Chapter Two: The Crucial Exam That Shapes the Future

“Wow—”

When the opportunity to intern at Huaxin Securities was announced, the lecture hall erupted in excitement. A flicker of exhilaration crossed the students’ faces, their eyes shining with eager anticipation.

Huaxin Securities was no ordinary firm; its largest shareholder was Huaguo Huaxin Finance, a subsidiary of the Huaxin Group—a reputable and prominent state-owned enterprise.

Securing a position at Huaxin Securities was akin to joining the national team.

“If I could get into Huaxin Securities, I can’t even imagine how happy I’d be!”

“I’ve heard Huaxin Securities is full of industry experts. Working on such a platform would mean limitless prospects.”

“The key is the access to abundant information—that’s priceless.”

The students buzzed with excitement and chatter.

Sitting next to Zhang Yang, Xu Jiafeng clenched his fists and said gravely, “If I get to work at Huaxin Securities, my life will be worth it!”

“Same here!”

“You both say that, so I’m worth it too!”

Chen Chuan and Wang Liu chimed in enthusiastically.

Investment studies at Hudu University of Finance and Economics was a flagship major. Getting into other securities firms wasn’t particularly difficult.

But Huaxin Securities was different. This top-tier securities firm wasn’t short of applicants; typically, one needed some connections to get in.

This chance was exceedingly rare.

Unlike the others’ excitement, Zhang Yang remained relatively composed. In his previous life, he had also participated in the “Huaxin Simulated Trading Competition.” In just 19 trading days, he had turned a principal of one million into 2.27 million, achieving a 127% return and ranking first in his major.

However, since he had no intention of developing his career domestically, he deliberately emptied his account near the end of the 45-day competition period, allowing others the opportunity.

“Perhaps I can use this simulation to accumulate my initial trading capital,” Zhang Yang murmured to himself.

He had no plans to intern at Huaxin Securities, nor did he see the need.

According to the Securities Law, employees of stock exchanges, securities companies, and securities registration and settlement institutions are prohibited from directly or indirectly trading stocks.

Why such a rule?

It’s simple.

Fund managers have professional advantages and easier access to information, managing vast amounts of capital. Allowing them to trade personally could lead to insider trading and disrupt market order.

In plain terms, it prevents managers from exploiting investors’ money for personal gain.

Zhang Yang had no desire to be a fund manager—the restrictions were too severe. To accumulate wealth, entering the market as a retail investor was best.

...

“Everyone, please settle down. I’ll explain the specific rules,” Tao Yu’ang pressed his hand down, signaling for silence before continuing:

“Let me remind you again—the simulated trading competition lasts 45 days, starting with one million in initial capital. It will officially open tomorrow. You can operate through Huaxin Securities’ online platform. If you haven’t registered a securities account yet, you can apply online or at a local branch in these next few days.”

At this, his gaze shifted to Professor Wang Xingbang, his tone humbler: “Professor Wang, I’ll have to trouble you to compile the account list and send it to my email for registration.”

“No problem,” Wang Xingbang nodded slightly.

Though it was a simulation, each participant’s account had a unique number. Collecting and registering these ensured fairness.

After the response, Wang Xingbang looked at the students in the lecture hall and added fuel to the fire: “As you’ve all heard, the competition lasts only 45 days. I hope everyone will give it their all and take it seriously.”

“Also, this serves as the final exam for our Securities Investment Analysis course. Those who have dropped too many points earlier should seize this opportunity.”

The meaning was clear: those weak in theory could make up ground in this “final test.”

Anyone who has attended university knows the passing mark is 60, which includes attendance points.

What are attendance points?

Simply put, they’re marks you earn just by showing up to class.

With 15 attendance points, instructors can often help students who struggle with theory pass the final.

At that moment, all the students in the lecture hall realized how important this simulated trading competition was, their expressions growing more serious.

“Oh, by the way,” Wang Xingbang suddenly recalled something and added, “If anyone doesn’t have a computer, you can use the lab in Room 3 or the sixth floor of the library. I’ve arranged for them to be open 24 hours.”

Though 80% of the investment major students were local to Hudu, not everyone could afford a computer.

Taking this into account, Wang had applied to the school to open these facilities around the clock for students with fewer resources.

...

After a few more minutes of reminders from the three on stage, the class was dismissed early, allowing students free time.

Some rushed back to their dorms.

Others headed together to the computer lab or library.

Without exception, they all wanted to seize this rare opportunity.

The slight figure of Chen Chuan looked toward Zhang Yang and a few roommates and asked, “Do you guys have Huaxin Securities accounts?”

“I use Guotai Securities,” Xu Jiafeng replied.

Wang Liu smiled, adjusting his silver-rimmed glasses with a hint of pride: “I have a Huaxin Securities account.”

“I’m with Chang...”

Before Zhang Yang could finish, a melodious female voice interrupted: “Zhang Yang, which A-share sector do you favor?”

The speaker was a 1.72-meter tall woman, wearing a white fitted short-sleeve shirt paired with loose wide-leg pants, her figure curvy and commanding.

Her name was He Jing, widely regarded as the campus belle of the investment program, and even across the entire Hufu University of Finance, she was considered a top beauty.

Beside He Jing stood a girl with a single ponytail, pure and sweet in appearance. Her name was Xu Zhiruo. She looked earnestly at Zhang Yang, whispering desperately, “Help us out, please. I don’t want to fail and delay graduation.”

“Infrastructure,” Zhang Yang answered without hesitation.

With the government pouring four trillion yuan into infrastructure, favoring that sector was perfectly reasonable.

“Any stock recommendations?” He Jing asked again.

Zhang Yang had ranked first in investment theory exams for three consecutive years; his opinions carried weight.

Before he could respond, Wang Liu coughed twice, interrupting: “Senior Tao gave us this chance to test our trading skills. He Jing, it’s not right to take shortcuts.”

“Trying to follow our dorm leader’s shortcut but not letting him take yours—really now,” Chen Chuan chuckled mischievously.

Xu Jiafeng glanced at Xu Zhiruo beside He Jing and quickly smoothed things over: “Alright, alright, we’re all classmates here. Let’s not take jokes too far.”

“I’ll skip stock recommendations. If there are losses, I can’t bear the consequences,” Zhang Yang smiled calmly, then added, “But if it’s just to avoid failing, you might want to pay more attention to stocks in the automotive sector.”