He Ximeng could certainly buy stocks in Microsoft, but the stock prices of several leading tech companies were not low at the moment!
In 1995, a web browser company called Netscape went public, issuing shares at $28. On its first day of trading, the stock price surged to $75, giving the company a market valuation of $2.9 billion, surpassing that of General Dynamics, a century-old American enterprise.
In the following years, countless internet companies sought to go public. Some companies simply added "e-" to the front of their names or ".co" to the end, raising $82 million in funding.
The Nasdaq Composite Index, which stood at only 1100 points in early 1996, then soared all the way up to 5300 points by early 2000, a near fivefold increase!
More importantly, company stock prices fluctuated significantly, making them unsuitable for leverage. With leverage, it was very easy to get liquidated.
He Ximeng currently only had a total of fifty thousand US dollars. His initial capital was too small, and without leverage, he wouldn't earn much.
In comparison, indices were much more stable than individual company stocks, generally showing steady growth.
A fivefold increase in four years, combined with a leverage of about five times, would turn this fifty thousand US dollars into approximately $1.25 million by 2000, thus preliminarily achieving the modest goal of a million dollars.
This, of course, was without considering his salary. If things went smoothly, He Ximeng would receive his salary after entering the league. If he reinvested his salary, by around 2000, the small goal of a million dollars should not hinder He Ximeng and John's dream of getting rich together.
"Fifty thousand US dollars? You're entrusting it all to me. Aren't you worried I'll cheat you and run away?"
He Ximeng had just received his TOEFL admission ticket and a letter of recommendation from Mr. Tinker, and had also arranged his small financial plan. He was in a great mood. Hearing John's thoughtless question, he laughed heartily, patted his shoulder, and retorted, "Aren't we friends? I trust my judgment of people. You can invest for me with peace of mind. However, you'll have to wait until I find a university willing to offer me a full scholarship. Otherwise, this money will have to go towards tuition."
As they were speaking, Bobby Jones walked over.
"Coach Jones, thank you very much for your help during this time!" He Ximeng handed his gym bag to John and quickly stepped forward to shake his hand and embrace him.
He Ximeng was truly grateful to this former NBA legend.
Although Bobby Jones's coaching ability was quite average, his defensive experience had greatly inspired He Ximeng.
Especially since Bobby Jones did not treat him any differently because he was Chinese. Instead, he objectively selected He Ximeng as the starting point guard for the international team based on skill.
These were all tangible forms of help! Fairness and impartiality were the greatest assistance to He Ximeng at the moment.
"You're welcome, Simon. You are the most outstanding Chinese player I've ever seen! I'm sorry I couldn't help you win the MVP award," Bobby Jones said in a low voice. "Actually, I think that award should have been yours!"
"Thank you! I understand! This world is not absolutely fair! Having this opportunity to participate in this summit and meet great players like you is already a great honor for me."
When it came to pleasantries, He Ximeng was adept, showing none of the awkwardness or shyness of a typical high school student.
"You are very smart! And your potential is limitless. I don't want to waste your talent, so I wanted to ask about your plans. For example, are you interested in applying to an American university? Of course, I don't mean to look down on Chinese universities, but if you want to pursue a career as a professional player, I advise you to stay here and play in the NCAA! That is the best path to becoming a professional player."
"Thank you very much for your concern! In fact, I am considering it! Tomorrow, I am applying for a TOEFL test. With the TOEFL scores and two letters of recommendation, I believe I can apply to American universities. However, I am not sure which university would be most suitable for me to apply to now. Do you have any good suggestions?"
"Excellent!" Bobby Jones patted He Ximeng on the shoulder, clearly satisfied with his ambition.
"You know, I played for North Carolina when I was in college! The current head coach of the North Carolina basketball team, Dean, is an old friend of mine. If you want to apply to an American university, I think North Carolina would be an excellent choice for you!"
It turned out that Bobby Jones, impressed by He Ximeng's talent, wanted to act as a recruiter for the North Carolina basketball team.
"If you're willing, I can convince Worthy, and we can both be your recommenders. As long as your TOEFL scores meet the minimum for international students, I think getting into North Carolina won't be a problem."
"That's fantastic! Coach Jones!" He Ximeng was very grateful for Bobby's goodwill. However, gratitude aside, choosing a university was a very important matter. He Ximeng could not compromise his principles just because he was grateful. He still had to ask the necessary questions.
He Ximeng was most concerned about two issues.
First, whether there was a full scholarship. American university tuition was extremely expensive. Without a full scholarship, the prize money He Ximeng had just received would likely not be enough to cover it.
Second, whether he could immediately enter the rotation after joining the team. American college basketball teams had detailed team structures. Generally, players who were not top-tier would not get playing time during their freshman year. Only from their sophomore year would they gain consistent playing time. He Ximeng did not want to waste a year sitting on the bench and serving water.
On the first question, Bobby Jones gave a clear answer: "Do you think with both Worthy and me recommending you, you won't get a full scholarship?"
As for the second question, Bobby Jones stated that it would require a personal discussion with head coach Dean, as he had no authority to make such a decision.
He Ximeng once again expressed his gratitude to Bobby Jones and arranged to visit Mr. Dean's office in North Carolina around 5:00 PM tomorrow, after taking his TOEFL exam.
Considering that North Carolina currently had Carter and Jamison on the team, if Coach Dean could agree to He Ximeng's conditions, then North Carolina would indeed be a very good choice!
He Ximeng could form a powerful three-guard combination with Carter and Jamison.