EFB Chapter 103 Pre-A Round Financing Begins
Chapter 103 Pre-A Round Financing Begins
Chapter 103 Pre-A Round Financing Begins (4k)
Upon hearing the news that Li Haipeng had been injured, Geng Zhi's pupils suddenly contracted.
He gestured for Yang Mingxia to "follow" with one hand, while asking in a deep voice into the phone, "Beibei, how is President Li's injury? Give me details!"
Hearing Geng Zhi's words, Yang Mingxia, who was standing next to him, became visibly nervous.
"Boss, I just got a call from Zhao Jie. The doctor's initial diagnosis is a mild concussion. I just had a head CT scan, and the results aren't back yet. I'm on my way to Huashan Hospital!" Shu Beibei's voice was still filled with anxiety.
"Did you report to Uncle Hat?" Geng Zhi asked as he hurried toward the school gate to hail a taxi.
"It's been reported! Uncle Hat has already collected evidence at the scene and is now on his way to the hospital to give a statement."
"Okay, stay in touch, see you at the hospital in a bit."
As soon as she hung up the phone, Yang Mingxia's eyes were already red with anxiety: "Boss! What happened to Brother Peng? Is it serious?"
"Let's go to the hospital first. I'll ask about the details on the way." Geng Zhi hailed a taxi, gestured for Yang Mingxia to get in, and dialed Zhao Jie's number, who was at the scene.
Over the phone, Zhao Jie, filled with lingering fear and anger, quickly recounted what had happened:
It turns out that at a "White-Collar Dating" event held in Jing'an District, as the event was nearing its end and the results of the mutual selection were being announced, two strange men started making a ruckus and causing trouble.
Zhao Jie and the volunteers at the scene initially tried to dissuade and calm the other party, but they did not listen at all. During the scuffle, one of them accidentally pushed a volunteer who came forward to mediate to the ground.
Upon seeing this, Li Haipeng, who was conducting an on-site investigation, rushed over to protect the volunteers. However, the two men mistook Li Haipeng for someone about to attack and instinctively pushed him to the ground.
Caught off guard, Li Haipeng hit the back of his head on the corner of a nearby table, drawing blood immediately. He was rushed to the nearby Huashan Hospital.
Li Haipeng is currently conscious, speaking normally, and appears to be in good health.
The two troublemakers had already made their escape amidst the chaos. The problem was, there were no security cameras at the scene.
After getting a general understanding of the situation, Geng Zhi calmed himself down and offered a few words of comfort to Yang Mingxia, who had already started to cry. He then dialed Gu Wanning's number, explained the situation concisely, and sought her professional advice.
Gu Wanning gave Geng Zhi advice over the phone on three aspects: securing physical evidence, witness testimony, and electronic evidence; escalating the police report; and obtaining a forensic medical examination of the injuries. She also rushed to Huashan Hospital.
Huashan Hospital, Emergency Observation Area.
When Geng Zhi and Yang Mingxia arrived at the hospital, Gu Wanning, Shu Beibei, and others had already arrived.
"Mr. Li, how are you feeling now?" Geng Zhi asked with concern, looking at Li Haipeng, whose head was wrapped in gauze.
"Boss, I'm really fine! Look, I'm as lively as ever!" Li Haipeng grinned, trying to turn his head casually, but the movement aggravated his wound. Nevertheless, he still tried to move his arms and hands to prove that he was alright.
Seeing that he was in good spirits, Geng Zhi's anxiety eased a little.
"Brother Peng!" Yang Mingxia couldn't hold back her tears when she saw Li Haipeng like this, and her voice began to choke.
"Hey, Mingxia, don't cry, don't cry. I'm perfectly fine. The doctor said I can go home after some observation," Li Haipeng quickly comforted her in a low voice.
Geng Zhi gave Gu Wan Ning and the others a wink, and they understood. They quietly left the ward, leaving the young couple, who had not yet announced their relationship, alone.
In the corridor outside the ward, Geng Zhi asked in a low voice, "Zhao Jie, have the CT results come back yet?"
"Yes, it's out."
Zhao Jie quickly checked her phone's memo app and reported: "The CT scan is normal, with no intracranial hemorrhage, skull fracture, or structural damage. The diagnosis is mild concussion. The doctor recommends staying in the hospital for observation for two hours, or going home to rest, but a family member must accompany and monitor you. If symptoms such as worsening headache, vomiting, or confusion occur, you must return to the hospital immediately."
"Okay, let President Li stay in the hospital for observation directly." Geng Zhi made the decision immediately.
"Okay, boss!" Zhao Jie nodded, then said, "Boss, Beibei and President Li just did a quick analysis and we think that this matter is most likely the work of Century Family Network, who are deliberately trying to sabotage things."
"Do you have any evidence?" Gu Wanning asked with a sharp eye.
"No, that's just speculation." Zhao Jie shook her head. "However, another event that Bei Bei was holding at the same time today also encountered similar disruptions, but it was very minor; only a few people made a fuss."
"Has Uncle Hat finished collecting evidence?" Gu Wanning continued to ask.
"It just ended, and a statement was taken. We've instructed Mr. Li to go to a designated forensic medical institution for a medical examination and to obtain a medical certificate."
"Medical Examination Notice," Zhao Jie replied.
"And then? Did Uncle Hat say what to do next?" Gu Wanning pressed.
"Let's just let President Li recover properly and wait for further notice." Zhao Jie's tone was somewhat uncertain.
After listening, Gu Wanning gently shook her head and looked at Geng Zhi: "If that's all there is to it, this case is likely to be dropped because the circumstances are too minor or the evidence is insufficient."
"Wan Ning, what's your suggestion?"
Gu Wanning hesitated for a moment, then quickened her pace, saying, "I'll find a professional lawyer friend to help strengthen the witness testimony. Then I'll have President Li get a forensic examination and obtain a 'Trauma Assessment Report' to clarify the conclusion of 'minor injury,' so that we can proceed with the subsequent investigation and accountability."
"Attorney Gu, do you mean—should we continue to file a police report?" Zhang Xinxin, who was standing to the side, asked, her expression somewhat unnatural.
"Yes. We need your CEO, Mr. Geng, to prepare a 'Statement of Circumstances and Supplementary Materials for the Police Report' on behalf of the company, escalating the personal conflict to commercial damage, which could be a criminal case. We can also contact Jiaotong University." Gu Wanning added.
Zhang Xinxin's facial muscles twitched noticeably, and her expression became increasingly uncomfortable.
Although he didn't know all the details, he vaguely guessed that today's events were likely related to Century Family Network or Baihe Network.
Just a few days ago, he sold the specific times and locations of several "If You Are the One" events to these two companies, hoping to profit from both sides.
The fact that Li Haipeng was injured was completely unexpected and certainly not what he wanted. He believed that the other party's intention was only to cause trouble and that they did not really mean to hurt anyone, but things just happened to escalate so much by chance.
Now that Gu Wanning has said this, if a case is really opened and investigated thoroughly—even if he didn't participate in the beating, the leak of information is very likely to be exposed.
He dared not even imagine the consequences. A strong sense of regret welled up inside him.
Zhang Xinxin was not the only one feeling terrified at this moment; Li Li, the mastermind behind this accidental injury incident, was also among them.
Her original intention was simply to cause a little disruption to the "If You Are the One" event, to let them know just how treacherous the offline battlefield can be.
This approach would both shift the blame to Century Family Network and give them more leverage in President Mu's upcoming investment negotiations.
But despite all her careful planning, she didn't expect the third-party personnel she hired to be so unreliable, and to be so rough that it resulted in injuries!
After much hesitation, she still didn't dare to send the message directly to Mu Yan. Instead, she sent it to Vice President Han Yulu first, asking her to convey it tactfully.
At this moment, in a suite at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Academic Activity Center Hotel, Han Yulu was accompanying Mu Yan, having an informal pre-investment discussion with Zhu Xiaohu, who had arrived earlier.
"Mr. Zhu, are you saying that Arctic Capital suddenly appeared and snatched the Ele.me project from you?" Mu Yan narrowed his eyes slightly, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest of the sofa.
"That's right," Zhu Xiaohu took a sip of tea, his face revealing little emotion. "I'm worried that the conditions offered by 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' for this Pre-A round will likely be quite high, perhaps even—unconventional."
"In that case, Baihe.com and Jinshajiang Venture Capital really need to join forces to secure this deal," Mu Yan pondered. "Baihe.com desperately needs a matchmaker."
"Okay." Zhu Xiaohu nodded. "If there are 5 seats on the board of directors, Gengzhi's team will request at least 3 seats."
Baihe.com will take one seat, and you can recommend an independent director for the other seat. I only need one board observer seat.
Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Xiaohu's phone vibrated; it was a message from Geng Zhi.
"President Mu," Zhu Xiaohu looked up after reading the message, his expression somewhat subtle, "Geng Zhi just sent a message saying that his co-founder Li Haipeng had an accident, and today's negotiations will be postponed by two hours."
Han Yulu, who had been anxiously waiting for a chance to speak, seized the opportunity and said with a smile, "President Mu, there's a new change in the company's plan to launch new business, and I need to report it to you."
Mu Yan frowned slightly, then understood. He nodded apologetically to Zhu Xiaohu: "Old Zhu, wait a moment, I need to take care of some internal matters."
The two walked out of Zhu Xiaohu's room one after the other and returned to Mu Yan's own suite.
As soon as the door closed, Han Yulu's smile vanished instantly, and she hurriedly reported to her supervisor, "President Mu, Li Li has messed things up again."
"What's wrong with her again?" Mu Yan's heart tightened suddenly, and an ominous premonition rose within him.
"The 'accident' that Geng Zhi mentioned involving Li Haipeng—was related to a scheme orchestrated by Li Li."
Han Yulu's voice lowered even further.
Mu Yan's face instantly darkened: "Explain yourself!"
After Han Yulu finished giving a full account of Li Haipeng being pushed to the ground and hospitalized, Mu Yan was so angry that he kicked over a chair in the hotel.
"Who told them to hurt someone?! Is Li Li's brain filled with mush? What can she do besides mess things up?" Mu Yan roared in a low voice, "Fire her!"
"President Mu! Calm down!" Han Yulu quickly advised. "Now is not the time to assign blame. Li Li assured us that the people she hired are absolutely safe and won't be traced back to us. The most important thing right now is to clean up the mess and not let it affect the investment negotiations this afternoon."
Mu Yan's chest heaved as he forced himself to take a few deep breaths, his face grim as he asked, "How badly is Li Haipeng injured?"
"Li Li didn't dare to inquire proactively, fearing it would arouse the other party's suspicion. So—Li Li is still unclear about the specific situation." Han Yulu cleverly shifted the blame to Li Li.
"Useless! A bunch of useless trash!" Mu Yan shook his head angrily. "I think she shouldn't be called Li Li anymore, she should be called Li Zhuo!"
"President Mu, the afternoon meeting was only postponed, not canceled. Does that mean things might not be that serious?" Han Yulu cautiously guessed.
The four-party meeting in the afternoon was held again at the Academic Activity Center Hotel of Jiaotong University, which can be considered the home ground of Jiaotong University's matchmaker.
At Li Haipeng's repeated requests, Geng Zhi finally agreed to let the co-founder, a model worker, attend the meeting despite his injury.
At 3:50 p.m., Zhu Xiaohu and Mu Yan, each accompanied by their assistants and investment managers, entered the conference room one after the other.
Geng Zhi and Gu Wan Ning were the first to stand up to greet them. Immediately afterward, Li Haipeng, whose head was wrapped in a conspicuous white bandage, along with Ma Wencai, Ma Chunmei, and Lawyer Chen, also stood up.
"President Zhu! Long time no see, you still look as dashing as ever!" Geng Zhi warmly stepped forward to greet Zhu Xiaohu first.
"Gengzhi, not bad, you did a really good job! I knew I hadn't misjudged you! Haha!" Zhu Xiaohu patted Gengzhi on the shoulder and said with a hearty smile.
"It's all thanks to General Manager Zhu's guidance back then," Geng Zhi said modestly.
Standing beside him, Mu Yan carefully looked at the straightforward man before him, whom he both hated and admired for his talent, and quickly added, "President Geng! Truly, heroes emerge from among the young; the younger generation is formidable!"
"You must be President Mu Yan? I've heard so much about you!" Geng Zhi respectfully extended his hand to Mu Yan.
Following that, Geng Zhi introduced Ma Wencai, Li Haipeng, Gu Wanning, and others to Zhu Xiaohu and Mu Yan, and then everyone took their seats.
Mu Yan's gaze lingered on the gauze on Li Haipeng's head for a moment, his heart tightening for no apparent reason, before he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The fact that he could still attend the meeting proved that things weren't that serious—Mu Yan thought to himself.
"President Li, what happened to your head?!" Zhu Xiaohu asked with concern.
"It was just a minor accident, nothing serious, thank you for your concern, Mr. Zhu." Li Haipeng forced a smile, his movements somewhat slow.
"We were just wondering if a jealous competitor had sabotaged us!" Ma Wencai suddenly blurted out, making Mu Yan's heart jump again, but his face remained calm.
Geng Zhi hadn't planned to bring this up, but seeing that Ma Wencai had brought it up directly, he had no choice but to take the opportunity and briefly explain what had happened.
He also specifically emphasized that he had formally reported the case to the police on suspicion of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble and disrupting production and business operations".
Geng Zhi's intention in saying this was to demonstrate to investors the team's standardized and legal awareness in handling unexpected crises, thereby enhancing their perception of his professionalism.
The team's biggest suspect is actually Century Home Network, and they have not yet pointed the finger at Baihe.com.
But when Mu Yan and Han Yulu heard his straightforward words, they were clearly a little uneasy.
This matter has escalated from a simple business maneuver into a serious incident with significant legal and public relations risks, and its severity could be underestimated or mitigated.
If the case is ever solved and "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" persists in pursuing it, it will be a significant blow to Baihe.com's reputation.
Thinking of this, Mu Yan cursed Li Li countless times in his mind while quickly adjusting his established negotiation strategy, abandoning his previous hard-line price-cutting tactics.
After a few brief pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.