I can become stronger by paying salaries. I have one billion employees!

Chapter 530 If only hundreds of millions of people could work for me! Now you know the answer, right?
Inside a luxurious ballroom on the top floor of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

Chen Yansen was toasting and exchanging pleasantries with Ma Wenteng, Duan Yongping, and others one by one.

Little Ma's face was flushed. He pushed up his glasses and pulled Chen Yansen down another big gulp of whiskey.

With Pinduoduo's IPO, the biggest winner is Chen Yansen, and the second biggest winner is Tencent.

“Mr. Chen, if you hadn’t denied me the opportunity, I would have invested 100 billion when Deep Blue Battery first came out.”

Ma Wenteng had drunk a bit too much and seemed even happier than Chen Yansen. He rolled up his sleeves, put his arm around Chen Yansen's shoulder, and joked with a straight face.

100 million?
Do you think you can buy shares just because you have money?
Chen Yansen smiled and shook his head.

Shenzhen State-owned Assets provided 100 million square meters of industrial land, 30 billion yuan in cash, and various policy support measures to barely secure a 15% equity stake.

It's not that he looks down on Pony, but rather that, based solely on funding, even if it were 300 billion, he wouldn't give it a second glance.

Duan Yongping held his wine glass, his eyes filled with undisguised envy.

In his opinion, Ma Wenteng made an incredible fortune on the Pinbei project!

$12 billion becomes $170 billion!
But he also knew that for ordinary investment institutions to give money to Chen Yansen, they would have to see if he was willing to accept it.

As of now, besides Chen Yansen and employee stock ownership, the only remaining shareholders of Pinbei are Tencent, Huake, Huaxin, and Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs spearheaded the IPO packaging of Pinduoduo, pushing its market value to the level of hundreds of billions of US dollars. Despite all the hard work, Goldman Sachs only holds a 1.8% stake in the company.

Huake and Huaxin are state-owned enterprises, each holding 1.8%.

Tencent has contributed the most. Since the launch of Pinduoduo, the traffic from QQ and WeChat has never stopped. In terms of advertising fees, the value is at least 200 to 300 billion yuan.

Pinduoduo's rapid rise is absolutely inseparable from Tencent's full support.

Therefore, he wasn't envious of Ma Wenteng's profits.

Thinking of this, Duan Yongping glanced at Huang Zheng and thought to himself: He's really lucky. He joined Pinbei less than two years ago and has already risen to become the CEO of China's second largest internet company.

At the current rate of Pinduoduo's development, it might even surpass Tencent and rival Amazon in two years.

"Mr. Chen, I'm sorry to take up a few minutes of your time. A few new friends would like to get to know you. Of course, they are also the main subscribers today."

At that moment, Harvey Schwartz, the global co-head of Goldman Sachs' securities division, approached with a smile and whispered something in his ear.

After speaking, he gestured with his mouth, indicating that he should look at a table of guests not far away.

"People from Fidelity and BlackRock?" Chen Yansen asked rhetorically.

He didn't recognize them, but he could accurately guess their identities.

Only the world's top investment funds have the capability to mobilize $88 billion in a single day.

“There were also representatives from Blackstone and Vanguard,” Harvey added.

Chen Yansen nodded and did not refuse.

Together with Harvey Schwarz, they walked slowly over.

The two security personnel that Li Qingsong arranged for him always stayed within two meters of him.

As Chen Yansen approached, the seven middle-aged white men in suits all turned to look at him.

"Mr. Chen, this is Ms. Abigail Johnson, COO of Fidelity Investments. Fidelity has acquired 23% of the shares that Pinbei has offered to the public."

Harvey raised his right hand and pointed to the woman in the middle wearing black-rimmed glasses as he introduced her.

Johnson?
Chen Yansen immediately understood Harvey's implication.

The name 'Johnson' tells you that the person in front of you is a close relative of Edward Johnson, the founder of Fidelity Investments. Judging from her age, it's not hard to guess that she is a third-generation rich kid.

Abigail was wearing a bespoke suit and a Patek Philippe watch worth over 600 million yuan on her wrist, glancing sideways at Chen Yansen.

Chen Yansen chuckled softly, took another step forward, and looked down at the other person.

Despite her good maintenance, the wrinkles around her eyes and neck betrayed her true age; she was at least forty years old.

Abigail Johnson raised an eyebrow, stood up, and extended her right hand.

She could tell that Chen Yansen was an extremely confident man.

However, if it were her, starting from scratch and single-handedly taking an e-commerce company to the New York Stock Exchange in just two years and achieving a market value of hundreds of billions of US dollars, she would probably be more confident and arrogant than Chen Yansen.

“Mr. Chen, Pinbei’s equity is too concentrated, which is not actually suitable for the North American stock market.”

Abigail smiled faintly and said meaningfully.

Generally speaking, a startup needs to go through several rounds of financing to go from zero to nothing and then to an IPO. After multiple rounds of dilution, the founders are lucky if they can retain 30% of the equity.

For example, Huang Renxun's shareholding in Nvidia is less than 5%.

For example, Ma Wenteng's shareholding in Tencent is only slightly over 10%.

Amazon's founder, Bezos, also did not hold more than 25% of the shares.

Are there any exceptions?

Have!
For example, Ding Lei of NetEase held nearly 60% of the shares in the year the company went public.

To meet this requirement, firstly, the business must maintain rapid growth; secondly, the company's business model must be innovative and highly profitable.

In other words, the business itself can generate revenue and also attract a large amount of free traffic.

They don't need to spend money to buy traffic, and they can still earn substantial profits through their own business. Without the need for financing, the founders' shareholding ratio is naturally high.

Whether it's suitable or not isn't up to you to decide.

Chen Yansen replied dismissively.

Abigail's expression froze upon hearing this. She hadn't expected that Chen Yansen was not only young, but also possessed an undeniable sharpness.

Having spent many years immersed in the financial world of Wall Street, she was accustomed to the attitudes of entrepreneurs from all walks of life.

It's either obsequious flattery or a deliberate act of composure. I've never seen anyone like Chen Yansen who dares to refute her in such a straightforward tone before.

The executives from Blackstone, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Morgan Stanley sitting to the side all had smiles on their faces. They were basically watching the show with amusement at Abigail's humiliation.

However, some people believe that Chen Yansen's behavior was too arrogant and that he did not take the Wall Street financial giants seriously at all.

Abigail's lips curled slightly; despite being scolded, a faint smile appeared on her face, and her gaze towards Chen Yansen held a hint of appreciation. She then said softly:
“Mr. Chen, you misunderstand. What I mean is that Fidelity is very optimistic about Pinbei’s business model. If you have any thoughts about cashing out in the future, you can contact me at any time.”

Upon hearing this, Morgan Stanley's president, Gregory Fleming, chuckled to himself and couldn't help but mutter, "You scoundrel."

It was already known in the circle that Abigail was exceptionally capable, but she always liked to do some unusual things, especially with handsome men aged eighteen to twenty-two.

Judging from his tone, he's probably become interested in Chen Yansen!
Seeing that the other party's tone had softened and they were no longer confrontational, Chen Yansen habitually forced a smile and chatted with them for a few minutes.

As the two shook hands, Abigail gently ran her little fingernail across Mr. Chen's palm.

Chen Yansen's face darkened, and he subtly withdrew his hand.

He doesn't mind riding foreign horses, but he does mind riding old horses.

Although the old horse knows the way and even has an autopilot function, Abigail is probably older than Chen Guobin.

He can't eat it!

He then walked straight past Abigail and greeted executives from Blackstone, BlackRock, Vanguard, and Morgan Stanley in turn, his demeanor composed and exuding a maturity beyond his years.

When Scott, President of Blackstone Group's Asia Pacific region, clinked glasses with Chen Yansen, he said, "Mr. Chen, Blackstone's global logistics and warehousing network covers more than 40 countries. If Pinbei wants to deepen its presence in the Southeast Asian and European markets, please feel free to ask." Their reason for subscribing to Pinbei's equity was not for the current share price of $48.6, but rather because they valued Pinbei's future development potential.

Scott's seemingly generous provision of resources was also intended to help Pinduoduo realize its potential as soon as possible so that Blackstone could receive substantial rewards.

Besides, it's not like we don't charge money!

"Thank you, I will consider it carefully."

Chen Yansen handled it with ease.

Inside the large banquet hall, a blonde, blue-eyed girl of about eighteen or nineteen was holding a glass of champagne, observing Chen Yansen with great interest.

Even in the United States, men with outstanding abilities and handsome looks like Chen Yansen are rare.

“Vinica, he is Chinese.”

Jonard Bumpu lowered his head, glanced at his daughter, and guessed what she was thinking. He lowered his voice and reminded her.

"I know, you don't need to be too nervous."

Upon hearing this, Veronica turned her gaze back to her father and spoke.

She knew all too well that being born into the Bangpu family meant that although she had no worries about food and clothing, it was too difficult to have a normal romantic relationship.

Social class prejudice is far more pronounced in North America than in Asia.

Under her father's constraints, most of the peers she could associate with were the rich second and third generations of New York.

She knew better than anyone what kind of people they were in private.

Jonard Bumpuy smiled with satisfaction when he saw that his youngest daughter was sensible, and then led her toward the heart of the banquet.

Bumper Group is a large and powerful company in New York.

Its business focuses on real estate, hotels, golf courses, and entertainment, with total assets exceeding US$40 billion.

Of course, there are still huge differences between them and the truly wealthy class.

This is also the main reason why he went to great lengths and shamelessly obtained an invitation.

It wasn't that he wanted to curry favor with Chen Yansen, but rather that he wanted to fawn over a Wall Street tycoon.

As Chen Yansen was chatting with Harvey, Gregory, and Scott, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar face out of the corner of his eye.

Before he could react, Jonard Bumpo seized the opportunity, walked over with a beaming smile, and said, "Good evening, Mr. Harvey, it's been a long time!"

When Harvey heard Jonard's greeting, a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes, but he didn't show it too obviously in public, simply replying indifferently, "Mr. Bump is also interested in e-commerce?"

The implication is that this dinner is a celebration for Pinduoduo's IPO, so why are you, a land reseller and hotel owner, here to join in the fun?
Jonard gave an awkward smile. He had been a little confused, but when he saw Chen Yansen, he quickly came up with a plan and said that he wanted to invite Chen Yansen to participate in the Bangpu Group's interview program "45 Minutes".

In front of a group of financial tycoons, Jonard adopted a very humble posture, with a fawning smile on his face, and looked very subservient.

Chen Yansen chuckled to himself. Who would have thought that three years later, the other party would be standing on the highest stage in the United States?

“I’m sorry, Mr. Bangpu, my flight is tomorrow morning. If there is an opportunity, I would be happy to participate in your company’s program recording.”

Chen Yansen said slowly.

In short, be enthusiastic, polite, and don't agree!

"Oh, that's a shame. I originally wanted to host it myself, and I hope we can have the opportunity to work together sometime."

Jonard shrugged and said.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to talk to Chen Yansen, he managed to gain a foothold among the group and then chatted with everyone.

After giving a few perfunctory replies, Chen Yansen turned and left, heading towards the tables where the Pinbei employees were.

During this period, this group of people lived and ate in New York, busy preparing for the company's listing process, and the hardships they endured are self-evident.

As the boss, having nothing else to do, I decided to offer them some incentives and encouragement in addition to material rewards.

It's convenient anyway!

After the round, Chen Yansen had drunk quite a bit of alcohol, but it was barely enough to rinse his mouth.

He let out a long sigh, walked out of the banquet hall, leaned against the corridor, and stared blankly at Central Park not far away.

There are hundreds of millions of people in North America!

If only all these people could work for him!
There was a "bang" sound!
A cluster of flames ignited before my eyes.

Veronica held a Dupont lighter in one hand and a pack of cigarettes in the other, gesturing for Chen Yansen to have one.

"call!"

Chen Yansen blew out a breath, extinguishing the flame instantly, and said with a playful expression, "I don't smoke."

"There are men who don't smoke?" Veronica asked with a smile, skeptical.

"Haven't you already seen it?"

Chen Yansen leaned against the railing, brazenly sizing up the other person.

She is about 1.75 meters tall, blonde with blue eyes, curvaceous, with a long, straight, and slender white leg, and full lips. She is wearing a Chanel evening gown.

Mr. Chen didn't spend a penny, yet he saw all the sights of the Northern Hemisphere.

That old bastard Jonard, he's got a real knack for fathering children!

“I’ve heard that Chinese men are very gentlemanly, but your eyes are more like those of a Wall Street playboy.”

Although Veronica said that, her actions were quite the opposite. She moved closer to Chen Yansen so that he could see her more clearly.

“You said it yourself, it was just hearsay,” Chen Yansen replied.

gentleman?

nice guy?

In Mr. Chen's eyes, these are all derogatory terms.

"May I interview Mr. Chen about his feelings about having a net worth of 70 billion US dollars at the age of 21?"

Despite Chen Yansen's perfunctory attitude, Veronica was full of curiosity about him and couldn't help but ask him more questions.

"I don't feel anything; I'm not interested in money."

Chen Yansen said casually.

“…” Veronica opened her mouth, dumbfounded.

This was the first time she had ever met such a shameless person who wasn't interested in money yet became the world's richest person.
That's such a damn good show-off!

“What about the women?” Veronica leaned closer and asked in a low voice.

"I'm a picky eater!" Chen Yansen said without any politeness, casually touching the food a few times.

Veronica froze, not expecting the other party to be so uninhibited. She quickly stepped back, her pretty face flushed as she dodged away.

"Now you know the answer, right?"

Chen Yansen asked with a wicked grin.

(End of this chapter)