Liu Yutong opened her long-dormant stock trading account and saw that the initial capital of over 30 million yuan had now doubled to more than 60 million.
By late October, a major stock index had surged from its initial 900-point level to a peak of 6,000 points. While everyone else was chasing the rally, Liu Yutong cashed out most of her holdings within days, leaving only a small portion of stocks untouched.
Though many of the stocks she held would eventually double or even multiply dozens of times in the future, that was still a distant prospect. For now, she urgently needed funds to expand her real business ventures. She decided to exit the market first and consider establishing a dedicated investment company later when her finances were more stable.
From this sell-off, she withdrew over 58 million yuan, leaving less than 5 million in the account—a reserve of high-quality stocks she intended to hold long-term as a safety net.
Her foresight proved correct.
Shortly after her exit, the stock market began fluctuating downward, with negative news pouring in from overseas. Based on memories from her past life, she knew this downturn would last a full year, only stabilizing after the government’s massive stimulus plan the following year. During this period, the market could plunge by 70-80%, a devastating collapse.
Liu Yutong considered herself fortunate. If not for the infamous 2008 financial crisis and the prominence of certain star stocks, someone like her—who rarely dabbled in the market—would never have amassed such wealth so quickly, allowing her to avoid many detours in her entrepreneurial journey.
At the headquarters of Wanlong Group, Liu Yutong summoned Yang Xin, Yao Qianshan, and other senior executives of Wanlong Supermarket.
First, she wanted an update on the supermarket chain’s revenue over the past few months.
Second, she planned to discuss with Yang Xin how to acquire the six Mingcheng Supermarket branches in Bright Pearl City from the Wan family.
Aside from her stock market gains, the four existing Wanlong Supermarket locations had generated over 50 million yuan in sales from September to November.
However, most of this was gross revenue. After deducting inventory costs and other expenses, the net profit was only around 5 million yuan.
This stark contrast highlighted the difference between making money in business versus the stock market.
Still, Liu Yutong remained committed to building a solid foundation in real business. In her view, a stable operation with a large workforce was an invisible shield of protection.
Besides, how much money was truly enough?
As long as it covered her needs, excess wealth could become a burden.
In the Wanlong Group conference room, Yang Xin delivered his report.
"Miss Liu, the supermarket’s current available funds stand at over 27 million yuan, but most of it can’t be moved freely. Several supplier payments are due this month, leaving only about 15 million yuan that can be safely allocated. If we need more, we’d have to negotiate extended payment terms with our suppliers..."
After detailing the financials, he turned to the performance of Wanlong Supermarket’s flagship store near the university district.
"Last month, the university store’s revenue reached 22.79 million yuan, but after calculating gross profit, the net profit was less than 3%—just under 700,000 yuan."
Yang Xin spoke with a relaxed tone. Despite the slim margins, the store was still profitable, especially considering the aggressive competition from Mingcheng Supermarket next door.
While Mingcheng’s revenue was higher, much of it came from prepaid membership promotions. In contrast, Wanlong’s sales were all genuine transactions, making the two incomparable.
Moreover, Mingcheng’s unsustainable practices would inevitably lead to a reckoning—it was only a matter of time.
"This month, the university store’s daily sales continue to rise steadily, thanks largely to Store Manager Yao’s advanced service philosophy. Wanlong’s reputation in the university district keeps improving, and managers from other branches regularly visit to learn from this model. All locations are now seeing better performance as word-of-mouth spreads."
When Yang Xin finished, Liu Yutong nodded in approval. "Well done. Keep it up, and I’ll reward you all with generous bonuses at year-end."
"Thank you, Miss Liu!"
"Thank you, Boss!"
The room erupted in cheerful gratitude. Liu Yutong’s generosity was legendary at Wanlong Group, and she always kept her promises.
Working under such a leader was truly a blessing.
The team felt newly energized.
"Now, let’s discuss acquiring Mingcheng Supermarket. How much will it cost?" Liu Yutong asked.
Yang Xin, having done his research, replied promptly, "Based on market valuation, acquiring all six Mingcheng branches outside the university district would require around 80 million yuan."
"With our current available funds at 15 million, we’d still face a shortfall of about 65 million."
Liu Yutong’s brow furrowed slightly at the figure. Even if she poured in all her available cash, it wouldn’t be enough.
Of course, liquidating her remaining stocks would cover it.
This highlighted the difference between acquiring existing stores versus building new ones—the latter would cost only a few million per location, while acquisitions came at a premium.
Still, she recognized the price as fair.
Mingcheng’s six branches were large-scale supermarkets in prime locations, with established customer bases, brand value, and revenue streams. At over 10 million per store, the deal was reasonable.
"What if we exclude the Mingcheng brand and its premium?" she mused after a pause.
"Even without brand value, it’d still cost around 70 million..." Yang Xin answered, his tone heavier this time.
Though Liu Yutong had assured him the funds were ready, he couldn’t fathom where she’d gotten such a sum.
In fact, no one else in Wanlong Group knew she still had over 50 million on hand—she had never mentioned it.
"I have roughly 50 million available. It’s tight, but we’ll make it work. Still, try to negotiate the price down further before finalizing the deal."
"And make sure no one else interferes at the last moment."
"Yes, Miss Liu!" Yang Xin was stunned when he heard her mention the 50 million.
He knew the company had no significant loans—only a small one taken out back in Wushui County.
This sudden revelation of such a vast sum left him speechless.
Yao Qianshan was even more shocked.
Having worked at Wanlong Supermarket for a month, she had learned about the group’s history. Many core members often joked, "We’re a legitimate company now."
To be honest, she almost believed it.
She had almost believed it...
But now, watching her boss Liu Yutong casually pull out over fifty million, she couldn't help but wonder, "Where did the boss's money come from? There's no way it was obtained through legitimate means, right?"
