Zhang Benyuan stood up and brought his laptop from the living room. He logged into a program and placed it on the bed, handing it to Wang Yitong. "Tongtong, I know you're a frugal person, but this money wasn't saved. Sometimes spending money actually makes you money. I studied finance in college. This is my stock account, and it shows the stocks I invested in. However, the stock market wasn't doing well in 2008 and 2009. If it turns red, it's a rising stock, and if it turns green, it's a falling stock. I bought some for long-term and some for short-term."

Wang Yitong looked at the stock account on the computer screen in surprise. She had never thought that Zhang Benyuan had such an investment.

Zhang Benyuan explained with a smile, "Besides working at my company in Chengdu, I also personally take time out every day to look at stocks. Of course, stock trading carries risks, and one must consider their own financial situation. It's okay to use spare money to invest. Losses are fine, but gains shouldn't be taken too seriously. Maintaining a positive mindset is key."

I had no money at first, but after I made my first investment, I slowly started investing in the stock market. You have to remember that I was the top student in my major. My teachers were very caring and taught me a lot. Most people who play the stock market will only become losers; only the market makers, traders, and investors can make money.

Wang Yitong nodded and said, "My uncle has his own company in the Shanghai Stock Exchange and also buys stocks. I remember when I visited him, I saw some of his emails were in English. I couldn't understand them! It seems I need to study hard too."

Zhang Benyuan continued, "Then I guess your uncle bought foreign exchange and Hong Kong stocks. In addition, I have also invested in my classmate's company and hold shares. I only care about the dividends.

In this society, the financial resources accessible to ordinary people often differ from those of the wealthy. Of course, when you gain power, you have access to a wide range of resources. However, if you are caught in politics, you will end up behind bars. Some families with power inevitably have wealthy relatives and friends, because the resources and connections they have access to are different.

Just like demolition and subway construction, when most people were unaware of the situation, some people were already ahead of us. We're also starting to get involved in the land market, and because we learned about it a little earlier than others, we borrowed some money from the bank and started planning. We'll no longer just be dealing in pre-owned properties or selling properties on behalf of others; we'll also have our own properties.

Wang Yitong was filled with pride after hearing this. This was her boyfriend. "You guys are so amazing! I can't even imagine it."

Zhang Benyuan gently held Wang Yitong's hand and said, "So the money you spend is small change, and you know that the bigger the brand, if you are short of money one day, these things can be converted into cash to help you get through the difficult times. Just like your bag, my watch, and even some brands of clothes and wine, there are people who specialize in recycling them."

Look at the clothes and bags you bought in the past—they were very cheap. You could buy a lot of bags with your money now, but those things are worthless and not worth buying. You can buy some books on investment and branding and art to gain some insights and knowledge, and expand your financial thinking. We older generations grew up thrifty and have a poor mindset.

Improving yourself through skills and academic qualifications is an investment; getting a driver's license or getting braces is also an investment in yourself; sports, hobbies, and so on are also investments in yourself; and it's not just studying, working on projects, and pursuing a career that are investments. There are thousands of different types of investments, but as long as you remember that the ones that are valuable to you and that will yield results are worthwhile.

After listening to Zhang Benyuan's words, Wang Yitong's face was filled with enlightenment, and she began to reflect: My family always told me to study hard and bring my mother out, but that was so one-sided. In my opinion, only I can save myself, not others. My parents used to look down on my first love because he was from the countryside, but other people, even as graduate students, were offered annual salaries of 300,000 yuan by companies. So what if I was born in the countryside? Wasn't Zhang Benyuan from the countryside too? The most important factor in a person's success isn't their background; it's the person themselves. As my grandmother said, a good ironsmith must be strong himself.

"Ayuan, I understand. Currently, I'm working, but the work is just easy. I also need to rethink what I can do."

"It's okay. You're working now, but you still have to take the college entrance exam, right? Improving your education is also important, so keep working. As for the rest, you can figure out what else you can do. Also, take some time to open a stock account and buy some books on the subject. Don't touch your salary. I'll give you 20,000 yuan to deposit, and I'll tell you a few stocks to try. Learn on your own first, just practice. Don't worry if you lose money, just consider it tuition."

Wang Yitong nodded and said with a firm look, "Okay, I'll listen to you. Then I'll start by learning about stocks. However, I know nothing about stocks, so you'll have to teach me more."

Zhang Benyuan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll help you. However, the stock market is risky, so you should be mentally prepared. Don't invest too much money at the beginning; just think of it as a chance to learn and gain experience."

Wang Yitong hummed, then continued, "I'll be careful. By the way, you just mentioned that there are many types of investments. Besides stocks, are there any other options that would be suitable for me?"

Zhang Benyuan thought for a moment and said, "Actually, there are many options. For example, you could consider some stable financial products or invest in real estate. However, these all require a certain amount of capital and experience. We can learn slowly and experiment step by step."

Wang Yitong carefully wrote all this down and said, "Okay, I'll study it carefully. Thank you, Ayuan, for giving me a clearer understanding of investment."

Zhang Benyuan gently pinched Wang Yitong's face and said, "Why are you being so polite to me? Let's not discuss this anymore. It feels like a long time since we last met. We haven't seen each other for several days. I miss you very much, and Xiaoyuanyuan misses you too."

Wang Yitong blushed slightly and said shyly, "I miss you too."

The two embraced each other, immersed in each other's warmth. Amidst the soft, soothing sounds, they kissed deeply and lightly, their breaths becoming increasingly chaotic, their clothes scattered across the bed...