YM778.TV Ch99.1 - Extra 6: A Small Episode During Entrepreneurship
Chapter Ch99.1 - Extra 6: A Small Episode During Entrepreneurship
“Mr. Yuan, hello.” Lin Qian reached out and shook the hand of the middle-aged man in front of him. With a professional smile on his face, Lin Qian said: “Welcome to Shuttle Technology.”
“Hello.” Yuan Jue’s expression had a trace of surprise as he commented: “Mr. Lin, you’re younger than I had imagined.”
“I think it’s my biggest advantage.” Lin Qian replied with his smile unmoved. “The internet is a young industry.”
Yuan Jue laughed, and his worry about Lin Qian’s young age subsided a bit. “Yes, the internet is a subversive industry. It makes heroes out of youths.”
“This is Ke MuZi, our CTO.” Lin Qian took a step back to let Ke MuZi approach.
“Hello.” Ke MuZi had done his best to improve his image today. However, he couldn’t cover his dark eyes and pale face. In fact, Ke MuZi was much whiter and gaunter than ever before because he was now living with computers all year round.
Of course, this was only from an outsider’s perspective. As long as he was in front of a computer, Ke MuZi would be happy and excited. Once, he even set a record of doing continuous work for 36 hours.
It made Lin Qian worried that their company might never get listed. He had once heard of a technical head of some company suddenly dying in front of a computer. So Lin Qian issued new regulations for the company, and Boss Ke was threatened with server shutdown if he didn’t sleep for at least six hours a day. After that, the situation eased. Though, it was mainly because the other programmers were afraid of Lin Qian and thus monitored Ke MuZi every day and pressed him to sleep on time.
“Chief Ke, are you really an adult?” Yuan Jue was surprised yet again. Lin Qian already looked young, but he didn’t expect Ke MuZi to look even younger.
Ke MuZi was indeed younger than Lin Qian. He was a genius who jumped up two grades. Honestly, if his university hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve already graduated instead of being stuck as a sophomore.
Ke MuZi directly took out his ID card and showed it to Yuan Jue. “Look for yourself.”
Yuan Jue: “....”
Behind Lin Qian and Ke MuZi, part-time receptionist Zheng PingQing did his best to suppress his laughter. It seems that in their last life, Ke MuZi really relied on his strengths to secure that initial funding.
Yuan Jue is an investment manager of a medium-sized investment institution. They had money, but they didn’t have a lot. So Yuan Jue’s company tended to be more careful when choosing their investments.
Shuttle Technology was a small technology company that suddenly emerged during the second half of last year. The first product they pushed into the market was a live broadcast software called ‘NOW.’ Live broadcasting wasn’t a new concept, but Shuttle Technology introduced a new feature: the so-called national broadcast. Soon after NOW went online, several seemingly unrelated events caused the software to become wildly successful, causing Shuttle Technology popularity to skyrocket in a very short time. Their userbase had begun to rapidly expand, and all of a sudden, live broadcasting was becoming the new hot thing.
Shuttle Technology quickly attracted the attention of many investment companies. But the company was much too small, and their team was much too young. People have said that Shuttle Technology’s owners were still college students. While the country has encouraged college students to start their own businesses these past two years, in the eyes of investors, an entrepreneurial team without any working experience was obviously something to be avoided. What’s more, no one knew whether the events that made them famous was due to Shuttle Technology’s marketing efforts, or if it was just by chance. Was it due to their strength, or simply due to luck? Such things also had a great impact on an investor when judging a company’s value.
Of course, since Yuan Jue was visiting, his investing company had already made an in-depth investigation of Shuttle Technology.
But Yuan Jue had still been surprised when he met the two creators of Shuttle Technology.
Although he knew that the co-founders were still university students, Yuan Jue’s belief was that youngsters who could start a business would look much more mature compared to their peers. Yuan Jue was beginning to understand that this wasn’t the case.
Yuan Jue quickly composed himself and introduced his entourage to Lin Qian.
At this time, Lin Qian noticed a familiar face among the people behind Yuan Jue.
It was He YiJun, Zheng BuLu’s ex-girlfriend who had tried to be Zheng PingQing’s stepmother.
“Lin Qian, long time no see.” He YiJun’s smile was professional and detached.
Lin Qian was a little astonished, but his expression didn’t fluctuate as he replied: “Aunt He, long time no see.”
Yuan Jue looked back and forth between his secretary and Lin Qian. “You two know each other?”
He YiJun smiled and explained: “Yes, he is a friend of my former boss.”
After she said this, her eyes fell on Zheng PingQing, who was standing to the side. He YiJun continued: “And that person is the son of my former boss.”
Yuan Jue suddenly realized something. He turned to He YiJun and joked: “I see. That’s great, ah. You can also give us some advice.”
He YiJun didn’t try to take advantage of the situation and replied: “How can I? I’m not versed in such things.”
At her words, Yuan Jue glanced at He YiJun with a hint of appreciation in his expression.
He YiJun had joined their company a year ago and became his secretary. She had worked in a large company before, and her professional abilities were also quite good. After a year of working with her, Yuan Jue noticed that she barely made mistakes. Yuan Jue trusted her quite deeply.
“Come in, please.” Lin Qian didn’t say anything more and led everyone in Shuttle Technology’s offices.
Shuttle Technology’s main office was still situated in an office building near the university that they had rented when they first started. They had recently expanded by renting two office areas, but there wasn’t much contact between the two offices. To be honest, sometimes it almost feels like they were operating an unregistered and illegal business.
Lin Qian wasn’t one to care about how ostentatious or grandeur their company offices looked like. They just started their company, and the internet industry was a very much a money-burning industry. They only managed to successfully promote NOW after spending all the money Zheng PingQing had initially invested in them, and after Zheng PingQing extorted money off of his father. Twice. Right now, every cent was to be scrimped and used sparingly.
He YiJun followed Yuan Jue’s group and walked in. She swept her gaze around the office and had to sneer. She believed that such a shabby office would produce anything good.
As she passed the threshold, she neared Zheng PingQing, who was welcoming the guests. Their eyes met, and He YiJun smiled. “PingQing, you haven’t greeted me yet.”
Zheng PingQing’s tone was neither salty nor indifferent as he replied: “Hello, Aunt He.”
He YiJun was satisfied by her little powerplay and haughtily walked away without replying.
As he watched her walk off, Zheng PingQing suddenly realized that he had almost forgotten He YiJun.
He had once thought that he would hate He YiJun forever. But today, Zheng PingQing found that his heart didn’t fluctuate once. It was like he was looking at a stranger. If He YiJun hadn’t taken the initiative to greet him, he would’ve even pretended that he didn’t know her.
His life was already completely separated from that person. Whatever she did, it had absolutely nothing to do with him.
But Zheng PingQing also knew that this was just his own opinion. Based on his previous understanding of He YiJun, she wouldn’t give up so easily.
Her greeting was clearly a provocation.
However, Zheng PingQing didn’t care. He YiJun wouldn’t be able to shake him and Lin Qian, no matter what.
Lin Qian gave Yuan Jue and his entourage a tour around the office, but Shuttle Technology wasn’t a big company. It only took them ten minutes to circle the place before Lin Qian took them to their largest conference room to sit down.
The young girl who operated the front desk brought them water and coffee.
Yuan Jue didn’t immediately talk business and instead asked: “The events that led to NOW’s success was handled by Shuttle Technology, correct?”
Lin Qian didn’t hide it and nodded. “Yes, they were planned.”
Yuan Jue praised their ingenuity. “It’s very clever. Who planned it?”
Lin Qian adopted a modest attitude as he replied: “It was my proposal.”
Yuan Jue’s eyes widened as he was shocked once more. These events happened so organically that even experts couldn’t determine whether or not it was truly a marketing scheme. It had been a long-standing conclusion amongst the professionals that if it had been a marketing ploy, then it had to have been planned by a veteran.
But it turned out that the mastermind wasn’t old, nor was he a professional.
Of course, he didn’t know that the fantastic marketing plan didn’t actually need too much professional knowledge. Right now, things like viral marketing and internet marketing were still in the middle of maturing. Many classic marketing tactics that would later astonish the whole industry had not yet come out. Lin Qian’s casual and implementation of random future cases was already enough to make him a pioneer in the industry. Moreover, these methods would make Lin Qian a prodigy for the next ten years. For the internet’s fast-paced and ever-changing landscape, ten years was enough to give his business an unshakable and solid position in the industry.
Giving a top student the power of foresight would make him utterly invincible.
Negotiations lasted for nearly four hours. If Yuan Jue came in apprehensive about Lin Qian, Ke MuZi, and the future of this company, he left the office with almost no doubt left.
Lin Qian was too professional and calm, nothing like a greenhorn university sophomore. If it wasn’t for his face, Yuan Jue would even doubt whether Lin Qian had lied about his age. It can be said that his proficiency might be as good as those with many years of experience.
“I don’t think there will be any problems with us cooperating.” Yuan Jue seldom said such obvious words without his company making the final decision, but he appreciated Lin Qian’s practical and sincere attitude. Yuan Jue was sure that as long as the other investment firms met Lin Qian, they would surely be convinced. It was lucky that the other firms hadn’t contacted Shuttle Technology yet because they had other cases that were still waiting to be done.
Yuan Jue hoped to take the lead before other firms took notice.
“We’ll be waiting for your call.” Lin Qian shook hands with him again, then looked at his watch. “Why don’t we have a meal together?”
Yuan Jue thought about it but had to refuse. “I have another meeting this afternoon, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to. I’d be glad to keep in touch, though.”
Lin Qian nodded, then sent Yuan Jue off. When he came back, Zheng PingQing, the handsome and professional man who greeted the guests, yawned repeatedly and placed his head on Lin Qian’s shoulders. He asked: “How is it?”
“If He YiJun doesn’t make trouble, then it’ll be no problem.” Lin Qian replied.
Zheng PingQing snorted. “If someone like He YiJun can lead him by the nose, then they aren’t worthy to invest in your company.”
“But while the big investment firms are waiting, we’re running out of money fast.” Lin Qian rubbed his cheek against Zheng PingQing’s head. “Fortunately, we were prudent with our money right from the start. Otherwise, things would really be a bit troublesome.”
Lin Qian’s words were worrying, but his tone wasn’t the least bit concerned. Zheng PingQing was similarly composed as he said: “If you need more, then I’ll just ask my father to give you your betrothal gift in advance.”
Lin Qian was silent for a moment, then said: “Haven’t you used that reason already?”
Zheng PingQing paused. “...have I?”
Since that plan was no longer useable, then Zheng PingQing decided to just do something else. “Then I’ll just embezzle my father’s money, ah.”
Lin Qian lightly tugged at Zheng PingQing’s hair. “I hope that you won’t have cheated your father of all his possessions by the time we get married.”
Zheng PingQing’s eyes brightened. “It’s easy, ah. We can just get married as early as possible!”
Lin Qian: “....”
Zheng PingQing figured he had teased enough and became serious as he said: “Otherwise, I can help you pull some investments. Anyway, in the past two years, I’ve been working part-time in several different positions in your company. I’ve even operated the front desk, ah. I might as well be your financial manager too.”
During the early days, Lin Qian was usually short of staff. Zheng PingQing would often come and work as a part-timer in various positions. During one summer vacation, Lin Qian needed a front desk receptionist, and Zheng PingQing was free, so he sat at the front desk for a month. It should be said that during this month, Zheng PingQing’s charming and handsome self had single-handedly increased the company’s recruitment applications several times.
Lin Qian laughed and told Zheng PingQing that it wasn’t needed. Then, he said: “I’ve been given the opportunity to speak at an industry summit. Ask me again afterward.”
Zheng PingQing was utterly devoid of worry. “By then, I believe that the only thing I’ll be able to do is to help you screen out the institutions that aren’t qualified enough.”
The couple took the opportunity to kiss during this momentary peace. Unfortunately, Ke MuZi had happened to come by, wanting to make some coffee. With blank eyes resembling that of a dead fish, Ke MuZi glanced at them and said: “Although I’ve seen this picture a thousand times, I still feel blinded every time I encounter it.”
Lin Qian smiled and replied: “That should be because you’ve been facing the computer for too long.”
Ke MuZi raised his hand and made a gesture. “I do eye exercises, ah.”
Zheng PingQing concluded: “It seems that no matter how many eye exercises you do, it can’t treat the dark circles underneath.”
Ke MuZi: “....”