Reborn in 2014: A One-Man Tycoon

If William hadn't mentioned it, Meng Chuan wouldn't have remembered.

It was in January 2015, when the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began.

A shocking piece of news suddenly came from the United States:

The United States has achieved a historic breakthrough in shale oil extraction technology.

Shale oil is petroleum contained in shale formations, which are primarily composed of shale.

It is a very common type of petroleum, and its reserves are quite substantial.

However, the extraction of shale oil is extremely difficult and costly.

Before a major breakthrough in shale oil extraction technology, the United States produced approximately 9000 million barrels of shale oil annually.

After January 2015, with a major breakthrough in mining technology.

The United States produces 17 billion barrels of shale oil annually.

This is equivalent to 5.2% of the world's crude oil production.

Don't underestimate this 5.2%.

Despite being the world's second-largest exporter of crude oil, Russia's annual crude oil production accounts for only about 6.1% of the world's total.

With crude oil production remaining unchanged, a shale oil industry suddenly emerged that accounts for 5.2% of global annual crude oil production.

This was a huge shock to the crude oil market in 2015.

Scarcity increases value; this is an age-old truth.

In fact, the most precious things in this world are light, water, and air.

It is essential for sustaining life.

However, because this thing is not scarce, it is worthless.

The same applies to the crude oil market.

When it suddenly increases by 5%, a situation of supply exceeding demand occurs.

The crude oil market will then react in the most reasonable way.

The current price of crude oil is around $47.

Before announcing a major breakthrough in shale oil extraction technology.

Because of the war, everyone is bullish.

The highest price in the crude oil market could surge to $108 a barrel.

Although it did not reach the peak value when the Iraqi civil war broke out.

However, without a major breakthrough in shale oil extraction technology...

Perhaps the price of crude oil will eventually surpass the peak reached during the Iraq War.

However, with breakthroughs in shale oil extraction technology...

The price of crude oil plummeted by 55% in a single day.

There is no such thing as a price limit in futures trading.

Then came three consecutive days of sharp declines.

The final price will be $31 a barrel.

This is a reasonable price.

In other words, crude oil prices plummeted by about 71% in just three days.

And all those who are bullish will lose everything.

Only those who are bearish can make a fortune.

"How could new crude oil suddenly appear? Has a new oil field been discovered? Do you have any definite inside information?"

William stared at Meng Chuan in shock.

William's expression changed.

As the head of the Warburg family, he understands better than anyone that there is only one pricing logic in the crude oil market—supply and demand.

If crude oil prices plummet, there's only one possibility: a new oil field has appeared!

What's even more terrifying is——

Everyone is betting on a war breaking out and oil prices skyrocketing.

Wall Street, hedge funds, oil giants... they are all going long like crazy.

William's Adam's apple bobbed.

If Meng Chuan is right... this would be an absolute bloody disaster in the capital market.

However, William still couldn't believe it.

With current technology, almost the entire detectable area of ​​the globe has been explored.

It is unlikely that there will be an oil field with huge crude oil reserves that has not yet been discovered.

Unless it is a special place where mining is not possible.

For example, some oil fields are located under ice layers more than 2000 meters deep.

Even if oil were discovered in these places, it would be impossible to extract it.

With current technology, mining is extremely difficult.

Therefore, he really couldn't understand why Meng Chuan was so certain that new crude oil would appear.

“Mr. William, let’s talk about cooperation! If you’re willing to trust me, we can join forces. You provide the funding, I’ll provide the labor, and we’ll split the profits fifty-fifty.”

Meng Chuan smiled as he looked at William.

There are some things Meng Chuan can't say too explicitly.

There's no way to explain it too clearly.

First of all, this is confidential information; if it is revealed, Meng Chuan will lose his advantage.

If Mr. William is willing to believe in him, Meng Chuan wouldn't mind giving him a hand!

Firstly, I have a cooperative relationship with the Warburg family.

Making money together with him can also deepen mutual trust.

Secondly, Meng Chuan's funds are in the UK, and his desire to make a large-scale move into the US market is more complicated than bringing the funds back to China.

The taxes in the US, in particular, are outrageous.

Capital entering the market must first pay a 30% tax.

After making a profit, you still have to pay taxes.

All things considered, Meng Chuan's profits will be cut by at least half.

Meng Chuan is currently short of money and is even reluctant to pay taxes in China, let alone abroad.

Therefore, by cooperating with William, Meng Chuan could get something for nothing.

Why not?

"You...you give me some time to think about it."

William was unable to make a decision for a moment.

Because this is not a small matter.

If Meng Chuan's prediction is correct...

This wave of benefits is something that would make even him envious.

But what if Meng Chuan's prediction is inaccurate?

The losses are certain, and the Warburg family will become a laughing stock in the financial world.

Also, everyone is bullish right now.

Although he was the clan chief, it was not easy for him to overcome the opposition and persuade the elders to agree to a price drop.

If the investment fails, he will be unable to explain it to his family.

It even dealt a blow to his prestige as a clan leader.

It's important to know that the clan elders have the power of impeachment.

The Warburg family itself is now somewhat declining.

Its influence in the international financial community is gradually declining.

There will be further major decision-making errors or failed investments.

This will only exacerbate the Warburg family's decline.

Therefore, although William was the patriarch, he still faced a great deal of pressure.

“Mr. William, I will wait for you for two days. We will meet again in two days.”

Meng Chuan stood up, said goodbye, and left.

William's reminder brought Meng Chuan back to the shale oil issue.

Meng Chuan can wait for this wave of benefits, but he cannot give it up.

If Mr. William cannot make a decision, then Meng Chuan will have to find another way.

Either Meng Chuan himself manipulates funds to enter the US capital market at any cost.

However, doing so carries high risks and low returns.

Besides needing to pay a lot of taxes, they may also face audits, which can cause delays.

However, Meng Chuan did have some plans in the United States.

Elon Ma is also a good partner.

However, Elon Ma's influence in the US capital market is far less than William's.

They couldn't possibly eat such a large amount.

"Father, did you come here today just to discuss this matter with Meng Chuan?"

Alice only asked William the question after Meng Chuan left.

Alice remained silent during William and Meng Chuan's earlier conversation.

"He is a very outstanding young man, and he deserves my daughter!"

William smiled at Alice and said something ambiguous.

"Father, what are you saying?"

Alice was unusually shy.

"Haha! My daughter has always had excellent taste."

William laughed heartily.

Just as Alice was blushing with embarrassment, William suddenly became serious:

"Alice, I know you're not content to just be the little princess of the Warburg family. This is your only chance, so you must seize it!"