Chapter 39: Carter: I'm Broke Again

Carter's words seemed to open a floodgate, and the big shots present began to reminisce about the past, laughing and joking. Until the conversation suddenly shifted focus to another prominent figure.

"Hey, Peter, you seem to have had the smoothest ride in your youth. Why have you been so quiet?"

"Yeah, Peter, you're unusually low-key today."

"Carter, this is Peter Lynch. The algorithm you used for market valuation was invented by him. Come and meet him. Be careful, he might charge you a patent fee for it~"

Amidst the banter of the crowd, Julian also spoke up, introducing Carter to Peter Lynch. It must be said that Peter Lynch was the most handsome among the attendees.

Peter Lynch, about 35 years old, younger than Rogers. With his good background, he exuded an elegant demeanor. What's more, he seemed to have two shallow dimples on his cheeks. When he smiled shyly, he appeared charming and cute.

"Ahaha, no need for that. As long as I can help you guys. And hey, don't mention me. When I was 16, I was just studying at school honestly. I had to work as a caddy at the golf course to make a living. It wasn't until my sophomore year in college that I bought stocks in an airline company and made my first bucket of gold. I was already 20 by then, nothing compared to you, Carter!"

With a friendly smile, Peter Lynch stood up, responding to everyone's banter while extending his right hand to Carter.

"Hello, Carter. Here's my business card. I also manage a fund now. If you're interested in investing, feel free to contact me!"

"Hey, soliciting clients right in front of me and Rogers. Peter, you've got guts!"

With laughter and banter, Peter Lynch, while being scolded, leaned over and whispered to Carter:

"Carter, Peter's Magellan Fund is actually a good investment choice. Although he's only been in charge for two years, the compound annual return in the first two years has already exceeded 30%, which is quite remarkable."

"Alright, Mr. Lynch. I'll consider it carefully."

Though he said he would consider it carefully, Carter didn't need to think much. After being stimulated by Soros, Carter recalled quite a bit. Peter Lynch, he had heard from friends, not only invented the PEG algorithm but was also quite a personality!

Although he didn't run the hedge fund that was all the rage in the late 80s and early 90s, the funds he managed were almost as profitable as those high-risk, high-return hedge funds.

From taking over the Magellan Fund in 1977 to 1990, in just thirteen years, the fund's assets grew from an initial $20 million to $14 billion. The annual compound return was as high as 29%. What did that mean?

1.29 to the power of 13 equals about 27.39, meaning if you invested $100, it would grow 27 times in 13 years, with returns increasing faster than the years. And the Magellan Fund was also hailed as the most profitable fund in history!

At this moment, reality once again told Carter, "You're broke!"

Apart from these big shots, Rogers also introduced Carter to the clients they brought. Compared to these giants, these clients were not as famous, and Carter, torn over where to invest, didn't pay much attention to their specific information.

After some perfunctory responses, the banquet began. As a client brought by Julian, Carter's seat naturally was near Julian. Now, looking at Julian again, Carter couldn't help but wonder.

They say birds of a feather flock together, and it seems to be true for people as well. Julian, a mere stockbroker, why did he know so many big shots?

It was like one day, a short, poor friend suddenly invited you to dinner. You thought it would be a simple meal, but when you arrived, you found all the big names present. Would you scrutinize your friend? Out of respect for capital, would you toast to him?

With such thoughts, Carter scrutinized his "short, poor" friend, Julian. After a long while, Julian, feeling scrutinized, couldn't help but put down his knife and fork, glaring at Carter angrily:

"Is there something on my face? Why are you staring at me?"

"No, I'm just curious. How does a stockbroker like you know so many big shots?"

Carter's words weren't offensive. Looking at the people present, Peter Lynch aside, managing a fund with $20 million in assets for two years, according to compound interest, Peter now likely had over $30 million in assets. And Soros's Quantum Fund was also significant. Comparatively, Julian, a stockbroker working for Kedall, was just a little brother.

"Ahaha, Carter, don't underestimate Julian. He's quite capable, and we all appreciate him. And I think Mr. Mackenzie should have more say in this?"

After hearing Carter teasing Julian, the host of the banquet, Soros, laughed and took over the conversation, teasing Julian:

"See that, Julian? You're falling behind. How long are you going to stay at Kedall before coming out?!"

"Soon, soon. Maybe next year. I'm getting ready. I have to handle things properly first. Let me tell you, even though I introduced Mr. Mackenzie and Mr. Blake to you now, they are my clients, Julian. So, if they want to help me by then, you guys can't stop them from withdrawing their funds!"

With a wry smile, Julian regained his fighting spirit. With an imposing manner, he declared his sovereignty once again, provoking laughter from everyone present.

"Of course not. Fund investors have the right to withdraw their funds at any time. It's not your concern. Similarly, if they are attracted by our returns by then, don't blame us. Hahaha."

The banquet, full of laughter and banter, had a wide range, with no cold buffet in sight. People gathered around a square table, dining separately. After the meal, the restaurant transformed into a presentation hall.

Soros pulled out a signboard covered by a curtain, solemnly unveiling it to reveal the sign below reading "Quantum Fund Management Company." Then he began his speech:

"The name Quantum Fund comes from Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. It's like the market we face every day, always fluctuating, always full of uncertainty. Even God cannot accurately predict tomorrow's market trends! In this complex market, our Quantum Fund adheres to..."