Chapter 46: Chief Financial Reporter of Hong Kong Island

"Five million, Mr. Zhou. We sold five million worth of our guaranteed return fund today. This is a sales record I've never encountered since joining the fund company!" 

In the meeting room of Jinnming Fund Company, Deputy Manager Cao Haiyang excitedly reported to Zhou Ming, his enthusiasm evident in his gestures.

Wang Yunlong patted him on the shoulder and said, "For Mr. Zhou, this isn't a big deal. With Mr. Zhou's proposals, nothing seems impossible. If it weren't for our limitations, he could have secured twenty million."

Cao Haiyang nodded in agreement. "That's right. Mr. Zhou is a pioneer in the financial industry of Hong Kong, a giant in the business world!"

Zhou Ming smiled but did not comment on the praise. Having been on-site himself, he saw how the sales exploded once the news of the guarantee fund's credibility spread. With the stock market disaster causing panic among investors, any fund promising capital protection was bound to be in high demand.

To ensure safety, Zhou Ming did not opt for on-site sales but had clients sign contracts and bring their money to the company for fund purchases.

In 1987, selling six million in fund shares in a day was remarkable, especially for a small fund company like theirs. In larger markets, this might be a modest amount, but for them, it was an outstanding achievement.

"Completing the subscription for six million worth of shares is already exceeding our goal. I will honor my promise and give everyone a bonus," Zhou Ming announced.

The room erupted in cheers. "Mr. Zhou is the best!"

Just then, the phone in the meeting room rang. As Zhou Ming's personal secretary, Lin Muqing answered, the front desk informed her that reporters from Hong Kong Island Financial Newspaper had arrived for an interview.

Cao Haiyang's eyes widened in excitement. "Hong Kong Island Financial? That's the most authoritative financial newspaper in Hong Kong! They only report on the biggest financial events. Our fund company has never been interviewed by them before. This is incredible!"

Cao Haiyang's reaction was understandable. He knew how significant it was to be featured in such a prestigious publication, especially with the company's recent success.

"Which reporters are here from Hong Kong Island Financial?" Cao Haiyang asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

Lin Muqing replied, "One is a woman named Shen Xin, and the other is a man named Chen Fu."

"Shen Xin?" Cao Haiyang exclaimed. "She's the chief reporter for Hong Kong Island Financial! She rarely initiates interviews. Even the chairman of the Stock Exchange needs to schedule an appointment with her. I can't believe she's come to us!"

Wang Yunlong chimed in, "Cao, your reaction is over the top. With Mr. Zhou around, it's only a matter of time before he gets his own column in Hong Kong Island Financial."

Cao Haiyang, usually skeptical about such grand statements, nodded firmly. "I believe it. Mr. Zhou is indeed that exceptional."

Zhou Ming then instructed Lin Muqing, "Please invite the reporters in."

He turned to Wang Yunlong and Cao Haiyang. "You two, step out and prepare the room for the interview."

After Wang Yunlong and Cao Haiyang left, the office cleaning staff quickly tidied up. Soon, the front desk staff, Ah Min, brought Shen Xin and Chen Fu into the room.

Shen Xin was petite but walked with an air of authority in high heels. Her face was adorned with light professional makeup, and her ponytail gave her a sharp, energetic look. Chen Fu, on the other hand, looked ordinary, his only notable feature being the camera hanging from his neck.

"Mr. Zhou Ming, the owner of Jinnming Fund Company? Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Shen Xin," Shen Xin said, extending her hand.

Zhou Ming smiled. "I'm Zhou Ming. It's an honor to meet you, Ms. Shen."

"Mr. Zhou, let's begin the interview," Shen Xin said as she took a seat, showing no interest in small talk.

Lin Muqing, displeased by Shen Xin's attitude, interjected, "Ms. Shen, wasn't it you who initiated this interview?"

Shen Xin glanced at Lin Muqing and said, "You must be Mr. Zhou's personal secretary, Lin Muqing, correct? Yes, I initiated this interview, but as you might know, I have other responsibilities at the newspaper. My time is limited. Please understand."

Although Shen Xin's words implied an apology, her tone remained haughty, as if her mere presence was a favor. She added, "It's an honor for Mr. Zhou to be interviewed by me. This interview will benefit both him and the fund company."

Lin Muqing, irritated by Shen Xin's arrogance, felt she was becoming increasingly insufferable. Though she wanted to argue, the importance of the interview for Zhou Ming's company held her back.

Zhou Ming, smiling at Lin Muqing, then turned to Shen Xin. "If I'm not mistaken, Ms. Shen, you're here to cover the guaranteed return fund, correct?"

Shen Xin nodded. Zhou Ming continued, "Given that you recognize the potential impact of this fund on the financial market, it seems you believe it will bring significant changes."

Shen Xin agreed. "Indeed, Mr. Zhou's guaranteed return concept could revolutionize the financial market, especially given the current market turmoil."

Zhou Ming then posed a surprising question. "If Ms. Shen hadn't conducted this interview, wouldn't it damage your reputation for keen financial insight?"

Both Shen Xin and Chen Fu were stunned by the question. They hadn't anticipated such a direct challenge.

Zhou Ming's question was clear: he was dissatisfied with Shen Xin's arrogance. He knew well that if Shen Xin was truly the sharp-eyed reporter she was reputed to be, she wouldn't miss this opportunity.

However, even if Shen Xin chose not to cover the story, Zhou Ming was confident in the future of the guaranteed return fund. The interview was a bonus, not a necessity.

Shen Xin, recognizing the weight of Zhou Ming's words, stood up and offered a sincere smile. "I apologize for my previous attitude, Mr. Zhou. Please forgive me."

Chen Fu rubbed his eyes in disbelief, unable to accept what he had just witnessed.

For both Chen Fu and Shen Xin, it was a remarkable moment of humility from someone they had underestimated.