Grandpa Shen went to bed last night before his grandson returned, so he got up early to check if he was alright, after all, young people face a lot of work pressure and socializing can be taxing on the body.

The curtains weren't drawn the previous night, and it started raining again in the latter half of the night. Therefore, even though it was almost ten o'clock, there was still no sunlight shining into the room. Shen Duoyi was sprawled in the middle of the bed, dreaming, his face buried in the gap between two pillows. His pajama pants and quilt had ridden up, exposing his calves, which were probably freezing cold.

Grandpa Shen walked over and pulled the quilt down for his grandson, then quietly closed the door and went to the kitchen. There was no food at home, and with his unsteady legs, he moved even slower when it was raining. So he found a takeout menu card under the fridge magnet.

Shen Duoyi's head was in a daze. He vaguely heard someone in the living room listing off dishes and called out "Grandpa" in his mind, but didn't actually make a sound. He rolled over and fell asleep again.

"I want millet porridge, with candied dates," Grandpa Shen said, holding an old-fashioned mobile phone in one hand and the menu card in the other. "The steamed fish is carp? Then never mind, it has too many bones. My grandson doesn't like it. Add some water spinach instead, and go easy on the salt."

It was the old man's first time ordering takeout, and he was a bit nervous. He paced back and forth in the entrance hall, leaning on his cane, afraid he wouldn't hear if they rang the doorbell. Shen Duoyi, who had fallen asleep again, was awakened by the sound of the cane tapping on the floorboards. He was still very sleepy and wanted to check the time, so he took out his phone. When the screen lit up and that message page appeared before his eyes, his sleepiness finally dissipated completely.

After washing up, the takeout arrived. Grandpa Shen couldn't eat things that were too sweet, so he gave all the candied dates from his porridge to Shen Duoyi. Shen Duoyi drank a bowl of overly sweet millet porridge and couldn't help but peel open another sausage.

The rain hadn't stopped, and the room was chilly. Shen Duoyi covered himself with a blanket and watched a rerun of a TV drama on the sofa. He had just figured out all the main characters when Grandpa Shen spoiled the ending for him. He said helplessly, "Grandpa, you've told me everything. What's the point of watching it now?"

"This way you don't have to worry," Grandpa Shen said as he slowly got up and returned to his room. As he walked, he muttered, "It's all about trivial family matters. Knowing in advance doesn't make a difference."

Only Shen Duoyi was left in the living room. He turned off the TV and then turned to look at the rain outside the window. Trivial family matters were what he envied most about other people's troublesome and fussy lives. When it got cold, Mom would force him to wear a thick coat. When he reached a certain age, Dad would urge him to hurry up and get a driver's license. If anything happened, the whole family would discuss it.

Shen Duoyi was especially good at self-reflection. Whenever he inadvertently indulged in negativity, he would quickly adjust himself back to normal. Maybe it was because of the continuous rain today, and the atmosphere was really too fitting, so he had some difficulty adjusting.

Fortunately, the incoming call saved him. He immediately pressed the answer button as if grabbing a lifeline thrown by a rescuer, "Meng Liang, did you need something?"

He could tell from the other party's tone that he was in high spirits, as if it was a sunny day on the other end of the phone. Meng Liang excitedly said, "Senior Brother, actually I bought two stocks a while ago and recently sold them for a small profit. I want to try futures trading. Can you give me some advice?"

Shen Duoyi was infected by the other party's mood and asked with a smile, "It wasn't just a small profit, right?"

"Let's be low-key," Meng Liang didn't deny it. "I'm just doing it for fun and didn't want to bother you. After all, no one can fully grasp the stock market, but I really don't understand futures. Can you take a look for me?"

Meng Liang was right. There are no fixed rules in the stock market. If he asked Shen Duoyi and ended up losing money, it would be awkward. Shen Duoyi understood, so he quickly organized his thoughts and introduced Meng Liang to futures-related matters.

At the end of the conversation, Meng Liang began to share his insights, "Senior Brother, you don't know, trading stocks can really relieve stress."

Shen Duoyi didn't believe it, "Isn't trading stocks more stressful?"

"It's fine if you treat it as a hobby and entertainment," Meng Liang said. "When I have free time, I don't have time to think about worries. I just watch the market. Even my eyesight has improved. I can find my own stock among those tiny words in an instant."

Shen Duoyi was amused and lay down on the sofa, "The way you put it, even I'm tempted."

Meng Liang immediately fanned the flames, "I bet even the cleaning lady at your company trades stocks. You're probably the only exception. With a ready-made database and a whole department of professionals, it would be quite a feat to lose money."

"Really?" Shen Duoyi was easily persuaded. After hanging up the phone, he began to ponder. A few days ago at the meeting, they had just mentioned a few promising key stocks. Qi Shi'an even talked about magnesium concept stocks and operational matters. The more he thought about it, the more he was moved, until a loud thunderclap in the sky jolted him back to his senses.

After coming back to his senses, he felt even more fascinated. Just thinking about it made him forget his melancholy. If he really bought a few stocks, wouldn't it be like eating the herb of forgetfulness? Shen Duoyi hadn't eaten the herb of forgetfulness. He probably drank too much sweet porridge and completely forgot that not long ago, Qi Shi'an had scolded a few useless pastries for losing money in stocks.

The originally somewhat gloomy weekend atmosphere suddenly changed. At Meng Liang's instigation, Shen Duoyi embarked on a new pastime. He also knew that he shouldn't put all his eggs in one basket, nor should he contribute too many eggs as a novice. So he bought two stocks with 200,000 yuan and used 150,000 yuan to speculate in futures. As for foreign exchange, it was too complicated, so he didn't take the risk.

Qi Shi'an's message sank into the sea like a stone, leaving no trace of a response. But he didn't intend for Shen Duoyi to reply anyway. He was simply expressing his attitude.

After resting enough, he packed his luggage at home because he was about to go on a business trip to Sydney.

The investment market is like an amusement park, attracting countless pleasure seekers to experience all kinds of thrills. It may cause adverse reactions, or it may bring great pleasure, but the investment market itself does not bear responsibility. Shen Duoyi had already been attracted. Novices are always extra cautious when they first start, eager to check the market every five minutes. His enthusiasm will probably fade in a few days.

The buildings on both sides of Central Street were all shrouded in drizzle. Qi Shi'an arrived very early. The first thing he did after entering the office was to wipe the small water droplets off his leather shoes.

Annie knocked on the door and came in, looking particularly energetic, "Mr. Qi, I wanted to confirm the details of the Sydney business trip with you. Do you have time now?"

Qi Shi'an didn't need to look up to know that the other person was wearing a new outfit. He wasn't sure if it was just Annie or if all girls were like this - when wearing a newly bought favorite outfit, even if there was a heavy downpour, their mood would still be delightful.

He threw the tissue he used to wipe his shoes into an eco-friendly bag: "I have time, go ahead and speak."

"The flight is tomorrow afternoon. You don't need to come to the company, just leave directly from home." Annie held a notebook, "Upon arrival, you'll be staying at the Versace Hotel, and the meeting will also take place at the hotel. The other arrangements will be handled by the company secretary there."

After finishing, Annie asked: "When do you plan to return?"

Qi Shi'an thought for a moment: "A week, I'll stay there for an extra three days."

"Okay, do you need to change hotels?"

"Yes, one day at Hunter Valley, two days at the Rock Area. After I'm done, I want to go sightseeing." Qi Shi'an thought of You Zhe's parents and You Si, "Book a car too, I need to visit someone."

With the business trip arrangements done, Qi Shi'an started working. Being away for seven or eight days, by the time he returned, his desk would be piled up again, similar to the scene of a senior high school student taking two days off and returning to school. He seized the time wanting to do more to reduce the subsequent workload.

He hardly left the office the entire day. Before getting off work, he went to the Foreign Exchange Department for a bit, and after that, he wanted to take a look at the Futures Department again. Coming out of the elevator, it was still that long corridor, but without the sun today, it didn't look as nice as usual.

Qi Shi'an's footsteps paused slightly, seeing Shen Duoyi coming out of the Futures Department, the scene seemingly very similar to that day. Shen Duoyi was looking down at his phone, completely unaware of the people and things around him. He walked straight ahead without any pause, brazenly passing by Qi Shi'an.

"Team Leader Shen." Qi Shi'an frowned and called out.

But Shen Duoyi ignored him.

"Team Leader Shen?" Qi Shi'an didn't give up, feeling that this employee relying on his good looks was a bit too much. Not taking the initiative to greet was one thing, but to not even respond, "Team Leader Shen!"

"Ah!"

Shen Duoyi was startled, hurriedly responding in a panic. He had been too engrossed in looking at stocks just now and didn't notice anything. Turning around, he saw Qi Shi'an standing not far away, with colleagues from the Futures Department getting off work and passing by.

He quickly returned, asking guiltily: "Mr. Qi, is there something?"

Qi Shi'an said in an unhappy tone: "Can't see and can't hear, you must be busy, right?"

Looking at his own futures market situation during work hours and even going to consult colleagues, this was equivalent to using company resources for personal matters. Shen Duoyi didn't dare to confess truthfully, softly lying: "I was looking at customer information."

He wasn't pure enough to blush and have a pounding heart from telling a lie, but Qi Shi'an's discerning gaze still made him somewhat unable to cope. So he wanted to leave quickly, adding: "It's not easy to walk in the rain, may I get off work?"

Qi Shi'an didn't expose him, reminding: "Watch your step, don't bump into the wall."

Shen Duoyi nodded and retreated. After walking a few steps, he was called again. He turned around once more, not knowing what else the other person had to say. Qi Shi'an said: "I'm going on a business trip tomorrow for seven or eight days."

"Then... take care." Shen Duoyi squeezed out this sentence, basically shattering the little bit of reverie he originally had.

Qi Shi'an said: "You already know my number, call me if there's anything."

The two people walked in two directions, getting farther and farther apart. Shen Duoyi got off work, his mind's focus shifted away from the stock market, and that photo of the chestnut stand in Munich lingered in his mind instead. While driving, he couldn't help but wonder if Qi Shi'an would send him a photo of a roasted chestnut stand on this trip to Sydney.

While waiting for the red light, he laughed foolishly to himself, guessing if Australians loved eating roasted chestnuts.

Qi Shi'an, like a caring class teacher, had to go around several departments to give some reminders before his business trip, and if time permitted, he even wanted to make some arrangements. The next afternoon, before basking in the sunshine of the initial clearing, he boarded the plane. The ten-plus hour flight was still that familiar length. He decided to select the interior materials for his new car to pass the time.

Ambient lighting should be warm yellow.

The center console should have metal edges.

The instrument panel should have deep brown wood grain.

The seats should be covered in full genuine leather.

In the audio system... there should be selected passages from "The Peony Pavilion".

Qi Shi'an pulled down the light-blocking panel and then fell asleep, expecting to open his eyes again just in time to arrive at the Gold Coast. The pressure at high altitudes impacted his eardrums, so he didn't sleep very soundly, but the light dreams were very sweet.

More than a dozen hours passed in a flash, and the plane landed on the other side of the ocean.

The Versace Hotel was dazzlingly luxurious, with the entire lobby enveloped in a large expanse of gold, lacking any subtle beauty. If it weren't for work arrangements, Qi Shi'an wouldn't have stayed there. He liked solemn and aged things, so he often missed the old State Guest Hotel in the city.

The suite that had been renovated for many years was slightly better, not as ostentatious. He put down his luggage and first took a tour to relax his body, preparing to eat something and then start preparing for the meeting.

At the same time, the futures market stirred up a small fire, with methanol prices soaring, and the number of people opening long positions every minute was incalculable.

"Senior Brother, did you heavily increase your positions?"

"No, adding more would be full. Futures cannot be operated with a full position." Shen Duoyi explained, "I don't recommend full positions for stocks either, it's too risky. Isn't our main purpose entertainment? We're not pursuing huge profits."

Meng Liang said: "Then how do you want to entertain yourself after making money?"

Shen Duoyi thought for a moment: "Take my grandfather and my childhood friend's parents on a trip when there's a holiday."

Plans can never keep up with changes. The momentum of methanol was good, so Shen Duoyi didn't pay as much attention, or maybe because after the first few days, his enthusiasm gradually faded.

Just when he thought the surge had ended and smoothly entered a stable period, the futures market ushered in a big downpour.

Shen Duoyi knew too well that making money was not easy, so when facing his principal of 150,000 yuan turning into 15,000 yuan now, the tall tower in his heart began to collapse. To make matters worse, Grandpa Shen was muttering beside him about someone's grandmother in the neighborhood being scammed out of more than 100,000 yuan.

The buyers who had previously increased their positions were basically annihilated, and he was just one tiny grain of sand among them.

"Grandpa..." Shen Duoyi covered his chest, "Go to sleep early, don't chat anymore."

Grandpa Shen was dissatisfied: "You find it annoying to keep me company and talk for a bit."

Shen Duoyi began studying the market changes after the old men returned to their rooms. Gains and losses were common in investing, and he could accept that, though it might be nerve-wracking for a moment. What made him uneasy was the suddenly unpredictable trend. The investment market was like a wild beast that could not be restrained by any rules or steps.

"You already have my number, so call me if anything comes up," Shen Duoyi suddenly remembered Qi Shi'an's instructions. He picked up his phone with some hesitation, but finally pressed the dial button when the price dropped again.

After several days of meetings and social engagements, Qi Shi'an finally had time to surf at Gold Coast. He had just rented a surfboard, so when the phone rang, he wanted to pretend he hadn't heard it, fearing he would be dragged back to work.

In the end, reason prevailed over willfulness. He took the phone out of the waterproof bag, and Shen Duoyi's name flashed on the screen. Qi Shi'an answered and said "Hello" while leaning on the surfboard.

"Mr. Qi, are you busy now?" Shen Duoyi asked first, his voice a little nervous as he watched the market.

Qi Shi'an looked at the rising waves on the sea. The best opportunity to get in the water was coming up, but he replied, "No, I'm not busy. What's up?"

Shen Duoyi relaxed a bit. "I wanted to try futures before, but I've run into some difficulties."

As he spoke, his words increased, and his request for help unconsciously turned into a confession. "Maybe it's hard for a doctor to treat himself. I feel like I can't get a good grasp of it. It soared before and now it's plummeting, with no transition at all. Both short-term and medium-to-long-term are struggling. The trend is very strange, and I don't know how to estimate it anymore. And now, stopping losses seems no different from giving up."

Qi Shi'an listened to Shen Duoyi ramble on amidst the sunshine and beach. When the other party finished the last sentence, he instructed, "Now go drink a glass of milk and don't be so upset."

After hanging up the phone, the waves on the sea surged sky-high, and countless surfing enthusiasts rushed into the water with their boards, screaming and covered in sunshine. Qi Shi'an admired it for two seconds, then returned the surfboard and prepared to go back to the room to turn on his computer.

The milk flowed down his throat into his stomach, and Shen Duoyi completely calmed down. He also began to regret his earlier outburst. Just as he thought Qi Shi'an had temporarily declined his request for help in this soothing way, the computer screen suddenly started flashing.

The video call request jumped in the center, like a small star.

Shen Duoyi gently clicked "Accept", suddenly wanting to see the other person's face.