Chapter 21: One Word Is Worth 100 Million Yuan.
Chapter 21: One Word Is Worth 100 Million Yuan.
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Qiancheng's Rising Reputation
Xiao Cheng himself was enjoying a relaxed life, but the name of Qiancheng Investment Co., Ltd. was making waves in the industry.
Typically, when a small company gains momentum, larger entities seek to either suppress or acquire it rather than invest in its growth. When major companies face financial distress, competitors try to force them into bankruptcy to divide the market share among themselves.
Yet, here was Qiancheng Investment—a company that gave out money instead of taking over businesses.
The most shocking incident? A small plastic factory on the verge of bankruptcy had received a 20 million yuan investment overnight. And it wasn't just a long-term payment plan—it was real, immediate cash.
This unprecedented move sparked intense speculation within the industry. Many began investigating Qiancheng Investment's background, trying to figure out who was behind it.
But no one could find anything.
It was as if Qiancheng Investment had materialized out of thin air, and Xiao Cheng himself had suddenly emerged as a financial enigma.
As the number of inquiries increased, Xiao Cheng realized he needed more support.
"Tian Fu, hire a secretary. Someone efficient," he instructed.
Given Xiao Cheng's growing influence, Tian Fu didn't dare be careless in this matter.
"Understood, Mr. Xiao. I'll find someone suitable," he assured.
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A High-Stakes Investment Proposal
One morning, after dropping Sisi off at school, Xiao Cheng received an urgent call from Tian Fu.
"Mr. Xiao, we have a major investment request. You might want to handle this personally."
Xiao Cheng, half-listening, replied casually, "Didn't I already say that you can handle anything below 10 million yuan?"
Tian Fu's voice was unusually serious. "This isn't a small deal. Jiajiafu Group is requesting an investment."
At this, Xiao Cheng's eyebrows lifted slightly.
"Jiajiafu… the daily chemical company?"
He recalled the company—a giant in the 80s and 90s, once dominating China's chemical product market.
Its founder, Xu Qi, had been a visionary businessman. But as age and illness took their toll, he could no longer run the company efficiently.
Jiajiafu's downfall had been swift.
Recently, Jiajiafu's stocks had plummeted, and the company was rumored to be unable to even muster tens of millions in liquidity.
"I see…" Xiao Cheng muttered. "Alright, tell them to wait. I'll come over."
While the opportunity seemed promising, Xiao Cheng wanted to gauge their attitude before making any decisions.
If they were arrogant and ungrateful, he wouldn't waste a single yuan on them.
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A Meeting with Jiajiafu's Representatives
Xiao Cheng arrived at Qiancheng's office and immediately noticed a beautiful woman sitting on the sofa.
She had a tall, slender frame, with silky, straight hair cascading down her back. Her demeanor was elegant yet sharp—a woman accustomed to the corporate world.
As he stepped in, she lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes with a faint smile.
Xiao Cheng gave a brief nod in response, feeling an unexpected sliver of admiration for her.
Unlike most people who were either intimidated or overly eager around him, she remained composed.
Even the well-connected Liu Meier had been briefly entranced by his presence, but this woman managed to control her emotions.
However, Xiao Cheng's keen senses noticed the slight acceleration of her heartbeat when she first saw him.
Interesting.
At that moment, Tian Fu approached.
"Mr. Xiao, you're here. This is Mr. Li, a senior executive from Jiajiafu, and this is Ms. Xu Xiaoyan."
Xu Xiaoyan?
Xiao Cheng immediately understood.
She was none other than Xu Qi's only daughter, the future heir to Jiajiafu.
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Xiao Cheng's Bold Move
Xiao Cheng didn't bother with pleasantries. He went straight to the point.
"How much do you need?"
Mr. Li, who was about to introduce himself formally, was taken aback.
"Ah? Mr. Xiao, shouldn't we discuss the company's—"
"Five billion," Xiao Cheng interrupted nonchalantly.
Mr. Li's expression stiffened.
"Mr. Xiao, I mean—"
"Ten billion."
Xiao Cheng's tone was indifferent, but his words carried earth-shattering weight.
Mr. Li was completely stunned into silence.
Xu Xiaoyan, however, didn't miss a beat.
"If Mr. Xiao is willing to invest 10 billion yuan, I assure you that Jiajiafu will enter the Fortune 500 within three years."
Her voice was calm but determined.
This caught Xiao Cheng's interest.
She didn't panic. She didn't beg. She simply stated her ambition with confidence.
But before he could respond, Mr. Li panicked.
"Xiaoyan, don't fall for empty promises!"
Xiao Cheng's eyes darkened.
"Nine billion."
His voice was icy, instantly reducing the investment amount.
Mr. Li's face turned pale.
"Mr. Xiao, I didn't mean—"
"Seven billion. Say one more word, and you're out."
His tone was emotionless, but the authority in his voice sent chills down the room.
Xu Xiaoyan looked at Mr. Li helplessly.
She understood now.
Xiao Cheng wasn't just an investor. He was a man who made decisions in seconds—and his decisions were final.
"Uncle Li, Jiajiafu is already at the brink," she whispered.
Mr. Li's shoulders slumped in defeat.
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Sealing the Deal
"Tian Fu, bring me a check."
Tian Fu immediately retrieved a checkbook.
Without hesitation, Xiao Cheng signed his name and wrote 7 billion yuan on it.
Xu Xiaoyan's hands trembled slightly as she took the check.
A system notification flashed in Xiao Cheng's mind.
> Ding! Successfully invested in Jiajiafu Group.
Rewards:
Xu Xiaoyan's favorability +999!
Daily chemical industry knowledge +999!
Money +99.9 billion USD!
Xiao Cheng's eyebrows twitched.
He hadn't expected the system to reward him 99.9 billion dollars in return.
This was basically free money.
Xu Xiaoyan, meanwhile, was in disbelief as she held the check.
Mr. Li, despite his initial skepticism, couldn't deny that this was real. His lips quivered.
"This… this…"
The seven billion yuan investment was now right before his eyes.
Xiao Cheng turned away, heading toward the door.
"I'm going home to cook for my daughter," he said casually.
At that moment, Xu Xiaoyan's expression shifted subtly.
For the first time, a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes.
But just before he left, she couldn't help but ask:
"Mr. Xiao… Why?"
"Why did you choose to invest in Jiajiafu when everyone else rejected us?"
Xiao Cheng paused.
Then, with a faint smile, he replied:
"It's just an investment. But the moment I saw you, I thought you were worth 10 billion yuan—maybe even more."
Xu Xiaoyan was momentarily speechless.
She looked at Mr. Li, her mind reeling.
"Ten billion?" she whispered.
Mr. Li's face contorted in painful realization.
"I… I was too reckless. I… I cost us 3 billion…"
Each word of doubt he had spoken had literally cost Jiajiafu 100 million yuan.
And now, he could only regret it.