Zhang Yiming stood at the head of the conference table, a calm and composed smile on his face as he looked down at the four investment firms seated below.

His gaze lingered for a moment when it swept over Su Chen’s group, and he even smiled and nodded at Zong Xinyao.

This scene did not go unnoticed by Yuan Zhen and the others, and their minds were all racing with different thoughts.

This was especially true for Yuanma Capital, the angel investor, and Haina Capital, which had led the Series A funding.

The two of them, along with Rational Capital, had already privately discussed how they would slice this cake, aiming to acquire the most shares for the least amount of money. But none of them had expected a dark horse to appear out of nowhere, one who seemingly had a deep connection with the boss of Byte.

This left the three investment firms feeling uncertain for a moment.

Zhang Yiming took in the expressions of the three investment firm representatives and chuckled inwardly.

He had unexpectedly learned that his old classmate, Zong Xinyao, had returned from abroad and joined a newly established investment firm, Yunmengze, even becoming an executive. An idea instantly sparked in his mind. He would bring this new company into the game to break the monopoly held by Yuanma Capital and Haina Capital; otherwise, it would be detrimental to his company’s growth.

As a brilliant entrepreneur, Zhang Yiming naturally understood the art of balance. A multi-sided internal dynamic was the only way to facilitate the company’s rapid expansion!

Yuanma Capital and Haina Capital, both being investment firms established for many years, naturally understood all of this. Thus, they had pulled Rational Capital into their little clique.

No matter if Yunmengze secured the Series B funding or the three-firm alliance won, Zhang Yiming would be in a secure position to reap the greatest benefits.

But for all of Zhang Yiming’s careful calculations, there was one thing he hadn’t accounted for. Although Yunmengze was a startup investment firm, who could have known that its backer was a formidable powerhouse crossing into new territory!

Seeing that the time was right, Zhang Yiming cleared his throat. He then began his presentation on the company’s development and future plans, highlighting its investment potential—a necessary part of any funding round.

Only by showing the investors that the company had promising prospects could he persuade them to invest more money.

Watching Zhang Yiming stand at the head of the conference table, passionately laying out his vision, describing how his company’s technology was superior, how its features and tech surpassed similar products worldwide, and boasting about its industry-leading user base and incredibly high organic growth... 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Su Chen, however, was completely bewildered by it all and felt an overwhelming urge to doze off. His head drooped several times. Beside him, Zong Xinyao wanted to die. ’If I’d known this would happen, I would have let the boss rest outside,’ she thought.

The representatives of the other three firms and Zhang Yiming, who was still presenting, gradually noticed Su Chen’s strange behavior.

Yuan Zhen and the other two were inwardly gloating. They had already concluded that Su Chen was just a smokescreen brought in by Zhang Yiming to drive up the investment amount and make them shell out more money.

Zhang Yiming, on the other hand, felt a bitter pang. ’Looks like my earlier scheme is about to fall apart,’ he thought.

As the presentation wore on, Su Chen finally couldn’t fight it anymore. He propped his head up with one hand and fell fast asleep.

...

An unknown amount of time passed. Su Chen was sound asleep when he heard Zong Xinyao calling his name.

"Boss, wake up~"

"What is it?" Su Chen asked, his eyes barely open.

"Zhang Yiming has finished his pitch. The main event is next!" Zong Xinyao explained hurriedly.

Hearing the words "main event," Su Chen knew they were entering the final stage of the financing.

"According to estimates from professional firms, Byte’s current market value is fifty million USD. The company has decided to offer 20% of its shares for this financing round. All you representatives are free to make your bids!" Zhang Yiming announced, full of confidence.

He had high hopes for the company’s future and had poured his heart and soul into it.

*Sigh!* Zhang Yiming sighed to himself. It was a shame his plan had gone awry.

"President Zhang, a valuation of fifty million US Dollars... isn’t that a bit inflated? Among Byte’s current products, only Toutiao is really outstanding. But in the market for similar products, Weibo is already a dominant force. Toutiao alone can’t possibly compete with Weibo..."

"Based on our assessment, Byte’s market value is forty million US Dollars at most. Therefore, I can’t agree with your company’s valuation!"

Guo Chuang, the representative from Rational Capital, was the first to attack, aiming to suppress Byte Company’s valuation.

Beside him, a flicker of a smile passed through the eyes of Yuan Zhen and Lan Zhen. They had brought Rational Capital into the fold precisely so it could act as their vanguard, tearing through Byte Company’s defenses to achieve their goals.

Zhang Yiming grew angry hearing this. He knew it was a standard tactic used by investors, but he also knew that Toutiao was currently his company’s only truly presentable asset.

"Mr. Guo, with the advancement of technology, the personalized digital media market is poised for rapid growth. Byte is already positioning itself in related industries. Leveraging our user base, I believe we will see exponential progress in the near future."

Just as Guo Chuang of Rational Capital was about to rebut, Zong Xinyao, sitting next to Su Chen, chimed in, "We at Yunmengze agree on this point. The future belongs to the internet, and the digital media market will become mainstream."

Seeing Zong Xinyao enter the fray, Yuan Zhen and the others sneered inwardly. ’So she really is a plant sent by Zhang Yiming. Such a blatant display of support... what could be the motive? It’s nothing more than a trick to make us spend more money!’

The three of them exchanged glances, communicating with their eyes. Then, Haina Capital, as the lead investor, launched its offensive. "President Zhang, the valuation from all three of our investment firms is forty million US Dollars. That makes 20% of the shares worth eight million US Dollars. If you have no objections, the three of us will buy all of it!"

"You...?" Although he had been mentally prepared, Zhang Yiming still found it hard to accept now that the moment had arrived.

He could only cast a pleading look at his old classmate, Zong Xinyao. If Yunmengze didn’t get involved, only two outcomes remained for Zhang Yiming.

One: tearfully accept the demands of the three investment firms, led by Haina Capital, ending in Byte’s complete defeat.

Two: this Series B funding round would fail, Byte Company would lose its chance for rapid development, and its future would be bleak.

Zong Xinyao saw Zhang Yiming’s plea for help and immediately looked to Su Chen beside her. After all, she wasn’t the one making the decisions.

She saw Su Chen with his right hand on the table and his left hand propping up his chin, his fingers tapping out a steady rhythm. He looked deep in thought.

"Boss, should we..." Zong Xinyao asked tentatively.

Zong Xinyao’s words broke Su Chen’s concentration. The tapping of his fingers stopped, and he turned his head to look at Zhang Yiming at the front of the conference table.

"We at Yunmengze accept President Zhang’s valuation. We will acquire the entire 20% stake! If you’re agreeable, President Zhang, we can sign the contract right now!"

Su Chen’s clear voice echoed through the conference room. The three investment firms, who had been on the verge of enjoying the fruits of their victory, all turned to stare at Su Chen, their faces a mask of astonishment.

Hearing this, Zhang Yiming’s expression was one of profound relief. "No problem! We can sign the contract directly!"

When Yuan Zhen and the others heard this, they instantly lost their composure!