Full charm points, inherit game assets

Chapter 574 Famous in Hong Kong 2
Half past six in the evening.

As dusk settles, the streets are bathed in the golden light of neon lights and glass curtain walls.

Shen Yuyan raised her hand and hailed a taxi.

"Thank you, Huaxia Association."

After getting on the bus, she took out her phone and opened Bai Menglin's WeChat chat window.

The message read: "I've set off, I'll be there in 7 or 8 minutes."

Bai Menglin: "I'm about the same. Let's meet downstairs."

The car drove slowly along the Central Ring Road, passing through the IFC area.

Shen Yuyan leaned against the car window, her gaze wandering among the towering buildings.

The nights in Hong Kong are exquisite and glamorous, yet restrained and measured.

She really likes it here.

Soon, the vehicle slowly came to a stop in front of the old Huaxia Bank building.

After paying the fare.

As Shen Yuyan got out of the car, she saw Bai Menglin waving at her from not far away.

"Menglin." Shen Yuyan quickly stepped forward and greeted her.

Bai Menglin grabbed her arm and said with a smile, "Let's go. Yingying said she's still on her way and wants us to go in first. She's already made a reservation; all we need to do is give her the information."

The two chatted as they took the elevator directly to the 13th floor.

Stepping out of the elevator, you'll find yourself at the clubhouse's main entrance and reception area.

After verifying their identities, the staff politely and warmly led the two inside.

As you slowly ascend the spiral staircase, you'll find yourself on a thick wool carpet, surrounded by soft lighting and antiques, all exuding a nostalgic atmosphere unique to old Hong Kong's financial district.

The Central Chinese Community Center was packed with people on Friday night.

All I saw along the way were men and women in sharp suits, exuding an air of authority.

After the two sat down in the dining area on the 14th floor, they casually flipped through the menu.

Bai Menglin moved closer and whispered in her ear, "See that middle-aged man in the dark gray suit and glasses? He's the CIO of Youfeng Capital, and he manages three large funds."

"And that beautiful woman in the red dress, she's an LP advisor at Hillhouse Capital."

...

Having spent so much time in the Central financial district, Bai Menglin also participates in various social activities in addition to her work.

That's enough to be considered "well-informed".

Shen Yuyan glanced sideways, her eyes flickering slightly.

As expected, Yancheng is still too small.

Anyone in this group is someone she used to have to book well in advance to see.

In Hong Kong, you might get to know someone at a cocktail party or reception.

Fortunately, she has now broken out of her previous small circle.

The sky is high and the sea is wide, birds fly and fish leap.

With Rongliu Capital as a platform, one day we will be able to integrate into these circles.

"Ding-dong—" A WeChat notification sound rang out.

Ji Yingying: "I'm downstairs, I'll be right up."

The two looked up and gazed at the entrance to the stairs.

Less than two minutes later, a familiar yet unfamiliar figure appeared before them.

Ji Yingying wore a white suit skirt, with exquisite makeup and an upright posture.

Their gazes met in the air.

Ji Yingying smiled faintly and walked over. "Yu Yan, Meng Lin, it's been a long time. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Bai Menglin smiled and said, "Yingying, it's been a long time. You've changed so much; you're a completely different person now."

"Yingying." Shen Yuyan pursed her red lips and nodded at Ji Yingying, "You've become even more beautiful."

"You too, the school beauty, haha."

The three exchanged a few pleasantries while standing, and then took their seats.

Ji Yingying called the waiter to take her order. Her movements were composed and her tone was natural, yet she subtly revealed a sense of control as if she were in the lead.

Without even asking the two of them what they liked, he directly ordered several classic dishes recommended by the club, and then closed the menu and handed it back.

Shen Yuyan and Bai Menglin exchanged a glance, their expressions unchanged, but they secretly exchanged a look under the table that said, "She's still the same as always."

While waiting for the food to be served.

Ji Yingying raised her wine glass and smiled, "Finally, we can have a meal together in Hong Kong. It's not easy. Let's drink!"

"cheers."

“Ding~Ding~”

As the wine went down my throat, a slightly tipsy feeling quietly rose to my cheeks.

The three chatted about their high school days and their former classmates.

The dishes were served one after another.

The three ate and chatted, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed, with laughter filling the air.

When we had almost finished eating.

Ji Yingying turned her gaze to Shen Yuyan, "Speaking of which, Yuyan, you've made quite a leap, actually switching to private equity?"

Shen Yuyan smiled slightly, "I also wanted to try a different approach. After several years of entrepreneurship, I felt that my perspective was too limited. I just happened to have the opportunity to get involved in more professional institutional business, so I decided to give it a try."

“Bold and decisive, still the same Shen Yuyan.” Ji Yingying said meaningfully, “However, the financial circle values ​​seniority, resources, and background. The entry threshold is high, and whether you can stay in the long term depends on your foundation. Especially the position of assistant to the chairman, you can only say that you have obtained the ticket to enter. You still have to keep working hard.”

“That’s true,” Shen Yuyan nodded with a smile. “But my ‘ticket’ is quite valuable. My job title is director, and I’m also a mid-to-senior level executive. I’m basically involved in core business.”

Ji Yingying paused slightly, her expression becoming somewhat displeased.

Although her experience as an assistant to the boss was nominal, the core content was nothing more than meeting translation, copywriting polishing, and arranging the boss's travel, which had nothing to do with the "core business".

Shen Yuyan was clearly making a veiled insult at her.

Bai Menglin sensed the awkward atmosphere and quickly changed the subject with a smile: "In the end, I'm the one who got hurt! You two are much better than me. I'm just a lowly employee."

Ji Yingying picked up the conversation and said with a faint smile, "Menglin, Guotai Junan International is indeed a good platform, but its development pace is relatively slow, and it's not a highly sought-after position. If you want to jump to a more core position, you still have to change platforms."

Bai Menglin nodded slightly, but had not yet spoken.

Shen Yuyan said directly, "You know Menglin; her abilities are undeniable. We at Rongliu are currently setting up a new business line, and I've already invited her. I just don't know if she has the courage to take the plunge."

Bai Menglin took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling.

Ji Yingying gently put down her wine glass, a smile playing on her lips. "Having courage is a good thing, but we still need to be cautious. Rongliu Capital's AUM is only $20 billion, right? It's not considered top-tier in Hong Kong. Although it has some overseas business, overall it's still a small to medium-sized private equity firm. The size of the platform has a significant impact on career paths."

Overall, its growth potential may not be as great as Guotai Junan International's, considering that Guotai Junan Securities, with a market capitalization of hundreds of billions, is backed by it.

Although the tone was gentle, the words were full of implications that the content was "not sophisticated enough".

“Yingying has indeed seen a lot in the past few years, and her speech has become more and more magnanimous. Your Zhifang Medical’s market value is about 100 billion RMB now? According to your logic just now, the growth potential is actually quite limited, right?” Shen Yuyan said in a joking tone, “How about considering switching to our company? Your IR background is a good match.”

"Hehe." Ji Yingying chuckled, "We at Zhifang are an industrial company with products, technology, and factories. Our revenue is tangible and our assets are real. Among the platforms we connect with are some top institutions, such as Qiming Venture Partners and Jiukun Investment. In fact, the day before I left Guangzhou, I had dinner with the chairman and the senior executives of these two institutions."

Then, she turned to Bai Menglin and said, "This club has a viewing terrace on the 15th floor. Many elites from Central go there to drink and chat. I happen to know someone there. I'll introduce you to them later. It might be helpful for your career development."

Bai Menglin bit her lip and nodded gently: "Thank you, Yingying."

Although she understood that Ji Yingying was showing off, this was indeed an opportunity.

In Central, many people have to wait for months just to get a meal or an introduction.

Shen Yuyan tightened her grip slightly under the table, but on the surface she just smiled calmly.

She knew perfectly well that Ji Yingying was right.

Moreover, the two companies she mentioned, Qiming Venture Partners, have nearly $10 billion in assets under management, while NineKun Investments has swept the quantitative trading sector with assets under management exceeding 60 billion RMB.

In comparison, although Rongliu Capital currently has $21 billion in AUM, which is considered top-tier in mainland China, it is indeed insignificant in Hong Kong, a financial metropolis with extremely high global capital density.

If Qiming invited Bai Menglin to switch jobs, even for just a senior analyst position, Bai Menglin would probably agree on the spot.

This is reality, and she understands it perfectly.

The three were silent for a moment.

Ji Yingying took a sip of red wine with a radiant expression, stood up and straightened her clothes, seemingly having fully entered "hostess mode".

“Let’s go, my two old classmates, we’ve almost finished eating.” She said casually, “Let’s go to the viewing terrace for a drink, enjoy the night view of Central, and maybe make some new connections.”

Her gaze swept over the two people opposite her, her eyes bright, her confidence tinged with a hint of scrutiny.

Shen Yuyan smiled and stood up calmly. "Then thank you very much, Yingying, for helping us expand our social circle."

Bai Menglin nodded slightly, picked up her bag, and followed.

The three of them climbed the stairs to the 15th-floor observation deck and walked a little further in.

My eyes suddenly opened up.

The lights flickered on the terrace, and conversations rose and fell.

At least half of the crowd were foreigners, dressed in sharp suits, exuding composure, some holding whiskey, others chatting in hushed tones.

The aromas of alcohol, perfume, and cigars mingled in the night air, creating an atmosphere unique to high society. Directly opposite, the dazzling night view of Central unfolded.

The skyscrapers, illuminated by neon lights, resemble a crystal forest, shimmering and dazzling, facing the Kowloon Peninsula across the water.

"This way." Ji Yingying held her bag in one hand and raised the other, elegantly gesturing for the two to follow.

She walked with a steady gait and a composed expression, as if she were entering a territory she already knew well.

In fact, as the former assistant to the board of directors of Zhifang Medical, IRO now spends most of her time socializing.

I've also witnessed many different situations by following leaders and investors.

Compared to Shen Yuyan and Bai Menglin, this is her biggest advantage, and also the main reason why she invited the two of them here.

Within that circle of seven or eight people, a man in his thirties was smiling and welcoming them.

Wearing a custom-made navy blue suit and gold-rimmed glasses, he exuded a calm yet sharp aura.

Ji Yingying greeted him with a smile, "Hello, President Zhou, we're here."

President Zhou nodded and looked at the two people behind her.

"This is Mr. Zhou Wei, a partner at Huayin Capital and a good friend of mine," Ji Yingying said affectionately. "Mr. Zhou helped book the seats for this Huaxia Club event."

Upon hearing her introduction, Bai Menglin's expression sharpened, and she immediately extended her hand in a polite manner, "Hello, Mr. Zhou, I am Bai Menglin from Guotai Junan International. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Hello, Miss Bai," Zhou Wei replied casually, shaking her hand.

His gaze immediately fell on Shen Yuyan, his eyes brightening slightly.

Shen Yuyan's appearance is indeed extremely outstanding.

With a fresh and beautiful face, a clean and neat temperament, and eyes that convey intelligence and composure, she easily becomes the center of attention among a group of professional women.

Shen Yuyan did not extend her hand, but instead bowed politely. "Hello, Mr. Zhou, I am Shen Yuyan from Rongliu Capital."

“Confluent Capital?” Zhou Wei raised an eyebrow. “Is that the firm that led the Pre-B round of funding for Ruide Biotech in March?”

"Yes, you are truly knowledgeable."

Ji Yingying, who was standing next to him, added, "Mr. Zhou is a partner at Huayin Capital and a member of the investment decision committee. Huayin participated in our Zhifang Medical's pre-IPO round."

Upon hearing this, Bai Menglin's expression changed slightly, and her eyes showed more respect.

"Where is Miss Shen in Rongliu?" Zhou Wei continued to ask.

"Chairman's Assistant." Shen Yuyan took out a business card from her bag and handed it over, her tone gentle. "Currently, I am responsible for investment research and project coordination in the AI ​​field. I hope to have the opportunity to learn from you in the future."

Zhou Wei took the business card, glanced at it, and casually said, "Not bad. AI is very popular now, and Rongliu's judgment in this direction is quite advanced."

The two exchanged a few words about industry topics. Zhou Wei's attitude was gentle and friendly, and he seemed to have a good impression of her.

Immediately afterwards, Zhou Wei led the three of them into the circle.

They include VPs from top foreign investment banks and senior investment managers from several leading private equity firms.

The topics discussed ranged from macroeconomic policies to Singapore REITs, from LP investment preferences to the trends of overseas FOFs—all top-tier information.

Bai Menglin listened intently, her expression slightly raised, trying her best to keep up with the pace, occasionally nodding in response, appearing exceptionally serious.

Shen Yuyan observed quietly, spoke cautiously, and maintained a smile.

The viewing terrace was bustling with people, forming numerous small groups with conversations rising and falling.

Thanks to her excellent communication skills, Shen Yuyan exchanged business cards with many people during her travels.

Most people are just being polite, and their tone still carries a sense of distance.

Several men were particularly enthusiastic and proactive towards her, but she could tell at a glance that they were not interested in her professional background, but rather in her "external value".

Be in it.

Shen Yuyan felt powerless.

I felt my own insignificance once again.

In Yancheng, the name Rongliu Capital is enough to impress anyone who hears it.

While they may be somewhat well-known in certain vertical industries within Hong Kong's financial sector, they are far from being truly remarkable.

She stood quietly by the brightly lit railing, her gaze sweeping across the Victoria Harbour night view and landing on that familiar high-rise building in the distance—the 38th floor of IFC Phase 2.

ε=(ο｀*)))Alas

This is Hong Kong.

My dear Mr. Tang, if I, as your assistant, am so lacking in prestige, you really need to work harder!

"Yu Yan," Bai Menglin's voice rang out.

Shen Yuyan quickly composed herself, smiled faintly, and raised the whiskey in her hand.

"Clink—" The wine glasses clinked lightly, producing a crisp and pleasant sound.

Shen Yuyan smiled and said, "In Hong Kong's financial circle, most good opportunities come from internal referrals and recommendations. This kind of occasion is indeed meaningful. It's always good to get to know more people."

Bai Menglin nodded, but her expression was somewhat hesitant.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally said in a low voice, "I've actually thought about your invitation all day, and I think I should be honest with you about it."

"Hmm." Shen Yuyan nodded calmly. "It's alright, go ahead."

She already had a vague idea of ​​what the other person wanted to say.

Bai Menglin pursed her lips, carefully choosing her words before speaking.

at this time--

A gasp suddenly rang out from the terrace.

"Holy—sh*t!"

"Oh my god! Look at the news!!"

The gasps came from three white men in the corner, who were staring at their phones, looking shocked.

The crowd that had been chatting in an orderly manner was suddenly drawn to the scene.

Groups of two or three people were looking down at their phones.

Moments later, a tidal wave of commotion instantly drowned out the silence of the terrace.

"Kate Trust and Tangjin Capital Office? They've actually teamed up?"

$100 billion! My God!

"Something big is about to happen! This is absolutely a nuclear-level signal that will attract global capital to re-examine the Asian market!"

“Confluent Capital?!!”

"Rongliu Capital? Whose fund is that?!"

...

In this social setting known for its calm and rationality, an unprecedented sense of restlessness has permeated the air, with everyone caught up in a state of excitement and euphoria.

Immediately afterwards, astonished gazes turned to Shen Yuyan, who was standing in the corner at the edge.

Bai Menglin's words were still stuck in her throat.

Shen Yuyan stood there, stunned, as if struck by the sudden commotion.

After a brief moment of distraction, she quickly snapped back to reality and almost instinctively pulled out her phone.

As soon as I unlocked the phone, a series of eye-catching news notifications popped up on the screen.

LinkedIn, Bloomberg, Reuters, Hong Kong Economic Journal…

[Breaking News | Kate Trust, Don King Family Office, and Rongliu Capital jointly establish a multi-billion dollar fund of funds]

【帝都时间10月28日20:30，美利坚东部时间10月28日08:30】

Kate Trust and Tangjin Capital Office held a joint press conference in New York to announce a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-based private equity firm Confluent Capital to jointly establish a $100 billion fund of funds…

Her fingertips trembled slightly as she stared at the words "Rongliu Capital" in the news and read them repeatedly.

An unnatural blush appeared on her face, and her breathing became slightly rapid.

Rongliu Capital... has secured a $100 billion funding round?!

Kate Trust? Tang Jin Family Office? Strategic Cooperation?

what does this mean?
This means that Rongliu Capital's assets under management will break through its original limits overnight, directly jumping into the Top 15 local private equity firms in Hong Kong and entering the Top 30 Asia-Pacific mixed strategy funds.

It will completely break free from the vague boundaries of "medium-sized institutions" and enter the ranks of large global private equity firms.

With an AUM of $120 billion, Rongliu Capital's existing team simply cannot support this portfolio.

The next step will inevitably involve poaching talent from within the industry, expanding scale, and reorganizing organizational structures, causing a shock to the industry's talent market.

For the entire Hong Kong market, this was also a landmark capital event.

The joint investment by the two top conglomerates is essentially a strategic endorsement, seen as a further boost to Hong Kong's status as an international financial center.

Especially given the turmoil and sluggish performance of Hong Kong stocks over the past few years, this is undoubtedly a shot in the arm.

Such a significant positive development is bound to trigger dramatic fluctuations in the securities market and become a hot topic of discussion.

Rongliu Capital became famous in Hong Kong overnight.

And at this very moment, she is standing at the scene of this miracle.

Thinking of this, Shen Yuyan felt a chill run down her spine, her back burn, and her heart pound like a drum.

(End of this chapter)