In a Western restaurant in downtown Los Angeles.
Lin BaoCheng arrived with his bodyguards. Guided by a waiter, he saw Isabella rise and wave, and walked over.
At Isabella's table sat another attractive young woman, about the same age as Isabella.
"Take these gentlemen to tables 11 and 12," Isabella told the waiter, slipping him a $20 tip.
Chen YaoXian and the other bodyguards followed the waiter to the nearby tables, while Lin sat beside Isabella, opposite her friend.
"Boss, let me introduce you. This is Vivien Kelly, she works at Merrill Lynch. Vivien, this is my employer, Mr. Lin BaoCheng."
Though both already knew each other's names from Isabella, the formal introduction was more proper.
"Hello, Miss Kelly. Just call me Allen," Lin said, extending his hand.
"Mr. Allen, you can call me Vivien, like Bella does," she replied warmly.
Though she didn't know Lin's exact fortune, Isabella had told her it was at least several hundred million USD. Vivien Kelly was eager to meet such a young tycoon. Knowing wealthy people could only benefit her.
The waiter returned, and the three ordered food. A bottle of red wine was brought first.
Pouring the wine, Lin raised his glass: "Thank you for your advice last time, Miss Kelly. Gold prices have corrected recently, and I avoided losses."
Vivien lifted her glass: "I only shared my analysis. The decision was yours. So even if you avoided losses, you don't need to thank me. Just as if prices had risen and you lost money, you couldn't blame me either."
"Regardless, I still owe you thanks," Lin smiled, clinking glasses with Vivien and Isabella.
Lin didn't need to thank her profusely, but a gesture was polite. He also wanted to get to know this capable woman — she had twice correctly predicted gold's pullback.
After a sip, Vivien asked: "Mr. Allen, Bella told me you started from scratch just last year. Could you share your story?"
"Of course," Lin nodded. He recounted his rise, beginning with writing novels, then moving into investments. He kept details vague — he didn't mention loans or amounts, only that he used capital to invest in gold futures.
Even so, the parts he shared revealed he already had hundreds of millions in assets, leaving Vivien astonished.
Vivien had always considered herself successful — a young woman managing $100 million at Merrill Lynch, earning well. But compared to Lin, even younger and far wealthier, the gap was enormous.
The three continued chatting over dinner.
Lin asked: "Miss Kelly, how do you see gold's future trend?"
Vivien replied: "If no sudden news drives prices, short‑term adjustment should continue. It may fall to $170 per ounce."
Isabella remarked: "So less than 5% downside remains."
Vivien smiled: "That's just my current analysis. Daily movements can change the outlook. Prices might rebound before $170, or break below it and fall further. In our field, short‑term forecasts are never 100% certain. You weigh probabilities, choose a line, and accept losses within limits."
Isabella said: "So right now you expect $170."
"Yes," Vivien nodded. "But my analysis will change with the market, and so will my trades."
"$170 is close enough," Lin said. "I don't analyze short‑term moves. But I believe in gold's long‑term rise. If it falls near $170, I'll definitely flip short to long, regardless of short‑term direction."
This was Lin's true view. He knew gold would climb much higher in the coming years. Even at $175 with signs of rebound, he would go long.
"I didn't expect you to be so bullish long‑term," Vivien said, surprised. She herself focused only on short‑term futures. With limited capital, she sought volatile trades to grow quickly.
"Just a personal opinion," Lin smiled. He wouldn't explain further.
Isabella, as his assistant, knew well her boss's conviction in gold's long‑term rise. Even now, with losses on some longs, he held firm, ready to flip positions again. It was a gamble on gold's climb.
That evening, Lin simply wanted to meet Vivien Kelly and chat. He didn't invite her to work for him — his capital wasn't yet strong enough.
Besides, he wanted to observe her ability further. Two correct calls didn't prove she was truly exceptional. Watching her for a year or two would reveal her true skill.