After the Divorce, I Could Hear the Voice of the Future-Chapter 313 - 312: Money is Almighty
"Regarding dual contracts, how much do you understand?"
"Pretty common, as long as the artist requests it, you can sign two contracts to avoid high tax rates."
Having learned that Zhang Tian’ai was becoming popular again due to the First Rich, and recently took on two variety shows and a TV drama, Lu Liang reminded her not to get involved with these things.
"Absolutely not." Zhang Tian’ai nodded earnestly; she didn’t ask why, assuming Lu Liang would never harm her.
The next morning, still in her tattered camisole from the night before, she helped Lu Liang straighten his attire, taking a careful look and showing a satisfied smile. Finally, she kissed his cheek. "When you’re free, think of me more."
Although Lu Liang had told her that as long as there was someone she liked, she just needed to let him know, and they could amicably part ways, ending their relationship automatically.
But she wasn’t Lu Liang, who got aroused by every beautiful woman he saw.
Furthermore, when girls pick a boyfriend, looks just have to be passable, what matters most is the inside.
Lu Liang, a man of talent, wealthy and powerful, as a boyfriend, except for being somewhat despicable, was almost flawless.
Zhang Tian’ai’s feelings for Lu Liang had progressed from initial admiration to dependency, and now to genuine affection.
That made her harbor some impractical thoughts.
It would actually be quite nice to keep things as they are.
Except for not being able to be seen in public, Lu Liang could almost give her everything she wanted.
"You’re so well-behaved, of course I’ll think of you."
Lu Liang smiled, touched his cheek, and bade farewell to Zhang Tian’ai.
Back at the company, Zhuo Yifan had requested a month-long leave, so Lu Liang’s secretary went through a third revision.
The new secretary was Xu Jiawei, originally a member of Lu Liang’s secretarial team, mainly assisting Zhuo Yifan.
But just like Wen Chao left and Zhuo Yifan took over, now with Zhuo Yifan temporarily away, it was his turn to step up.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Xu Jiawei reported to Lu Liang, "Mr. Lu, Panda is holding its Series D financing this afternoon, with a valuation of 1.5 billion US Dollars. Mr. Wang plans to offer 10% of the equity, aiming to raise 150 million to prepare for going public."
Going public was like an obsession for Little Wang. Last quarter, with the help of live-streamed sales, Panda achieved a net income of 68 million yuan.
Finally meeting the last condition for listing on Nasdaq, he was eager to submit the application.
Once approved, next year Panda could ring the Nasdaq bell, becoming the first live-streaming enterprise to go public overseas.
Now was an excellent opportunity, as Tencent’s plan to facilitate the merger and re-listing of Douyu and Huya had been halted.
If they could seize this moment, they could at least maintain second place in the live-streaming industry and challenge Douyu’s dominant position.
Just like NIO, who last year was preparing to go public in the US, becoming the first domestic new energy company to be listed.
Good or bad,
Being the first would be remembered for a long time.
"Let’s take a look."
After pondering for a moment, Lu Liang understood that this Series D financing would likely be Panda’s last round before going public. He was not only a shareholder but also a friend, morally and emotionally, he should go support him.
That afternoon, Lu Liang arrived in Baoshan District.
Today’s financing meeting wasn’t held in a hotel but at Panda’s headquarters. After all, with the impending public offering, it was important for investors to see their company management model firsthand.
Lu Liang took a brief tour around,
He had been here several times, so he wasn’t too curious.
"Mr. Lu, hello." Long Fei looked radiantly happy, his face expressing the satisfaction of someone who had weathered difficult times and come out stronger.
Lu Liang chuckled, "Mr. Long, congratulations. You’ve finally reached the harvest season after all the hard toil."
"Mr. Lu, you jest. It’s not quite harvest time yet, but we are indeed taking a big step forward."
Long Fei beamed with joy but didn’t forget to compliment Lu Liang: "If it weren’t for you, Mr. Lu, Panda couldn’t have survived till now."
"Mutual support," Lu Liang laughed.
Panda has yet to collapse, and in his view, Little Wang should thank two people, the first being Long Fei, and the second himself.
The general manager Long Fei, toiled day and night, taking on the responsibilities of the whole company.
Without him, given Little Wang’s demeanor, always lounging in bars and chasing girls, Panda would have faltered long ago.
Long Fei paused, then asked, "Mr. Lu, what do you think about Panda preparing to go public?"
Lu Liang contemplated, "It’s the last opportunity."
He had talked about this matter with Little Wang before. Douyu and Huya’s merger had failed and Douyin was becoming stronger.
Panda could only consider going public now; if they waited for Douyu and Huya to revive or for Douyin to gain momentum, the opportunity might slip away.
"I must try, and regret nothing," Long Fei sighed.
"Mr. Lu, long time no see."
Little Wang came toward him with a bright smile, dressed in a tacky white suit, arms wide open, swinging his hips as he walked.
Lu Liang glanced at him, took a half step back, and let Long Fei stand in front of him, saying abruptly, "You’re this flamboyant in Series D, I can’t even imagine what you’d turn into if you went public."
Shaking his head gravely, Little Wang said, "One must revel in the high points of life, this is a posture celebrating victory in advance, you wouldn’t understand."
Lu Liang gave a wry laugh and didn’t bother to dampen his spirits, "Have you found the investors for your Series D funding?"
"Definitely found them," Little Wang nodded and then suddenly puckered his lips, signaling Lu Liang to look toward the entrance.
Turning his head, Lu Liang saw a familiar figure from Redwood, Zhou Hongwei smiling and saying, "Mr. Lu, long time no see, how have you been?"
"Thanks to your good fortune, quite well," Lu Liang responded with a smile. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
Old Zhou suddenly turned to Little Wang, "Mr. Wang, do you mind if I borrow Mr. Lu for a moment to speak privately?"
"Mr. Zhou, go ahead then, I will go greet some other people with Mr. Long," Little Wang hurriedly said.
Puzzled, Lu Liang listened as Zhou Hongwei asked, "Mr. Lu, have you heard of Nezha?"
"Of course," Lu Liang nodded.
He not only had heard about Nezha but knew that Nezha was recently in talks with Ningde for a collaboration in production.
BYD cars were selling like hotcakes, and Ningde, another battery supplier, didn’t want to fall behind.
Full vehicle manufacturing was also in Ningde’s future plans, so they were now testing the waters with a few collaborators.
Zhou Hongwei mentioned, "Baidu’s Mr. Li approached us, offering to provide the car machine and the entire electrical control system for free."
"Hmm, that sounds good," Lu Liang said, somewhat lost, struggling to understand what he was trying to convey.
Zhou Hongwei continued, "However, we prefer the Tianxing Car Machine, as we think Baidu’s autonomous driving system isn’t mature enough."
"That shouldn’t be the case; Baidu has been deeply involved in the internet sector for many years, any car machine they put forward should be mature."
"If all those years of cultivation were useful, Baidu wouldn’t have ended up as the tail end among numerous tech companies."
"Mr. Zhou, what’s your view?" Lu Liang’s brow raised slightly, sensing a hint of what was being implied.
"There is still significant room for upgrades in Tianxing Car Machine, Mr. Lu, we could collaborate in this area."
Zhou Hongwei, pride in his expression, spoke of the time before Qihu emerged when there were many antivirus software options in China, but after Qihu’s entry, only Qihu remained.
Their technology was among the top globally; it’s just that they entered the new energy field slightly late.
If they joined Tianxing Technology, it would surely be like adding wings to a tiger, surpassing Baidu and Tesla was just a matter of time.
"Mr. Zhou, what are your plans for collaboration?"
Lu Liang smiled, already expecting that the collaboration wouldn’t be fair, but he hadn’t anticipated Zhou Hongwei being so bold with his demands.
He said with a smile, "We’ve done our research; Golden Sand River spent 230 million for a 10% stake, so Qihu plans to invest 2 billion for a 51% equity share."
"A 4 billion valuation means my 90% stake seems quite valuable."
Lu Liang squinted, smiling faintly, "Mr. Zhou, do you think I’m short of money?"
"Any entrepreneur could say they need money, but I believe Mr. Lu is certainly not short of money."
Zhou Hongwei quickly explained, he still knew the stakes well, "It’s just that technology can’t be resolved with money."
He really liked the Tianxing system and hoped the system could be further perfected; his intention for collaboration was genuinely benevolent.
"Mr. Zhou, thank you for your high regard, but Tianxing Technology currently has no plans in this regard."
Lu Liang’s smile remained, but internally he had already carefully noted Qihu.
Since the Red Robed Sect Leader said their technology was impressive, he was determined to poach a few people to give it a try.
Issues at the technological level indeed couldn’t be solved with money alone, but talent acquisition could address them.
Money is omnipotent; if it can’t solve a problem, it means it’s either not enough or not directed at the right solution.
Like a saint not corruptible by money, but money can influence his friends and family, eventually swaying his beliefs.