I'm back in 1990

Chapter 601: In-depth conversation 2

Huang Xiaochuan met Qin Yu's gaze with a calm expression and deep eyes. He put down his knife and fork and tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth tabletop, as if he was carefully considering his words.

After a long pause, he finally spoke: "Both are true! Theoretical models are guides, but market frenzy often exceeds the boundaries of models. When I first saw those valuations, my initial feeling was that they were completely detached from fundamentals, with stock prices soaring solely based on concepts and traffic. And when the entire market was filled with that blind optimism of 'this time is different,' my intuition told me that this violated the most basic laws of value and the cycles of human nature. Greed will eventually devour itself, and no matter how beautiful the bubble, it will eventually burst. My papers were a way of expressing this intuition and concern in relatively rigorous academic language, hoping to pour cold water on the frenzied market and cool it down, but unfortunately, it didn't work."

Huang Xiaochuan, of course, would not tell Qin Yu the important secret in his heart, so he devised the most appropriate reason.

But his words surprised Qin Yu, who had assumed they were genuine honesty. She had expected him to be diplomatic or more detached, so she pressed further, "So, you were certain back then that it would fail? And in such a devastating way?"

Huang Xiaochuan shook his head: "I wouldn't dare say for sure. There is no 100% certainty in the financial market, but I thought back then that a collapse was inevitable. It was just a matter of uncertainty about the timing and intensity. I did see the structural fragility of the market and the huge risks. As for the intensity you mentioned, it did exceed my initial expectations."

Qin Yu remained silent for a while, processing Huang Xiaochuan's words. Just then, the waiter brought out the appetizer: golden crab cakes, exuding the sweetness of seafood and the aroma of fried food.

"Try it and see how it is!" Qin Yu gestured for Huang Xiaochuan to start, temporarily putting the topic aside.

The two began their meal. The crab cakes were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with sweet and fresh crab meat. The accompanying lemon and dill sauce was refreshing and helped to cut through the richness of the crab meat. It was indeed delicious.

Huang Xiaochuan praised, "The taste is indeed fantastic. It seems that you are not only a master of investment but also a culinary guide."

Qin Yu smiled and elegantly wiped her mouth with a napkin. "So, I have to thank you." She picked up the previous topic again, her tone quite serious. "Although your warning didn't wake up many people at the time, it at least woke me up. Your paper was one of the important bases for my decision to take the risk. To some extent, without your few cautionary papers, there might not be Jade Capital today."

Qin Yu raised her glass: "To your foresight, or rather, your profound insight into human greed."

Huang Xiaochuan also raised his glass and lightly clinked it against Qin Yu's: "I also want to toast your courage and execution. No matter how good your insight is, without the courage to act and the precision to execute, it's just empty talk. Wall Street is never short of smart people, but it lacks ruthless characters who can make big bets at crucial moments and bear the consequences. Class monitor, you did it!"

These words truly came from Huang Xiaochuan's heart, and they also reflected his respect for the strong.

The two glasses clinked together, making a crisp, pleasant sound.

The two smiled at each other, and it seemed that all the complicated emotions and crossroads of fate from the past years had found some kind of relief and confirmation in this glass of wine.

The main course was served quickly. The grilled cod recommended by Qin Yu lived up to its reputation. The fish was snow-white and tender, soaked in a fragrant herb butter sauce. The side dishes were also grilled to perfection, retaining the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

The two chatted as they ate, and the conversation returned to a relaxed tone. They talked about the recent situations of some high school classmates, interesting anecdotes from Wall Street, and the changes in Hong Kong and the mainland. Huang Xiaochuan also shared a few funny stories about his children, which Qin Yu listened to with great interest, and she laughed more often.

After the meal, Qin Yu insisted on treating Huang Xiaochuan to the restaurant's signature dessert—molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.

"This is a must-order item at 'iris,' it's a waste of your trip if you don't try it." Qin Yu's tone carried a touch of girlish insistence.

Huang Xiaochuan smiled and conceded, "Okay, I'll do as you say. But it'll be a heat bomb, so I'll have to swim a few more laps tomorrow."

When the warm chocolate lava cake is cut open, the rich chocolate syrup flows out, paired with cool and sweet vanilla ice cream. The fusion of hot and cold sensations explodes on the tongue, bringing immense satisfaction.

"How does it taste?" Qin Yu asked expectantly.

"Fantastic!" Huang Xiaochuan exclaimed sincerely. "Sweet but not cloying, the balance of bitter and sweet is just right. The class monitor's recommendation is indeed up to standard."

After enjoying dessert, it was nearly nine o'clock in the evening. Qin Yu called the waiter to sign the bill (although Huang Xiaochuan insisted, Qin Yu took the initiative to pay for the dessert and drinks on the grounds that "the hospitality of the host has not yet been fulfilled"), and the two got up to leave.

As they left the private room, the restaurant manager personally escorted them to the door. Gao Song and Zhang Sui were already waiting outside.

As they left the private room, the restaurant manager personally escorted them to the door. Gao Song and Zhang Sui were already waiting outside.

The night wind in New York at the end of February carried a biting chill. Qin Yu wrapped her cashmere coat tighter around herself.

"Thank you for dinner, and thank you for sharing your story." Qin Yu stood in the neon lights, extending her hand to Huang Xiaochuan with a bright and open smile. "It's been a pleasure working with you, old classmate. I wish you all the best in New York, and I wish you success in taking down the sun."

Huang Xiaochuan held her hand, the warmth from his palm dispelling some of the chill: "Thank you too, class monitor. It was a very enjoyable evening. Next time you go to Hong Kong or Shanghai, remember to contact me, and I'll treat you. Take care."

"Take care." Qin Yu nodded.

Guided by Gao Song, Huang Xiaochuan got into the waiting van first. Qin Yu watched as the understated yet luxurious van slowly merged into the dazzling traffic of the Upper East Side until it disappeared around the corner of the street.

She stood alone at the restaurant entrance, the night wind ruffling her hair. The warmth of the private room, the aroma of the food, and the conversations about the past and present seemed to have been somewhat dispelled by the cold wind, leaving behind an indescribable sense of emptiness. She tightened her coat and turned to walk towards her Mercedes-Benz S-Class parked by the roadside. The driver had already opened the back door for her.

She settled into the warm carriage, shielding her from the cold wind outside. Leaning back in the comfortable leather seat, she watched the dazzling street scene rush past the window. Fragments of Huang Xiaochuan's description of family life flashed through her mind: the children's names—Xiaoduo and Xiaodong—and Yu Xiang queuing to buy chestnuts.

Finally, she let out a soft sigh and said to the driver, "Take me home."

The car smoothly drove into the New York night.