How can you become a star without money?

Chapter 207 Inviting a Wolf into the House?! [10,000-word update, please subscribe!]

Wang Yao had to conceal his identity for all external investments, so he could only use a BVI structure to hold the controlling stake behind the scenes. Therefore, he needed a local partner in each region: Bunshunsha in Japan, Lee Boo-jung in Korea, and the Huo family in Hong Kong.

There's no other reason than that the Huo family has enough prestige and a strong offline foundation. After all, the logistics business in East Asia needs a partner like 14K.

Huo Qigang wasn't initially very interested, as their family's development path differed from other purely business-oriented wealthy families. He originally intended to invite Wang Yao to join the Elite Club and the Bai Ren Foundation.

But after hearing Wang Yao's overall plan for Mulan Street, he changed his mind. He felt that it was a platform that could create a lot of jobs and value, which would be a good opportunity to find something for his group of idle members to do.

After the two parties reached a preliminary agreement, Wang Yao invited him to visit the pilot project of Mulan Street (domestic version) in Beijing.

Since acquiring the treasurer and venturing into the luxury market, Mulan Street is no longer a purely online social media e-commerce platform. It also takes into account offline delivery and other businesses, and does not rely solely on the delivery systems of JD.com and Vancl. Instead, it has built its own logistics network.

Huo Qigang readily agreed, and the two flew back to the capital overnight. As expected, they ran into Tan Hui as soon as they landed.

Tan Hui was stunned when he saw Huo Qigang following Wang Yao.

"What a coincidence, Mr. Tan is also going out?" Wang Yao said with a subtle smile.

"Ah, yes, I'm planning a trip to Shanghai." Tan Hui smiled and greeted Huo Qigang; the two seemed to know each other well.

"I heard that President Tan has invested in Chengtian? Then we can be considered colleagues from now on," Wang Yao said with a smile.

“I’m the white knight, and Mr. Wang’s movie website is the black knight. Before the takeover bid is completed, we’re still rivals,” Tan Hui said with a smile.

Huo Qigang seemed to sense the strange atmosphere between the two and sized them up.

He was naturally paying attention to the 'Queen's Revenge' and 'White Knight' incidents, but he was most concerned about Ali's movements.

“Tianhuo just repurchased Meishe’s shares from Alibaba. I work with President Tan in my capacity as a representative of Meishe. I rushed back tonight specifically to attend President Wu’s board meeting tomorrow,” Wang Yao said with a slight smile.

"Huh? They repurchased it?! When?" Tan Hui was taken aback, quite surprised.

Didn't Wu Kebo say he wanted to join forces with Alibaba to control Tianhuo?

Is this person telling the truth or not?!

"Just this morning, I thought Mr. Ma was too busy to bother with these little things for me." Wang Yao shrugged.

"That's really good. With President Wang around, the conflict between us and Kanpianer.com can be resolved." Tan Hui maintained his smile, while still making plans in his mind.

They all felt that Chen Hao's sudden takeover bid was instigated by Kanpianer.com, since Ren Quan and Wang Jinhua had a grudge against Wu Kebo.

But now that Wang Yao has suddenly bought back shares and become the representative of Meishe, he has keenly sensed something is amiss.

"Will President Tan be attending tomorrow?" Wang Yao asked with a smile.

"Mr. Wang, would you like me to attend?" Tan Hui remained silent for a moment.

In fact, he deliberately came to the airport to ambush Wang Yao today. Known as the "King of Aviation" in Beijing, he has access to almost all information about landings in the city. He knew about Wang Yao's return to Beijing before anyone else.

But Huo Qigang, who was beside Wang Yao, was indeed unexpected; he had no idea that the two of them had any connection.

Tan Hui rarely suffered losses in his life, but he had indeed suffered a great loss at the hands of the Huo family, so he was particularly wary of them, and his original level of vigilance towards Wang Yao increased even more.

This kid seems to really know about his dark past!
Oh, right, he knows that fat bastard Wang Jing.

"If Mr. Tan has time, you can attend. Who knows, Mr. Wu might have some new big plans." Wang Yao's smile was incredibly bright.

Tan Hui felt a chill run down his spine for no apparent reason. He nodded and said, "Then I'll definitely be there tomorrow. How many days will Young Master Huo be staying in Beijing? Do you need my help?"

"It's alright, I'm just inspecting a project with President Wang, no need to trouble Brother Tan." Huo Qigang's smile was both friendly and distant.

"Then let's have dinner together tomorrow after Mr. Wang and I finish our meeting." Tan Hui didn't press the matter and watched the two leave.

"Mr. Wang, did you really send me to Beijing to inspect Mulan Street?" Huo Qigang asked with a smile after getting into the car.

“Of course, but it’s a bit surprising that Brother Huo knows President Tan,” Wang Yao said with a smile.

“When my grandfather was alive, he often visited my home to wish me a Happy New Year. We became familiar with each other over time. But how did Mr. Wang get involved with him?” Huo Qigang smiled.

"We're practically colleagues in the film and television industry, so it's hard for us not to cross paths," Wang Yao said with a smile.

"President Tan is not a easy person to get along with. President Wang is still young, so it's best not to associate too much with these older people," Huo Qigang reminded him with a smile.

Wang Yao nodded, gazing thoughtfully at the nightscape of the capital city shrouded in darkness.

The next morning, Wang Yao entered Chengtian Entertainment's company for the third time.

Two days later, everyone returned to the meeting room where the conspiracy was being plotted. Like the candlestick chart, their moods had gone through the ups and downs from expectation to disappointment, and everyone's attitude became negative.

Although everyone was happy to see that Xingmei had actually entered the market and offered a fair price, and knew that Friday's drop was due to unforeseen circumstances, the value of everyone's shares had indeed shrunk by two-thirds within two days.

Especially for the major creditors of several securities firms, although their share losses are not significant, given the current situation, the stock price is unlikely to recover in the short term. If there is any further disruption to their operations, it will truly become a high-risk situation.

After all, judging by its market value, Chengtian is already close to being insolvent.

Their only demand today is to find a way to ensure that the loan can be recovered, or at least that it cannot be pledged as shares, but must be converted into fixed assets.

The entire conference room was extremely gloomy until Wang Yao appeared, like a ray of sunshine breaking through the dark clouds.

Everyone present was very familiar with this rising star of Shanghai; they had heard of him not only in online news but also in almost every entertainment-related event.

Why he was here with Xu Chen became everyone's biggest question.

Wang Yao, introduced by Xu Chen, greeted the brokers who worked at the securities firm.

Until Wu Kebo led Tan Hui in.

On Friday, due to major negative news, the entire market was hit hard, and the already fragile stock price of Chengtian fell directly to the 30s, and the market value completely fell below 1 billion.

Faced with this sudden and unavoidable situation, Wu Kebo almost fainted again.

Why is God so cruel to me?
Every time things are just starting to get better, something unexpected happens. Am I really having a bad year?
This blow completely shattered Wu Kebo's last bit of spirit. He summoned several major shareholders again to discuss how to deal with the possible changes that might come next.

This drama seems to have been spiraling out of control from the very beginning.

Now the ship is leaking almost everywhere, and he, as the captain, is finding it increasingly difficult to keep up.

Today's meeting is all about brainstorming (and shifting blame), since the company doesn't belong to him alone anyway.

But when he saw Wang Yao's glaring smile, Wu Kebo was stunned.

What is he doing here?

A chill crept up my spine without my noticing.

"Mr. Wang? Today is the defending side's shareholders' meeting, it's not the acquiring side's turn yet, is it?" Wu Kebo composed himself and frowned.

"I'm here today representing Meishe, not Kanpianer.com. Mr. Wu, it's been a long time. How are you feeling?" Wang Yao asked with concern.

“Tianhuo has repurchased Alibaba’s shares and is currently the largest shareholder of Meishe,” Xu Chen added from the side.

Wu Kebo's pupils suddenly contracted.

Did they repurchase it?
"Mr. Wu, there's plenty of time for catching up. First, give us an explanation," one of the brokers said anxiously.

"Explanation? Mr. Chen, that's a rather unpleasant way to put it. The company belongs to everyone, not just me." Wu Kebo frowned upon hearing this, his expression displeased.

?

When the company was operating normally and you were the major shareholder, why didn't you say that the company belonged to everyone?
Now that the stock price has plummeted and the debt ratio is off the charts, do you realize the company belongs to everyone?
Upon hearing this, the shareholder surnamed Chen became furious and started arguing with Wu Kebo. They argued for quite a while before being pulled apart.

"Gentlemen," Wu Kebo said solemnly, "although you were not optimistic about my plan before, it has proven effective. Although your shares have been diluted temporarily, I assure you that by the end of this year, the share price will definitely return to 10 yuan, and the company's market value will return to over 26 billion!" He took a breath and solemnly promised.
"Moreover, the current stock price slump is not unique to us; the entire market is bearish. However, our business has not been affected, and the company is still operating without problems. Everyone should have confidence in the company; otherwise, Mr. Tan would not have invested real money in us, right?"

Wu Kebo used Tan Hui as an example in an attempt to calm everyone down.

“We also appreciate Mr. Tan’s generous offer, but the purchase price of 3.5 yuan per share is more than four times our previous cost of 15 yuan. Mr. Wu should be able to understand our feelings,” another person said.

"So, with this poison pill plan, everyone can continue to increase their holdings. As long as the company's operations are fine, the stock price will eventually recover. Moreover, the film city project will start construction next year, and the domestic box office will definitely exceed 10 billion yuan, which is another big positive news. We should have confidence in the company," Wu Kebo emphasized.

"If Mr. Wu is so confident, how much has he increased his holdings this time?" the broker surnamed Chen sneered.

Wu Kebo choked, frowned, and was about to defend himself when he suddenly heard Wang Yao speak.

"I think what Mr. Wu said makes a lot of sense."

The young, unfamiliar voice drew everyone's attention.

"This year, the film box office market is expanding, the film and television business is expanding, and three film and television companies are preparing to go public by the end of the year. The entire cultural and entertainment sector is in great shape. Cinemas are the hardware, and as long as the software business continues to grow, the hardware will definitely appreciate in value," Wang Yao said with a smile.

Everyone looked at this third largest shareholder, who was second only to Tan Hui and Wu Kebo, with strange expressions.

For a moment, I couldn't figure out his purpose.

Wu Kebo never expected that it would be Wang Yao who would speak up to help him out of this predicament.

Tan Hui looked up and stared at Wang Yao, trying to figure out his purpose.

“I fully understand the feelings of the creditors. Meishe also dismantled 4 million yuan to help Chengtian seek development.” Wang Yao first stated his position.

In terms of book losses, Meishefang is clearly the largest creditor.

“Mr. Wang is also a CEO, so he understands my situation better,” Wu Kebo said with emotion.

Others frowned and glanced sideways.

Wang Yao built his empire from scratch. How can you, someone who got something for nothing, compare?

“Yes, I understand that it’s not easy for Mr. Wu to run his company, especially when faced with such a sudden force majeure event that is beyond human control. But problems always need to be solved.” Wang Yao said with a warm smile.

For a moment, Wu Kebo was somewhat moved.

“That’s right. I gathered everyone here hoping that we could pool our wisdom and efforts to see if there’s any way we can overcome this difficulty together,” Wu Kebo said in a deep voice.

Everyone started whispering.

"The problem is simply debt. If the stock price doesn't rise, the debt ratio will remain high, which increases the risk for previously pledged shares. As a creditor, I'm not trying to pressure Mr. Wu, but simply hoping to convert the share pledge into an asset pledge," the brokerage firm surnamed Chen demanded.

“Mr. Chen, you were very quick to lend money when the stock price was good,” Wu Kebo said, frowning.

"Changing part of the pledge is also acceptable," the broker surnamed Chen suggested, backing down.

"No, share pledging and asset pledging cannot be confused. I disagree," Tan Hui suddenly said.

Share pledges are ultimately settled in shares, which follows the share price trend.

But asset pledging can actually be converted into cash. As the major shareholder, he owns half of all the company's assets, and even if the company goes bankrupt and is liquidated in the future, he will still get a large share.

The group immediately fell into another argument.

"Gentlemen, please calm down and listen to what Mr. Wu has to say," Wang Yao said with a light laugh, tapping the table.

Wu Kebo was also at his wits' end, and when the problem was thrown back at him, he was speechless.

If I had any ideas, I would have said them already. Why would I need you to remind me?
"Replacing the collateral with new collateral is definitely not an option." Wu Kebo only offered empty promises: "I'll say it again, the company is operating normally, there are no high-risk liabilities, and the value will definitely reach 26 billion by the end of the year!"

"Mr. Wu, we're all grown up now, words don't guarantee anything," the broker surnamed Chen sneered.

"Then what do you want?" Wu Kebo asked impatiently.

"Please calm down," Wang Yao said again with a smile. "It seems that everyone still lacks confidence in the company's prospects. Well then, I'll think of a solution."

“Please go ahead, Mr. Wang.” Wu Kebo perked up.

He guessed that Wang Yao probably wanted to take over his CEO position, and he couldn't wait to get rid of this hot potato.

With the stock price falling to this level, he no longer considered cashing out. He was certain that the company's operations were fine and that it would recover once this period was over. He figured someone else would take over the reins now, and he would step back and wait for the right opportunity.

"What shareholders and investors want is nothing more than confidence." Wang Yao curled his lips: "If even an outsider like President Tan is willing to be a white knight, then we internal shareholders naturally have an unshirkable responsibility. Meishe's 4 million yuan dismantled is no longer needed by Meishe; it can be directly converted into new shares. Moreover, we will add another 5 million yuan, making a total of 9 million yuan, and directly increase our holdings by 2.6 million shares."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire audience erupted in uproar.

"How much???" Wu Kebo stood up in shock.

Will they raise 9 million to acquire 2.6 million more shares?

This is 1 million more shares than he and Tan Hui originally planned!

Moreover, by directly reducing the debt ratio to 50%, even if other creditors want to sue, they may not be able to succeed.

In this way, the biggest debt crisis in the world has been temporarily resolved, and because of the large number of newly issued shares, it may really be taken seriously by investors when the stock market recovers.

Although this would make Meishefang the largest shareholder and Wang Yao likely to become CEO, Wu Kebo felt that it didn't matter.

But wasn't Wang Yao's dose of adrenaline a bit too strong?

Everyone was stunned, and their eyes instinctively turned to Xu Chen beside him.

Wang Yao succeeded Alibaba as the largest shareholder of Meishe, but he is not the only shareholder, right?
How could such a huge debt of 4 million be poured into this dilapidated ship?
Xu Chen's expression was complicated, as if he had just found out as well.

"Wait a minute." Just as everyone was in a daze, Tan Hui suddenly raised his hand: "If Meishe acquires another 2.6 million shares, bringing the total share capital to over 5.8 million shares, will Mr. Wu's shareholding drop below 10%?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the others were stunned again, not quite understanding why Tan Hui was calculating this.

Anyway, it's unlikely that Wu Kebo will increase his holdings again.

But someone quickly realized what was happening.

Wouldn't that mean that Wang Yao could get more than 90% of the shares as long as he colluded with all the other shareholders?
Instantly, everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

Wu Kebo's smile froze completely on his face, his eyes filled with fear and disbelief, a terrifying possibility lingering in his mind.

Who is currently launching the takeover bid?

Besides him, whose people might be present?

If, as Tan Hui claims, Wang Yao has convinced everyone and obtained 90% of the shares, then the offer price can be revised to force a takeover of his shares.

Moreover, the offer price was set according to the normal market price, which means that the 2500 million shares he holds could be forcibly acquired for less than 1 million.

He will then suffer a direct loss of nearly 2 million.

No, he can't accept it.

Wu Kebo's eyes instantly turned bloodshot, and he slammed his fist on the table, shouting, "Wang Yao, what are you trying to do?"

The others also realized that before Wang Yao got 90%, whoever was slow to act would ultimately suffer huge losses.

This seems to be a Yang configuration?

Wang Yao's smile remained unchanged, but his gaze was unwavering. "Two yuan per share is my final offer price. Ladies and gentlemen, I promise that after the takeover bid is successful, the stock will be suspended for one month for restructuring. I will use Tianhuo Media as collateral and lend 600 million yuan as a guarantee. If the company's stock price is not satisfactory by the end of the year..."

I will repurchase the shares at 10 yuan per share, and Tianhuo Media will directly assume the debts of the creditors. What do you think?

A collective gasp filled the conference room.

If Wang Yao had simply orchestrated the takeover of Cheng Tian, ​​everyone would have just given him a thumbs up and praised him, saying he was a wolf in sheep's clothing with extraordinary abilities.

But if Wang Yao is willing to use his own assets to guarantee Cheng Tian's company, then he really wants to run the company.

What is confidence?

It's not about making empty promises or saying a few polite words.

It requires concrete evidence, in black and white, to guarantee it.

No one questioned the value of Tianhuo Media. In fact, everyone knew that, at the very least, Wang Yao could push for the restructuring of Kanpianer.com and Chengtian!
Wang Yao is the true savior who can save Cheng Tian!

“Mr. Wang, I believe you.” The broker surnamed Chen was the first to stand up and express his opinion.

Other securities firms also responded.

In reality, even after the shares held by these people are diluted, they may not even reach 1%, but they still have 6 million in debt on them, and the company will need their assistance for other capital operations in the future.

But as long as they have their support, at least in the short term, they won't face negative confidence such as loan withdrawals and debt crises, and they will also have a good reputation in the capital circle.

High debt ratios have never been a reason for securities firms not to lend money to each other.

Real estate companies have an average debt ratio of 80%, so they can still borrow money if they need it.

There's only one reason I won't lend it to you: I'm afraid you won't be able to pay it back!
“Wang Yao, don’t push your luck. I can’t accept this price. Don’t forget, I can continue to increase my holdings. As long as I exceed 10%, you will never be able to make a successful offer!” Wu Kebo’s face was extremely ugly.

"Mr. Wu, if you really have money, why didn't you use it to increase your holdings sooner?" The broker surnamed Chen sneered.

Wu Kebo was speechless.

“Mr. Wu, I don’t necessarily want to take over Chengtian. I just wanted to help you since you can’t handle it. If you’re not willing, then I’ll give up.” Wang Yao spread his hands and chuckled.

Wu Kebo was struck dumb.

Yes, now it's him who needs Wang Yao's help, not the other way around.

“Xingmei is looking forward to cooperating with President Wang. There’s no need to increase the holdings too much; I can cooperate with President Wang at a price of 3.5.” Tan Hui’s laughter was like the gavel at an auction, sealing the deal.

With his support, Wang Yao will be invincible.

"President Tan! You!" Wu Kebo exclaimed in shock.

He never expected that Tan Hui would so brazenly betray him.

"Mr. Wu, all I want is to integrate the cinema chains and become the industry leader. As for who I integrate with, I don't care." Tan Hui shook his head with a smile.

"You! All of you!" Wu Kebo pointed at the group of people in the office, his face flushed red, unable to speak.

Letting a wolf into the house?!
Wu Kebo had never realized that this idiom could be so vivid.

He couldn't catch his breath and collapsed.

"Using the same old trick again?" Xu Chen stood up and frowned.

"It seems he's really passed out, call an ambulance quickly." The independent director, who had been involved in the previous power struggle at the United States, rushed over and skillfully began first aid to Wu Kebo.

“Mr. Wang, don’t worry about him. Does everything you said before still stand?” the broker surnamed Chen said.

“Alright, now I’ll speak with you all on behalf of the acquiring party.” Wang Yao smiled, seamlessly switching identities.

He demonstrated on the spot what it means to have multiple roles.

(End of this chapter)