Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 138: Is it really a lithium battery?
It's a pretty big store.

It has a square exterior, is a detached building, and should have three floors inside.

The location is good, with a wide view of the river and pleasant scenery.

Through the glass, I glanced at the dozen or so cars parked on the first floor of the store. None of them were cheap. These display cars at secondary dealerships are usually purchased.

The total investment is at least tens of millions.

Upon entering the store, Chen Xuebing immediately dropped the word "down" from his mind.

These cars, like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Jaguar XJ6, are all close to a million yuan these days. In the middle of the hall, there's also a Mercedes-Benz S600L with a price tag exceeding 200 million yuan.

Imported cars today are generally much more expensive than those of later generations, and even more so a few years ago, with CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) costs typically exceeding 110%.

"Please have a seat. Xiao Liu, pour water for the guests."

Xu Yunfeng led them to the rest area, and then headed up to the second floor.

After sitting and watching for a while, Xu Yunfeng and a girl came down.

She's very pretty, and looks a bit like... Christine Fan.

"This is our shop's owner, Jiang Yao! She happens to be in the shop these days. When she heard that we had important guests, she insisted on serving you personally."

Xu Yunfeng introduced the situation with a smile, which surprised both Chen Xuebing and Hu Li.

This is the boss's wife. Then who was in Xu Yunfeng's car just now?
"Hello."

Chen Xuebing remained outwardly calm, smiling and nodding at the proprietress while subtly appraising her with his eyes.

A bun hairstyle, a white shirt, and dress pants—a clean and approachable look, like the girl next door.

Her style is very different from that person at school…

He suddenly realized that Xu Yunfeng's current image was completely different from that of the "Ghost Fire Young Master" when school started. His hair was tied up, his clothes were neat, and he had a bit of an artist's temperament, which matched the style of the girl in front of him better.

Wow, this city is really something else.

Hu Li's eyes held a joyful anticipation of a big surprise. She let out a howl and ran out like a husky, pulling Jiang Yao aside to gather information.

"Wow, you're so pretty! I've never seen you at school before!"

"You're beautiful too! I don't study in Chongqing anymore; it's almost National Day, and I just got back from school..."

The two started chatting, and Chen Xuebing stood up, smiling as he exchanged a glance with Xu Yunfeng.

Xu Yunfeng smiled and gave him a knowing look.

Chen Xuebing really wanted to say that he didn't understand, but he couldn't save face, so he was very competitive.

You're the real protagonist, fucking.

Chen Xuebing cursed under his breath.

Since his rebirth, this is the first time he has met a peer who lives a life he greatly envies.

This guy actually wanted to kill him.

He brought out his girlfriend, but instead of showing her any of the cars in the store, he pulled out a luxury car manual.

His girlfriend is also particularly daring.

"Mr. Chen, this Bentley Flying Spur has a very sophisticated business style. It's 5316mm long and 1978mm wide. I was truly amazed when I saw it at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year. Now that I see you, I feel this car was made for you, with your height and presence..."

"This Porsche 911 Carrera MT..."

Several models in a row, none of them were under 200 million.

Jiang Yao is very good at flattering people, and his smile is incredibly sweet.

If Xin Mengzhen were here today, and she said she liked that 338 million yuan Bentley, he would definitely swipe his card to show off.

Note that two conditions must be met: "Xin Mengzhen is also there" and "she likes that Bentley" in order to break through Chen Xuebing's complex psychological bottom line.

Because he also liked that Bentley.

If Xin Mengzhen likes a Porsche 911 or a Ferrari, Chen Xuebing will only ask her one question: "Will you listen to me?"

Under normal circumstances, Mr. Chen is extremely fond of money.

After listening to the introduction, Chen Xuebing strolled around with a glass of water and said casually, "Mr. Xu, the cars here aren't cheap."

Xu Yunfeng walked over and said with a smile, "I like powerful cars. Of course, the cars that I like are not cheap. Mr. Chen, don't you like them?"

"I like them, but Chongqing isn't like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Shenzhen. There probably aren't many people who can afford these cars, right?"

Xu Yunfeng shrugged: "There's nothing I can do. I went to university in Chongqing, so I can only open a shop here. Whether business is good or not depends on whether a big client like Mr. Chen can take care of things."

"Your methodology is flawed."

Chen Xuebing shook his head with his hands behind his back: "You've got the direction wrong from the start. Rich people in Chongqing are very low-key. You can't attract their interest by driving a sports car around and causing a ruckus. Some powerful bosses I know usually spend their time outside of business at clubs, their own villas, or friends' homes. They live a very simple life. Your social scene is not right."

"Only with a wide network of contacts and a large market can you have opportunities."

"Another important aspect is long-term value. For a business like yours, you need a circle of wealthy people. They like to be served by acquaintances, which makes them feel like VIPs. They don't need to try and fail. Once you've established yourself in that circle and a few people like you, you'll have a good reputation, and then business will come to you one after another."

Chen Xuebing spoke leisurely, while Xu Yunfeng gave a wry smile and said:

"Mr. Chen makes it sound easy. Where can an outsider like me find such a circle? I set up a sports car club, but to be honest, the results have been minimal."

Chen Xuebing looked at him meaningfully, not believing that he hadn't understood.

He found a seat, crossed his legs, and sat down.

“My fund has more than 30 investors, and you’ve heard about the total size, right? It’s 170 million. You should be able to calculate the average financial strength of each individual.”

"There will be a second phase fund and a third phase fund in the future."

"Profits are distributed every three or six months. When my clients make money, especially during profit-sharing meetings, they naturally have the desire to spend."

"What can they afford to buy? Aren't they just buying houses, cars, and luxury goods?"

Xu Yunfeng's eyes shone brightly. He was so enthusiastic towards Chen Xuebing, so of course he had thought of these things, but not as specifically as the "profit-sharing meeting" that Chen Xuebing mentioned.

Since Chen Xuebing brought it up himself, he naturally had to follow suit.

"Mr. Chen, would you be willing to introduce me to someone?"

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. I don't object to my investors doing mutually beneficial business, but the entry threshold here is very high, 5 million. I negotiate personally, and it's usually over 10 million."

Xu Yunfeng was startled.

"500 million, that's a threshold, isn't it terrifying? I can't earn that much in a year here."

"The 500 million isn't for me, it's an investment. We have a guaranteed return plan, it's regulated by a listed securities company, and it's open for redemption after a year. If your shop can't even earn 500 million, this investment is definitely more worthwhile than opening your own shop... By the way, Mr. Xu, I heard your family is in the battery business? What kind of batteries?"

Xu Yunfeng was listening attentively at first, but when he heard the last sentence, his attitude immediately became cryptic.

"I am not aware of, and do not participate in, my family affairs."

"Your family business doesn't include you?" Chen Xuebing was a little disappointed.

He suddenly had an inspiration and realized that his private equity fund could not only be a tool for making money, but also a means of supporting loyal suppliers.

We can try using Xu Yunfeng as an example.

Regardless of what kind of batteries they make, they've already achieved a certain scale, and developing lithium batteries is better than starting from scratch.

He's already exhausted from working at one of the three major banks; he can't do everything. He just needs to do a good job with the upstream suppliers. As for the downstream suppliers, he still needs support.

But if Xu Yunfeng is just a carefree playboy, and has nothing to do with his family's business, then there's no need for this.

Xu Yunfeng firmly shook his head: "I don't care about the family business."

He's so invested in this business because it's a bet with his dad. If he can break even in three years, his dad will invest in him to start a luxury car business after he graduates, opening chain stores in major cities across the country.

Chen Xuebing, however, went from being interested to losing most of his enthusiasm, even becoming too lazy to solicit investment. He stood up and waved his hand dismissively.

"Never mind then, Mr. Xu, if you're interested, let's talk again another day. I have something to do, let's talk another day."

A fundraising of several million won't affect the overall situation. He's just here to kill time. Whether he helps or not doesn't matter. It's just a bit of a pity about his inspiration. Now he just wants to go back and check if there are any battery companies worth trying to win over.

Chen Xuebing wanted to leave, but Xu Yunfeng was completely intrigued. Chen Xuebing's words confirmed some of his previous thoughts, and now that he had found a way, he naturally didn't want to give up easily.

If it really works, this would be his unique way of expanding his customer base in big cities.

My thoughts are racing.

He quickly grabbed Chen Xuebing, wearing a professional sales smile: "Mr. Chen, don't go! Does your fund really have a guaranteed return?" Chen Xuebing stopped and nodded.

"I've bought trusts and also speculated in stocks. How are your returns?" Xu Yunfeng then asked.

"Number one in Southwest China." Chen Xuebing said confidently, "Apart from Ge Weidong of Guizhou, no large funds or speculative capital have higher returns than us."

Ge Weidong, later known as the "Eastern Heretic" of the capital market, was a futures trader who, after suffering two margin calls in 01, turned 02 yuan into 05 billion yuan between 10 and 20.

Twenty thousand times.

Those who trade futures can use leverage of ten times or more to play the game with incredible skill; some are truly exceptional, and those who trade stocks simply can't compare.

Of course, futures trading is extremely risky, and the collapse can happen incredibly fast. If you're not careful and max out your leverage, you could be wiped out and lose everything within minutes, with no chance of recovery.

This bigwig went to Shanghai to develop his business this year and even opened an investment company. He's no longer considered to be from the Southwest.

"First?! How much exactly?" Xu Yunfeng didn't expect his junior, who was even younger than him, to be so arrogant.

"The annualized return will double." Chen Xuebing answered modestly, "If you're interested, you can go to the 45th floor of the New York Building in Jiefangbei to learn more. Our office is there. Just give them my name and someone will assist you."

After saying that, he waved his hand and walked out of the store.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Hu Li was chatting happily with Jiang Yao when she quickly chased after him.

Chen Xuebing was a little exasperated by this clingy little girl. He turned around and said, "Play a little longer, then go and find out some gossip and tell me about it when you get back to school."

"Okay! Be careful on your way back!" The little girl immediately went back happily.

Chen Xuebing shook his head and sighed.

Being born into a good family is even more fortunate than his mother being reborn.

Xu Yunfeng walked to the door with his hands in his pockets, giving the junior who had taken a taxi away a long look, feeling a little envious.

1.7 million yuan. At such a young age, he has such a large sum of money in his hands.

45th floor of the New York Tower.

The feeling of standing high up and controlling the winds and clouds must be even better than the feeling of speeding through the air, right?
Actually, he could also...

Xu Yunfeng quickly shook his head.

Batteries, haha, a sunset industry.

……

……

Upon returning to school, Chen Xuebing immediately contacted Dean Zhou by phone and arranged a meeting.

After these past few days of turmoil, Chen Xuebing has once again placed new emphasis on the word "talent".

For a company, a strong talent base is crucial, including managers, finance professionals, R&D engineers, and even individuals like Dean Zhang who possess both technical expertise and a strong background.

A talented person can sometimes solve problems that he couldn't solve even after spending a lot of time on them. For example, the water conservancy project department that had been picking on him before immediately fell silent as soon as Director Zhang arrived.

Whether now or in the future, talent is the most important resource. Having a large talent pool is essential to maximize the efficiency of talent during their most valuable time.

The university is even more important; the talent a university possesses is unimaginable.

He gradually developed a complete set of development plans.

...

The next day, Sunday, Chen Xuebing arrived at the dean's office at exactly 9:30 a.m.

When they arrived, Xu An was also there.

"Little Chen is here, have a seat!"

Dean Zhou was very warm and welcoming. He invited Xu An to sit down as soon as he entered the office, and Xu An even poured him some water.

Chen Xuebing immediately snatched it away.

"Teacher Xu! Let me do it."

"Xuebing, you're getting distant. Didn't you always call me Sister An before?"

Xu An chuckled, clearly in a good mood.

"I'm just trying to flatter you! I skip class every day, and I'm still a class committee member. I'm afraid you'll fire me. But I'm really busy lately. I just hired two senior experts and I want to negotiate with the Water Resources Bureau to take on a new project."

As Chen Xuebing spoke, he poured a glass of water for both the dean and Xu An.

Hearing that Chen Xuebing's business was thriving, the two smiled even more broadly.

"How could that be? You'll be the alumni representative of our school's current students in the future. Once you join the alumni association, you'll be directly managed by the school's Youth League Committee, and I won't be able to manage you anymore."

Xu An's words stunned Chen Xuebing.

"Alumni association representative?"

Dean Zhou explained with a smile: "I reported your situation to President Liang. He bought a newspaper specifically about your foundation's preparations and was very pleased after reading it. He even said he wanted to meet you when he got back. He also hopes that you can join the alumni association to prepare for the Jiaotong University's plaque-awarding ceremony and the 55th anniversary celebration next April, mainly to receive some alumni returning to the school. What do you think?"

Chen Xuebing understood.

So that's what I called him for.

Welcoming returning alumni—they're finally treating themselves like royalty!

I was happy for only two seconds before feeling a little sour.

Previously, Principal Liang was lukewarm towards him, but now he is "very happy." So, it turns out that he previously thought that he, a small construction boss, was too unsophisticated and not worthy of being a representative figure?

However, the transformation from a college to a university, making him a key university student, and allowing him to participate in the celebration, is still something to be happy about.

"Of course I'm willing to serve the school, Dean, but I'm quite busy with my company, and my studies..." Chen Xuebing said, feigning difficulty.

"Practice is also a form of learning, Xiao Chen. Your practical skills have long surpassed those of ordinary college students. Don't worry about your coursework. Take some time to read books. I will have your counselor, Xu, talk to your class's teachers. Students who actively contribute to the school's major reforms should be given preferential treatment in terms of credit evaluation."

Dean Zhou finally offered this reassuring reassurance, and Chen Xuebing immediately beamed with joy.

"However, if it doesn't affect your business operations, you should try to spend as much time as possible at school and actively participate in school activities. An outstanding student like you should take on the role of an example to encourage your classmates to strive for excellence."

Such an entrepreneurial role model is hard to come by, and Dean Zhou doesn't want to let the kite string loosen too much; he wants to be able to pull it back whenever needed.

"Don't worry, Dean. Teacher Xu has my phone number. I'll take good care of things at the school."

Chen Xuebing expressed his opinion. Dean Zhou nodded in satisfaction.

"We also hope that your company will achieve more during your time at school. The school has talents in all walks of life, but there are still very few achievements in student entrepreneurship. President Liang and our college have high expectations."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuebing couldn't help but ask, "Xu Yunfeng, who majored in broadcasting, doesn't he own an imported car dealership? The store is quite large, and I see he's working very hard at it."

He asked this casually, after all, it would be quite conspicuous for a college student to drive a Ferrari, and the dean might know.

Dean Zhou responded with a surprised "Oh."

"Xu Yunfeng is starting a business? I haven't seen him in a while. His father... I met him once last year. Do you two know each other?"

"He wants to invest in my fund."

Xu Yunfeng acted quickly yesterday afternoon; shortly after Chen Xuebing returned to school, he went to New York 45.

Chen Xuebing had Liu Zengcheng receive him, since Liu Zengcheng was a rather arrogant and boastful person, and Xu Yunfeng seemed to be susceptible to that.

However, after asking around for a while, Xu Yunfeng said he would go again in a couple of days and then left.

"Your fund must have an entry threshold of at least 100 million, right? Tsk tsk, Chairman Xu is really..." Dean Zhou shook his head and sighed.

"Dean, his family makes batteries, right? Do you know exactly which type of battery they make?"

“Hmm…” Dean Zhou thought he was trying to attract clients and didn’t suspect anything. He carefully recalled and recounted: “Chairman Xu did talk to me. I remember he said he used to be a technician in a state-owned enterprise, and later worked for several companies. He started his business after leaving a very famous battery factory, what was it called, BAK, um, BAK.”

When Chen Xuebing heard this name, he almost exclaimed, "Holy crap!"

"Shenzhen BAK?"

Dean Zhou nodded slowly: "You've heard of it?"

Chen Xuebing's expression brightened with joy.

He had certainly heard of BAK, but it was one of the largest lithium battery manufacturers in China, only its technology was a bit outdated.

…It really is a lithium battery?

(End of this chapter)