As luck would have it, the movie had only started twenty minutes ago, meaning they’d basically get a free viewing.
Still, Ivy cupped her hand over her mouth and whispered to her friend, “This one doesn’t count. I’m still going to see it again – and again – to contribute to the box office.”
Katrina nodded vigorously. “Me too.”
The film’s impact lingered. That night, Ivy told Jamison all about it, and they made a plan to see it together soon.
But beyond her fascination with the movie, Ivy also sensed a massive business opportunity.
She sensed the film was on track to become a cultural phenomenon, a global blockbuster that would make history. That same night, she called Edmond Shaw to lay out her idea.
Edmond listened to her analysis and agreed it made sense.
However, when she presented her proposal at the morning meeting after the holiday break, her colleagues unanimously shot it down.
“The reason is simple: the slump in the film industry isn’t over. In fact, it’s getting worse. Investing heavily in film stocks right now is just reckless,” said one of her colleagues from the Proprietary Trading Division. Even some of the senior executives were against it.
Ivy grew anxious. If they missed this window, buying in later would be difficult, and they might even get stuck buying at the peak, leading to heavy losses.
She didn’t bother arguing with them and simply looked at Edmond.
Edmond, who had always trusted her instincts, overruled the dissenters. He personally came down to the Trading Division and ordered them to invest heavily and quickly in the film stock Ivy had identified.
While the institutions were buying up shares, Sophia, Jay, and the others in the “Stonks Only Go Up” group were also busy making moves.
Ivy had tipped them off the night before.
She had even ordered her husband to invest all his available cash.
The result was predictable. On the first trading day after the holidays, the stock soared, climbing relentlessly until it hit its daily limit.
It was the same story for the next several trading days.
Many who had hesitated were left behind, unable to buy in and forced to watch from the sidelines as others raked in profits.
For those who had bought in, it felt like they were on a high, checking their stock charts daily and making money in their sleep.
This collective euphoria lasted for a half-month without any signs of slowing down.
During that time, Ivy dragged Jamison to the cinema twice more to support the film.
Living up to all expectations, the movie broke box office records daily, climbing the charts like it was taking an elevator to the top.
That evening, after finishing her market analysis report, Ivy let out a long, quiet sigh.
Jamison, sitting beside her, acted as her personal backrest. Seeing her close her laptop and sigh, he leaned in and kissed her gently. “What’s wrong? You’re making money and you’re still sighing?”
Ivy picked up Jamison’s phone and looked at his earnings for the past few days, a wide grin spreading across her face. “In just a few days, you’ve almost made back the forty million we spent on Baillie Windsor before the new year.”
“That’s right. No wonder you treat money like dirt. Making it is just too easy for the great Mrs. Jamison,” he said, genuinely impressed by his wife’s sharp instincts in the financial market.
“Hey, I put in a lot of effort and did tons of research, you know! You make it sound like the money just fell out of the sky,” Ivy complained playfully, snuggling into his embrace.
“I know, I know you’re diligent and hardworking. You’re the most studious person I’ve ever met,” he said. Even with her busy schedule, she still spent two or three hours studying every night. Sometimes when he came home late from a long shift, she would be up all night reading, researching, and preparing.
Behind every dazzling success were hours of quiet, painstaking work.
“Mmm… I think you should sell this Friday. Lock in the profits,” Ivy suggested. Watching the frenzied rush of everyday people into the stock market, she felt it was time to cash out.
“So soon? Isn’t the movie still breaking records?” Jamison didn’t quite understand. Although he wasn’t driven by a strong desire for money, the thrill of seeing millions pour in each day was admittedly intoxicating. He was starting to enjoy the feeling of effortless gains.
Ivy sighed again. “When everyone knows a place is an easy way to make money, it means the easy money is almost gone. You can’t wait for the risk to hit before you run. By then, it’ll be too late.”
“Alright, I’ll listen to you.” Jamison had always been a terrible stock picker, a walking disaster in the market, so he knew better than to argue.
After reminding everyone in the “Stonks Only Go Up” group as well, Ivy yawned, feeling sleepy.
“Let’s go to bed. You have work tomorrow,” Jamison said, helping her up to head to their room.
She didn’t feel like walking. She raised her arms, a playful smile on her face. “I’m so tired. I don’t want to walk. Carry me on your back.”
“A piggyback ride is so uncomfortable. A princess carry suits you much better.” Dr. Ludwig chuckled, gently tapping her nose before bending his tall frame to scoop her up.
Ivy nestled into his arms, her head bobbing slightly with his steps.
Just as they neared the master bedroom, she suddenly remembered something. “By the way, have you gotten that physical yet? You work at the hospital; it should be simple. Why do you keep putting it off?”
Jamison sighed and explained gently, “It’s just been so busy since the new year started. My surgery schedule is packed every day. I barely have time to eat or drink.”