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Ningyuan Capital's first project was invested in quickly and accurately.

The project involves a medical imaging AI company called "Zhiying Technology".

They developed an automated lung nodule detection system with an accuracy rate 5 percentage points higher than similar products on the market, and it has already obtained a Class II medical device registration certificate.

This project was selected by Chen Xi.

He completed the initial due diligence, technical verification, and business analysis in just one week.

The report is very well written, with thorough analysis of each aspect, including market potential, competitive landscape, technological barriers, team background, and financial forecasts.

After reviewing the report, Suning arranged to meet with the founder of Zhiying Technology the very next day.

The founder is a PhD who returned from overseas. His surname is Liu, he is in his early forties, has a technical background, and speaks very frankly.

After a two-hour meeting, Suning made the decision – to invest!

The investment agreement was drafted by Zhang Yuan, and the terms were very fair: Ningyuan Capital would invest 50 million yuan, holding a 10% stake and a board seat.

The performance-based agreement is not harsh; it requires the company to achieve revenue of 100 million within three years, otherwise the founding team must repurchase some of the shares.

From initial contact to signing the agreement, it only took ten days.

The payment was even faster; the 50 million arrived in my account on the third day after the agreement was signed.

Dr. Liu was astonished: "President Su, your efficiency... is incredible. I've met with several funds before, and due diligence takes a month, internal decision-making takes another month, and then the payment is delayed. You... finished it in ten days?"

“Startups need to be fast,” Suning said. “Good projects don’t wait for anyone.”

The day after the agreement was signed, Zhiying Technology officially announced the financing news.

The press release immediately attracted attention within the industry.

Firstly, the project itself is of high quality. Medical imaging AI is a popular field, and Zhiying Technology has a registration certificate and clinical data, making it a rare target.

Many large funds were eyeing it, but unexpectedly, a new fund snatched it up.

Secondly, it's due to Ningyuan Capital's speed; from its establishment to its first investment project, it took less than a month.

This level of efficiency is rare in the investment world.

That afternoon, Suning's phone started ringing non-stop.

The first call came from Li Shensi.

"Suning, you've moved pretty fast!" Li Shensi said on the phone. "I know about the Zhiying Technology project; several funds were vying for it. How did you manage to secure it?"

"It was fate!" Su Ning said modestly. "They needed money, and we had money, so we made the deal."

"It's not that simple!" Li Shensi laughed. "I heard you only took three days for due diligence? How did you manage that?"

“The team is professional and efficient,” Su Ning said. “Chen Xi used to work in a US dollar fund and is very familiar with the healthcare sector. He focuses on key points in due diligence and avoids formalism.”

“Chen Xi…” Li Shensi noted down the name. “Okay, first battle won, congratulations. But I must remind you, it’s good to have a good first project, but it also brings pressure. If you fail later, the contrast will be even greater.”

"Understood, thank you for reminding me, Uncle Li."

Not long after I hung up, Gao Yue called back.

“Suning, congratulations.” Gao Yue said directly, “We at Jin Chen also looked at the Zhiying Technology project, but our internal decision-making was too slow, so we missed it. This time, you’ve really slapped Jin Chen in the face.”

"Mr. Gao, you're too kind. It was just good luck."

“It’s not luck,” Gao Yue said. “It’s skill. Your team’s professionalism and decision-making speed are truly impressive. I heard… your investment director, Chen Xi, used to work at Goldman Sachs?”

"Correct."

“No wonder.” Gao Yue paused. “Su Ning, I’ve considered your invitation last time. I want to join Ningyuan Capital.”

This surprised Su Ning a bit: "Has Mr. Gao made up his mind?"

“I’ve made up my mind,” Gao Yue said firmly. “I’ve worked at Jin Chen for six years, and that’s my limit. President Qu’s side… has been making a lot of moves lately, their tactics are all messed up, and they’re becoming more and more impatient for quick success. I’m caught in the middle and it’s very uncomfortable. I’m even more afraid that if something comes out, I’ll be implicated by him. Rather than waiting to be purged or have my reputation ruined, I’d rather take the initiative to come out. Besides, I’m optimistic about Ningyuan Capital’s future.”

"Welcome," Suning said sincerely. "We've reserved a partner position for you. We'll discuss the specific compensation and equity details when we meet."

"Okay! I'd like to come to your house for a proper chat. Actually, I have a lot of plans in mind."

"Sure! You know the address anyway, so you're welcome anytime."

Just as I hung up the phone, it rang again; this time it was Hao Shuai.

"Suning! No, Mr. Su!" Hao Shuai exclaimed on the phone, "You're amazing! Zhiying Technology! Our consumer products group was discussing this sector before, saying that medical AI is the next big thing! And you've already invested?"

"I just happened to be there," Su Ning laughed. "What, you're interested too?"

"I'm interested!" Hao Shuai said. "President Su, are you still hiring? I want to work there!"

This was an unexpected bonus. Although Hao Shuai had a bit of a playboy's temper, he was quite capable and had achieved results in the consumer goods group.

"Will your dad agree?" Su Ning asked.

“I’ve talked to him,” Hao Shuai said. “He said that I’m just wasting my time at Jin Chen now, and I get bullied by Manager Yin and President Su every day. I might as well work with a reliable person and do something worthwhile. He thinks you are reliable.”

“Okay, then you can come.” Su Ning readily agreed, knowing that Hao Shuai’s father must have inquired about the Su family’s background. “Start as an investment analyst first, and we’ll adjust your position based on your performance.”

"Thank you, Mr. Su!"

Then, Sun Yiqiu also sent a WeChat message: "Brother Su, congratulations! I saw the news, Zhiying Technology is a good project!"

Su Ning replied, "Yi Qiu, what's your decision?"

After a while, Sun Yiqiu replied: "Brother Su, I want to continue working at Jin Chen Capital for a while longer, and I'm working hard on projects independently."

"Alright! I respect your choice."

"Thank you for understanding."

Within a single day, Ningyuan Capital secured its first project and recruited two talented individuals, Gao Yue and Hao Shuai.

Moreover, Hao Shuai's father is very influential in Hangzhou's clothing industry, and will definitely be a new asset to Ningyuan Capital.

As for Gao Yue, needless to say, having worked in the human resources field for so many years, she certainly has a lot of human resources at her disposal.

That evening, Su Ning held a meeting with Chen Xi and Zhang Yuan in his office.

"The first project was a good start," Suning said, "but the pressure is even greater going forward. The industry is watching us closely now, wondering what we'll invest in for our second project and how well it will go."

"Don't worry, Mr. Su." Chen Xi pulled up a list. "The second batch of projects has been selected, six in total, covering the medical, AI, and robotics sectors. Due diligence will begin next week."

Zhang Yuan added, "The legal and risk control processes have been successfully implemented, so the second project can be completed much faster."

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “Also, Gao Yue will be joining soon, in charge of talent recruitment and company management. Hao Shuai will also be coming. The team is growing, and we need to streamline the structure so it doesn’t fall apart.”

"Understood," they both replied simultaneously.

After the meeting, Su Ning called Lan Qianyi.

"Qianyi, did you see the news?"

"I saw it." Lan Qianyi's voice was filled with laughter. "Congratulations on your first victory."

"You'll officially start work next Monday," Su Ning said. "I'll give you a surprise then."

"What surprise?"

"You'll know when you get here."

After hanging up the phone, Su Ning stood by the office window, looking at the night view outside.

The first project was launched, and the response was quite good.

The team is growing; Gao Yue, Hao Shuai, and Lan Qianyi are all coming.

Ningyuan Capital has truly taken off.

If your first project succeeds, people will praise your good judgment; if your second and third projects succeed, people will say you have the ability; only after ten or twenty projects succeed in a row will people truly recognize you.

What Suning needs to do is not to invest in a good project, but to build a system that can continuously invest in good projects.

This requires time, patience, and, most importantly, the efforts of the team.

Fortunately, he has already made a good start.

The next step is to proceed steadily and cautiously, taking it one step at a time.

……

On Monday morning, Lan Qianyi was packing up her things in Group Four...

She has already submitted her resignation and will be going to Ningyuan Capital this week after completing the formalities.

There weren't many things—a few books, a cup, and some documents. She was putting them into a cardboard box when a familiar voice suddenly came from the office doorway: "Qianyi?"

Lan Qianyi looked up and froze.

A man in his thirties, dressed in a well-tailored suit, stood at the door. He looked refined and cultured.

He gives off a strong impression of Gao Sicong, radiating an indescribable confidence.

But Lan Qianyi's expression instantly turned cold.

Chen Zhan, her ex-boyfriend from her time at Youwei Capital, is also the past she least wants to mention.

Even Su Ning, she never mentioned Chen Zhan to him.

"What are you doing here?" Lan Qianyi put down what she was holding, her tone indifferent.

"I'm here at Jin Chen to discuss cooperation." Chen Zhan walked in with a gentle smile on his face. "Youwei Capital wants to cooperate with the Energy Group on an energy storage project, and I'm here as their representative. I just finished our talks, and when I heard you were in Group Four, I came to check on you."

He looked Lan Qianyi up and down, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes: "Long time no see, you... you're still the same."

"Is there something you need?" Lan Qianyi didn't want to reminisce with him.

"Can't I come to see you if there's nothing wrong?" Chen Zhan took a few steps closer. "Qianyi, we were together before, there's no need to be so cold."

“I think it’s necessary.” Lan Qianyi turned around and continued packing her things. “We broke up a long time ago, and it wasn’t a pleasant breakup. So, keeping our distance is better for both of us.”

Chen Zhan watched her busy figure, remained silent for a while, and then said, "I heard... you're leaving your job? Going to Ningyuan Capital? That newly established fund?"

"How did you know?" Lan Qianyi turned around.

“This circle is very small,” Chen Zhan said. “And Ningyuan Capital recently invested in Zhiying Technology, which has caused quite a stir. But I didn’t expect you to go there. With your abilities, you could easily join a top-tier fund, so why would you choose a new one?”

"That's my business."

"Is it because of that guy named Su Ning?" Chen Zhan suddenly asked. "I heard that the founder of Ningyuan Capital is named Su Ning, and he's a rich second-generation. Are you two really dating?"

Lan Qianyi's face darkened: "This has nothing to do with you."

“Qianyi, don’t misunderstand.” Chen Zhan said sincerely, “I’m just concerned about you. Startup funds are very risky; nine out of ten fail. And that Su Ning… I’ve inquired about him; he’s the young master of the Jianguo Group, a typical rich second-generation dabbling in this. You won’t have a good outcome with someone like that.”

"Chen Zhan, please leave." Lan Qianyi pointed to the door. "My affairs are none of your concern."

"Qianyi, let me finish." Chen Zhan didn't move. "I know I didn't consider your feelings when we were together back then. But I never thought you relied on me; it was all just gossip from those old women. And that's all in the past. These past few years, I've been looking for you because I still have feelings for you. Now we're both more mature, can you... give me another chance?"

These words sounded heartfelt, but Lan Qianyi only felt disgusted.

Back when she was at Youwei Capital, she was an analyst, while Chen Zhan was a rising star investor, a position that was quite prestigious.

The two did indeed date, but everyone said that Lan Qianyi relied on men. However, Chen Zhan also thought so. How could a strong-willed woman tolerate that?
So she took the initiative to break up with Chen Zhan and left Youwei Capital to join Jinchen Capital.

"Chen Zhan, please have some self-respect! If you continue to cause trouble, I'll have to call security."

"Qianyi..."

"Xiao Lan, do you need help?" At this point, Lin Yuming and Sun Yiqiu couldn't stand it anymore.

"No need! It's just an annoying fly."

"..." Chen Zhan's face turned ugly.

But he quickly adjusted his expression and put on that gentle smile again: "Okay, I won't bother you. But Qianyi, I'll say it again: venture capital is risky, and rich kids are even less reliable. If you need help in the future, feel free to contact me. I'm an investment director at Youwei Capital now, and I can help you."

"No, thanks."

Chen Zhan left, and Lan Qianyi stood there, her chest heaving, so angry that her hands trembled slightly.

Just then, Wu Kezhi returned from outside and saw her appearance. "What's wrong? Who was that person just now?"

"A former colleague," Lan Qianyi said, not wanting to elaborate. "It's nothing."

"He doesn't seem to be alright," Wu Kezhi glanced at the doorway. "Did he upset you?"

"..." Lan Qianyi was silent for a while before saying, "Mr. Wu, can I leave early? Please help me with the formalities, I have packed my things."

“Okay, go ahead.” Wu Kezhi nodded. “If Ningyuan Capital needs my help, just let me know.”

"Thank you, Mr. Wu."

Lan Qianyi left Group Four carrying the cardboard box.

When I got to the elevator, I ran into Chen Zhan again; he was waiting for the elevator.

"Qianyi, shall I take you?" Chen Zhan leaned closer again.

"Need not."

"Don't be so formal," Chen Zhan said. "Anyway, it's on my way, and my car is downstairs."

"Chen Zhan," Lan Qianyi said, looking at him and enunciating each word clearly, "we broke up a long time ago, and my current boyfriend is Su Ning. Please have some self-respect."

The elevator arrived, and Lan Qianyi stepped inside and pressed the button for the first floor.

Chen Zhan followed them in, and there were only the two of them in the elevator.

“Qianyi, I know you’re angry with me,” Chen Zhan said. “But have you thought about it? A rich second-generation like Su Ning might just be playing around with you. Once he gets tired of you, he’ll find someone of equal social standing to marry. You two aren’t a good match.”

Whether it's suitable or not, I know for myself.

“I’m doing this for your own good,” Chen Zhan said. “I did make mistakes back then, but I’ve established myself now and can give you a better life. Let’s start over, okay?”

The elevator reached the first floor, the doors opened, and Lan Qianyi walked out without looking back.

Chen Zhan chased after her: "Qianyi!"

Lan Qianyi stopped and turned to look at him: "Chen Zhan, I'm saying this one last time, we can't be together anymore. I'm doing fine now, and I don't need you to worry about me. Please don't ever appear in front of me again."

After saying that, she carried the cardboard box and walked towards the door.

Chen Zhan stood there, watching her back, his eyes gradually turning cold.

He took out his phone and dialed a number: "Help me check Ningyuan Capital and that Suning. Yes, the more detailed the better."

He hung up the phone and gave a cold laugh.

Lan Qianyi, you will regret this.

The rich kid? Startup fund? It's all just temporary glamour.

Once Ningyuan Capital collapses and Suning gets tired of it, you'll realize who's truly right for you.

After straightening his suit, Chen Zhan regained his refined and scholarly demeanor and headed towards the parking lot.

Lan Qianyi walked out of the Jin Chen Building and made a phone call to Su Ning.

"I've completed my resignation procedures."

"So fast? I was thinking you wouldn't finish until the afternoon," Su Ning said. "Shall I come pick you up?"

“No need, I’ll take a taxi to the company myself.” Lan Qianyi paused, “Oh, right, there’s something… my ex-boyfriend came to see me today.”

"Ex-boyfriend?" Su Ning's voice was flat. "What does he want with you?"

"I want to get back together," Lan Qianyi said directly. "I ignored him. But he might cause you trouble."

"Looking for trouble with me?" Su Ning laughed. "Why?"

“He thought you were just a rich kid dabbling in this field and that we weren’t a good match,” Lan Qianyi said. “Besides, he’s now the investment director at Youwei Capital, and he might try to sabotage you in the industry.”

“Youwei Capital?” Su Ning thought for a moment. “I’ve heard of it. It’s about the same size as Jinchen Capital. Okay, I understand. Don’t worry, just come to work.”

"Ah."

After hanging up the phone, Lan Qianyi hailed a taxi.

As the car started moving, she glanced back at the Jin Chen building.

I've worked here for a few months now, and there have been some gains and some unpleasant experiences.

But now, it's all over.

A new journey is about to begin.

Chen Zhan's appearance was just a minor incident.

She believed that Su Ning could handle it well, just as he handled everything else.

...(End of chapter)