A Shanghai Woman's Guide to Making Money

In 1994, the stock market is in turmoil, with opportunity and risk going hand in hand.

Xu Ling graduated from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, but resolutely gave up the respectable state-owned enterprise job assigned to her back in her hometown. She threw herself into the male-dominated stock market, becoming an account manager for major clients. By day, she hustled to find new clients; by night, she immersed herself in market analysis, determined to make money at the crest of the times.

She shared an attic room in a Shanghai lane house with two other women. One had been laid off, lost her father, and was burdened with debt. The other was only nineteen, sent from Jiangxi by her family to marry in Shanghai. Though their circumstances were worlds apart, the three argued, stood up for one another, and supported each other through the turbulent stock market.

Xu Ling’s sharp market instincts earned her the favor of a Hong Kong businessman. The two joined forces, and their assets quickly topped a million. She believed she had found a kindred spirit, never realizing the immense danger lurking behind him.