The stock market maintained its last bit of glory, even though some people had already seen the signs and withdrew early, yet people continued to flock in.

The next morning, countless people opened the stock market and were immediately hit with a cold splash of water as the market took a nosedive.

In just one night, it dropped by 5%. The new investors were crying in frustration—how come everyone else made money, but they lost as soon as they joined?

The most crucial part was such a steep plunge, but they quickly realized their bad luck, having bought in at the peak.

The market began to shrink, and countless people started frantically selling their stocks.

During a price rise, everyone rushes to buy, pushing stock prices even higher, not just because of the intrinsic value growth, but also due to the rush of people entering the market, as rare goods always find buyers.

In contrast, during a sale, the stock price, already falling, gets a boost from the frenzied selling by both retail investors and institutions, accelerating the decline like an avalanche.

Of course, some people still remained optimistic about the market, believing this was just a price correction to scare some people, and that prices would go up again soon.

There were quite a few such people since the bull market sign was clear recently, and a bull market’s rise usually lasts several months, a half year, or even longer.

This one had only been a little over a month, clearly not fitting the bull market law, so a fraction of well-capitalized people continued to observe.

After all, in the stock market’s gambit, the retail investors have always been the victims, lacking any risk resistance capabilities.

They don’t earn much in gains, but if they lose, it’s a disaster. So this cliff-like decline almost scared off all retail investors, while big institutions kept observing.

Of course, some people like Su Qing, who used so-called leverage, lost everything overnight. The decline was just too massive, and once it exceeded their risk threshold, they were immediately forced to liquidate.

Retail investors typically won’t use leverage, at most suffering a shrinkage of principal.

Even those who invested a month ago made a lot in the meantime, feeling good yesterday, but were scared half to death this morning, rushing to sell their stocks. Despite the recent losses, as long as there’s profit, it’s fine.

Considering this dramatic drop, they’re scared as well. Making money puts everything in a better light, and people become daring, but once losses start, everyone becomes like a startled bird.

Yesterday’s bustling stock market instantly turned into desolation, with a large range of stocks declining. The worst-hit stocks dropped thirty percent overnight, and dozens hit the limit-down. Retail investors were scared stiff.

Only now did retail investors recall the fear of being controlled by the stock market and the shame of their hard-earned money being trapped.

Not just retail investors, even some smaller financial companies were startled and cut their positions.

Nowadays, those who can hold on either have strong capital or excessive self-confidence.

By early morning, many stock market influencers and various news sources began reporting widely, yielding mixed outcomes.

Some said the bullish trend is well-established, and according to experience, fluctuations are normal, but the overall trend is upward, so investors need not panic.

Of course, they didn’t just say this for nothing, pulling out a bunch of seemingly impressive but ultimately useless examples, like referencing the current economic form or even elevating to national policies, the Securities Regulatory Commission, demonstrating confidence, all to stabilize confidence.

Others were predicting doom, saying the recent surge was too bizarre, potentially a sign of a major decline—maybe not a wide-scale drop, but at least back to the price a month ago.

Among the former, some deliberately spread rumors to maximize their benefits through public opinion. The worst-case would be minimizing their losses. As for the latter, it was a free-for-all, encompassing all sorts of people, mostly relying on their own speculations.

Old Su woke up this morning, opened the stock market, and instantly beamed with delight. He had already exited more than ten days ago, well before the stock market peak.

In the days after, though he had made money, watching the stock price still rising every day felt uncomfortable. He regretted selling too early, but today as the market finally fell, he counted his blessings for exiting early, sipping tea and commending his own caution.

Truly, I am wise and farsighted. It’s the most comfortable to watch from afar, even a bit gleeful in others’ misfortune.

It’s like watching people run in the rain from the safety of a building. Though a bit immoral, it does bring joy.

However, regarding all kinds of online information, the ritual of offering incense and praying among Su Qing’s followers was even more intense.

"Damn, true to the name Stock God! No wonder that hand-drawn trajectory only reached last week—turns out he predicted the market crash!"

"Stock God, what’s next for the stock market? Can we still buy in? Advice needed!"

"Please, I just bought in yesterday and lost twenty thousand overnight; I’m crying!"

"Stock God, what’s up? No updates for over a month. Are you okay?"

"Fool, clearly Da Qing made money and doesn’t want to update!"

"Not necessarily, maybe a capitalist has locked him in a room predicting stocks, and won’t feed him if he’s wrong."

"Crap, that’s possible!"

"Nonsense. How could Stock God be caught? Besides, playing short videos is very profitable as well, right? Over three million followers can earn tens of millions a year, no?"

"The person above must be a newbie fan; I’ve watched Da Qing grow...I mean, rise to fame, and he only accepted an ad when he had less than 100,000 followers!"

"Try asking his sister, maybe he’s dead?"

"Damn it! Watching him make money makes me grit my molars. I wish I could sign over my unfinished building to him!"

"Such malice from the person above!"

With the current stock market situation, many hope he steps out to analyze a bit; everyone knows he must have made money, though the exact amount is unknown.

Especially in this nerve-wracking decline, everyone wants to cling to a big shot for comfort.

And the so-called Stock God they spoke of was leisurely strolling outside because Shen Yi, seeing him being a homebody for over a month, finally got him out today, saying she wanted to accompany him for a relaxing walk.

The handsome man and beautiful woman walking together were quite conspicuous on this downtown commercial street lined with eateries, shops, cinemas, and beauty and wellness centers. The street was bustling with people.

As they strolled through the crowd, Shen Yi, holding onto one of his arms, appeared stylish in her long coat.

"Hey handsome, are you guys married?" At this moment, a girl approached them and asked.

Upon hearing this, both he and Shen Yi shook their heads.

Seeing this, the girl’s face lit up and she continued, "Well, we have some great wedding photography offers..."

Before she could finish, they both waved their hands, with Shen Yi even saying, "No, no, thank you!"

Hearing this, the girl was obviously reluctant to give up, stepping forward to pass them flyers and promote her offers. Seeing Shen Yi still wanting to refuse, Su Qing suddenly spoke up, "Um, miss, I really don’t need it. She’s my sister-in-law..."

Salesgirl: Σ(⊙▽⊙"a

Shen Yi: ???

Upon hearing this, the girl turned her head to look at Shen Yi. Although a bit confused, Shen Yi nodded in agreement. Seeing this, the girl glanced them up and down, then rolled her eyes in disdain before turning away.

"This..." Shen Yi felt a bit uncomfortable.

"What is it? See, problem solved!" Su Qing shrugged and smiled.

"What do you mean solved? You didn’t see how that girl just looked at me?"

"No worries, she doesn’t know us anyway!"

"You..."

Seeing that arguing was futile, Shen Yi pouted, an idea for revenge forming in her mind.

Half an hour later, they bought a serving of mashed potatoes at a street food stall. With both hands occupied, Su Qing asked, "How much is it, boss?"

"Eight bucks!"

"Little Yi, pay up!"

Hearing this, Shen Yi’s eyes twinkled, and she snapped to attention, saluting in an overly cute manner, "Okay, daddy~~"

Su Qing: (ŎдŎ;)

Shen Yi’s voice was loud enough to attract the attention of surrounding passersby and the stall owner, bringing a wave of odd looks towards him.

Holy... Is she crazy!

I called you sister-in-law, and you call me daddy? Tit for tat?

Immediately, Shen Yi slowly paid the bill and then was pulled away at a run.

"Hey, slow down, I can’t run anymore, Daddy~"

Su Qing: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻

"What are you doing?"

"What? You can call me sister-in-law but I can’t call you daddy?"

Hearing this, Su Qing took a deep breath: "You... have issues~~ I don’t even know if I should accept this advantage."

Hearing this, Shen Yi was briefly stunned, then retorted, "Wait, you called me sister-in-law, and I called you daddy—what a loss. No way, you should call me mommy once?"

Su Qing: "I refuse!"

"C’mon, just call me! I even called you daddy."

Su Qing: ...

...