Tycoon: I Have an Unlimited Modifier novel Chapter 297

Chapter 297: Chapter 171: Borrowing a Hen to Lay Eggs

In the quiet conference room, three heavy smokers were blowing clouds of smoke.

A valuation of 7 billion was at stake, making it the highest-valued project Black Ant Capital had ever invested in.

Even when they invested in Pop Mart, it was only valued at 700 million.

And Spicy King’s valuation was almost ten times Pop Mart’s.

This was an investment of hundreds of millions, enough to nearly drain the funds they had begged, borrowed, and scraped together.

"President He, have you really made up your mind to invest in Spicy King?"

Zhang Peiyuan looked at He Yu, his expression grave.

Among the three partners, his status was slightly higher.

He and He Yu had co-founded Black Ant Capital together.

"Even if you all object, I will use my executive privilege to force the investment. I have a gut feeling that missing out on Spicy King is something I’ll regret for the rest of my life!"

He Yu knew he couldn’t hide it from his old partner, so he frankly revealed his true thoughts.

"Then let’s invest!"

A smile spread across Zhang Peiyuan’s face as he made the final decision.

"I trust President He’s judgment, I trust all of your professional expertise, and I trust the strength of Shengxuan Group even more. If our investment fails, worst-case scenario, we just start over."

"Since President Zhang has also decided, then we’ll support President He as well."

Chen Feng and Yang Cheng exchanged a look. Knowing they couldn’t win this fight, they both voiced their agreement.

Although a 7 billion valuation was indeed a bit high.

But Spicy King’s staggering revenue and net profit certainly justified it.

Besides, Chairman Qi himself had already poured in nearly 500 million to expand Spicy King’s stores.

So, asking for a 7 billion valuation now wasn’t that outrageous.

After reaching a consensus with his partners, He Yu immediately called Yuan Li.

Upon learning that Qi Sheng was in Hangzhou, He Yu immediately booked a flight.

...

He Yu got off the plane and called for a car.

He arrived at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Xixi Wetland.

Qi Sheng, who was in the middle of an outdoor barbecue with three young women, smiled and nodded at He Yu as Gu Feng led him over.

"Chairman Qi, I’m He Yu, the founder of Black Ant Capital. It’s certainly not easy to get a meeting with you."

He Yu said, half in earnest and half in jest.

"Someone who’s too easy to meet probably isn’t very valuable."

Qi Sheng just smiled, unconcerned.

"Er... I suppose that’s true."

He Yu was left speechless, his interest in Qi Sheng growing.

"Try my cooking."

Qi Sheng casually handed a grilled chicken wing to He Yu, skipping the formalities.

This was the confidence the System gave him.

Even if Spicy King didn’t seek external funding, it would simply mean its growth would be a little slower.

"Perfect timing, I’m starving. I won’t stand on ceremony, then."

He Yu took a bite without hesitation and was instantly blown away. He gave a thumbs-up.

"Your grilling skills are out of this world!"

"Glad you like it. Eat your fill, then we can talk. That’s the way we treat guests where I’m from."

"This place won’t be called Banyan Tree for much longer."

Qi Sheng smiled, opening a bottle of champagne that had been chilling in an ice bucket. He poured a glass for He Yu, handed it to him, and gestured toward the living room.

"Thank you."

He Yu took the champagne flute. The cool liquid felt refreshing as it went down his throat.

"You just mentioned this place won’t be a Banyan Tree for much longer. Is something happening?"

He Yu followed Qi Sheng into the living room and sat down across from him.

"It’s a small internal adjustment for the group. I just bought a hotel over by West Lake."

"Once the renovations are done, it’ll be branded as the new Banyan Tree. Next time you’re in Hangzhou on business, President He, you should come check it out."

Qi Sheng sat on the sofa, sipping his champagne, in no hurry at all to talk business.

"Er... you bought a hotel?"

’He Yu didn’t pay much attention to the hotel industry.’

’Other than real estate companies, very few would spend hundreds of millions to acquire a hotel.’

’It would take a decade or more, at a minimum, just to recoup the cost.’

’The returns couldn’t even compare to investing in the internet or the new consumer sector.’

"It’s nothing, really. Let’s talk business."

Qi Sheng waved his hand with a smile, not intending to brag.

"Alright. Chairman Qi, regarding the 7 billion valuation you proposed, Black Ant Capital can accept it. How much equity are you planning to offer?"

’He Yu knew without even thinking that a hotel by West Lake would cost an astronomical sum.’

’You couldn’t touch it for less than several hundred million.’

’Even though he knew perfectly well that Banyan Tree Group and Spicy King were unrelated, he couldn’t help but be awed by Qi Sheng’s sheer financial might.’