Chapter 2

Carter narrows his eyes, clearly unsettled by my sudden composure.

"Mr. Leo, I hope you can face reality." He sits back down, fingers tapping the table. "Outside is a death world of minus forty-two degrees, and you're now penniless with nowhere to go. Cooperate with us, and at least you can keep your life."

I don't answer, instead focusing on the continuously scrolling bullet comments on my retina.

【Go Leo! Play the fool for him!】

【Helios Solar is garbage stock now, but when the Defense Department's hundred-billion order comes in three days, it'll skyrocket】

【Carter this idiot doesn't know he's about to be finished】

【Ark Bunker cut corners, will collapse when temperature changes—let him go die】

Hundred-billion order? My heart stirs. If this information is true, what I need to do now isn't resist, but play along.

"You're right, Carter." I slowly stand and walk to the window, putting on an air of a hero past his prime. "I really am old and tired. Facing this apocalypse, perhaps young people have better survival chances."

The conference room atmosphere immediately relaxes. The directors exchange triumphant glances, and Carter can't suppress his smile.

"Very good, Mr. Leo. I knew you were a wise man." Carter pushes the documents forward again. "Please sign and transfer control of the hedge fund to me. I promise to use these funds properly."

"Wait." I raise my hand, my voice trembling slightly. "If I'm really giving up all the funds, then I have one condition."

Carter frowns: "What condition? Mr. Leo, you're in no position to negotiate."

"Asset swap." I make a show of struggling desperately. "I want one hundred percent controlling interest in the company's Helios Solar. Consider it... consider it a little retirement security for this old man."

The entire conference room falls silent.

Three seconds later, Carter bursts into laughter: "Haha! Mr. Leo, has the shock damaged your brain? Helios Solar? That pile of junk?"

"Helios Solar and Surface Reconstruction Company." My voice catches slightly. "I know it's drowning in debt, but at least... at least it has some physical assets. Those solar panels may not generate electricity, but stripped for scrap copper, it's better than freezing to death on the street."

【Holy shit, Leo's acting is perfect!】

【Carter definitely thinks he hit the jackpot】

【This is dimensional reduction strike, brothers】

【Trading 3.8 billion for hundreds of billions in assets, massive profit!】

Carter laughs harder: "In a world without sun, you still want a solar company? Mr. Leo, this might be the funniest joke I've ever heard. That company owes thirty million in debt, all employees have fled, and the factory has nothing but scrap metal. You want to trade 3.8 billion dollars for a pile of garbage?"

The nearby directors also shake their heads: "Leo, are you really that overstimulated?"

"The sun will never rise again—solar panels are waste!"

"Simply insane, 3.8 billion for thirty million in debt."

I put on an expression of even greater despair after being mocked by everyone, hands braced on the table: "I'm already sixty-two, Carter. I don't dream of great wealth, I just want somewhere to quietly wait for death. Those solar devices can't generate power, but at least they're physical objects I can slowly liquidate—enough to sustain me until natural death."

This speech convinces everyone that I've completely accepted my fate.

The contempt in Carter's eyes grows more obvious: "Fine, if you insist. That broken company is just a burden to us anyway, costing maintenance fees every month. Dumping it on you actually clears bad assets."

【Hahaha, they think they got a bargain】

【Carter this fool, giving away a gold mountain as garbage】

【Wait to see their faces in three days】

【Hundred-billion military order, exciting just thinking about it】

"Then it's settled." I extend my slightly trembling hand. "Control of the 3.8-billion-dollar hedge fund in exchange for one hundred percent equity in Helios Solar Company. After the transaction completes, I'll immediately leave the company and never again interfere with any Starvein business."

Carter grasps my hand without hesitation, squeezing almost hard enough to crush my bones: "Deal! Mr. Leo, this might be the stupidest decision you've ever made, but it saves me a lot of trouble."

Over the next hour, lawyers busily prepare various legal documents. I pretend to be absent-minded, occasionally wiping my eyes with trembling hands as if pained by losing my life's work.

Actually, I carefully examine every clause, ensuring complete transfer of Helios Solar Company ownership to my name.

【Beautiful signing! This wave is pure profit】

【Carter's still gloating, doesn't know he's finished】

【In three days when temperature changes, Ark Bunker collapses instantly】

【Solar company's about to get Defense Department's hundred-billion order】

The final document signed, the notary's steel seal falls heavily on paper.

"Transaction complete." The notary announces. "Mr. Leo Campbell officially loses control of Starvein Capital's hedge fund while acquiring one hundred percent equity in Helios Solar and Surface Reconstruction Company. This transaction is irrevocable."

Carter breathes a sigh of relief and immediately begins examining the 3.8-billion-dollar asset portfolio he just acquired.

"Perfect!" he excitedly tells the directors. "With these funds, I can immediately go heavy on Ark Bunker options. In this apocalyptic environment, the bunker is humanity's last Noah's Ark—its value will only increase."

I collect my equity certificates and carefully place them in my inner suit pocket.

Now, it's time for the most crucial step.