We tracked down the woman who received legendary Bitcoin advice on Zhihu back in 2011. On December 21st of that year, a college junior posted this fateful question: "I have 6,000 yuan as a third-year student. Any good investment suggestions?"
The Million-Dollar Reply That Went Unheeded
That same day, a user (Jia Tian, founder of 8BTC) responded: "Buy Bitcoin. Secure your wallet file. Then pretend you never had 6,000 yuan. Check again in five years."
From 2011 to 2018, Bitcoin skyrocketed from $3 to nearly $19,000 at its peak. Had that student invested her entire 6,000 yuan in Bitcoin, she'd be a multimillionaire today.
In our exclusive interview, "Xiao Zhu Zi" (the student's online alias) confessed initial regrets but ultimately made peace with her decision.
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When Bitcoin Was Pocket Change
Key Context from 2011:
- Zhihu was still invite-only
- Jia Tian worked as a government engineer while running 8BTC forum
- Bitcoin traded at $3 (vs. $60K+ today)
- Major publications began covering cryptocurrency
"Someone did the math," our reporter notes. "Her 6,000 yuan could've bought ~800 BTC. At 2017's peak, that'd be over ¥100 million. Even today, she'd be a millionaire."
The Road Not Taken
Xiao Zhu Zi recalls her thought process:
- Searched Bitcoin after seeing Jia Tian's reply
- Found concepts too complex and news about hacks unsettling
- Ultimately spent the money traveling instead
- "I played it safe – that's just my personality."
2013: When Bitcoin first went mainstream, her old post resurfaced virally:
- Friends shared screenshots excitedly
- Strangers flooded her with "Do you regret it?" messages
- She eventually hid the post to escape harassment
Perspective After the Storm
2018 Update:
- Jia Tian's blockchain company secured ¥100M funding
- Xiao Zhu Zi entered tech as a product manager
- Still holds no crypto ("Too complex for me")
- Prefers traditional investments like P2P lending
"If I knew then what I know now? Of course I'd buy," she reflects. "But the real regret isn't missing profits – it's missing the chance to learn."
FAQs About Bitcoin Opportunities
Q: How many people actually became Bitcoin millionaires?
A: Exact numbers are unclear, but early adopters who held through volatility often saw life-changing returns.
Q: Is it too late to invest in cryptocurrency?
A: While early opportunities have passed, blockchain technology continues evolving with new applications.
Q: What's the safest way to invest in crypto today?
A: Dollar-cost averaging into established cryptocurrencies through regulated exchanges.
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The Psychological Weight of "What If"
The interview concludes with poignant introspection:
- Xiao Zhu Zi acknowledges her personality-driven decision
- No bitterness toward Jia Tian ("Maybe he owes me ad fees?" she jokes)
- Ultimately at peace with her life's trajectory
"Bitcoin belongs to someone else's story," she says. "I'm writing my own."
Source: DeepChain Financial (Author: Men Ren)