Chapter 87: Concerning the Shares of Stark Industries

Upon hearing this, Ivan showed little hesitation.

Because of his father, Ivan paid much more attention to Stark Industries than to other companies. He understood just how terrifyingly large a share the arms trade accounted for within Stark Industries—nearly thirty percent of the company's business was tied to weaponry. For a global corporation, this was an immense proportion. The profits from arms sales made up almost half of Stark Industries’ total earnings. These two staggering figures spoke volumes about how vital the weapons manufacturing and research department was to the company.

And now Tony Stark had chosen to shut it down.

Stark Industries’ stock would inevitably plummet. If one wished to buy shares in Stark Industries, this period would undoubtedly be the ideal opportunity.

Understanding this, Ivan found nothing strange about Zhong Shenshu issuing such a command at this time. He simply replied, “Alright.”

After a pause, Ivan asked, “How much capital should we invest?”

“Three million. I have it in my account, you can use it directly,” Zhong Shenshu answered without hesitation.

That three million had been transferred to him by Tony earlier that day. There was an odd sense of irony—using Tony’s money to buy Stark stock. In effect, Tony was gifting him shares of Stark Industries...

Three million... hearing that figure, Ivan couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Ever since half a month ago, when he needed to purchase various materials from the black market, Zhong Shenshu had placed immense trust in him, handing over his personal account for Ivan to manage. Ivan knew Zhong Shenshu’s account had only tens of thousands of dollars. Yet, in just one day, three million had appeared out of nowhere. Such a frightening ability to earn money left Ivan somewhat speechless.

He pondered briefly, then asked, “Should we buy in batches over a period of time, or invest it all at once?”

This touched on certain stock market knowledge. Generally, the first method was more stable; the latter carried greater risk, though its potential returns were proportional to the risk. Many investors combined both approaches—regular purchases, and larger investments at predicted low points, in pursuit of higher gains.

But Zhong Shenshu had never really understood stocks, nor did he need to, for he knew the storyline!

“No need to stagger the purchases. Once Stark Industries’ stock drops more than fifty points, buy it all at once,” Zhong Shenshu said.

Fifty points... hearing this, Ivan’s eyes nearly popped out. He almost thought he’d become out of touch with society after fifteen years in prison.

“Are you... sure?” Ivan asked again, fearing he’d misheard. The statement was simply too astonishing.

“I’m sure.” Zhong Shenshu deliberately slowed his speech.

Seeing the resolute look in Zhong Shenshu’s eyes, Ivan realized he wasn’t joking. He was baffled.

A drop of fifty points was an unimaginable concept, especially for an international giant like Stark Industries. How many consecutive trading halts would it take to reach such a level? For a company whose accountants could form an army and whose financial advisors flocked in droves, this was almost a one-in-a-hundred chance.

Ivan felt that even if Tony Stark insisted on closing the weapons research department, when the stock and profits suffered a massive blow, under such pressure—even someone as brilliant as Tony would likely compromise and resume the arms trade.

But according to Zhong Shenshu’s instructions, if Stark’s stock dropped more than fifty points, it implied the weapons division would remain closed for quite some time, perhaps even permanently. Only then would such a drop be possible.

And that raised a question: if Stark Industries truly abandoned its most lucrative arms market, what was the point of buying its stock? The reason to buy at rock bottom was to profit when it rose again. But if Stark Industries really gave up its arms business, who could guarantee the stock would ever rebound, rather than crash until bankruptcy?

That was Ivan’s confusion.

In summary: Under normal circumstances, Stark Industries would never allow its stock to drop more than fifty points. But if it did, who could guarantee the company would rise from the ashes, rather than be defeated forever?

At least Ivan couldn’t imagine any industry outside of arms that could generate profits comparable to that for Stark Industries.

If there were such an industry, surely it would have emerged long ago.

So Ivan, not afraid of irritating Zhong Shenshu, asked again, “Are you certain?”

“Certain,” Zhong Shenshu gave the same answer.

“Alright.” Ivan nodded.

If it were anyone else, Ivan might have argued, earnestly advising that the numbers were unrealistic, listing out his concerns. But this was Zhong Shenshu.

So Ivan wouldn’t do that. With a definite answer, he knew his task was not to question, but to obey.

After so much observation, Ivan understood that Zhong Shenshu was far superior to himself. Especially in sharp thinking and keen judgment, Ivan admitted he wasn’t even a fraction as capable.

If Zhong Shenshu said to buy Stark Industries’ stock after a fifty-point drop, then that was when profits would be highest. Even if Ivan couldn’t comprehend the reasoning, he believed that following Zhong Shenshu’s instructions was never wrong.

Hence, his job now was simply to obey.

“Just like when buying materials on the black market, use multiple accounts, transfer assets, and split purchases. Security comes first, everything else can wait,” Zhong Shenshu reminded after a pause.

“Got it. I’ll handle it, don’t worry.” Ivan flashed his big yellow teeth in agreement.

He then put away the television, preparing to follow Zhong Shenshu’s orders and start his work.

But Zhong Shenshu stopped him.

He asked, “It’s been nearly a month—have you finished the arc reactor?”

He remembered that about half a month ago, when all the materials were ready, Ivan began constructing a small experimental arc reactor. Now, with so much time passed, plus having the blueprints, and considering Ivan’s skill, it should be almost done.

Sure enough.

Ivan paused from his keyboard, glanced at the cluttered workbench, and replied, “It’s finished.”