Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Talking About the Future
The tea room!
The three of them chatted while drinking tea. It was mostly Zhang Yiming and Zong Xinyao who did the talking, sharing amusing stories from their university days, with Su Chen occasionally chiming in.
After about three or four cups, Zhang Yiming began to simply tidy up the tea set on the table.
Su Chen’s eyes shifted slightly. ’He knew the main event was about to begin!’
"I wonder if Mr. Su has any thoughts on the future development of Byte Company!"
Thoughts?
What thoughts?
’Didn’t he see I fell asleep while he was explaining the company’s future plans? And now he’s asking me this?’
’What does he mean?’
Su Chen glanced at the baby-faced Zhang Yiming. ’This guy looks harmless, but who knows what he’s scheming.’
Although Su Chen didn’t have any brilliant advice for Byte Company’s future, he had, after all, scraped and clawed his way up from the bottom for many years. He had some expectations for the future of the internet.
After a moment of contemplation, Su Chen slowly began to speak. "Ten years ago, computers were still a luxury, and mobile phones only had keypads. Back then, no one knew the smart era would become widespread just a few years later."
"But now, both computers and mobile phones are commonplace. It’s gotten to the point where practically everyone has a phone. If there were a piece of software that could bring people joy in their spare time, or let them appreciate the joy of others, don’t you think it would be a huge hit?"
Su Chen’s words stunned Zhang Yiming, and a flood of ideas instantly filled his mind. "Mr. Su, are you suggesting we create something like a short-form video APP?"
"Mm, something like that. Record and share your life anytime, see the places you want to go, experience the bitter and sweet moments of others’ lives. Don’t you think that’s a wonderful thing?"
"When phones become indispensable, the future of the internet will be on phones!"
Zhang Yiming shot up from his seat, jogged over to his desk, grabbed a notebook, and immediately began scribbling and sketching!
Su Chen glanced at Zong Xinyao beside him and asked in a low voice, "Is your old classmate always like this?"
Zong Xinyao gave an awkward smile. "Maybe he just thought of a great plan!"
Soon, Zhang Yiming walked back, beaming with excitement. "Mr. Su, I never imagined you had such profound insights into digital media. You’ve inspired me greatly. Our company will likely focus its development in this direction in the future!"
"Mm-hmm. I believe in your abilities, President Zhang. You’ll make Byte bigger and better!" Su Chen offered a small compliment.
"Absolutely! I believe Byte can grow bigger and stronger!" As he said this, Zhang Yiming’s face filled with confidence.
After chatting for about half an hour, Su Chen announced his departure. Zhang Yiming tried to persuade him to stay for dinner.
Su Chen refused without a second thought, saying they could eat together some other time. After all, he had more important things to attend to.
Zhang Yiming had been greatly inspired by his conversation with Su Chen. After seeing him to the company entrance, he hurried back to call a meeting with the senior management.
"Boss, are we heading straight back to the hotel?" Zong Xinyao, sitting in the passenger seat, turned her head to ask.
"Not yet. We’re going somewhere else!" After speaking, Su Chen sent an address to Zong Xinyao. He didn’t know where the place was, so he could only rely on her to navigate. ’Otherwise, would Su Chen have to do it himself?’
"The Imperial Capital Xiangjiang Racecourse Clubhouse?" When Zong Xinyao saw the address, she was momentarily stunned.
This clubhouse was also listed as one of the top ten private clubs in the Imperial Capital and shared its roots with the Xiangjiang Racecourse. It was located on Jinbao Street in Wangfujing, not too far from where they were staying.
「By the time Su Chen arrived, it was around six in the evening.」
The entire clubhouse exuded the style of the Imperial Capital, incorporating the design of a traditional courtyard house. The sculpture of a running racehorse at the entrance was particularly eye-catching!
"Welcome to the Racecourse Clubhouse!" The moment the car stopped at the entrance, a doorman respectfully opened the rear door.
"Boss, should I wait for you in the car?" Zong Xinyao asked.
"Come inside with me. There’s something I’ll need you to handle later!" With that, Su Chen strode inside.
Zong Xinyao, though a little puzzled, followed him. ’What could possibly require her help?’
By the time she snapped out of it, Su Chen was already inside, so she quickly jogged to catch up.
"Hello, sir. Do you have a reservation?" Just as he entered, Su Chen was stopped by a woman in professional attire.
"Yuan Zhen!"
A flash of surprise appeared in the woman’s eyes when she heard the name Yuan Zhen. As a lobby hostess at the Racecourse Clubhouse, she knew all of the club’s few top-tier members by heart, and Yuan Zhen was one of them!
’She never expected the person this top-tier member was waiting for would be so young.’
But surprise was just surprise. Having seen so many princelings here, she had become immune.
"Sir, please follow me!"
The Imperial Capital Xiangjiang Racecourse Clubhouse truly lived up to its reputation as one of the top ten clubs. The decor was magnificent, and the interior combined a traditional courtyard with a modern style, exuding an elegance tinged with luxury!
The woman led Su Chen and Zong Xinyao... After several twists and turns, she stopped in front of a private room.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK. The woman rapped twice on the door and then gently pushed it open.
"Thank you," Su Chen said to the woman before walking in.
Following behind him, Zong Xinyao was now also a little curious. ’Who was her boss meeting at this hour? She’d never heard him mention having any friends in the Imperial Capital!’
When Zong Xinyao saw the two men sitting in the private room drinking tea, she instantly lost her composure.
"Yuan Zhen, the head of Haina Capital, and Lan Zhen, the head of Yuanma Capital!"
’She was utterly shocked. They were competitors this afternoon, and now they’re having dinner and tea together tonight?’
"My apologies for keeping you both waiting!" Su Chen said with a smile.
"Hahaha! No worries. We figured you’d be held up at Byte Company for a bit. We just got here ourselves. Sit, have some tea?"
Su Chen waved his hand. "I’ll pass on the tea. I drank quite a bit with Zhang Yiming earlier. I’ve already got half a stomachful of Mingqian tea!" Su Chen said jokingly, patting his belly.
"Hahaha! That kid Zhang Yiming must have been showing off his tea again!" Lan Zhen said with a laugh.
As an angel investor, he used to frequent Byte Company and had drunk his fair share of tea there, so he knew exactly what Su Chen meant.
"Looks like President Lan is a victim too!"
After a bit of small talk, they got straight to the point.
"Mr. Su, shall we get started?" Yuan Zhen said, putting down his teacup.
"No problem!" Su Chen then gestured to Zong Xinyao behind him.
Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen also took out their phones and made calls.
"Boss, what are your instructions?" Seeing the situation, Zong Xinyao knew something big was about to happen.
Just then, the door was pushed open, and four or five people walked in—the same ones she had seen at Byte Company earlier.
"Go over the contracts with them. If you have any questions, ask me directly!"
"Contracts? What contracts?" Zong Xinyao’s face was a mask of confusion. ’Don’t tell me the boss sold off his shares in Byte Company?’
"The Byte Company shares, of course. I’ve acquired the shares from Haina Capital and Yuanma Capital. At a 10% premium on today’s price!"
Zong Xinyao was completely dumbstruck. Su Chen had to call her name several times before she snapped back to reality.
Drawing on her previous experience, Zong Xinyao quickly got everything sorted!
