"Mr. Chen, Sequoia and SIG Asia Venture Capital can offer a valuation of 1.8 billion."
Zhang Jiancheng got straight to the point.
"Mr. Zhang, no rush. I suggest Sequoia and SIG take another look at FoxTao's profit model, user growth, and conversion rate. We can discuss financing and valuation slowly."
Chen Yansen leaned against the wire fence outside the volleyball court, speaking unhurriedly.
No rush?
Zhang Jiancheng smiled inwardly.
He'd heard Rakuten was already collecting FoxTao's data to build a valuation model and had even hired China's largest business data intermediary to conduct a full assessment of its business sustainability and compliance risks.
If this dragged on any longer, Sequoia might not even get a bite.
That's why they'd brought SIG in for a joint investment—sharing both profits and risks to increase their bargaining power.
From their previous interactions, Zhang Jiancheng could tell Chen Yansen was a calm, rational entrepreneur. He absolutely wouldn't back down if the valuation didn't meet his expectations.
Hearing Chen Yansen's evasive tone, Zhang Jiancheng smiled. "Is Mr. Chen dissatisfied with the resources behind Sequoia and SIG, or with the valuation itself? I know Rakuten's offer is higher, but their e-commerce resources in China are practically zero. You can't just look at the numbers on paper."
"IDG Capital is also a good choice," Chen Yansen mentioned casually.
IDG had always made large-scale investments in the domestic internet sector. Compared to Sequoia and SIG, its capital and network better aligned with FoxTao's future development.
"Alright, I understand what Mr. Chen means. It seems we can only compete with IDG on valuation," Zhang Jiancheng said, sounding resigned.
He felt Chen Yansen was too shrewd—none of the usual mistakes young people made. To win him over, it seemed only real money would sway this little fox.
"Then, please give a more reasonable valuation based on FoxTao's business model and profit expectations," Chen Yansen replied with a faint smile.
Zhang Jiancheng knew this call was going nowhere. After a few pleasantries, he hung up.
Chen Yansen stayed on the court for a moment, then dialed Meng Jie's number to ask her to lunch.
"My dad's here," Meng Jie said softly.
Meng Zhenguo?
Chen Yansen paused. Look at this father—didn't go home for New Year's but came to school to see his daughter. I haven't been home in three months and only called once, for less than sixty seconds.
Sigh. Some father-son relationships are better off severed.
"Alright, invite Uncle Meng. Let's go into the city to eat. I'll wait for you at the school gate."
Chen Yansen hung up, got in his car, drove to the gate, rolled down the window, and waited.
A moment later, a black Santana slowly pulled out along Xuelin Road.
"Chen Yansen!" Meng Jie leaned out the window, waving a little awkwardly.
"Uncle Meng, long time no see. You look even more dashing," Chen Yansen said with a smile, hands on the wheel.
That little punk.
Meng Zhenguo's lips twitched. He didn't want to acknowledge him, but Meng Jie in the passenger seat kept nudging him with her elbow.
"Xiao Chen, Uncle Meng is treating you to lunch to thank you for taking care of Meng Jie at school," Meng Zhenguo said through slightly gritted teeth, glancing at Chen Yansen's car.
He hadn't misjudged him—this kid really had some skills. Before his first semester of freshman year was even over, he was already making waves in the business world.
When Meng Jie told him Chen Yansen's company was valued at over a billion, he hadn't believed it. He looked it up online and was left speechless.
"I'll make the arrangements. And about that matter in Shanghai—I'm really grateful for Uncle Meng's help in mediating," Chen Yansen said politely.
He'd already gotten the Sky Garden reservation contact from Xu Xingxing and booked a private room.
Seeing Chen Yansen's insistence, Meng Zhenguo didn't refuse further. He asked for the address, had Meng Jie turn on the navigation, and started driving.
Chen Yansen stepped on the gas and quickly overtook them. He was worried Meng Zhenguo wasn't familiar with the roads in Xu City and wanted to lead the way.
Meng Zhenguo misunderstood, thinking the kid was provoking him, and immediately sped up, overtaking Chen Yansen at the next intersection.
If I can't outrun your beat-up Santana, what was the point of spending two million?
Chen Yansen chuckled, easily overtaking again and staying in front, irritating Meng Zhenguo.
"Dad, what are you doing? Can't you drive normally? Think you're in The Fast and the Furious?" Meng Jie pouted, seeing her father still trying to catch up.
"???"
Meng Zhenguo's mouth fell open. He wanted to say, That kid started it! Why should I let him have his way?
"Safety first," Meng Jie tugged his sleeve.
Sigh. If I'd known this would happen, your mom and I would've tried for a second child. A daughter is so obedient, but she always sides with outsiders.
Meng Zhenguo sighed, feeling both helpless and frustrated.
"No way! Dad, you're talking nonsense!" Meng Jie quickly retorted.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Sky Garden. Guided by staff, they went to the top floor.
Coincidentally, the private room arranged was the same one where Liu Muyan's "ex-fiancé" had been last time. Chen Yansen didn't mind and seated Meng Zhenguo at the head of the table.
Chen Yansen and Meng Jie sat side by side.
Meng Zhenguo hesitated, glanced at his daughter's expression, and held back whatever he was about to say.
Chen Yansen signaled for the dishes to be served. Soon, the table was filled with ten exquisite courses, plus two bottles of Moutai.
"Xiao Chen, this is too extravagant," Meng Zhenguo frowned.
"When treating Uncle Meng, of course it should be a bit more formal. Meng Jie and I usually just eat in the school cafeteria," Chen Yansen said, leaving Meng Zhenguo with nothing to criticize.
"You drink?" Meng Zhenguo asked.
"I usually don't. But I can drink with Uncle Meng," Chen Yansen replied without hesitation, making Meng Zhenguo chuckle inwardly.
With Chen Yansen's shrewdness, he could keep eight or ten women on the side without Meng Jie ever noticing. His daughter was too simple-minded to outmaneuver someone as slick as this kid.
"Then let's have a drink," Meng Zhenguo said casually.
He hadn't planned to drink, but suddenly remembered twenty years ago, when he first visited his father-in-law's house and got forced into getting drunk. He later learned his father-in-law had wanted to test his drinking habits and character.
Back then, he'd scoffed. Today, for some reason, he'd inexplicably suggested a drink.
Chen Yansen skillfully opened the Moutai's packaging and cap.
Never drinks?
Meng Zhenguo sneered inwardly. He'd been drinking for decades and had never been as smooth as Chen Yansen.
"Uncle Meng, let me toast you. Thanks for your help last time. I'll finish this; you drink at your own pace." Chen Yansen raised his small glass, his tone sincere. Though Tang Qingshan had done most of the behind-the-scenes work, Meng Zhenguo had pulled strings too.
He owed him this favor.
"Xiao Chen, Meng Jie is straightforward, almost boyish. This is her first time dating. I don't exactly support it, but I won't object either. Please take good care of her for me," Meng Zhenguo said earnestly, his expression serious.
He just didn't like Chen Yansen!
But since his daughter liked him, he couldn't say much.
"Uncle Meng, this is my first time dating too," Chen Yansen said truthfully, then downed his drink in one go.
Meng Zhenguo was amused. They were both men—he wasn't about to believe that nonsense.
Determined to get Chen Yansen drunk, he bluntly said small glasses weren't enough and they should switch to smaller decanters.
Chen Yansen didn't back down. Standing at 1.86 meters, with a metabolism almost three times the average person's, his alcohol tolerance was naturally high.
They went back and forth, glass after glass.
Seeing this, Meng Jie grew anxious and cut in, "Can you two eat something? All you're doing is drinking!"
She felt sorry for her father and worried about Chen Yansen.
The two exchanged a glance, silently took a bite of food, then raised their glasses again in unison.
Meng Zhenguo couldn't remember how many glasses he'd had. He only vaguely recalled dropping his chopsticks three times.
He started rambling, "Xiao Chen, young people in love get impulsive easily. You have to take precautions."
"..."
Hearing this, Meng Jie buried her head in embarrassment, covering her ears. She regretted letting Chen Yansen have lunch with her father.
"Uncle, don't worry. I bought the best," Chen Yansen, slightly tipsy but still somewhat clear-headed, said half-jokingly.
Meng Jie, covering her ears, didn't hear.
"Good that you brought it." Meng Zhenguo mumbled incoherently, instinctively raising his glass again. But before it reached halfway, he slumped onto the table.
"Your dad's asleep."
Chen Yansen nudged Meng Jie and whispered.
"Ah? What do we do?" Meng Jie looked up, her face full of embarrassment.
Even she had seen through Old Meng's little game. Chen Yansen had understood perfectly well.
He'd tried to get Chen Yansen drunk but ended up completely wasted himself.
"Let's get a room so Uncle Meng can rest first," Chen Yansen suggested.
"That's the only way," Meng Jie nodded.
The two helped Meng Zhenguo to the guest room and unceremoniously dumped him on the bed.
"Why don't you sober up here too?" Meng Jie pointed to the other bed in the room.
"You'll sober up with me?" Chen Yansen grinned mischievously and pulled Meng Jie into a hug.
"My dad's here," Meng Jie whispered shyly, glancing at the soundly sleeping Meng Zhenguo.
"It's fine. Your dad's asleep. He won't bother us," Chen Yansen said, pulling her down onto the soft bed.
"Just kissing," Meng Jie warned, grabbing Chen Yansen's hand.
"I'll just hold you. I won't do anything inappropriate," Chen Yansen said seriously.
About a dozen minutes later, Meng Jie struggled to jump off the bed, hurriedly straightening her clothes. She glared at Chen Yansen. "You're untrustworthy."
"I'm a businessman. I don't even have morals—what integrity are you expecting? But, though small, it's quite cute."
Chen Yansen gestured with his hand and commented with a smile.
"Chen Yansen, you're asking for it!" Meng Jie pounced back, straddling him and playfully wrestling.
...
...
By sunset, Meng Zhenguo slowly opened his eyes.
Seeing this, Meng Jie quickly handed him a bottle of water. "Dad, you really shouldn't drink next time."
"Xiao Jie, don't talk to Uncle Meng like that. Uncle Meng, let's drink again tonight," Chen Yansen, sitting in a chair, joked with a smile.
Drink again?
You trying to drink me to death, kid?!
Meng Zhenguo shook his head repeatedly. "It's right to drink less. Xiao Chen, you didn't stop me at noon either."
"Dad, Chen Yansen did try to stop you, but you insisted on opening another bottle," Meng Jie tilted her head, looking a bit tired.
"Oh, really?" Meng Zhenguo finally realized he must have truly overdone it at noon. He laughed awkwardly.
"Alright, you two head back to school. Seeing you get along so well, your mom and I are relieved," Meng Zhenguo changed the subject.
They chatted a bit longer before Chen Yansen stood to leave. "Then we won't disturb your rest any further."
With that, he took Meng Jie's hand and walked out.
"I'll drive back," Meng Jie said, reaching into Chen Yansen's pocket, fumbling for a moment, and pulling out the car key.
"Alright." Chen Yansen didn't refuse. It had only been a few hours—he was definitely still over the limit.
Meng Jie had gotten her license earlier than Chen Yansen, but she had little driving experience. Fortunately, it was the New Year holiday, and they were heading toward the suburbs, so the road wasn't crowded.
By the time they got out of the car, Meng Jie's palms were sweaty—clearly, the drive had been more stressful than she'd expected.
Chen Yansen walked Meng Jie to her dorm, then turned and headed back to the startup park. As soon as he reached the second floor, a middle-aged man in his forties greeted him with an ingratiating smile.
"Mr. Chen, I'm Liao Wei from Yunsu Express. Please forgive my abrupt visit," Liao Wei said, his posture extremely humble, unlike someone worth tens of millions.
His eyes gleamed with shrewdness. His round, slightly chubby face bore a resemblance to a heavier Deng Chao, and his slicked-back hair shone brightly.
Chen Yansen narrowed his eyes at Liao Wei, a thought flashing through his mind. He suddenly recalled the group from a few days ago—this was most likely the man behind it.
His expression darkened, the friendliness vanishing instantly.