Chapter 48: Bet and Dinner

Star Moon Lake’s land has already been acquired by our group, but the design scheme hasn’t been finalized yet. We initially planned to develop it into residential properties, yet it now appears it will be commercial real estate. However, Deng Cheng harbored doubts about Zhou Xuan acquiring a building within a few years.

“Zhou Xuan, you wish to rent, correct? No issue; we’ll provide the most favorable terms later.”

“Pfft! How could my company’s headquarters operate on rented premises? Your group will undoubtedly sell the entire structure to me in due course. In fact, I intend to purchase land myself, engage the finest designers, and erect the premier, most distinctive headquarters building.”

Zhou Xuan harbored envy for the future triumvirate of BAT, each possessing their own headquarters, though to him, they lacked unique character.

Per Zhou Xuan’s vision, the edifice should be world-renowned, exceptionally distinctive—a corporate headquarters that would evoke recognition of the company, its headquarters as a landmark in global architectural history, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of world architecture.

“Zhou Xuan, while I acknowledge your genius, commerce demands more subtlety than one might surmise. Though Rongcheng falls short of the imperial capital, acquiring a building would necessitate several hundred million yuan. Do you possess such capital?”

Deng Cheng chuckled, evidently unconvinced that Zhou Xuan could amass several hundred million in a few years.

“Moreover, sustaining the company’s operations would be requisite. Should you purchase a building for headquarters, your assets would minimally amount to ten or twenty billion yuan.”

Twenty billion yuan—accumulated over more than a decade by even his father to reach the present scale.

As Blue Sky Group’s inaugural commercial real estate venture, Star Moon Lake would receive robust institutional support, with the majority of resources channeled into this project. Once launched, commercial real estate discourse would inevitably gravitate toward Blue Sky Plaza.

Consequently, the project was projected to reach completion within two to three years. Factoring in an additional year for planning and design, this would place it around 2001 to 2002. Deng Cheng found it implausible that Zhou Xuan could muster several hundred million yuan to purchase a building by then.

Zhou Xuan smiled, “Deng ge, you doubt I can assemble sufficient funds to buy a building within three years?”

“Consider this no challenge, brother. If you scale your company to a valuation of twenty billion yuan within three years, I shall address you as brother in reciprocal respect.” Deng Cheng jested.

Zhou Xuan recognized the industry’s nascent stage, where even informed individuals remained oblivious to its early monetization mechanisms.

For the internet sector, success hinged on foresight: maintaining relentless expenditure in pursuit of profitability without viable points, unwaveringly persevering.

Yet for Zhou Xuan, such obstacles were nonexistent. Armed with knowledge of subsequent trajectories and lucrative prospects, he could navigate perils and eschew pitfalls, advancing unerringly along the correct path.

“Oh, then let us wager, shall we?” Zhou Xuan grinned, scheming to ensnare Deng Cheng.

“Oh, you aim to trap me?” Deng Cheng recalled the punitive bet with Xiling Publishing House, the twenty percent royalty pact, the pinnacle in domestic terms.

Zhou Xuan chuckled, “How so? Very well: if within three years I elevate my company to a market cap exceeding twenty billion yuan, you Blue Sky Group shall embark on charitable endeavors with me, contributing to aid those in need. For instance, erecting schools in impoverished western regions and assisting economically disadvantaged students unable to pursue education. Should I fail, I shall furnish you a script—assuredly a bestseller.”

“Haha, astute indeed.” Deng Cheng raised a thumb in approval, laughing, “Zhou Xuan, your company hasn’t profited substantially yet, and you’re contemplating philanthropy. You possess genuine business acumen; I am increasingly enamored with your talent. Since you propose this, I see no reason to decline. Agreed: hereafter, provide me with an exemplary script, preferably one bespoke for me to revel in the role of protagonist.”

“Certainly. Should I falter, I shall deliver a formidable script; our firms shall invest, and you shall embody the male lead.” Zhou Xuan resolved, ensuring even in victory he bestows a script upon Deng Cheng.

This venture was to preempt the calamitous earthquake of subsequent eras, ensnaring Deng Cheng in a pitfall, affording justification for constructing new schools and preventive measures, minimizing casualties and losses.

Observing Deng Cheng’s joyous countenance, Zhou Xuan felt a surge of satisfaction. As the adage posits, “The humble serve themselves, the enlightened serve the world,” reborn once, Zhou Xuan could not idly witness disasters unfold without intervention.

Equipped with capability to enact beneficial deeds, Zhou Xuan was resolute.

Thus settled, a weight lifted from Zhou Xuan’s heart, lightening his spirit.

The evening repast occurred at a hot pot establishment, suitable for Rongcheng natives with no adaptation issues.

Gazing at the three tables crowded with male employees, Zhou Xuan addressed Wei Lian, “Wei Lian, select some astute female staff. Behold, these tables brim with stalwart men; it appears incongruous.”

“I’ve pondered this. Post the rollout of our web management system, we’ll require customer service personnel and front desk attendants. Fear not; next month ensures staffing.” Wei Lian replied.

“Indeed, invest diligence in recruitment. Our company prioritizes character above technology.” Zhou Xuan eschewed hiring opportunists who skimmed funds internally. Such practices imperiled the firm profoundly.

“Understood, noted.” Wei Lian affirmed.

“Enough, let us dine. I’ve relished hot pot immensely; the flavors excel.”

“Precisely. Having sojourned in Rongcheng four years, familiarity abounds. Though obscure eateries evade location, hot pot and skewers—famed for delectability—are well-known.” Wei Lian’s years in Rongcheng imbued him with profound local knowledge.

Thereafter, Zhou Xuan lifted his cup, toasting the employees across tables. Expressing gratitude for their diligence and wishing culinary and libational pleasures, continued efforts tomorrow.

Yet upon returning to the main table, Zhou Xuan found himself encircled by Zhou Changxing, Deng Cheng, Wei Lian, and two of Wei Lian’s companions. Several urged toasts to Wei Lian.

Zhou Xuan acquiesced to sequential toasts, thankfully without coercion. Casual and convivial, they imbibed.

Notwithstanding, Zhou Xuan felt quite inebriated, eventually retreating to the hotel.