Chapter 37: Carter's Philanthropy

After deducting taxes, stock trading fees, brokerage commissions, and various miscellaneous expenses, Carter still managed to reap a whopping $1.5 million in profit from this wave.

With an initial capital of six million, he recouped $1.5 million in just half a month.

The return on investment nearly clouded Carter's judgment with money, but he caught sight of the calendar in Julian's office just in time. The date was nearing August, which brought Carter back to his senses, prompting him to contemplate how to spend this money wisely.

This time, he couldn't short-sell like before. Shorting opportunities are rare and success is not guaranteed every time. For stable financial management, Carter needed to look towards long positions. However, the problem arose: Carter was clueless about the current stock market. So naturally, his attention turned to Julian.

Coincidentally, Julian also had Carter in mind:

"Hey, Carter, are you free tonight? An old friend is organizing a gathering, and I'd like to invite you to join us. It's Roger, remember I mentioned him to you? He's just as fond of traveling as you are. Maybe he could give you some advice for your cross-country trip next month?"

"Jim Rogers? Sure, but could you take me there?"

Carter's memory was sharp, quickly confirming the guest's identity. He was curious though. Could guests in American gatherings just invite others without the host's consent? Wouldn't that cause trouble?

"Of course, I won't hide it from you. They're holding a gathering for the Double Eagle Fund, now renamed Quantum Fund, as a fundraising event. So, when he invited me, he was hoping I'd bring some high-quality clients along. How could that be inconvenient?"

Julian chuckled and nudged Carter:

"Speaking of high-quality clients, you've got over seven million in cash right now. I doubt there'll be many guests tonight who can match your liquidity."

Quantum Fund, huh?

Carter racked his brain but couldn't recall much about it. Nevertheless, it didn't matter much. Carter had high trust in Julian. In this recent successful shorting endeavor, although Carter appeared to be the decision-maker, in reality, Julian was the one orchestrating everything from target selection to pacing control and resource coordination.

"Smile on the face, pressure in the heart," was Carter's constant reminder to himself. He knew his limitations. He wasn't an investor. So, trusting a big shot, especially a big shot with a solid track record, was crucial.

It seemed that Julian wouldn't be short-sighted enough to recommend Carter to some garbage pit after just making a big profit. Moreover, the vaguely familiar name of the Quantum Fund gave Carter more confidence in Julian's recommendation. Regardless of what the Quantum Fund was, if it could leave a mark in the future and even catch the attention of a layman like himself, it was definitely not ordinary.

"Ha ha ha, alright, with your recommendation, Julian, I believe they must be quite formidable. I'll consider investing in them. By the way, do I need to prepare a formal suit or something? I've never attended such a banquet before. Are there any special things to pay attention to?"

"No need, no need. This is a very private gathering, not so many formalities. Just relax and be casual. Since you've agreed, I'll give you the address. You can go directly there at seven tonight. Now, it's your time to enjoy life, young millionaire!"

As Carter was ushered out by Julian, he didn't mind. He went home with a smile, picked up Melissa and spun her around in the air. After venting his joy of sudden wealth, he hurriedly took Melissa to the Chinese restaurant.

Although he might have to drink later in the evening, wouldn't it be fine to drink now as well? One point five million! And in U.S. dollars! Unlike the six million loan, this was legitimately earned money! It was the first time in his life that Carter had made so much money in one go, and the burst of joy when it finally happened was overwhelming. If possible, Carter wished the whole world knew he'd made money.

He'd made it!

"One point five million?! Is this for real? My god, how much is that? You'll need a whole room just to hold all that money, won't you?"

The chubby boss was stunned, looking at Carter with disbelief written all over his face.

"So, let's not mention the money. If you really want to thank me, bring out some baijiu for us to celebrate!"

"Hey, bring it on! You must drink!"

After hearing Carter's words, the chubby boss turned around and mumbled incomprehensible words like "one point five million" all the way to the kitchen.

"Bro, I've noticed you're getting more and more fond of hanging out with these Chinese folks. Do you like Chinese girls, that's why you haven't found a girlfriend yet?"

Following behind Carter, Melissa witnessed Carter's interaction with the chubby boss. Then, seeing Carter greeting the familiar Chinese customers in their language, Melissa felt she had uncovered the truth.

Isn't it strange for a 16-year-old American teenager not to date? America doesn't have a concept of early romance. Moreover, Melissa hadn't seen Carter show any interest in the same sex, so the answer seemed quite obvious.

"Ha? Really? Maybe, but you're thinking too narrowly about me, sis. I don't just like Chinese girls. To be precise, I like beautiful girls with explosive figures, regardless of their ethnicity!"

Carter looked at Melissa with surprise, wondering why she would think that way. He was always a philanthropist at heart!

"But compared to American girls, I do prefer those from the East. Look at those Russian and Soviet girls; they don't have those ugly freckles on their faces. Hey, why are you hitting me?!"