Huh? There's a magic school here.

A short but forceful knocking sounded at the door.

This also interrupted Catherine's thoughts—the bait had arrived! Catherine composed herself and began fishing!

"Please come in!"

"Boss, I've brought the business plan you requested."

"Great, James, I've read your analysis report. It's very interesting. Could you explain it to me in more detail?"

James felt even more confident when he heard that Catherine really wanted to talk to him about the plan.

"Yes, after my efforts over this period of time, I have discovered a huge crisis in the US market. Their Thunder Shield Brothers Company is at great risk, but these risks are being masked by the ever-rising housing prices in the US."

"Actually, they are not unaware of the risks, but they are blinded by the huge profits at hand. And if Raydon Brothers, as the fourth largest investment bank in the United States, encounters problems, it will definitely not be a small matter, as it involves too many interests. I even think that it will drag down the entire Wall Street and the United States, and the financial officials of the United States may have different opinions on whether they will step in to save Raydon Brothers!"

"Oh? Why do you say that? What's your basis for this? You know, like you said, that's the fourth largest investment bank in the United States. Its fate affects many people. Do you think the officials in the Treasury would just stand by and do nothing? They stepped in to protect Merrill Lynch and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac!"

"That's right, boss. It's because they stepped in to protect Merrill Lynch and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The US Treasury is no longer willing to let these greedy capitalists transfer the risks to the US. I have received reliable information that the US Treasury will not directly intervene in the financial market again."

After hearing this, Catherine fell into thought. She realized that James's account was highly similar to some of the information Andres had told her, only the perspectives were different.

Andres simply told Catherine that the United States might face a major economic crisis next year, and directly stated that the Thunder Shield Brothers Company would go bankrupt, warning her not to invest too much in the United States market.

James also predicted the potential economic crisis, though he was unsure when it would occur. He also saw huge economic benefits in it. This isn't to say Andres was incompetent; it's just that their expertise differs.

However, one thing is certain: there's profit to be made in this, so it's more than just fishing. James waited quietly for Catherine's decision, not daring to interrupt her thoughts.

After thinking for a moment, Catherine looked up at James, her gaze seemingly trying to see through him. She asked, "Is your source reliable?"

James stated unequivocally that the source was absolutely reliable, as his family held considerable influence in the British Foreign Office.

"From now on, your team will move out of the trading department and form its own department. You can name it yourself! If the department needs any staff, you can apply to the HR department. Feel free to make any requests, but I want you to provide the company with a more detailed analysis and operational report as soon as possible. I will report this matter to the big boss!"

Catherine seemed to have made a great decision.

"I want to know how much support the company will give me this time, and how much the company is willing to allocate to us. If the company raises funds, can our team members participate?"

"If the big boss agrees, the initial target is £1 billion, with the company contributing 60% and raising the remaining 40%. Your team members can certainly participate. As for you, after deducting all expenses, you'll receive 5% of the net profit!"

“Great, boss! I’ll go back and refine the whole plan right away.”

James could hardly hide his joy when he heard Catherine's decision; if they weren't still in the boss's office, he would have definitely celebrated loudly!

"James, I also need to remind you that all those who have a knowledge of the matter must sign a strict confidentiality agreement. Okay, you can go back now."

"thank you boss!"

After saying that, James left Catherine's office with a happy expression.

Catherine was also all smiles. This was a rare opportunity to not only help her boss fish but also potentially make a fortune. Now she just had to wait for the other party to take the bait.

When James returned to his department, everyone saw the joy on his face. Someone joked, "James, what's making you so happy? Did the boss promote you and give you a raise?"

"That's right, you guessed it! Alright, I have other things to do, so I won't talk to you any longer!"

Upon hearing this, the attention of over a hundred people in more than a dozen groups across the department was immediately drawn to it.

Seeing everyone's surprised looks, James shouted loudly to his team, "Everyone in Team E, you have half an hour to pack up all your personal belongings. We're going upstairs to the new office!"

Upon hearing this, James's entire team cheered. They understood the significance of moving upstairs; it meant they had become a completely independent department and had a chance to rise to prominence. Everyone packed their belongings as quickly as possible and left with James.

As James left, he shouted to the entire department once again.

"Afternoon tea is on me today! Remember to bring me the bill!"

After settling his team into the new office location, James returned to his own new office and settled in to enjoy the convenience of having his own private space. No more crammed into a large open office with so many people – it felt wonderful!

After a moment of reflection, he took out his personal cell phone and dialed a number. After a few rings, a middle-aged man's voice came through.

"James, what's up? You should know that this number isn't supposed to be dialed casually!"

“Uncle, I know. I have something important to report to him. I believe this is a significant opportunity for the family, one that will elevate the family to a higher level.”

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone.

"Come to the family manor for dinner at seven o'clock tonight."

Without waiting for James's reply, the other party hung up the phone. However, he wasn't annoyed; he knew he had taken another step closer to success.

Seeing that it was almost time, and realizing he really wasn't in the mood for work today, James left his office and headed to the family estate, where he needed to get there early to wait.

It took him about an hour to reach the family manor. Although he was part of the family, he rarely came here. Those who came were there to discuss important matters. After resting in his room for a while, a middle-aged man entered.

"James, long time no see. How have you been?"