Chapter 94: The Path Won’t Work
“Shangri-La Hotel, sixth-floor banquet hall.”
After a few casual exchanges, Hu Weiwei left. Clearly, Lu Liang was her best choice, but not her only option.
Standing at the company entrance, Lu Liang watched her take the elevator until she disappeared down the corridor. Then, he turned back into the company.
As he passed through the office area, he waved over Wen Chao, and the two entered his office together. Lu Liang asked, “Has the OFO financing proposal been sent over yet?”
Wen Chao handed him the report. “It ca in this morning. The Series A round will kick off on August 29th, with an initial valuation of $15 million.”
OFO’s seven-day average daily active users had already exceeded 150,000, fulfilling the bet between the two parties over a month ahead of schedule. As a result, Dai Wei promptly launched the Series A financing proposal.
“Initial?” Lu Liang raised his eyes, looking doubtful.
“Mr. Dai said he wants to see the market’s response to Mobike’s financing first, then adjust OFO’s valuation accordingly.”
Although OFO was founded earlier than Mobike, Mobike had the support of experienced players like Hu Weiwei, Li Bing, and Wang Xiaofeng.
Dai Wei was taking a cautious approach, using Mobike as a benchmark to navigate the market. With OFO’s relatively lower production costs, it was only a matter of ti before its market share surpassed Mobike’s, making it the industry leader.
“Anyone who ventures into entrepreneurship and makes a na for themselves is no fool.”
Lu Liang nodded knowingly and lowered his head to review the report. Yesterday, in the university auditorium, Dai Wei, in his capacity as President of the Peking University Student Union and General Manager of OFO, gave a passionate speech titled “2,000 Peking University Students Are Ready to Make a Big Move.”
The speech garnered the support of the university and the capital circles in Beijing. Zhu Hu from Jinsha Ventures even singled out OFO for praise, expressing his anticipation for its Series A financing and his intention to keep a close watch on the company.
Zhu Hu from Jinsha Ventures and Shen Peng from Sequoia Capital were known as the “Big and Little Kings” of China’s investnt world. They had stakes in nearly every leading internet company.
It could be said that every entrepreneur dread of earning their favor.
Hu Weiwei didn’t want to beco Li Bing’s puppet, so she invited Lu Liang to join her team, aiming to strengthen her own voice.
Dai Wei, unwilling to let Lu Liang dominate, sought to bring in other venture capitalists. Zhu Hu from Jinsha was undoubtedly his best choice.
After a mont of contemplation, Lu Liang smiled and said, “Tell Dai Wei that the financing proposal is approved. I’ll go take a look next Friday.”
He initially had so reservations, but upon reconsideration, he found it understandable. He had a similar dynamic with Xiao Wang and Old ng.
No one wanted their sovereignty taken away, so they all found ways to balance the power between founders and investors.
Deep in thought, Lu Liang turned to Wen Chao. “Help pull up Li Bing’s profile, along with NIO’s, and investigate companies planning to enter the auto industry in recent years.” Ｒ𝘼ꞐỖꞖΕṦ
He had co to realize that the path of seizing control wouldn’t work. Even if he succeeded, it would be difficult to win the loyalty of the core team.
Starting his own venture and building his team seed like the better path. The private equity fund was already in preparation, and new energy projects needed to be put on the agenda.
Wen Chao nodded. Just as he was about to leave, Lu Liang called him back. “Have Xiao Chen go to the train station tomorrow to pick up soone nad Fang Shiyu.”
Lately, Lu Liang had been spending an hour every day interviewing drivers, but none of them made him feel satisfied or secure.
Then he rembered his cousin from his hotown, who had served in the military and even driven for his superiors. However, due to a lack of money and connections, he had been discharged.
After returning ho last year, his cousin had been making deliveries in town. Lu Liang asked his mom to check in on him.
A driver’s trustworthiness was more critical than their skill, as driving skills could be honed over ti. Rather than hiring soone unknown from the city, it felt safer to bring in soone from his hotown, soone he knew well.
According to his mother, Shiyu was an honest and straightforward kid, the perfect type for military service—just unlucky enough to be discharged.
Surely, his own mom wouldn’t set him up for failure.
The next afternoon, Chen Jinchun led a tall and burly man into the office. Standing over 1.8 ters, the man had a sturdy build, a bulging backpack, and dark skin that made his white T-shirt look almost radiant.
Despite his mature appearance, which made him look at least thirty, his nervous eyes betrayed a childlike unease. “Sister Jinchun, is this my brother’s company?”
Chen Jinchun nearly choked on her frustration but managed a strained smile. “Yes, it is. Take a seat; I’ll go get Mr. Lu.”
Initially, she protested being called “Sister,” but then the man showed her his ID, revealing that he was only 22—three months younger than her.
Before she could knock on the door, Lu Liang walked out with a delighted expression. He approached the man and squeezed his arm, which was thicker than his own calf. “Shiyu, long ti no see! How are you still this built a year after leaving the military?”
Lu Liang hadn’t seen his cousin in years. The last ti was at his wedding, when Shiyu was still in the army. Before that, they had only t once or twice during New Year’s or other holidays.
Now, to see how much he had grown was a surprise. Though Shiyu was only slightly taller than Lu Liang, he was noticeably broader.
Hiring him as a driver might even save the need for a bodyguard.
Fang Shiyu gave an honest smile. “Maybe it’s because I eat a lot.”
“Good appetite is a blessing. Let’s go chat inside.”
Smiling warmly, Lu Liang wrapped an arm around his cousin’s shoulder and led him to the office.
From the mont he entered the building, Fang Shiyu’s wide eyes took in everything with curiosity.
Lu Liang laughed. “This place is still pretty small. We’re moving to a new office next month.”
“Still small?”
Fang Shiyu looked confused. This 40-square-ter office seed more than spacious, with a high floor and great views.
Lu Liang made so tea and offered him a cigarette, but Fang Shiyu shook his head. “Brother, I don’t smoke.”
“Not smoking is good. I’m addicted and can only try to cut back.”
Lu Liang didn’t push it and lit his own cigarette. Then he began explaining the plan. “When I go out, you’ll follow .”
“If I’m not going out, you can sit over there. Play on the computer or your phone, but don’t disturb others while they work.”
He pointed to a workspace next to Wen Chao and Chen Jinchun that had been hastily set up the day before. It consisted of just a desk and a computer.
“There are basically no days off. But if you need to take leave for sothing, just let know in advance.”
Fang Shiyu waved his hand. “Brother, I won’t take leave.”
Lu Liang teased him, “Don’t be so sure. What if you et a girl you like? Taking a day off to go on a date is totally normal.”
“N-No, I won’t,” Fang Shiyu stamred.
With his dark complexion, it was hard to tell if he was blushing, but his flustered tone made it clear he was a bit embarrassed.
Lu Liang chuckled and continued, “For now, your monthly salary will be set at 10,000 yuan. With various allowances, it should add up to about 12,000 yuan. After deducting social insurance and the housing fund, you’ll still get around 10,000.”
Fang Shiyu responded quietly, “That’s too much. Back ho, I made only 4,500 a month driving and unloading trucks.”
Lu Liang couldn’t help but laugh. “You can’t compare working back ho with here. Ten thousand is actually on the lower side.”
He pointed to the door. “Her na is Chen Jinchun. You’ve t her, right?”
“Yeah, Sister Jinchun,” Fang Shiyu nodded.
“Sister Jinchun?” Lu Liang burst into laughter, suddenly recalling that his cousin joined the military at 19, left at 21, and is now 22—technically younger than Chen Jinchun.
“Later, go find her. She’ll help you settle into your accommodations and pick up so clothes and essentials. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask her.”
Although the company didn’t provide dormitories, Fang Shiyu was family and had been brought in from their hotown. It wasn’t convenient for him to live with Lu Liang, so they rented a one-bedroom apartnt near the office for him.
After finishing his instructions, Lu Liang called Chen Jinchun over to take his cousin to settle in. They planned to go out for dinner after work.
Since the Musang was still on the way, Lu Liang let his cousin drive the Urus for now. On the way to dinner after work, he handed over the keys.
It beca clear that Fang Shiyu’s driving skills were decent, though he seed a bit nervous. Lu Liang laughed and said, “Drive boldly. If you crash it, there’s insurance.”
Fang Shiyu gave a quiet acknowledgnt and then fell silent, focusing intently on the road ahead. His speed never exceeded 80.
Not only did he look mature, but his driving style also leaned toward cautious maturity. If soone wanted to overtake, he let them pass. If soone wanted to cut in, he gave way.
However, there weren’t many drivers trying to cut in. Fang Shiyu muttered under his breath, “Brother, people in Magic City are more courteous than back ho.”
Lu Liang smiled without saying a word. Courtesy or not, it often depends on the price of the car.
With a massive golden bull emblem right in front of them, anyone wanting to cut in would think twice about whether their insurance could cover the repair costs.
Even during rush hour, the peak of traffic jams, Fang Shiyu drove steadily, giving Lu Liang peace of mind.
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