Murong Feng had originally intended to ask Tang Qing about Gu Changqing's situation, but the next day happened to be the third plenary session of the China Glory Society, with meetings all day long. Additionally, due to Murong Feng's recent active participation in various charitable activities of the Glory Society, he received the Outstanding Contribution Award for China's Glory, personally presented by Deng Changhua. With all the busyness and chaos of the day, he forgot about Gu Changqing's matter.
Recently, he had been busy with another matter: Zhou Haitao had finally made up his mind to resign from UBS and collaborate with Murong Feng.
Zhou Haitao, with his rich experience in financial investment, had an in-depth discussion with Murong Feng and modified Murong's initial concept. He didn't agree with Murong Feng's plan to use most of his own funds as the company's investment capital.
"Murong, the reason I decided to collaborate with you isn't solely because you can provide funding," Zhou Haitao said calmly. He had obviously given it deep thought: "Can I ask you a question? Murong, which industry do you think you're best suited for? Media? Communications? Or internet gaming?"
Murong Feng was stunned by his question. He pondered carefully and suddenly felt a bit lost. Which industry was he most suited for? If asked before, he would have unhesitatingly chosen media, given his Chinese literature degree and his career in writing. But since becoming wealthy, his life had undergone enormous changes. He had been acting, investing, running companies, researching culture... doing everything and involved in multiple fields. Although everything seemed to be developing well, it was actually because there were industry experts in his companies, like Ding Jun, Ouyang Lanruo, Wei Bao, and others.
As for Murong Feng himself, he had even set aside his initial writing career.
The research with Professor Chen was still somewhat related to his studies. After returning from his Huaxia research trip, Murong Feng had written a new perspective on corporate culture that combined traditional culture with contemporary characteristics, supplemented by material and honor incentives. This was well-received by Professor Chen and used as his master's thesis, earning him a master's degree. These days, because of his many social engagements and activities, he couldn't spare the time and rarely returned to school.
Which industry was he really suited for?...
Zhou Haitao gave him the answer: "The industry you're most suited for is investing!"
Murong Feng looked at him in surprise.
Zhou Haitao analyzed it for him: "Murong, your greatest characteristic is your sincerity in dealing with people. This makes it easy for you to gain others' goodwill and trust, so you've always had good relationships. Also, you're good at judging people, as evidenced by the development of the companies you've invested in, proving your unique insight. Most importantly, you have a natural instinct for investing!"
Murong Feng shook his head in disbelief and laughed, "A natural instinct? How come I haven't noticed it myself?"
Zhou Haitao smiled and said, "Really, think about your initial investment in Fengxing, your investment in Huayou, the acquisition of Ayu, the investment in Harbour. Before investing, didn't you feel that these investments were valuable? That they would grow? Did you ever consider what would happen if the investment failed, if the company didn't develop, that your investment might be a total loss?"
Murong Feng was stumped by Zhou Haitao's questions. Considering investment failure? He really hadn't!
With Fengxing, he was just helping Liu Xin realize his entrepreneurial dream, not expecting this money to actually yield any results. Unexpectedly, Fengxing Wireless developed rapidly.
Investing in Huayou, he felt that as the largest private film and entertainment company in China, it must have huge development potential in today's environment of social development and improving living standards. So he had no consideration of investment failure.
For Ayu, he saw its talent accumulation, reserves, and the vast market for domestic online games. As for Harbour, he trusted Li Xiangnan as a person. Li Xiangnan was the type of person who had technical skills, understood management, and worked tirelessly. How could such a person not succeed? Murong Feng couldn't believe otherwise.
Thinking it through, Murong Feng really did have the investing instinct Zhou Haitao mentioned!
Seeing him pondering silently and slightly nodding, Zhou Haitao knew he agreed with this assessment and continued with a smile, "So, I want to come out and collaborate with you because I think you're a genius in investing!"
Murong Feng smiled wryly, to think there'd be a day when he'd be called a genius! However, seeing Zhou Haitao's serious and even somewhat fanatical expression, he didn't want to pour cold water on his enthusiasm. He could only continue asking, "Haitao, you said you don't agree with me investing my own funds, so how should we cooperate?"
Zhou Haitao, full of confidence, replied, "Of course, you can invest your own funds. I just hope that not all the investment funds come from your pocket, as that would be too risky. We can operate like a regular investment company, raising funds abroad to combine with your investment as the company's managed capital." He smiled, "If you don't invest your own money, we would just be working for others, making money for them."
Murong Feng laughed, "That's true. Tell me more details!"
Zhou Haitao's plan was as follows: Murong Feng would invest $100 million, and Zhou Haitao would also bring in the $30 million he had accumulated over the years.
....
The two elevators at the 'Chairman's platform were exclusive. When the elevator doors opened, the environment and style of the 'Chairman's' platform was stunning.
The traditional Chinese aesthetic of finding emotion in landscapes - the restraint, romance, and even a hint of sensuality - was embodied in the fashionable yet natural decor. A small bridge over flowing water was transformed into a clear stream on a square glass platform. The walls of different materials - some entirely of charcoal, some of yellow mud mixed with straw, some of wood with various patterns, some of tiles arranged in lines - under the caressing illumination, presented a multi-faceted ambiance that was both traditional and modern.
Today, Guo Changqing was dressed in a moon-white traditional Chinese jacket with mandarin buttons, making him look even more distinguished. Seeing Murong Feng, he warmly greeted him with a smile and a polite bow.
The group then entered a private VIP room and took their seats.