After parting ways with that group of obstinate stock investors, Guan Yao returned home with a complex mix of emotions.
She knew very well that her operations in the stock market had come to a temporary close. She no longer needed to constantly monitor the market fluctuations, and her tightly strung nerves could finally relax a little.
At this moment, she urgently needed a good rest to recharge her batteries for the life ahead.
As soon as she entered the apartment, she didn't even change her shoes, walking straight to the bedroom and throwing herself heavily onto the bed.
Her entire body sank into the soft mattress, as if enveloped in a warm embrace, yet her thoughts remained as tangled as hemp.
The terrifying prospect of the impending stock market crash still lingered stubbornly in her mind.
Although she had successfully avoided the storm, the tension of surviving a catastrophe had not yet dissipated.
Of course, alongside the tension, there was an overwhelming sense of relief.
In the days that followed, Guan Yao entered a cozy period of "rest and relaxation."
No longer awakened by an alarm clock, she slept naturally every day. As the sunlight gently spilled across her face through the window, she was in no rush to get up, wrapping herself in the duvet and feeling the warmth of the sun.
After getting out of bed, she would meticulously prepare breakfast for herself—frying a golden egg, toasting two slices of bread, and brewing a cup of rich coffee. She would sit by the window to slowly savor it, watching the bustling crowd outside and experiencing the most authentic beauty of life.
In the afternoons, she would pick up a book she had long wanted to read but never found the time for, curling up on the sofa and immersing herself in the world of words.
Those beautiful phrases and wonderful stories helped her escape the chaos of reality, bringing immense comfort to her soul.
Occasionally, she would turn on the television to watch some light and entertaining variety shows, laughing heartily at the comedic skits and casting all her worries to the winds.
Days passed like this, day by day, until June 15th arrived unawares.
On this day, Guan Yao woke up and did some simple stretching exercises as usual to thoroughly wake up her body.
She walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains. Sunlight instantly flooded the entire room. She took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun and the beauty of life.
Guan Yao turned on the TV, originally intending to find a lighthearted program to pass the time, but accidentally switched to the financial news channel.
On the screen, the trading hall of the stock market was packed with people, yet devoid of its usual hustle and bustle; in its place was a dead silence akin to despair.
The green numbers on the giant screen plummeted like a waterfall, resembling a series of death sentences for destiny.
The investors were pale-faced and hollow-eyed. Some stood frozen in place, tightly gripping their transaction slips as if their souls had been sucked out.
Others beat their chests in frustration before the screen, roaring at the top of their lungs, their faces written with resentment and anger.
Still others collapsed onto the floor, burying their faces in their hands and weeping bitterly, their tears mingling with sweat to soak their clothes.
The reporter's voice sounded from the screen, heavy and hurried:
"Today, the stock market suffered a heavy blow. The index plummeted, and the wealth of countless investors evaporated in an instant."
"This sudden stock crash has plunged the entire market into extreme panic."
"Beginning on June 12th, this disaster has already lasted for a full three days."
"We still do not know when this catastrophe will end."
Accompanied by the reporter's commentary, the footage cut to the entrance of a securities firm, where a long line stretched all the way out to the street. Investors waited anxiously to consult and handle related procedures, deep anxiety and helplessness carved onto every face.
Watching the television screen, Guan Yao felt a complex mix of emotions.
She was glad she had withdrawn in advance, but she also felt sorrow for the investors trapped deep within it.
She knew that this stock crash had altered the destinies of many people, plunging countless families into hardship.
And she, thanks to the opportunity of rebirth, had managed to dodge this disaster and gain a chance at a fresh start.
However, now was not the time to dwell on such things.
The next NBA Finals game was about to start!
...
Stepping out of her front door, Guan Yao walked resolutely toward the lottery shop.
She knew very well that the outcome of Game 5 of the NBA Finals would be another major stepping stone on her path to changing her destiny.
As soon as she entered the lottery shop, the owner noticed her and instantly wore an expression of surprise:
"Young lady, you're back again? Still feeling this confident?"
Guan Yao slightly raised her chin, a confident smile playing at the corners of her lips:
"Yes, Boss, same as before. I want to buy a ticket for today's Game 5 of the NBA Finals, betting on the Warriors to win. I'm putting it all on the line."
The owner stared at her with wide eyes, looking at her in disbelief:
"You've got some real nerve, young lady. Putting this much money on a single game aren't you afraid of losing your shirt?"
Guan Yao shook her head unconcernedly. "I know what I'm doing, Boss. Just print the ticket for me."
Right at that moment, a commotion arose. Guan Yao looked up to see Deng Xueyan walking in accompanied by a man with dyed blond hair.
When Deng Xueyan saw Guan Yao, a flash of jealousy and resentment crossed her eyes, and she deliberately spoke up in a loud voice:
"Oh, if isn't Guan Yao? What, back to buy lottery tickets again? And betting it all—you really do have money to burn."
Blondie chimed in as well: "Exactly, babe. That's not how you play the lottery. If you're this reckless, you'd better watch out or you'll lose every last cent."
Deng Xueyan hooked her arm through Blondie's and looked at Guan Yao provocatively:
"Let me introduce you, this is my boyfriend. He's a basketball expert who knows the trends of this game inside and out."
Blondie shook his head smugly and began to analyze with a pretentious air:
"Let me tell you something, babe. Sure, the Warriors won the previous games, but the Cavaliers are definitely not going to take this lying down."
"In this game, the Cavaliers are bound to make a desperate comeback. Their tactical arrangements and player form have been adjusted exceptionally well, so their chances of winning are huge."
Deng Xueyan added fuel to the fire from the sidelines:
"That's right, that's right. Look at you, Guan Yao, always so stubborn."
"You'd better listen to my boyfriend. You should switch your bet to the Cavaliers winning instead—you might actually make a profit."
"If you still bet on the Warriors, your money is going down the drain."
Watching the two of them put on a double act, Guan Yao found it utterly laughable.
She cast a disdainful glance at Blondie and said coldly, "What do you know? Stop spouting nonsense here. What I bet on is my own business; it's none of your place to point fingers."
Angered by Guan Yao's words, Blondie took a step forward and said viciously:
"Is that any way to talk, young lady? We're giving you well-intentioned advice, and you don't even appreciate it."
"Fine, just wait until you're crying your eyes out from losing."
"We're betting on the Cavaliers to win."
"Let's show her what a professional really is."
Too lazy to deal with them any further, Guan Yao turned back to the owner and said, "Boss, pay no attention to them. Just print my ticket." The owner shook his head helplessly and began operating the machine.
Before long, the machine printed out the ticket.
Guan Yao took the ticket and tucked it safely against her chest.