EFB Chapter 88 Overturning Common Sense
Chapter 88 Overturning Common Sense
Chapter 88: Overturning Common Sense (Seeking First Subscription)
Li Li was momentarily unable to determine whether the information Li Haipeng had provided was true or false.
Her mind was racing, instantly connecting many things that had happened before.
Geng Zhi postponed the meeting for the first time, citing "him needing to discuss cooperation with Century Family Network".
He was absent again today, this time citing "needing to discuss financing with investment institutions."
Are there really so many coincidences? Would someone really so easily reveal such crucial business developments to me?
Something's wrong, something's very wrong!
Geng Zhi has managed to achieve this level of success as a "matchmaker at Jiaotong University" in such a short time, and has received praise from Mu Yan and Zhu Xiaohu in succession. How could he be a simple character?
How could he possibly let his partner casually reveal the company's core secrets and bargaining chips?
Moreover, Century Family Network already has "Fudan University Matchmaker", so how could it possibly cooperate with "Jiaotong University Matchmaker"?
Smokescreen! It's all a smokescreen to drive up prices!
This straightforward guy, despite his name, is probably not living up to his name at all!
Having figured this out, Li Li suddenly felt enlightened, her tense nerves relaxed, and a mocking smile that seemed to see through the trick even appeared on her face: "President Li, you are as humorous as ever."
"It's good that students are passionate about entrepreneurship, but the capital market is cruel and realistic. I'm curious, which institution would give such an unrealistic valuation? To be honest, your strategy of raising prices on the spot is a bit too naive."
After Li Li finished speaking, she shook her head repeatedly.
"Mr. Li, what do you mean?"
Li Haipeng, provoked, downgraded even the "you" to "you," his voice rising again: "What do you mean by 'raising prices on the spot'? We're communicating with venture capital firms! And not just one! What, only Baihe.com is allowed to take a liking to us, but other investors aren't allowed to recognize our talent?"
Li Li once again wore an expression of disbelief, half-mocking and half-provoking, she said, "Oh? Then, Mr. Li, why don't you tell me which discerning institutions have such a unique and insightful perspective?"
When asked this question, Li Haipeng looked a little embarrassed. After hesitating for a moment, he lowered his voice and said, "I couldn't reveal the specific institutions, but to show that I'm not trying to raise the price, we are currently in deep communication with two companies: Arctic Capital from Hong Kong and Jinshajiang Venture Capital. Both are large capital firms with strong financial backing."
"Pfft—"
Li Li from Arctic Capital had no recollection of the name, but the words "Jinshajiang Venture Capital" made her burst out laughing.
She shook her head and laughed, "President Li, before making up stories, at least do some basic research. Jinshajiang Venture Capital is also an investor in our Baihe.com. President Zhu is simultaneously investing in a platform and its direct competitor?"
Does this logic make sense?
"I didn't make this up!" Li Haipeng seemed even more excited. "Both of these companies are very optimistic about the brand-new model we're planning! They believe it has the potential to disrupt the industry!"
Upon hearing this, the mockery in Li Li's heart suddenly froze.
She suddenly remembered that Mu Yan had indeed mentioned that Zhu Xiaohu admired a certain "future model" conceived by Geng Zhi.
In the business world, it's not uncommon for investors to hedge their bets on both sides, but it's not unprecedented.
Given Zhu Xiaohu's cunning and discerning eye—he might actually do it.
"Oh? What kind of future model? What kind of model can you have?" Li Li asked curiously.
"Well—I definitely can't go into the specifics, it's a trade secret." Li Haipeng revealed a smug look on his face, "But I can tell you that we've also reached a framework agreement with Jiangsu TV, and we'll recommend female guests to the show 'If You Are the One'!"
boom-!
The expression on Li Li's face clearly went out of control at this moment, becoming incredibly fascinating.
Composure, sarcasm, doubt—all emotions were swept away by a tremendous shock.
From the astonishingly high valuation to Zhu Xiaohu's proposed investment, and then to Jiangsu TV's "If You Are the One"—Li Haipeng's series of announcements flowed smoothly and naturally, as if they were made up on the spot.
If "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" can really secure the right to supply regular guests to the "If You Are the One" program, it certainly proves that they have something special, and it seems reasonable that they would attract capital investment.
But this—this is too surreal!
How could a student startup company that has only been established for a little over a month and is located in a university possibly get on a variety show on a TV station of Jiangsu Satellite TV's caliber?
Even if they were willing to spend money to sponsor GG, the production team might not dare to accept collaborations with small companies; the risk is too great!
Unless—the "Jiaotong University matchmaker" has powerful connections or special influence behind her. If that's the case, then things get complicated.
Suppressing her shock, Li Li stared intently at Li Haipeng again, confirming, "Mr. Li—you just said that you've reached an agreement with the 'If You Are the One' program team to provide two fixed female guest seats? Are you serious? This is no joke."
"Absolutely true!" Li Haipeng straightened his back. "What the production team values is our core ability to be rooted in universities and accurately select high-quality, high-profile guests."
Li Haipeng followed up with a question: "Director Li, you're a professional too. Could you assess the brand premium and subsequent traffic value brought by this level of media cooperation? How much is it worth?"
Li Li was momentarily speechless when asked the question, unable to refute it. This was indeed a resource that could not be measured by a simple acquisition price.
"Excuse me, which person in charge of the program are you in contact with?" she pressed, unwilling to give up, trying to find a loophole.
"First it was publicity director Lin Zixia, and then production manager Li Shaobin came to talk to us personally." After Li Haipeng finished speaking, he slowly took out his phone from his pocket, found a photo, and showed it to Li Li.
In the photo, the four people are all smiles.
Geng Zhizheng and Li Shaobin shook hands warmly, both smiling broadly, with Li Haipeng and Lin Zixia standing on either side. The background of the photo clearly shows the logo of the Jiaotong University Academic Activity Center Hotel.
Li Li was in charge of liaising with Li Shaobin and Lin Zixia, so she was naturally familiar with both of them.
With such irrefutable evidence before her, she had no choice but to believe it.
The combination of price, investors, and media partners completely exceeded the scope of her mission to achieve this "low-cost acquisition."
She had to report it immediately; there was no time to lose.
From the initial sense of superiority, to the displeasure of being stood up, to the shock and skepticism upon hearing about the huge funding, until now, being completely shaken by the evidence—
In just half an hour, Li Li's emotions were like riding an out-of-control roller coaster, with ups and downs.
Suppressing the turmoil within her, she smiled and stood up, trying to keep her tone calm: "President Li, the information you provided differs significantly from our initial understanding. I need to report this to President Mu, and then we can discuss further cooperation."
"No problem!" Li Haipeng stood up, smiling broadly. "Our CEO Geng said that the door to cooperating with Baihe.com is always open."
"He also asked me to pass on a message: as his name suggests, he likes to be straightforward and talk things out openly. He doesn't appreciate or find the methods of sneaking around, infiltrating, impersonating users, or even trying to force his way into the office very interesting."
Li Li, who had completely lost the negotiation, had an undisguised look of embarrassment on her face, and her ears even felt a little hot.
She shook hands with Li Haipeng in a friendly manner, but this time the handshake ended abruptly.
"Oh, by the way," Li Haipeng added as he saw her to the conference room door, "our General Manager Geng also emphasized that negotiations must be on equal footing, which includes equality in position. This way, communication is most efficient."
Li Li paused, realizing what Li Haipeng meant: if she wanted to talk to Geng Zhi, only Mu Yan could do it in person; Li Li's rank wasn't high enough.
She nodded hurriedly and almost ran out of the meeting room, pulling out her phone as soon as she stepped out the door.
The call connected, and she took a deep breath, speaking rapidly: "President Mu, the situation has changed drastically! The Jiaotong University matchmaker—"
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