Chapter 677
“Why would you say that, Wesley?
We’re all just students here, not seasoned analysts. I merely wanted to offer everyone some hands-on experience.
If you guys actually solve a real problem and provide actionable ideas, the company will absolutely pay for them p>
“Fair point. Most of our members are undergraduates. We don’t have enough grad students to qualify as a professional think tank yet p>
“Solflare Capital can definitely offer internship slots. And if you’re interested, you’re always welcome to join the Solflare Group full-time after graduation p>
“Awesome, we’ll keep that in mind p>
They tactfully dropped the subject of Mira’s actual role within Solflare Capital.
On the walk back, Harvey turned to Mira. “How much capital are you putting into the competition p>
“One hundred grand.
Anything less makes it difficult to offset trading fees and construct a well-balanced foundational portfolio.
I need to diversify my holdings while keeping enough liquid cash on hand to ride out any sudden market volatility p>
“Can you manage some of my money, too p>
At the mention of pooling funds, Elara’s eyes lit up. This could only mean Mira was gearing up to rake in massive profits again.
“This time, I’m purely treating it as a learning experience. I want to test out some new strategies, so I can’t guarantee a win. I’m not managing anyone else’s money p>
For this challenge, Mira had no intention of relying on her past-life knowledge.
She planned to select completely unfamiliar stocks, relying solely on real-time data analysis and her own sharp judgment.
This was strictly about honing her raw skills.
“Also, I’m warning you both right now-keep this quiet. Do not breathe a word of this in our high school group chat p>
Many of their old classmates already knew she was a trading prodigy. If word got out, her inbox would be flooded with annoying requests.
“Can I at least take a peek at your portfolio? Don’t worry, I won’t copy your trades,” Harvey promised.
“Sure p>
In the real world, you never showed anyone your portfolio, but this was a friendly competition with relatively low stakes, so most of the data would be public anyway.
Everyone in their friend group entered the live challenge, except for Elara, Leah,
and Zachary, who were financially constrained.
By now, they had missed the regular
dinner hour. Cedric Miller mentioned
a fantastic, affordable restaurant
that had just opened near the
campus gates and asked if Mira and the girls wanted to join them.
Mira didn’t mind. Since her friends were going, she was happy to tag along.
The group always split the bill evenly, allowing everyone to just order whatever they wanted.
Just as they finalized their orders and settled in, Elara nudged them and pointed at a nearby table. “Look over there p>
“Why are they here? Talk about bad luck p>
Cedric groaned, bracing himself.
It was Vanessa Voss’s crew. She was sitting with Jillian Lowe, Piper Bennett, and
Madison Wright, along with two older male students.
“Order whatever you want, guys! Vanessa is treating us tonight p>
Jillian announced loudly.
She shot a smug glare at their table. What was the point of hanging around Mira? She never gave them any perks.
Mira instantly understood the dynamic. “I’m guessing they’re just here to show off p>
“No way, we decided to come here at the absolute last minute p>
Zachary said, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Jillian’s grating voice drifted over
again “Whenever Vanessa is here we never have
to split the bill. We aren’t a bunch of broke losers.
“I’m paying for our table tonight! These people have no class p>
Wyatt Wright yelled, looking ready to march over and punch someone in the face.
“Why are you getting mad at a barking dog? It’s not worth it p>
Harvey said, pulling Wyatt back down into his seat.
Mira spoke up, her tone steady. “We split the bill because we respect each other as
equals. Their behavior is just pathetic.