From Wage Slave to Tycoon

"President Zhang, wait! The three of us can accept the valuation you just mentioned!"

Yuan Zhen, the head of the lead investor, Haina Capital, immediately stood up.

Zhang Yiming, who had been about to leave, stopped in his tracks. He looked at Yuan Zhen with a smile and said, "President Yuan, you should know that we entrepreneurs value our integrity above all else. You wouldn’t want me to break my word, would you?"

With that, Zhang Yiming laughed heartily and walked out of the meeting room. Su Chen gestured for Zong Xinyao to follow him and handle the contract.

"You..." Yuan Zhen was speechless, glaring fiercely at Zhang Yiming’s retreating back.

Now, only Su Chen and the three investment firms, including Haina Capital, remained in the meeting room.

"Mr. Su, what you pulled just now wasn’t exactly fair play. You’re bending the rules a bit, aren’t you?" Having lost the funding opportunity, Guo Chuang from Rational Capital was seething. Seeing Su Chen looking so relaxed, he decided to lash out.

"Rules? What rules? In the world of capital, winner takes all. If Mr. Guo doesn’t even understand that... maybe you should just go home and play with your kids."

Guo Chuang’s expression instantly darkened. "Hmph! Young people today are so arrogant. You don’t know your place and run your mouth without a second thought!"

"Hahaha! You’re just a hired gun. What gives you the right to act so high and mighty here?"

Guo Chuang was struck dumb. He glanced at Yuan Zhen and the other man beside him, but they were both feigning ignorance, staring at the floor as if it had nothing to do with them.

It dawned on him then. He was just a pawn they had brought in. Now that he was useless, they wouldn’t even give him the time of day.

Guo Chuang wanted to say something nasty, but the thought that both Haina Capital and Yuanma Capital were powers he couldn’t afford to cross made him stride out of the meeting room instead.

Once Guo Chuang had gone, Su Chen turned his attention to Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen.

"The funding round is over. Why are you two still here?" Su Chen said with a smile, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.

Yuan Zhen’s eyes narrowed. He studied Su Chen’s face for a long moment before speaking. "Mr. Su, there are no outsiders here. Let’s just be direct."

As the head of Haina Capital, Yuan Zhen was no fool. The negotiations were over and the contracts were about to be signed, yet Su Chen, the head of Yunmengze Capital, hadn’t left. He obviously had other business.

’And that business must have something to do with Haina Capital and Yuanma Capital.’

Su Chen decided not to beat around the bush. "I’m interested in the Byte shares you two hold," he said directly. "I wonder what your selling price is."

"Hm?" Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen both frowned.

Yuanma Capital had acquired a 20% stake in Byte during the angel round. After the Series A round, it still held 15%.

Haina Capital, meanwhile, had invested one million US Dollars in the Series A round for a 10% stake.

Between them, the two firms held 25% of the company. Based on the market valuation Zhang Yiming had provided earlier, Su Chen would need to spend at least 12.5 million to purchase their shares.

"And how much is Mr. Su willing to offer for our shares?" Yuan Zhen asked, interlocking his fingers beneath his chin, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

’In the world of capital, there’s no room for sentiment. As long as the price is right, anything is for sale!’

’Besides, Zhang Yiming was trying to scheme against us earlier, so I don’t need to show him any courtesy.’

"I’ll pay based on the valuation we just discussed. If you two agree, we can make the deal anytime," Su Chen said, then watched them in silence.

Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen were somewhat surprised by the offer. They exchanged a look, then huddled together to confer in hushed tones.

Seeing this, the corners of Su Chen’s mouth lifted slightly. ’This is pretty much a done deal,’ he thought.

’I’ve done my research,’ Su Chen mused. ’The two firms each invested a million US Dollars only about a year ago. This deal isn’t a loss for them. It all depends on whether they’d rather take an immediate profit or gamble on Byte Company’s future potential.’

’But I can tell that Haina Capital and Yuanma Capital don’t have much faith in Byte’s future. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have tried to lowball the valuation during the negotiations.’

After two or three minutes, Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen seemed to have reached an agreement. They both turned back, smiling.

"Mr. Su," Yuan Zhen began, "Lan Zhen and I have discussed it. If you’re serious about the acquisition, we’ll sell for a 10% premium on the price you offered. If you can do that, we can sign the contract later today."

Su Chen feigned a moment of consideration, taking seven or eight seconds before gritting his teeth and nodding in reluctant agreement.

"Alright... a 10% premium it is. Once I’ve handled my business here, we’ll set up a time and place to meet?"

Hearing Su Chen agree, triumphant smiles spread across both their faces. "No problem!"

The three of them exchanged contact information. After a few more pleasantries, Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen departed with a triumphant swagger.

Su Chen didn’t know if he’d made the right decision, but his intuition told him he would definitely regret it later if he didn’t go through with the acquisition.

’Even if the investment fails, it’s just a matter of a hundred or two hundred million. For me, that’s just a drop in the bucket!’

"Today is a good day, everything I wished for came true, today is a good day..."

Su Chen had just hummed a couple of lines when the meeting room door was pushed open. Zong Xinyao and Zhang Yiming walked in, talking and laughing together.

"Boss, the contract is signed, and the funds have been transferred to Byte Company’s account!"

Su Chen nodded and stood up from his chair as a smiling Zhang Yiming walked over to him.

"Mr. Su, hello! I’ve heard Xinyao mention you often. She said you were young, but it’s true what they say: meeting you in person is better than just hearing your name. Why don’t you come to my office for some tea and a chat?"

Zhang Yiming shook Su Chen’s hand excitedly. He was overjoyed that Su Chen had secured the Series B funding. ’My plan finally succeeded,’ he thought.

A slight smile played on Su Chen’s lips. "Hahaha! Then I’d be happy to impose!"

Zhang Yiming’s office wasn’t large, only about thirty square meters. Aside from the main workspace, a separate tea room had been partitioned off, with enough space for four or five people.

Su Chen had to admit, Zhang Yiming’s tea-making skills were impressive. His movements were so smooth and graceful that Su Chen almost felt like applauding.

Su Chen watched the tender green leaves slowly unfurl in his cup, bobbing gently in the water. The air filled with the fresh, natural aroma of tea.

"This is this year’s fresh-picked Mingqian Longjing. Please, Mr. Su, have a taste."

Su Chen didn’t stand on ceremony. He lifted the cup and took a small sip. A fresh fragrance filled his mouth, immediately followed by a light, clean sweetness. He couldn’t help but take a couple more sips.

"Delicious... It really is excellent!"

"Hahaha, I’m glad you like it, Mr. Su!"

Seeing Su Chen’s look of wanting more, Zhang Yiming’s smile widened until his eyes crinkled.