Gao Fei had been delaying the offer of equity, leaving Chen Guowei feeling uneasy.
Before his call with the dean, the beta version of the chat software had undergone some general improvements and revisions by Gao Fei.
The new features of the software had opened Chen Guowei's eyes, presenting him with novelties he had never imagined.
For instance, the skin function developed for the chat interface, the cartoon avatars for chat accounts, various novel chat emoticons, and the large file transfer function, among others.
These additions had enriched the previously simple and single-featured beta chat software.
Chen Guowei was absolutely certain that with his junior's involvement and continued development, Tengxin Technology's chat software would surpass all existing products on the market.
To put it bluntly, it wouldn't be surprising if it simply outstripped all other software.
Therefore, his junior's silence and reluctance to speak made Chen Guowei’s wait agonizing; he desperately wanted his junior to join.
After a moment of hesitation, he finally couldn't help but speak, "Xiao Gao, just name your price for the shares, Senior will accept anything."
He had actually prepared a more elaborate speech in his mind.
However, as soon as the words left his mouth, his entire prepared speech vanished.
Gao Fei, who had been mentally constructing his Tencent empire, was interrupted.
He snapped back to attention, and without immediately stating how many shares he wanted, he said thoughtfully, "Senior Brother, your relative took thirty percent of the company’s initial shares for one million. Don't you think that's a bit excessive and a bad deal for you?"
Chen Guowei was stunned. He waved his hand and chuckled, "At the company's inception, funds were scarce, and we hadn't expanded any of our businesses. If it weren't for his one million helping me through the tough times, the company would likely have failed by now.
I willingly gave him those thirty percent of initial shares."
Gao Fei hadn't expected his senior brother to be so sentimental, giving away thirty percent of initial shares for a million in a time of need.
He no longer concealed his true intentions for this visit, not wanting to take advantage of an honest person, and directly stated his purpose.
"Actually, Senior Brother Chen, I've come to the company today not only to help you refine the chat software's features but primarily to invest in your company."
"Invest in my company?"
Chen Guowei looked at Gao Fei, quite surprised.
He had initially thought his junior was offering technical expertise, never imagining he was coming with money to invest and become a partner.
"Senior Brother, ever since you contacted me three months ago, I've been keeping an eye on your company and am well aware of your current situation.
Tengxin Technology Company's main business is developing single-player mobile games for various game companies and building websites, among other things.
However, after the beta version of the chat software launched in April, you've been burning through cash to maintain and operate it. With the company's current business and revenue, you can only sustain it for another two months at most, correct?"
Gao Fei's statement was sharp and direct, cutting straight to Tengxin Technology Company's financial predicament.
Chen Guowei opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something. But noticing his junior's penetrating gaze, he nodded in admission.
"Senior Brother, before coming to the company, I had prepared ten million in investment funds. If you were solely holding the shares, I could directly invest ten million in you. Regarding shares, I could offer you a sixty-forty split, or even fifty-fifty.
But now, with your relative holding thirty percent of the initial shares, from my investment perspective, Tengxin Company absolutely cannot have three shareholders at this point.
Either I hold the majority stake, or you do, or we hold equal shares!"
Although Gao Fei hadn't explicitly stated it, Chen Guowei, of course, understood the underlying meaning.
Simply put, the ten million investment was ready, but if he needed it, his relative would have to step aside.
If he didn't want his relative to step aside, the ten million investment would be lost.
Seeing Chen Guowei's conflicted expression, Gao Fei spoke again, "Senior Brother, in business, when interests are involved, you need to know how to make choices and avoid losing the bigger picture by focusing on the small.
I don't know if your relative can come up with ten million, and even if he could, would he dare to invest it directly in you?
Think carefully."
As the founder of the company, Chen Guowei knew the ins and outs of the business world since its inception.
However, he found it difficult to accept Gao Fei's investment condition, to abandon the relative who had helped him through difficult times.
But if he didn't, he would miss out on the ten million investment.
Therefore, he was in a state of extreme indecision.
Gao Fei, observing Chen Guowei frowning deeply, fell silent and sipped his tea, waiting for an answer.
Why didn't he want three shareholders in the company?
The reason was simple: Tengxin Technology Company was in its development phase.
What was the use of keeping a shareholder who brought no business or future to the company?
If the company developed fully, an inactive shareholder would receive thirty percent of the profits every month and year, how would that make other employees feel?
In short, Gao Fei’s invested companies did not harbor idlers.
After a period of difficult struggle, Chen Guowei finally made a decision.
"Xiao Gao, I need your ten million. I'll contact that relative right now."
His gaze was no longer conflicted. He took out his phone and called his relative in front of Gao Fei, activating the speakerphone.
As soon as the call connected, a middle-aged man's voice came through.
"Xiao Chen."
"Uncle An, the company is facing some difficulties recently and needs money."
"How much?"
"Ten million!"
Upon hearing the required amount, the middle-aged man on the other end fell silent.
After a moment, he slowly replied, "Xiao Chen, Uncle doesn't have that much money. I can only come up with two million at most!"
"Uncle An, I've actually found an investment company, but their condition is sixty percent shares for fifty million investment, so..."
"So you want to buy back my thirty percent shares?"
"Yes!"
Chen Guowei sighed, saying helplessly, "Uncle An, I have no choice right now. How about you name a price, and I'll buy back those thirty percent shares."
Uncle An didn't answer directly but instead asked, "Which investment company did you find?"
"Feiteng Investment Company!"
"Feiteng? I've never heard of this company before?"
"It's a company belonging to my junior classmate. His name is Gao Fei!"
"Gao Fei?"
Uncle An's tone suddenly rose. After a brief pause, he said, "I happen to have some time this afternoon. Have your company's lawyer come over, and I'll transfer the shares to you."
"Then how much do I need to prepare for you?"
"The dividends I've received from your company in the past two years are more than enough to cover that one million. No money is needed."
Chen Guowei was stunned. Before he could speak, Uncle An continued, "Xiao Wei, although I haven't interacted with Gao Fei, you should be careful when dealing with him."
"Uncle An, what do you mean by that?"
"Do you know Yu Min? The boss of Tiantang Renjian."
"I've heard of him!"
"Your junior classmate, Gao Fei, is known as the second Yu Min of the capital, and his background is even more significant and powerful than Yu Min's.
I won't say more. You figure it out yourself."
Beep...
The call ended.
Gao Fei, sitting by the side, his face instantly turned extremely grim upon hearing Uncle An's assessment of him.
He glanced at Chen Guowei, who was scrutinizing him, and coughed awkwardly, "Senior Brother, what Uncle An said are all rumors. I'm really not like what's being spread outside.
I'm just a legitimate and upright businessman. Please don't overthink it."
"Don't worry, Junior Brother. I've heard about those things from the dean. You're being maliciously slandered, and I won't dwell on it."
Seeing Chen Guowei's knowing smile, Gao Fei sighed inwardly and stopped offering further explanations.
Just because of his name, Uncle An had unreservedly relinquished his shares.
If he were to explain further, it would only make things worse.
That afternoon.
Uncle An arrived at Tengxin Technology Company precisely on time.
Under the witness of a lawyer, the two signed the share transfer agreement.
With the shares recovered, Chen Guowei directly contributed sixty percent of his shares and received fifty million in investment funds from Feiteng Investment Company.
Now with ample funds, he proceeded with the reforms and updates to the chat software's server equipment and various functions, following the plan provided by his junior.
As for Gao Fei, who had caused his senior's relative to unreservedly contribute his shares simply due to his name.
After the investment company approved the documents, he drove back to school alone, disappearing from everyone's sight once again.
He had truly not expected his name to carry such deterrent power.
Even less did he expect that his reputation for being slandered had now bled into reality.
Every time he thought of Uncle An's actions, Gao Fei couldn't help but curse Yu Min and deeply regret not having dealt with him directly.
But now that things had come to this, to completely shake off those notorious reputations, he could only continue to wait.
...
At the end of June, Kyoto University welcomed its final exams.
The usually lively basketball courts, football fields, swimming pools, and other recreational areas were almost devoid of students.
Students preparing for their final exams were all gathered in the library, classrooms, and other study areas.
Gao Fei, who had been keeping a low profile and hiding in the school, had already passed his final exams a week prior.
With his solid professional skills, the courses from freshman to senior year were like child's play to him.
If it weren't for the need to maintain a low profile, he could have directly pursued a master's degree.
In the R&D team, after the previous exclusion incident, the number of student members had been reduced to two-thirds.
Now, only eleven students with strong technical skills and practical experience remained.
Similarly, because everyone now knew Gao Fei's identity as the chief system engineer, the remaining students no longer held any grievances against him.
When encountering problems, they would humbly seek his guidance.
Initially, seeing Gao Fei's mechanical and intelligent programming skills had been a great blow to the senior students, leaving them feeling disheartened.
But after spending more time together, they gradually accepted and became accustomed to his superhuman level.
In their words, with Junior Brother Gao's ability, he could have graduated early, and a combined bachelor's, master's, and doctoral program wouldn't be surprising.
The next day.
Kyoto University's final exams concluded.
Fourth-year students graduated and left school, with only those who had been accepted into postgraduate programs choosing to remain.
For other grades, aside from a small number of students who stayed in school dormitories and worked summer jobs, most had already embarked on their journeys home.
The civil navigation system had now entered its final testing phase. Gao Fei had wanted to go home and spend time with his mother.
However, Li Chenghao, fearing potential system issues, persistently persuaded him to stay.
Ultimately, Gao Fei had no choice but to remain at school.
The cautious Li Chenghao even placed him under house arrest, forbidding him from leaving the school grounds for anything less than a major incident.
Gao Fei initially wanted to resist, but upon learning that his superiors had already agreed to the benefits offered to him, he had to compromise again.
Now, he spent his days either in the R&D team or constantly making calls, remotely directing and arranging work.
July 7th, Kyoto First Prison.
A car with a special pass entered the prison.