Clicks and beeps from the laptop were filling the room. The screen was full of moving graphs, and Claire was switching between various windowed applications to maximise her efficiency in flipping the blue chip shares.
Unlike usual corporate banks who had operators and dealers to sell the stock, the Sub System itself eliminated the middlemen functioning as a stockbroker.
It initially seemed inconceivable, especially since the security, flow of the money and shares were tightly regulated, but most people might not consider that there was a black market even for the stock market. (or had knowledge of its existence.)
Those blue chip shares might not mean much in the normal market since they were mostly associated with smaller companies. However, its a totally different story on the black stock market. The blue chips were ironically the shares of famous public multinational companies, and that meant one blue chip could potentially go up for millions per share.
It should be noted that Claire had been limited to accessing their own world’s black market. The Sub System had yet to release the rights for her to participate in the interworld stock market or, potentially even more lucrative, the interworld’s black stock market.
Those stocks were as volatile as a ticking time bomb. One wrong move and it could cause a chain reaction to blow up the participating companies in that interworld black market; making their stocks to plummet while others rise.
It was seriously not for the weak hearted and many rich corporate companies who tried to enter that market had been viciously ripped apart by the big sharks.
Of course, the Financing Sub System would be very cautious before making such moves, but it did not hurt for the System and its counterparts to dream about it.
“The US Black Stock Market only has an hour and a half for its opening trading hours. The hours are really tight because the impacts from this particular black market will inadvertently ripple down to the public stock market. Shanghai’s Black Stock Market opens after the US Black Stock Market closes etc. The black stock markets then rotate around the 12 most economically powerful countries in the world, leaving out one or two for the day.” The Financing Sub System stated loudly through the laptop to explain to Rei and Jin. (Some of the Goblins and Orcs who were mildly interested in it initially, quickly dissipated after failing to understand what was going on.)
“The riskier the bet, the more enticing it is. I’ve always heard rumours about the Black Stock Market and how it’s only something for the privileged few. I never considered myself participating in it. Congratulations Jin, it seems without us knowing you have become part of the 0.001%.” Claire made fun of Jin despite knowing the fact that they entered the Black Stock Market due to the powers of the Financing Sub System. She had obviously seen the state of his finances as soon as she had gotten access to the Financing Sub System.
“What? No! I bet the System and Kraft made the access possible. I clearly don’t have that much reserve. Maybe the System has it? I mean it has been ripping me off for months.” Jin did not understand the teasing and tried to deny it while Claire continued ridiculing him about it. This multitasking did not affect her focus on the markets, and she still made precise adjustments on the amount to sell and buy. In less than 10 minutes, she had already earned 2 million USD.
To Jin, this sum was already a lot of money, but Claire begged to differ. She considered it far from enough for their plans and continued to push forth buying and selling. Surprisingly, the Sub System not only kept track of her overall sales but also advised her to change her tactics or choose to invest in other companies every once in a while.
“Damn, and here I thought I was cunning enough already,” Claire spoke unconsciously with a wide smile. She was clearly enjoying this challenge despite the visible beads of sweat rolling down her neck and the furious typing and moving of her mouse.
Quickly an hour had passed.
She ultimately made five million USD before she decided to call it off. Rei and Jin had only watched the ‘Overall Profit’ number rise and fall and had been in a roller coaster of emotions. Finally, they had the chance to calm their hearts, only to see a few sudden major losses in that one hour.
They thought that Claire was going to lose it all yet to their surprise, the newest candidate for the Financing Sub System explained that it was a bait to throw off her scent. (As if they understood the real meaning of that.)
After paying the Financing Sub System 20% of the profit to cover its expenses such as the initial blue chips shares and other utilities, they were left with 4 million USD and Rei believed that it should more than enough to tide through for the movie studio.
“What are you talking about? I am taking a million for myself. Take it as the stock broker’s fees.” Claire’s smile turned more wicked, making her appear more like Grandma Yuan, yet Jin accepted her exorbitant fee.
“The Financing Sub System rated your capability with a 2.9 out of 5 and qualified you to become a temporary Sub System User. For repeated use of the Financing Sub System in the future, Demon Exorcist Claire may have to sign another more permanent contract.”
“So after all that, I get a measly 2.9? This is the first time I received such a bad score ever since university. Damn, your system is strict.” Claire felt hurt that she was only deemed as above average by the System. She sincerely believed earning 5 million USD would have been a good enough demonstration.
“While the System is pleased that the Financing Sub System was able to find a suitable candidate, the methods used had been too textbook. It was successful this time, but there is no guarantee of what will happen if something unexpected arises in the future. System recommends Demon Exorcist Claire to learn more tricks.”
“Sigh, fine by me. Anyways, now that we have the money, I shall use the remaining 20 minutes or so to create an offshore shell company to park the money for you to use. Rei, three million USD should be enough as collateral for the rights to become acting president. Call me if everything works out. Afterwards, I will help you get the shares the previous Studio President had left. Then the money portion should be accounted for, and we will be equally happy.” Claire informed the two, as she was looking through her newly received contract. (The System had sent it to her via email.)
Included was a simulation app for a fake black stock market, allowing her to practice on her skills. Although a little hurt, she acknowledged the problems she had faced during the intense one hour worth of buying and selling. It had been such a rush that she would not forget it anytime soon and Claire was looking forward to hopefully experience it again.
Not to mention, the extra million in her pocket. (No wonder, the System was extremely stingy in letting people use the system.)
