuri's hand clenched unconsciously as she struggled to control her urge to strangle him, her expression remaining calm as she resumed her actions.
Seeing that she ignored his advice, Damian frowned, "You shouldn't put all your money into one stock. It's too risky. It's better to diversify your investments."
Damian continued talking, oblivious to the growing irritation on Zuri's face.
"Let me recommend a few stocks. For example, Fengxing is doing well right now. It's been rising and should continue to do so for a while. If you buy now, you can sell later for a profit. Or this one, it looks weak now, but from my observations, it will rise later..."
"Have you said enough?" Zuri's cold voice cut him off.
Damian stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do.
"Sorry, I was too forward," Damian apologized.
Zuri's voice was icy, "If you know you're being forward, then don't do it."
Damian's face turned red from the reprimand.
He didn't know why, but seeing her made him want to talk.
The commotion drew the attention of many, and they began pointing and whispering, making Damian feel even more embarrassed.
After apologizing once more, Damian hurriedly turned and left.
After he left, an old trader remarked, "He wasn't wrong, you know. He meant well. There's no need to be so angry, young lady."
Meant well?
Zuri sneered internally.
She had once thought he had a good heart, different from the Lin family or the Qin family, but she later realized they were all no good.
Leaving the stock exchange, Zuri returned to school to prepare for her final exams.
Upon arrival, she noticed a change from the previous somber atmosphere. Everyone was chattering excitedly about something.
Azura spotted Zuri and called her over, "Zuri, great news! Owen is coming to our school to film. Are you excited?"
"He's coming to film?" Zuri was surprised.
Farida nodded excitedly, "Yes! The whole school is buzzing. They're even looking for extras, and lots of people are signing up. Are you joining?"
"Uh, we have exams soon," Zuri reminded her.
"Haha, I almost forgot. They'll start filming after our exams," Azura explained.
No wonder everyone was so excited.
"Spaces are limited, so we need to sign up quickly," Farida said.
Azura grinned, "I've already signed up the three of us."
Farida gave her a thumbs up.
Zuri remained silent.
They had made the decision for her, so asking now seemed pointless.
The oppressive atmosphere before the exams had vanished, replaced by excitement. Everyone was eager to finish their exams and meet their idol.