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

Chapter 535 Li Qianlong's Invitation! Oliver: You have no idea how terrifying Chen Yansen is!
At 7 p.m., a Gulfstream 550 business jet slowly landed at Seletar Airport in the northeast corner of Temasek.

Once the plane had come to a complete stop, a Maybach drove up first, followed by a Rolls-Royce and two Mercedes-Benz vans.

All four cars were completely black, gleaming with a cold metallic sheen.

With a click, the cabin door opened.

Xiao Li led the way down the gangway, first looking around before nodding to the security personnel inside the cabin.

Two bodyguards led the way, with Chen Yansen following behind, as they descended the gangway.

Song Yuncheng followed closely behind, with Gao Weilin and Huang Zheng close behind.

At this moment, six men emerged from two Mercedes-Benz vans and quickly surrounded Chen Yansen.

A total of eight security personnel!

Especially the people who got out of the Mercedes-Benz, their waists were bulging, clearly carrying weapons.

Although Temasek has imposed a complete ban on guns, shooting athletes and security personnel are exempt from the restrictions.

Fengjun obtained its legal license as early as June last year after going through multiple levels of review.

Chen Yansen glanced at the Rolls-Royce and the middle-aged man next to it.

Before he could even ask a question, the other person stepped forward slowly, smiling, and said, "Hello Mr. Chen, I am a staff member of the Central Business Association. Mr. Li would like to invite you to his private dinner."

Mr. Li?
A private dinner?

In Temasek, besides Lai Qianlong, you probably wouldn't find anyone else who dares to put a license plate starting with 'SEP' on the front of their car.

Chen Yansen understood the subtext in the other party's words: since it was a private dinner, it meant that there would not be too many conflicts of interest involved.

After a moment's thought, he nodded slightly.

You can't just refuse to give someone else any face on their turf.

Moreover, the fact that Li Qianlong was willing to send his own private car to pick him up shows how much the other party values ​​him.

"Old Gao, Yuncheng, you two come with me. Old Huang, make arrangements for the rest of the colleagues."

Chen Yansen made a decision immediately.

He took Gao Weilin and Song Yuncheng to the banquet, while Huang Zheng led the remaining staff from Pinbei and Senlian Capital back to the hotel to rest.

"Okay, boss," Huang Zheng replied quickly.

After all, we have to meet with Oliver from Rocket Internet and Maximilian, CEO of Lazada, tomorrow. We need to make sure everyone is in good spirits so as not to affect the upcoming business negotiations.

Then, Chen Yansen stepped into the back seat of the Rolls-Royce.

Gao Weilin and Song Yuncheng got into a Maybach, which was prepared for Chen Yansen by the head of Orange Technology's Temasek branch.

Chen Yansen sat in the car, looking out at the dazzling neon-lit night view.

A short while later, we passed Marina Bay.

Looking from Merlion Park, the Marina Bay Sands hotel on the opposite bank resembles a giant ark moored in the clouds, with its rooftop infinity pool shimmering with a deep blue hue under the lights, reflecting off the bright glass facade.

The evening breeze was blowing, carrying the salty, damp scent of the sea.

There are a lot of cars and people walking on the street.

Chen Yansen was lost in thought, repeatedly pondering Li Qianlong's intentions.

Are they trying to attract investment?
Or perhaps you're looking for collaborations in the tourism, e-commerce, or internet sectors?

A dozen minutes later, the car drove into a manor house next to Orchard Road, passed through a garden and green space, and finally stopped in front of a two-story building.

It's not exactly luxurious, but in a place like Temasek where land is incredibly valuable, it's quite rare.

Chen Yansen pushed open the car door, smoothed the wrinkles on his clothes, and then strode forward with his head held high.

Gao Weilin and Song Yuncheng quickly chased after them.

Standing in front of the mansion gate, Li Qianlong squinted. In Chen Yansen, he seemed to see the rising great China.

"Why not give birth to someone like that in Temasek?"

Li Qianlong sighed deeply.

He knew Chen Yansen's resume very well. Chen was born in a remote county in Huian Province. His father was a bookstore owner. His family was not poor, but they were certainly not rich either.

He barely made the cutoff score for a second-tier university in the college entrance examination and ended up in a second-rate university.

By all accounts, he's just an average person.

However, since entering the business world, Chen Yansen's life trajectory has undergone earth-shattering changes.

Starting with e-commerce shopping guides, they made over 100 billion yuan in a year.

While his peers were still holed up in their dorm rooms playing video games, Chen Yansen had already become a rising star in the internet industry.

Even Li Jiacheng, the former richest man in Hong Kong, only managed to reach the position of manager at Chen Yansen's age.

Today, Chen Yansen has become the world's richest man, and with just one Pinduoduo online mall, his market value is almost on par with Amazon's.

In addition, projects under Senlian Capital such as Kuaipao, Orange Technology, Yunsu, Deep Blue Technology, and Tiangong Technology should not be underestimated.

This is also the main reason why he took the initiative to host a banquet for Chen Yansen!

“Mr. Li, I’m sorry to bother you. I came in a hurry and only brought two boxes of tea from my hometown.”

Chen Yansen stopped and looked at Li Qianlong opposite him.

Upon hearing this, Song Yuncheng immediately handed over a beautifully packaged bag of tea.

"Mr. Chen, you're too kind. Please come in."

Li Qianlong grasped Chen Yansen's right hand and greeted him with a smile.

The assistant next to him took the tea leaves.

Li Qianlong led Chen Yansen into the living room and to the dining table where they sat down.

Eight elegant cold dishes were laid out on the table, with rice wine, yellow wine, white wine, wine, whiskey, and fruit juice among them.

"I didn't know what Mr. Chen liked to drink, so I prepared a lot more," Li Qianlong said with a smile, gesturing for Chen Yansen to choose whatever he liked.

"The guest does as the host does."

Chen Yansen replied indifferently.

Given his constitution, it makes no difference what he drinks.

"According to our Chinese tradition, we should follow the guest's lead."

Li Qianlong said with a smile.

Chen Yansen didn't hesitate and casually chose a bottle of Shaoxing wine and a bottle of rice wine.

Li Qianlong took the opportunity to sized up Chen Yansen. In his eyes, the young man sitting opposite him was a super-rich man with a net worth of hundreds of billions of US dollars, but he did not show any arrogance or youthful conceit.

A well-tailored dark suit accentuated his tall and straight figure, and his brows carried a sense of composure and calmness. Every gesture he made exuded a calm and steady demeanor.

To have such achievements and character at such a young age?
Li Qianlong was secretly amazed.

Chen Yansen was also observing Li Qianlong. The man was in his early sixties, with half white and half black hair. If he weren't wearing a suit, he would look more like a street corner tobacco and liquor store owner.

His lips were always turned up in a smile.

Yet, one can also sense a sharp edge hidden beneath the gentle exterior.

Even in a small place like Temasek, someone who holds the highest authority is definitely not as simple as they seem on the surface.

"Mr. Chen wants to acquire Lazada?"

Li Qianlong asked casually.

Lazada is headquartered in Temasek, and Temasek Fund naturally takes notice, thus becoming one of Lazada's shareholders.

In fact, Temasek has investment projects all over the world. To name just a few, in China alone, it has invested in major banks, insurance companies, and companies like Ali, Tencent, and JD.com.

Li Qianlong is also interested in investing in Senlian Capital's projects.

But by the time he realized Chen Yansen's potential, the latter had already passed the stage of being short of money. Temasek Holdings wanted to invest in products like Orange Technology, DeepBlue Technology, and Pinbei, but they didn't even consider them.

For Chen Yansen, funding is merely the most basic requirement for fundraising; the connections and networks behind investment institutions are far more crucial.

Temasek Fund could not bring additional resources to Senlian Capital in the domestic market, so it was understandable that it was rejected.

"Whether Pinduoduo acquires Lazada or not, it will enter the Southeast Asian market in 2014."

Chen Yansen answered seriously.

In his view, he would buy if the price was right.

If Oliver raises prices arbitrarily, he'll do it himself and kill Lazada in the process.

Pinduoduo's internationalization process is imperative; anyone who dares to stand in its way will be eliminated.

Li Qianlong smiled, seeing through Chen Yansen's ambition.

He prefers to work with Chen Yansen rather than Oliver.

The reason is simple: Rocket Internet's purpose in establishing Lazada was impure. It was not about creating a second Amazon in Southeast Asia at all. It was purely a financial scheme aimed at "raising funds → expanding market size → reselling or listing to raise money".

Pinduoduo is different. Relying on China's huge market of over one billion people, it has already accumulated mature operating experience, logistics system and merchant resources.

By entrusting Lazada to Pinduoduo, Temasek Fund might be able to achieve a higher return on investment.

"Mr. Chen, if we raise the standard for the purchase amount, is there any room for a reduction in the supply price of Deep Blue Batteries?"

Li Qianlong then asked.

Temasek relies on natural gas for 95% of its electricity generation. Considering the issue of carbon emission intensity, it has launched rooftop photovoltaic projects. During power outages or peak electricity demand, energy storage systems can quickly discharge to fill the gap.

Therefore, Temasek also has a high demand for energy storage batteries.

“The cost of the Deep Blue battery is too high. I have to consider all expenses from raw materials to sales. The price of $400 is not expensive.”

Mr. Li, I'm sorry, but it may take a few more years for DeepBlue Technology to achieve economies of scale before costs can come down. At that time, prices may be able to be adjusted, and there will be more room for cooperation.

Chen Yansen explained sincerely, but politely declined.

A week ago, he was standing next to Li Qingsong, and when facing people from the Lighthouse Country Business Association, he gave the same answer.

Mr. Chen is happy when you buy his goods; but he won't be happy if you try to lower the price.

The price is $400 for everyone!
Unless the energy density and cycle life of the Deep Blue battery become uncompetitive in the market...
Otherwise, it would be good enough if Chen Yansen didn't raise prices.

Do you want him to lower the price?

What a dream!

Li Qianlong was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Chen Yansen to refuse so decisively, without giving him any face at all.

A flash of coldness crossed his eyes!

Should we wait a few more years?

Temasek's accelerated energy storage plan cannot wait.

But he had no choice. Considering that the "big spenders" in the Middle East and the United States were all buying at $400 a dollar, he could only silently compromise with himself.

Temasek has limited land resources, and it would be difficult to build large-scale energy storage power stations if low-energy-density lithium batteries are used. Deep Blue batteries are the most suitable option.

The product is good, but the price is really high!
After thinking for a moment, Li Qianlong said, "Mr. Chen, I plan to purchase 50 kilowatt-hours of Deep Blue batteries for energy storage projects in microgrids and off-grid systems."

"Thank you, Mr. Li, for your support of DeepBlue Technology."

Chen Yansen raised his glass and politely thanked him.

The order amounted to 50 kilowatt-hours and 2 million US dollars, which is indeed a bit small compared to buyers from the Middle East and North America.

Even a mosquito's leg is still meat, so Boss Chen didn't mind.

It has to be said that when it comes to making money, even ten Orange Technologies combined wouldn't be a match for Deep Blue.

Less than six months after its launch, DeepBlue Battery has already generated $180 billion in purchase orders from both domestic and international markets, equivalent to approximately 1100 billion yuan.

Once production capacity increases, revenue figures will continue to expand.

What's the difference between this and a money printing machine?
Next, the two talked about e-commerce, logistics, and the internet, starting with lithium-sulfur batteries.

Li Qianlong proposed that after Pinduoduo acquires Lazada, Temasek's shares should be retained. In exchange, he is willing to offer 10% of Temasek Post's shares for investment by Senlian Capital or Yunsu Express.

After a moment's thought, Chen Yansen agreed to the other party's request for cooperation.

Lazada's rapid development, establishing sites in Java, Malaysia, Luzon, Siam, and South India in just over three years, is entirely due to its excellent localized operation model.

By employing a large number of outstanding local talents in middle and senior management positions, the business was successfully expanded downwards.

There is no harm in cooperating with Li Qianlong.

After the meal, the two reached preliminary agreements in several areas, including batteries, e-commerce, and logistics.

It wasn't until 9:30 that Chen Yansen left Li Qianlong's residence by car.

Xiao Li had just received his international driver's license and was driving intently towards the hotel.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Lao Gao looked excited and couldn't help but say, "Boss, this is quite a show of face today. Li Qianlong is personally treating you to dinner."

"To put it bluntly, he's more like a businessman, and dealing with people like that is actually easier."

Chen Yansen said dismissively.

He didn't take Li Qianlong seriously; he was simply approaching the matter with a business mindset.

"You will take the lead on the investment in Temasek Post, and Yun Su will come up with the funds."

Chen Yansen added.

“Okay, I’ll talk to Liao Wei about the details later,” Gao Weilin nodded.

Pinbei is expanding into the Southeast Asian e-commerce market, and Yunsu naturally has to follow suit.

Initially, a "self-operated + third-party" logistics operation strategy was adopted, but later it was changed to a fully self-operated model.

At that time, a group of experienced station managers will be transferred from China, and it will only take three months to replicate Yunsu's warehousing, automated sorting and delivery model.

Once Pinduoduo and Yunsu pave the way, Kuaipao and Kuaidi Dache will also enter the Southeast Asian market.

Not long after, the car drove into the parking lot of the Sands Hotel.

……

……

The next morning, in a meeting room in the AXA Building.

Oliver gazed contentedly out the window, glancing occasionally at the limited-edition Lange watch on his wrist.

Three years, $8.5 million!
Oliver was very satisfied with the price.

Because he didn't devote much energy to Lazada's business, he only sent a few senior executives and allocated some start-up capital.

"Boss, based on the Series D funding calculation, our offer should be around $10 billion."

"That's what Lazada's CEO, Maximilian, said softly."

“I know, but Chen Yansen isn’t stupid. Offering too high a price will only provoke the other party.”

Oliver shrugged, saying he had no intention of provoking Senlian Capital.

As the head of Groupon's international business, he co-founded a Chinese version of Groupon with Tencent's Ma Wenteng. Having personally experienced the brutality of the group-buying wars, he has a very clear understanding of what China is like.

It's a total meat grinder!

Meituan, Dianping, and Lashou.com defeated more than 6,000 competing websites to achieve victory.

Meanwhile, KuaiPao, a subsidiary of Senlian Capital, has come from behind and managed to crush Meituan, Dianping, and Lashou.

Therefore, Oliver understood perfectly that selling Lazada to Pinduoduo was the best option.

(End of this chapter)