Chapter 508: Friendship or the God of Wealth, who should you choose?
Naixue has always been pursuing a high-end route, and its directly-operated stores are larger and have higher decoration materials than Lemon CC.
Therefore, the decoration costs of the two brands' direct-operated stores are very different. The average decoration cost of a Lemon CC direct-operated store is about yuan, but the average decoration cost of a Nayuki direct-operated store, even a C-level store, is more than 6 yuan.
Although the decoration company has only been open for one month, it has already taken over the decoration contracts for 1 Nayuki's directly-operated stores. As for the Lemon CC business, it has a total of 23 stores.
The monthly business volume is almost 500 million.
This is because February is close to the Spring Festival. According to Lemon CC's current expansion speed, the number of stores that need to be renovated in March is likely to exceed 2.
"How is it? Although it is a little lacking in management, at least it can keep up with the pace of the company's expansion."
The decoration company has always been managed by Cai Fujun. From the time Luo Yang talked to him about cooperation to the establishment of the company for formal operation, the preliminary preparation time was less than two months. It was not easy for him to achieve this level.
"If you follow the original plan, you've done a pretty good job, brother."
After walking around, Luo Yang followed Cai Fujun into the general manager's office: "But now I have to trouble you to work harder."
The decoration company's headquarters is located in an office building in the southeast corner of the materials market, and it rents a floor as an office area.
"What, it's not enough?"
Cai Fujun had just sat down in front of the teapot and paused as he was about to offer a cigarette: "Are you going to increase your investment and speed up the store expansion?"
In his opinion, the current pace of adding new stores is already fast enough.
Especially since stores are opened all over the country, if An Ying had not divided the stores into regions and carried out concentrated expansion in a planned manner, the decoration team formed by Cai Fujun might not be able to keep up with the pace.
"I have discussed financing with Shen Nanpeng of Sequoia Capital."
This is also one of the reasons why Luo Yang came to see the decoration company today. He wanted to communicate with Cai Fujun first: "I plan to raise some funds from outside to speed up the layout of Lemon CC across the country, open franchise stores as soon as possible, and expand the scale of Lemon CC."
Cai Fujun was stunned by the news.
Large-scale financing activities involving equity changes must be negotiated with other shareholders.
"Brother, you..."
In a hurry, Cai Fujun didn't know how to reply to Luo Yang.
“How much do you plan to raise?”
"I plan to raise 5 million yuan."
Luo Yang took the cigarette from Cai Fujun and lit it before continuing, "As for how many shares we need to give up, it depends on the valuation given by Sequoia Capital. But I have had a preliminary discussion with them and it will not be less than 40 billion!"
"40 billion!"
Even the experienced Cai Fujun couldn't help but exclaimed after hearing this number.
You know, he holds a 15% stake. According to this valuation, wouldn't these shares be worth 6 million?
"Yes, 40 billion."
Luo Yang nodded in confirmation, and then added: "But it will take until the second half of the year, when the number of Lemon CC direct-sale stores nationwide exceeds 2000."
"That's incredible!"
Cai Fujun's cheeks flushed, and he said excitedly: "This is Sequoia Capital's valuation, a very strong market recognition."
"Now it's not a question of whether it's hard or not, but whether you support my decision or not."
Luo Yang leaned back in his chair and looked at Cai Fujun with a smile.
Among the three shareholders, Liu Haishan knew him the earliest, and He Maosong had an average relationship with him. Instead, Cai Fujun came from behind and they cooperated in many businesses.
Now, as long as he supports it, the combined shares of the two will account for 70%. Theoretically, it will be of no use even if He Maosong and Liu Haishan oppose it.
"Brother Luo, when are you going to talk to Lao He and Lao Liu about this?"
Cai Fujun did not answer Luo Yang immediately, but instead asked about communicating with the other two shareholders.
"Next week, I'll make an appointment with them."
Luo Yang smiled and said, "We haven't met since the beginning of the year, so it's a good opportunity for us to get together."
"Actually, Lao He has been in Shanghai these days."
Cai Fujun thought for a moment and said, "How about we give him a call now and have dinner with him tonight?"
This sentence once again demonstrated He Maosong's dominant position among the three of them, like a military advisor, and with a bit of authority.
"Okay, go ahead and call."
After his eyes lingered on Cai Fujun's face for a moment, Luo Yang nodded indifferently: "Originally, we were supposed to go back to Yang City on Friday, but since Lao He is here, let's postpone it to tomorrow."
Cai Fujun's heart skipped a beat.
It was Luo Yang who initially brought him to the Jiang Xiaobai project. Now it seems that this company has a bright future and will be able to bring him huge value in the future.
It was Luo Yang's idea that this decoration company separated from Luo Sheng Tang, and he was the only one they approached for cooperation.
Although he took the initiative to share some of the profits with He Maosong and Liu Haishan, he still took the lion's share after all. With this business alone, it would not be a problem for him to earn 100 or 200 million in the next two to three years.
Decades-long relationships with old friends are real.
However, the relationship with Luo Yang, the God of Wealth, directly involves Cai Fujun's own interests.
Now there is a minor conflict, what should I choose?
It was he who suggested inviting He Maosong to dinner, and Luo Yang agreed, but he was hesitant to take out his cell phone to make the call.
Cai Fujun regretted the suggestion he had just made.
"Brother Luo, our Luo Sheng Tang has no shortage of cash flow, so why do we need to seek external financing?"
He changed the subject, trying to save the situation.
"I think I may have let out some rumors when I was chatting with you guys before."
Luo Yang also saw Cai Fujun's inner struggle, smiled, and then explained: "A market research organization has done a related survey report, pointing out that in the next two to three years, the scale of the domestic milk tea market will reach about 400 billion. Now there are more and more brands in the milk tea market, and everyone is eyeing this big cake."
“Are you trying to seize the market?”
Cai Fujun said thoughtfully: "Before other brands that have just entered the market, occupy the market share first, and then slowly digest it."
“No, market share is just a symptom.”
Luo Yang shook his finger and said, "I want to sell Lemon CC on a large scale."
Cai Fujun was stunned for a moment.
"Maybe I'll tell you a little bit about the plan in advance."
Luo Yang held a cigarette between his legs and flicked the ash into the ashtray: "When the valuation of Lemon CC reaches about 100 billion, I will find a buyer to sell it to, and only keep the high-end brand Nayuki. The low-end and mid-end markets will be taken over by others."
Sell it when the valuation is 100 billion.
Cai Fujun felt like he was electrocuted all over. He shuddered and came to his senses, looking at Luo Yang in surprise.
"100."
He muttered to himself, and after a long while he looked at Luo Yang: "Brother Luo, I support your financing development plan!"
The investment was less than 2000 million a year and a half ago, and it became more than billion in three to five years. No one could bear it, and Cai Fujun no longer cared about his friendship at this time.
At this time, if you don’t hold on to Luo Yang, you’d be a fool.
Moreover, in his opinion, He Maosong and Liu Haishan would definitely not object, and "surrendering" to Luo Yang now did not mean hurting the feelings of his old brothers.
"Contact Lao He."
How could Luo Yang not see the reason for Cai Fujun's change of mentality? He smiled and reminded him to contact He Maosong.
"Old He is a capitalist. When he hears this kind of news, he will definitely agree faster than I do."
Cai Fujun said cheerfully: "I'll contact him, and the three of us will have a good drink tonight."
As he spoke, he didn't bother to boil the water and took out his cell phone to contact He Maosong.
After a few words, without saying anything specific, he made an appointment with He Maosong. After hanging up the phone, he started contacting his girlfriend Su Hui, talking a lot, asking her to bring people out, and his requirements were quite high.
While he was on the phone, Luo Yang picked up the kettle and started making tea.
There is no need to book a restaurant. Cai Fujun’s shop is not far away. You can have a comfortable meal of home-cooked meals in the small private room on the second floor.
He Maosong arrived the latest. When he arrived at the materials market, it was already a little after six o'clock.
"Lao Cai, you have to compensate me. I turned down a dinner with a big boss just to have a drink with you tonight."
Seeing Luo Yang was also there, he said cheerfully: "If it weren't for Brother Luo being here, do you think this small place would be able to attract me to come here?"
"Compensation?" Cai Fujun said stubbornly, "Doesn't our brother Luo count as a big boss? Even if he is not now, I think he will be soon."
"See how eager you are to treat us, it seems like something good is going to happen."
He Maosong avoided the topic and sat down with a smile: "And I guess this good thing is most likely related to Brother Luo, you are just taking advantage of it."
"Hahaha"
Cai Fujun was not embarrassed. He picked up the wine cup and said with a smile, "Let's eat. One person goes first."
The three men drank the white wine in one gulp, while the girls sitting next to them picked up the red wine glasses and took small sips.
"Brother Luo, are you free next Wednesday night?"
After putting down his glass, He Maosong spoke directly to Luo Yang: "The capital is too far away, and our capital in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai cannot reach it. We are like fish in water here in the Magic City. There will be an investor reception next Wednesday. Are you interested in attending?"
"Okay, I'll bring Song Wan, who is in charge of investment at the group, with me then."
Luo Yang picked up a piece of three-yellow chicken and responded to He Maosong before eating.
Next Wednesday, he suspected that he would meet Shen Nanpeng at the cocktail party, because he heard him mention that he would be staying in Shanghai for some time recently while playing basketball in the morning.
"By the way, what has Brother Liu been busy with recently?"
Since he was going to have dinner with Liu Haishan next week, Luo Yang asked about him.
"Old Liu has been very cool lately."
He Maosong smiled and said, "I went to Macau."
Tsk, you know what to do at that place without me telling you.
"Hey, this old guy didn't even invite me to Macau."
Cai Fujun smacked his lips and said, "Now I have learned to act alone."
"He was under a lot of pressure recently and has just relaxed a bit recently. Going to Macau can be considered as a way to relax."
He Maosong smiled and said, "You know he has almost put half of his fortune into this. How can he not be anxious? I saw him getting angry a few days ago."
"What about the 100 million investment?"
Luo Yang recalled that Liu Haishan had pledged his shares last year.
"The money has been in for almost two months, but it has only recently started to move. Who wouldn't be anxious?"
He Maosong nodded and said, "I was drinking tea with Boss Guo today. Several bosses from East Zhejiang were there. They said they were drinking tea, but in fact..."
Fragments of memory emerged in Luo Yang's mind.
At this point in time, Guo was expanding rapidly. The assets of Fosun Group suddenly swelled to more than 800 billion yuan, becoming a giant. However, it later encountered a series of funding risks and had to frantically sell off assets, causing the assets of Fosun Group to shrink rapidly.
There shouldn't be any danger now.
"It's a pity that Lao Liu didn't meet a good time."
Cai Fujun found an opportunity to interrupt the conversation: "Last year, the number of Luo Sheng Tang's directly-operated stores was still small, and the bank's assessment was relatively stable, so Lao Liu only pledged 8000 million. If it was half a year later, let alone 8000 million, pledging to million would definitely be no problem."
"Ok?"
He Maosong is so sensitive.
This chat technique of inserting oneself into the topic is something he often uses, so how could I not feel it?
"Brother Luo, it seems that Luo Sheng Tang has expanded very well since the beginning of the year?"
He held up the wine cup and said to Luo Yang: "According to what Old Cai said, the scale of Luo Sheng Tang can be doubled or tripled this year."
“Mainly lemon CC.”
Luo Yang clinked glasses with him and said, "We plan to increase the value of Lemon CC to 50 billion this year."
He Maosong did not rush to respond, as he could see that Luo Yang had more to say.
"The original expansion plan is still too slow. According to statistics from An Ying, 37 new brands have been added to the domestic milk tea market in the past few months alone, and 7 of them are planning to expand nationwide."
Since Cai Fujun had forced himself into the opportunity, Luo Yang simply laid it out and said, "I plan to find an outside institution to raise some money to speed up the expansion of Lemon CC, seize market share, and sell it after it is expanded!"
After hearing what Luo Yang said, He Maosong was not as surprised as Cai Fujun.
“Does the financing institution have a target?”
He Maosong looked at Luo Yang and asked, "How much do you plan to raise?"
"Sequoia Capital plans to raise 5 million yuan!"
"Shen Nanpeng?"
As expected of someone who deals with capital, He Maosong immediately called out Shen Nanpeng's name.
A series of information flashed through his mind. After putting it all together, he asked in surprise, "Boss Shen is in Shanghai these days. Did you make an appointment with him?"
"I played a round of golf at the Yintao Golf Club this morning."
Luo Yang smiled and said, "I took An Ying with me."
"Shen Nanpeng is interested in Lemon CC?"
Different people have different concerns. He Maosong asked in surprise, "I always thought he would be interested in your Kunpeng Technology. Today, I was chatting with Mr. Guo about it. When talking about the development of high-tech industries in Shanghai, your Kunpeng Technology was mentioned."
“Why not make money?”
Luo Yang smiled and said, "We will raise the valuation of Lemon CC to around 40 billion in the second half of the year, and then use the raised funds to accelerate expansion. When we have more than 4000 direct-operated stores, we will quickly launch the franchise model. We will raise the valuation of Lemon CC to over 100 billion in about a year, and then sell it. We will make a profit, and the person who takes over will take the company public, double the market value, and Sequoia Capital will get a 6-8 times return on investment. It will be a win-win-win result."
Wow, you really know how to make big promises.
If I were to put the words that encouraged Shen Nanpeng here, He Maosong would not be able to stand it.
The eyes of the three little girls sitting next to him were shining.
Cai Fujun spoke up even more actively: "Lao He, Brother Luo's plan is amazing. We can't miss this opportunity."
"What does Shen Nanpeng think?"
He Maosong was also excited, but he was much more stable than Cai Fujun. He looked at Luo Yang and said, "Is there any hope after the discussion this morning?"
"Sixty to seventy percent sure."
In fact, it has been finalized, and it depends on what the final valuation is. However, Luo Yang cannot say 100% here. Only in this way can He Maosong take the initiative to help give advice.
"I estimate that Shen Nanpeng will definitely attend the investor reception next Wednesday."
He Maosong thought for a moment and said, "Brother Luo, you must seize this opportunity, bring An Ying along, and talk to Mr. Shen."
"Brother, these are three spots."
"Don't worry about that. Leave the admission quota to me!"
He Maosong raised his wine cup again: "I, your brother, still have some energy."
This time it was not just Luo Yang who raised his glass. Cai Fujun encouraged the three girls to raise their glasses as well and take a sip together.
"Brother Liu's side"
"How could he disagree?"
Cai Fujun smiled and said before He Maosong: "If I tell him this news now, I bet he can rush back from Macau overnight."
"Don't do that yet, this matter has not been finalized yet."
He Maosong smiled and stopped Cai Fujun: "Let's wait until after the investor reception next Wednesday. If Brother Luo can convince Mr. Shen, it won't be too late to talk to Lao Liu."
"Okay, if there are good results next Wednesday, we can take the opportunity to get together."
Luo Yang smiled and said, "We didn't drink enough at the party, let's find a club to have some fun."
"That is required."
Cai Fujun took the initiative and said, "Don't rush, I'll arrange it!"
After he finished speaking, he looked at Su Hui beside him and said, "It's okay for you to go back late tonight. Let's go sing together later."
The number 100 billion has stunned the three girls.
They all said that going to school would be fine if they didn’t know how to do it.
(End of this chapter)
