Wang Yiding had never suffered such humiliation before; he lost his temper on the spot.
In a flash, Wang Yiding leaped up and grabbed the doctor by the neck, snarling, "Are you trying to rob me? I just put on a band-aid, and you're charging me seven hundred US dollars? Are you stupid, or am I?"
Indeed, the nerve of some people! It was beyond tolerance. Wang Yiding wasn't short of money. From childhood, he was doted on, pampered, and cherished like a precious gem.
To be blunt, Wang Yiding was a man of good standing. Had this happened back home, he would have made everyone in the hospital sew.
The doctor, Tom, immediately backed down. "Sir, let's talk it over. I can't authorize the seven-hundred-dollar charge; it's all on the bill."
Hearing Tom's explanation, Wang Yiding fumed. "So, you're saying it's perfectly legitimate to sell a band-aid for seven hundred US dollars? What kind of world is this?"
"Bang!" Wang Yiding landed a punch, sending Tom sprawling and spitting out teeth.
Tom adhered to the American code of conduct: never anger a robber or a violent person; self-preservation is paramount.
After beating Tom and trashing the hospital, Wang Yiding exclaimed, "I'm so relieved! I haven't felt this good in ages. You black-hearted hospital, today I'll rid the people of your evil presence and shut you down for good!"
Having finished wrecking the place, Wang Yiding let out a sigh of relief. "That felt amazing. It's been so long since I felt this exhilarated."
Just then, Uncle Chen arrived. Seeing the chaotic scene, Uncle Chen furrowed his brow. "Young Master, you should leave. I'll handle this."
"Uncle Chen, I was fighting for justice! I don't want to go back. This is my moment to shine," Wang Yiding declared excitedly. He hadn't felt this free in ages. Back home, he had to tread carefully around his father and couldn't always act as he pleased.
Far from home, the air of freedom was intoxicating.
Seeing Wang Yiding's demeanor, Uncle Chen chuckled, a mix of amusement and exasperation. He stepped forward and said, "Young Master, true heroes are often unseen. The saying 'the greatest hermits live in the city' applies here."
Wang Yiding nodded vigorously. "Indeed, wisdom comes with age. Uncle Chen is absolutely right. I'll be an unsung hero. Uncle Chen, you clean up the mess here. I'm going to study diligently and strive for progress."
With that, Wang Yiding sauntered away. Uncle Chen gave him a fond look before making a call. "It's me, at St. Mary's Hospital. I have a situation here. Please send someone to resolve it. Yes, cost is not an issue."
After ending the call, Uncle Chen calmed himself and surveyed the hospital. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, only some property damage. A little money would sort it all out. It seemed his young master knew his limits. Studying abroad in America had indeed been a wise decision.
...
Meanwhile, Zhang Tianxing had become the laughingstock of major investment banks in America.
Everyone believed Morgan Stanley had struck gold, as Zhang Tianxing was shorting the NASDAQ index, seemingly handing them money.
This is how disparities arise. JPMorgan Chase was the first to voice its dissent: "The market is booming, banks are raising interest rates, and the economy is flourishing. Why wouldn't the NASDAQ reach six thousand points? Zhang Tianxing, that fool, is actually gifting money to Morgan Stanley. It's incomprehensible."
"I can't fathom what gave that Oriental kid the courage to short the NASDAQ. He must have too much money burning a hole in his pocket. Everyone knows America is the global superpower. Shorting the NASDAQ is like slapping the US President in the face. Doesn't he want to work anymore? Is his brain waterlogged?"
"Someone like him is a supposed prodigy from Harvard. His shorting of the NASDAQ is malicious. I suggest the FBI investigate Zhang Tianxing thoroughly to uncover any suspicious activities."
"How about this? Since the Oriental kid is wealthy, why don't we just kill him and confiscate his assets?"
"We live in a society of laws; we must use them to our advantage. You clearly haven't grasped the spirit of our nation."
In short, everyone was now curious about Zhang Tianxing. Why was he causing such a stir, going against the prevailing sentiment?
John F. was the first to approach Zhang Tianxing. "Tianxing, this is serious. You're in a lot of trouble. To put it briefly, people will investigate why you shorted the NASDAQ."
Zhang Tianxing was speechless. What was all this about? It was just market dynamics. As long as there are bulls, there will be bears. Besides, he wasn't the only one shorting the market.
He had simply made a high-profile shorting move, and they were blowing it out of proportion.
"Professor, doesn't the market fall after it rises too much? I just believe in that principle. The NASDAQ went from over a thousand to over five thousand. Is there any reason it shouldn't pull back?" Zhang Tianxing said with a wry smile.
"But don't worry, they won't go too far. Our alumni association won't let them bully you. However, you'll have to go through the usual procedures." John F. reassured Zhang Tianxing.
Zhang Tianxing's situation had also sparked heated discussions within the university.
One faction argued that Zhang Tianxing's actions were corrupting the students' pursuit of learning and tarnishing Harvard's academic reputation. Such behavior was unacceptable and should serve as a warning to others, reinforcing the importance of academic integrity.
Another faction contended that it was a market action and market regulation. Just as there are bulls, there are bears, and Zhang Tianxing was simply a bear. His approach might have been ostentatious, but it was inconsequential. They firmly defended the sanctity of the academy, proclaiming that the FBI and dogs were not allowed.
In the end, a compromise was reached: Zhang Tianxing would meet with representatives from the FBI at the university. They would have one hour.
The FBI agents were always prompt. As soon as Zhang Tianxing received the news, they arrived at Harvard University.
A man and a woman entered an interview room. Zhang Tianxing was already waiting for them in the office.
A hot-tempered woman named Jane immediately presented her badge. "You're Zhang Tianxing, right? We're from the Bureau of Investigation. We'd like to ask some questions, and we need your cooperation."
Hearing this, John F. slowly stood up. "You two chat here. I'll go prepare for class. Zhang Tianxing, don't forget your one-hour finance lecture. You'll be speaking."
"Understood, Professor John F.," Zhang Tianxing nodded to his professor, grateful for his teacher's support.
"Zhang Tianxing, you know why we're here. I'd like to ask, were you instructed by anyone to short the NASDAQ?" Jane, the fiery woman, asked directly, sitting on the table and looking down at him.
Zhang Tianxing glanced at her coldly. This woman was buxom and exuded the typical American allure.
Noticing Zhang Tianxing's gaze, Jane licked her lips meaningfully. "Zhang Tianxing, if you honestly tell me everything I want to know, I'll satisfy any of your conditions."
"I wouldn't believe you in a million years. If I did, I'd be like a Nationalist soldier joining the Communist Party in '49 and crying without a place to go," Zhang Tianxing spat. This American beauty clearly wasn't his type, yet she was resorting to seduction tactics. Couldn't she find an Oriental beauty? Didn't she know that Eastern and Western aesthetics were entirely different?