What is the European Union?

According to 2008 statistics, the GDP of the entire EU reached $18.4 trillion, compared to $14.2 trillion in the United States in the same year. This means that the output of the entire European economy is even larger than that of the United States combined.

And that's not even counting the UK, which is unusually close to the European economy.

It is undoubtedly a fool's dream to shake such an economy, so Zhong Shi's first reaction is that these people want to bake him on the fire.

"No, no, no!"

After seeing the tricks used by the U.S. government behind the Treasury market, Zhongshi has made up his mind to keep his distance from these governments. Under the glamorous surface, there are too many unknown shady scenes and conspiracies hidden, and if you are not careful, you may be the last fate of Zhong Shi.

So he flatly refused.

"Stay calm, Mr. Zhong, don't be in a hurry to refuse. It's never too late to hear my point of view before making a decision, okay? ”

The faces of everyone present, including Paulson, knew that if Bell Stone did not participate, the whole project would have little chance of success. But there are always exceptions to everything, Ray. Dario was the only one who could keep calm, and after seeing him stand up and slowly look around, he calmly persuaded him, "Counting it, we have known each other for more than ten years. Or rather, we were exposed to it much earlier. To this day, you still haven't withdrawn your investment in Bridgewater Joint Fund, which is enough to show that you trust me, right? ”

Zhong Shi didn't speak, just nodded silently.

Speaking of and Ray. Dario's friendship, Zhong Shi once communicated with the other party through Zhongyi, and later invested in Bridgewater Joint Fund after making a fortune. After so many years, the little money that was there has ballooned to a staggering amount. Of course, all this is far from being compared to what Zhong Shi has acquired today.

Speaking of Bridgewater Joint Fund, even Zhongshi is full of praise for it. This fund is arguably the first hedge fund outside of Tianyu Fund, with $100 billion under management.

Even when Soros was at his peak, he didn't reach this point.

"Before that, I didn't agree with this idea, but after going through the relationship between European countries and each other. Considering a variety of factors, including politics and economics, I finally believe that Paulson's plan is feasible. ”

Since Zhong Shi is willing to listen, then the next thing will be much easier, Ray. Dario sat down silently, picked up a twig, carefully stirred the fire, and said seemingly nonchalantly, "In the original plan, we were only targeting one country. You know that, too. Because of the loss of monetary policy, some countries in the EU will face the risk of bankruptcy, and it coincides with the current economic downturn, so it gives us the possibility of shorting. ”

Will the country go bankrupt?

This question was answered in the mid-eighties. Before the Americas debt crisis, the entire Wall Street was frantically pouring money into it because it was one of the most profitable places in the world. Despite frequent risk warnings, Wall Street is convinced that "the country will not go bankrupt" and is still investing heavily in South America.

Then the crisis erupted. The countries of the Americas are unable to repay their debts and have to suspend their repayments through restructuring. Wall Street suffered heavy losses for a while. The debt turmoil has dragged on until now, as some institutions simply do not accept debt restructuring options. Just some time ago, an Argentine warship was detained in Africa because a hedge fund sued in The Hague and wanted to force the Argentine government to repay its debts in this way.

However, for the EU, which has the first economy, this problem does not seem to exist. Because the whole region is just too rich.

But underneath the flowers, the blazing fire, lies the cold truth that some countries in the European Union are indeed in danger of bankruptcy.

Because of uneven development, some countries in the EU have high debt ratios. Although the euro is worth a lot of money, the amount of issuance is in the hands of the ECB. That is, if a country is unable to repay its external debts. Then it will either turn to the powerful countries in the European Union for help, or it will leave the European Economic Community and regain the right to issue money.

For the former, relief to poor countries will certainly cause dissatisfaction among the population, and it remains to be seen whether it can be passed, depending on a series of influencing factors, not only economic, but also political, cultural and many other reasons. For the latter, there is as much uncertainty as to how much money a country cannot afford to repay its foreign debts, and to what extent it can be recognized by the market.

Therefore, based on the above, the risk of bankruptcy in some countries in the EU does exist objectively. Moreover, this risk will be infinitely magnified, and it is extremely likely that it will eventually jeopardize the unity of the entire European Union.

"That's our logic."

Thunder. After Derio explained the joints in a simple and clear way, he spread his hands and said, "A lot of them were inspired by you just now. While I don't envy Paulson's accomplishments, I have to trust his vision. Mr. Zhong, we really didn't misread you. ”

Being praised by him like this, Zhong Shi felt quite useful in his heart, but he did not let his guard down, because the whole thing was not trivial, and he had to consider all aspects.

"What about Europe?"

"If the whole thing is known to the top level in Europe, will they take some measures that will not see the light of day?" That's what worries me the most, and I always feel that if we do that, we're challenging the authority of the EU as a whole. ”

This was the first time that Zhong Shi had voiced his doubts, and everyone was overjoyed when they heard it, they knew that Zhong Shi was not so resistant, and began to think seriously about the whole plan.

"It's a possibility, but we have to think about it, so I decided to invite a European fund to join."

At this time, Paulson spoke, "It has to be a weighty fund, close to the government, first, they help us bear part of the pressure of public opinion, if the whole plan is leaked, on the other hand, it acts as our internal response, always know what is going on within them." ”

"As long as we keep the whole thing under control, I think the core countries in the EU will be happy to turn a blind eye, after all, internally. They also have numerous differences. But if we make the whole thing bigger, they'll definitely come out and warn us, and it's not too late for us to stop it. ”

"After all, we represent the power of the United States, and you, Mr. Zhong, represent the power of China.

If there is a conflict, it is very likely to cause a large-scale conflict. In this way, neither side can step down, so in the end the situation will be controlled within a certain range, which is the balancing act. ”

Paulson said confidently.

"But how can you guarantee that the U.S. government will intervene if necessary?"

I have to admit that Paulson's statement is still very convincing, and Zhong Shi is somewhat convinced, but new questions arise immediately, but after saying this. It was like a bolt of lightning flashing through his mind, and in an instant he figured it all out, "All of this is manipulated by the U.S. government behind the scenes, isn't it?" Or is this an economic war tacitly approved by the new president? ”

No one spoke, and as far as Zhong Shi's eyes could see, everyone was dodging. This scene fell in Zhong Shi's eyes, and the answer seemed to be about to come out.

"I see!"

Zhong Shi completely understood now. It turned out that these people were just pawns of the US government, with the aim of disturbing the troubled waters of Europe. Shift the crisis to Europe as it did on American soil. Because only a huge economy like the European Union can afford a crisis of the scale of the United States, and other countries such as Asia and South America cannot.

If that's really the case, then the whole plan is promising, Zhong Shi thought silently in his heart.

"And one last question, why did you choose me?"

The whole thing gradually became clearer. Zhong Shi was no longer as scared as before, and began to seriously discuss the feasibility of the whole thing, "I am very curious about this, and this is also the basis of our cooperation. If I can't get a satisfactory answer, I can't rule out quitting this alliance. ”

By this time, basically the framework of the entire conversation has been reached, and all that remains is a matter of details. Although there is still a lot of work to be done, the original intention of today's talks is close to completion.

"I wonder if Mr. Zhong has seen the movie "Mission Impossible"?"

Everyone's eyes fell on Paulson again, and they saw him say unhurriedly, "Ethan Hunt's special team helps the government solve all kinds of troubles. But when they get into trouble, the government doesn't recognize their existence. That's the real relationship we have with the government, and I think everybody understands that they only trust big institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Stanley, Citibank, and we're just a small role for them. ”

"But because of the nature of hedge funds, we are the most sensitive group of people in the entire market, so we are indispensable to them. So when I revealed the whole plan to Washington a little, their attitude was silent, and I understood this attitude as tacit. ”

"The rest is our own business. If we really want to operate, we have to find a character like Ethan Hawke, wise, brave, intelligent, calm and insightful, and at the same time charismatic and influential. Come to think of it, I think this role is yours, and the other candidates are not suitable. ”

"First of all, the inspiration for the whole project is your article, and it makes sense that we can't abandon you. Secondly, based on your advanced vision and the performance just now, you have deeply impressed us. Although we still have questions about the leaders of the whole team before that, I believe that after the performance just now, everyone here has no doubts, right? ”

As he spoke, he raised his head to cast inquiring glances at the others. Everyone who was swept away by his gaze nodded yes, and it seemed that they had indeed reached an agreement on this point.

"Most importantly, I see in you the qualities we all share: to put it nicely, to be self-motivated and ambitious; To put it in a less flattering way, it is greed and not satisfied. I guess we're all the same people, aren't we? ”

After Paulson finished speaking, he looked at Zhong Shi with a smirk, "Is this a good reason?" ”

"That's barely acceptable!"

Zhong Shi was unmoved, nodded expressionlessly, and continued, "There is another important question, that is, how do you ensure my safety when the situation is out of control?" Of course, I'm talking about extreme cases. ”

He didn't mention the obligation, because once the plan really unfolds, the whole team will revolve around him, so at that moment he will take on a lot of pressure. He didn't mention the right either, because he had the largest amount of money in the room, and if everything went well, he believed that he would benefit the most.

Now only one last question remains, which is how to deal with the possible anger on the part of Europe. If Zhong Shi is the leader of the whole team, the European side will only be angry with him after realizing it, after all, he does not have the protection of the US government.

"The question ......"

Paulson groaned and didn't speak for a long time, before he slowly raised his head, a strange smile appeared on his face, "I was almost confused by you, in fact, including us, we may be abandoned at a critical time." But for Zhong Shi, it's completely impossible, because no matter what, Huaxia will protect you, right? ”

"But we can give you a promise that at any time, if you get into trouble with the European side, we will make sure that the U.S. government will intervene once. But only once, because at that time, no matter how things develop, it is beyond our control. We'll evacuate then, you know? ”

Although it is not clear how Paulson is doing well in Washington and what kind of commitment he has received from the United States, Zhongshi is finally relieved by this assurance.

"I'm joining!"

Zhong Shi stood up, solemnly stretched out his hand towards the central position, and said lightly.

Looking left and right, Ray. Dario held out his hand second, followed by Paulson, and finally everyone reached out, and the alliance was concluded by the blazing fires, under the starry sky of South Africa, and after a shout of chanting.

"Alright, it's time to eat!"

Land Rover, who had been silent, spoke, and at the same time moved the roasted antelope from the fire and put it on another stand.

The whole antelope takes on a deep golden yellow color and at the same time exudes an enticing fragrance, like amber grease oozing from the crispy skin and dripping to the ground. These fund managers who have tasted the delicacies of the mountains and seas are also quite greedy when they look at them, and some people have even swallowed saliva unconsciously.

Zhong Shi ran around for a long time during the day, and fought with these guys for a long time at night, and he was already exhausted and hungry. Seeing that he could finally eat, he fanned his palm fiercely, and after smelling the aroma of meat mixed with a slight burnt smell, his face showed an expression of intoxication and satisfaction.

"The European Union, is it like this fat sheep?"

Suddenly, a strange thought appeared in his mind, and Zhong Shi couldn't help but laugh out loud. (To be continued......)

PS: Thank you book friend Xiao Shuili and ljg1001 for the monthly ticket! Recently, I finally saw some signs of improvement, I hope the situation will get better and better, the author continues to work hard! Looking forward to the support of more book friends, thank you~