Reborn in 2012, building a new energy empire

Chapter 161 Seeking a Tiger's Skin

He leaned forward, his tone alluring and confident: "Think about it, Mr. Jiang. You'll personally pocket 100 million yuan in cash, and the company will receive another 200 million yuan in capital and comprehensive resources from Keelung."

"Market orders? As long as Kirin Technology's production capacity catches up, all the future demand from Keelung's production lines will be yours! Technological collaboration? We can partially open up our R&D capabilities and work together to overcome challenges! Even—"

Wang Zhenguo lowered his voice, as if sharing a huge secret, his tone highly enticing: "I can use all the resources and connections at my disposal to push Qilin onto the fast track of capitalization!"

"Introducing top-tier strategic investors, standardizing share reform, and aiming directly at the ChiNext board!"

"Given your technological story and Keelung's industrial background, a listing within three to five years, with your market value increasing dozens of times, is not just wishful thinking!"

"By then, you, Mr. Jiang, will no longer be just a simple entrepreneur, but a benchmark figure who has created a legendary tale of domestically produced core components achieving a turnaround! You'll have everything: wealth, prestige, and industry standing!"

Going public! Achieving financial freedom! Becoming an industry legend!

Every word precisely targets the ultimate dream of ordinary entrepreneurs. This pie in the sky is painted with dazzling gold and an irresistible aroma, making it almost impossible for anyone to resist.

However, Jiang Haoran's mind was as clear as an ice mirror, and even a hint of barely perceptible sarcasm flashed through it.

A share buyback of 100 million? A tenfold return?

If he were that naive young man from his past life, he might have been overwhelmed by the promise of "financial freedom," but now, he is keenly aware of the true value of the technology he possesses and the vast potential of the future new energy market.

Moreover, the capital controlled by "Jiutian Investment" behind him through offshore structures has long exceeded one billion yuan. One hundred million yuan in cash is no longer a number that can shake his mind.

Wang Zhenguo wanted to test his vision and bottom line by "quickly cashing out," and wanted to appear generous by offering "tenfold returns," while implying that Qilin's current "valuation is not high."

This tactic was all too familiar to him, a former tycoon in the capital market who controlled tens of billions of dollars and acquired hundreds of companies before his rebirth.

Given the technological potential and market prospects that Kirin Technology has demonstrated so far, this valuation is clearly undervalued, and what's even more detrimental is the 35% equity stake.

While it may seem that his team retains controlling stake, Keelung, as an industry giant with its own competing product R&D projects, could become a shareholder with significant influence. Leveraging its capital, market, and industry position, Keelung could use numerous compliant means to gradually erode the founding team's equity and control through capital increases, strategic investments, and performance-based agreements.

The so-called listing could very well become a long prelude to him working for someone else's benefit and ultimately being kicked out. What Wang Zhenguo really wants is to use relatively controllable costs and a seemingly win-win solution to completely digest and absorb Qilin, a potential threat and a high-quality asset, into Keelung's territory once and for all.

At that time, the best outcome for Kylin Technology would be to become a high-quality subsidiary of Keelung. The worst outcome would be that its technology would be absorbed, its team would be dismantled, and its founder, Jiang Haoran, would be stripped of his power and ousted.

The so-called "pie in the sky" for listing is nothing more than a honeyed promise that capital hunters use to appease their prey and lure them into a trap.

Seeing Jiang Haoran remain silent and appear serious, Wang Zhenguo's eyes flashed with a look of expectation. His tone became even more earnest, yet it was laced with hidden sarcasm: "President Jiang, I'm doing this for your long-term benefit."

Starting a business is difficult; turning technology into money, and money into a larger enterprise, is challenging at every step. With the resources and funding of Keelung to support you, you can avoid many detours, and the industrialization process can be greatly accelerated. Conversely—”

He sighed softly, as if stating a helpless fact, "If you insist on independent development, your courage is commendable, but Keelung Corporation does not belong to me alone. In order to ensure supply chain security and reduce costs for new production lines, the board of directors will definitely mobilize more resources to accelerate self-research and development, and even invest heavily (such as one billion yuan) in technological breakthroughs and capacity building."

"By then, the market landscape will have changed dramatically, competition will have intensified, and the challenges and pressures you, Qilin, will face going it alone will be completely different. Valuation, prospects—many things will be hard to say."

A combination of persuasion and coercion, kindness and severity.

On one side is the broad road of mutual prosperity and rapid cash-out through listing; on the other side is the narrow bridge where one may face heavy pressure from giants and an uncertain future.

Wang Zhenguo believes that any rational entrepreneur would do the math.

In a flash, thoughts raced through Jiang Haoran's mind.

He couldn't directly refuse, as that might cost him the opportunity to place an order for a hundred units, or even offend this industry giant. But he also couldn't agree, as that would be tantamount to handing over Qilin's future to someone else.

A complex expression slowly appeared on Jiang Haoran's face, a perfect blend of gratitude, caution, and a hint of ambition that a young man should have.

He first poured Wang Zhenguo a cup of tea with steady movements, and then slowly spoke, his tone extremely sincere: "Chairman Wang, your words are so heartfelt and considerate of us so thoroughly. I am truly flattered and deeply grateful." He first lowered his posture and fully acknowledged the other party's "good intentions".

"A cash return of 100 million, the strong resources of Keelung, and the grand blueprint for listing—it would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted."

"This is an unimaginable opportunity and recognition for me personally and for the team." He admitted that the temptation made the other party lower their guard.

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming sincere yet slightly hesitant: "However, Chairman Wang, since the beginning of our business, our team's biggest consensus has been to make the 'Kirin' brand a truly independent, core-competitive benchmark for domestic technology. This initial aspiration has also received strong support and high expectations from the Jiangsu provincial government, especially from Leader Bai and his team."

"The province has clear support policies and plans for hard technology companies like ours that focus on domestic substitution of key core technologies, and hopes that we can independently find a path of innovative development."

He cleverly used "provincial support" as a solid shield, implying both higher-level attention and resources behind the scenes, and providing a reasonable "external constraint" for his refusal to immediately sell his shares.

"As for funding," Jiang Haoran smiled slightly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable confidence, "to be honest, the funding for the construction of our first production line is basically in place."

"The provincial industrial funds have also expressed their intention to further develop and expand production. Among them, the second phase fund of Jiutian Investment, a state-owned enterprise under the Jiangsu Provincial Industrial Investment Group, has a share of several billion yuan and has already signed an investment intention agreement with Qilin Technology."

He deliberately mentioned "Nine Days Investment" and emphasized its financial situation, demonstrating both its strength and leaving room for imagination.

Wang Zhenguo might be able to find out that "Jiutian" is related to Jiang Haoran, but it would be extremely difficult for him to figure out the true capital empire that Jiang Haoran controls through offshore structures such as "Xinghai Investment".

"Therefore, at this stage, our team's goal is still to focus on making good products, getting the first production line running smoothly, and successfully completing the verification task of the 100 units you gave us, Chairman Wang! This is the foundation for Qilin's survival and the most convincing answer to any possible future capital cooperation."

Then, he changed the subject again, his attitude extremely humble yet positive: "Of course, Chairman Wang's proposal, especially his thoughts on the future capitalization path, is visionary and has greatly inspired us, allowing us to see even greater possibilities."

"Do you think this would be a more prudent approach: both of us should focus our efforts on winning the immediate battle of verification and delivery. At the same time, we also need some time to plan the company's future equity structure and development pace in greater depth."

"If we encounter any challenges during our rapid expansion that require the strong support of industrial capital, Keelung will definitely be our first choice. At that time, we will discuss the cooperation model that best suits the long-term interests of both parties based on the actual situation of the company's development."

Jiang Haoran's response was impeccable.

First, express "interest" and "gratitude" to stabilize the other party's emotions; then bring up "provincial support" as a buffer, implying that this matter is not something that one side can decide alone; next, emphasize "focusing on solid business first," which is reasonable; finally, offer the promise of "future first choice," which both saves face for the other party and postpones specific capital negotiations indefinitely.

The core strategy is crystal clear: seize the tangible "pie" of orders and validation opportunities that come knocking on your door; but skillfully avoid the capital "hook" that is wrapped in a trap of control.

Wang Zhenguo's smile faltered slightly, and a barely perceptible shadow of gloom and surprise flashed deep in his eyes.

He originally thought that throwing out the combination of "personal cash-out of 100 million" and "pressure from giants" would be enough to make the young founder waver or feel anxious. He did not expect the other party to be so calm and experienced. Not only did the other party see through his intentions, but he was also able to refuse in such a smooth yet firm manner. He even implied that he had no worries about funds and had an extraordinary background.

They even turned the tables on him, silencing him with the promise of "making the orders first" and increasing their bargaining power with the promise of "provincial support."

This Jiang Haoran is far more complex and powerful than his investigation revealed. Could there be something more hidden behind the seemingly insignificant "Kirin Technology" that he hasn't yet uncovered?

Good lad! He's definitely not your average tech talent!

Wang Zhenguo's opinion of Jiang Haoran instantly rose another notch, and his wariness intensified. But being a seasoned veteran, he quickly adjusted his mindset and expression.

"Good! Good! President Jiang, you have composure and foresight!" Wang Zhenguo laughed again, patting Jiang Haoran on the shoulder, as if the subtly witty conversation from just now had never happened.

"Haha, I knew I hadn't misjudged you!" He patted Jiang Haoran's shoulder forcefully. "Just like you said, let's focus on the business first, and do a good job verifying these 100 orders! That's the key! There's no rush for financial cooperation; there's plenty of time! I believe that as long as Qilin proves its value, we'll definitely have broader opportunities for cooperation in the future!"

"Definitely!" Jiang Haoran also picked up his teacup, clinked it lightly with Wang Zhenguo's, and the two smiled at each other. Behind the smiles, however, lay their own calculations and assessments.

A fierce, undercurrent-filled battle of capital, a contest of probing and counter-probing, is temporarily concealed beneath the veneer of harmonious cooperation and mutual benefit. But the seeds of a true contest have already been sown.

Jiang Haoran knew that securing this order of one hundred units was just the beginning. The real test ahead would be how to strengthen himself and hold his ground while dealing with formidable opponents.

The subsequent conversation returned to a more pragmatic track, with both sides engaging in more in-depth exchanges on details of the verification process, data integration standards, and potential points of process synergy.

Wang Zhenguo even offered to provide support in Keelung for testing certain silicon material characteristics, showing an attitude of utmost sincerity.

The meeting ended in what appeared to be a pleasant atmosphere between the host and guests, lasting nearly three hours.

Leaving the rooftop clubhouse where the aroma of tea still lingered, and stepping into the scorching midday sun, Jiang Haoran got into his car but didn't start it immediately.

He leaned back in his seat, closed his eyes, and slowly exhaled a long breath; a thin layer of sweat was faintly visible on his back.

The conversation we just had was just as dangerous as facing Lin Guodong's public questioning at the exhibition, and perhaps even more so.

Wang Zhenguo, that old fox, indeed has grand ambitions. That order for one hundred units was an enticing bait, but what followed was a chain of capital powerful enough to swallow Qilin whole.

Fortunately, I reacted quickly enough and handled the situation appropriately.

They neither rashly refused and offended the other party, thus preserving the crucial orders and verification opportunities at hand; nor were they misled by the promise of an IPO, thus upholding the bottom line of the company's independence and control.

"Take the bait first, then don't get hooked." Jiang Haoran opened his eyes, his gaze sharp as a knife, looking at the dazzling and bustling street scene outside the window.

He knew that from this moment on, his cooperation with Keelung would always be a tightrope walk between honey and poison.

He must remain vigilant at all times, leveraging Keelung's orders and distribution channels to rapidly expand his business, while simultaneously guarding against being swallowed up by the massive waves of capital and industry.

The city lights and shadows outside the car window flowed rapidly past.

The glamour and excitement brought by the exhibition are now a thing of the past.

The real, brutal business war, intertwined with technological breakthroughs, market battles, capital games, and human calculations, had already officially begun its heavy and cold curtain over the seemingly harmonious tea between him and Wang Zhenguo.

Next stop, Suzhou-Hangzhou Industrial Park. The real battle lies within the factories and production lines.

Jiang Haoran started the car and drove into the midday rush of traffic.