Chapter 19: The Thirty-Million-Dollar Ticket to Entry

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In the entire shipping company, Chen Weiqiang invested 40 million yuan, Liu Shiqi put in 30 million, and each of them diluted their shares slightly to accommodate Zheng Qian.

Currently, the company owned only three ships. If Zheng Qian could invest 30 million yuan, they could easily purchase a large-tonnage cargo ship to operate international routes, which would be a perfect enhancement to the company’s business. Externally, it would demonstrate greater strength and attract more international business.

The inland shipping routes had already been dominated by major shipyard companies. Opening up overseas markets was precisely the path Chen Weiqiang aimed to take.

“Once you get the shares, I will introduce you to some of our clients.”

“However, one thing—if the company needs working capital later on, we might have to invest more. Mr. Zheng, have you thought about that?”

Generally, additional investments wouldn’t be necessary. The profit after costs already covered the working capital needs, and shipyard companies didn’t require heavy cash flow—just maintenance for the cargo ships, salaries for captains, officers, sailors, and fuel expenses for each voyage.

Chen Weiqiang’s question was merely to probe Zheng Qian a little. After all, Zheng Qian’s money was somewhat unusual—not from family, not bank loans, nor his own entrepreneurial first pot of gold, but a startup fund from his girlfriend. This was quite puzzling.

If working capital were truly needed later on and additional investment required, Zheng Qian might not be able to come up with the money. It was better to ask first, though even if he couldn’t, it wouldn’t be a big deal.

“Additional investment won’t be a problem. If the company keeps making steady profits but hits some bumps, just say the word—I can still come up with some funds,” Zheng Qian confidently guaranteed.

Zheng Qian currently had 200 million yuan in his account, so a few tens of millions were nothing to him.

He had money in hand; his investment and shareholding weren’t aimed at making money but at elevating himself. Even if he lost money, it would be like paying tuition.

“Alright, since that’s settled, Mr. Zheng, come to the company tomorrow. We’ll have two lawyers review the contract and then sign it directly.”

“As for your position, you’ll be responsible for the company’s public relations and part of the inland transportation business, at the vice president level. How does that sound?”

Zheng Qian nodded.

“So soon! Haha, looks like I’ll be calling you President Zheng from now on,” Li Tao said, surprised at how smoothly the negotiation went. Tomorrow, Zheng Qian would transform into his superior.

Within the company, Chen Weiqiang was the largest shareholder, founder, and undisputed chairman and CEO.

Liu Shiqi and he were the second and third largest shareholders, and even if they did nothing, they were still vice presidents.

“Brother Tao, what are you saying? You are my guide; I have much to learn from you in the future,” Zheng Qian seized the opportunity to flatter Li Tao.

Previously, Li Tao, as the company manager, had always looked after Zheng Qian.

Now, with Zheng Qian’s words, Li Tao’s future status in the company was basically secured.

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As long as Li Tao didn’t fall out with Zheng Qian, his position and treatment in the company would rank just below the three shareholders.

Chen Weiqiang was slightly taken aback. The relationship between Li Tao and Zheng Qian was better than he expected, so he quickly added, “Indeed, Li Tao’s business ability is strong; he will definitely perform beyond what I expected as a manager. His compensation is quite special. When the company goes public in the future, he will also receive shares.”

Offering shares upon a company’s IPO was a common carrot used by bosses to motivate employees. It wasn’t always reliable, but considering Zheng Qian’s few years of working for others, promising him shares was almost a joke.

But since Li Tao trusted Chen Weiqiang so much, there must be a reason.

Nearby, Liu Shiqi remained silent throughout, her eyes filled with contempt for Zheng Qian.

From Zheng Qian’s manner of speech, behavior, and actions, this person probably had no entrepreneurial experience. The 30 million yuan came from his girlfriend, showing no real strength.

If she was right, Zheng Qian was just buying a ticket to high society from Chen Weiqiang, and the price was 30 million yuan.

If Liu Shiqi were the company’s CEO, she would never agree to such a “rich kid” joining as a shareholder.

As founder of Zhongguang Fund, having spent so long in finance, she understood a basic truth.

Some money is just money.

Some money is not just money; it brings additional value.

For example, a middle-class family that saved one million yuan over thirty years—

Would it be the same as one million yuan from a Wall Street financier?

The middle-class family’s one million yuan was simply one million yuan—money without much value.

The Wall Street financier’s one million yuan was not just money; it carried Wall Street connections and could bring networks, income, and rising stock prices.

Chen Weiqiang naturally understood this too. He certainly wouldn’t refuse, because Zheng Qian could buy shares from anyone he wanted.

His company was short of funds; 30 million yuan would make the start steadier, though the benefits would be minimal—negligible even.

In Liu Shiqi’s eyes, if Zheng Qian had to join as a shareholder, giving him 24% was too much; 15% would be more appropriate. But Chen Weiqiang had already made the decision, and as a second largest shareholder, she couldn’t say much.

“Qianqian, have legal prepare the contract and contact the business registration department. Let’s get this filed so we can sign the contract tomorrow,” Chen Weiqiang instructed the girl beside him.

“Okay.”

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Zheng Qian understood that the girl named Qianqian was Chen Weiqiang’s assistant.

Knock knock knock.

“Who is it? Come in,” Chen Weiqiang glanced toward the door.

A middle-aged man with a large belly and a bald head entered, wearing a loud floral casual shirt, looking to be in his forties.

Behind him followed a man in his thirties, somewhat thin, but dressed in a suit, looking sharp and capable.

“Hey, Brother Han, Brother Jiang, come on in, have a seat.”

“Haha, I heard you’re on the sixteenth floor, so I came up to toast you.”

“Have you eaten? Why not sit down and join us?” Chen Weiqiang thought that since the main business was more or less done, it was a good chance to introduce Zheng Qian to some people.

“Sure, I haven’t eaten yet.”

“I’d like to introduce you—this is our company’s new vice president, President Zheng Qian.”

Chen Weiqiang never hesitated to share his network, especially since Zheng Qian was already his vice president.

However, for people like them, usually a simple introduction through a mutual contact was all that was needed. Whether this developed into real connections for Zheng Qian would depend on himself.

“President Zheng seems very capable, becoming the vice president of Qiangzi at such a young age.”

“I’m Han Huahao.”

Zheng Qian extended his hand first: “Zheng Qian. You can just call me Xiao Qian.”

“I’m Jiang Tao.”

“Hello, hello.”