Golden Years in the World of Film and Television

One last point: Han Tao chose domestically produced coffee. Because of his investment plans in factories and planting, Lvtu will become an important industry for local industrial support and rural revitalization.

The hidden power here is invisible. It can be said that as long as Lutu Coffee does not do it itself, it will definitely have a green light all the way. What's more, every Lutu Coffee has legal support, that is to say, Mingtang Law's public welfare department can provide assistance at any time.

Qu Xiaoxiao and her colleagues' analysis was indeed correct. The opening of all 23 coffee shops went extremely smoothly and became popular as soon as they opened.

The reasons for this, in addition to the above analysis, include strong publicity efforts, and another very important point. Although Shanghai has now become an international metropolis, it still lacks the heritage of traditional wedding cities such as New York and Paris.

Apart from anything else, the per capita income alone is far behind others, so among the thousands of coffee shops in Shanghai, most coffees are priced at thirty or forty yuan. This price is nothing in foreign countries, but it is still too high for most people in Shanghai at this time.

Lvtu’s main focus is low price and high quality, so compared with traditional coffee shops like Starbucks, Lvtu’s customer positioning is very precise, targeting those urban working people who have a demand for coffee but cannot enjoy it freely due to economic constraints. It can be said that it directly hits their pain points.

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Chapter 608: New Case Source at the Cocktail Party

At 11 o'clock in the morning, in Lujiazui Financial Street, at the famous InterContinental Hotel, all the business tycoons of Shanghai gathered. Fortunately, this is a large hotel that integrates accommodation, catering, business, conference, tourism and other services.

The hotel has a large multi-functional banquet hall with luxurious and elegant decoration, which provides an excellent environment for this cocktail party. The supporting services of the conference are also of high-end reception level.

Although Han Tao and Andy are both directors of Lutu Coffee, and Han Tao is the biggest boss, the executive president and vice president are someone else. One is a well-known manager in the industry, and the other is Lao Tan's cousin Lin Shaotao, who majored in business administration and is a successful career elite who has served as a director of a foreign-funded enterprise.

However, he had just resigned for some reasons, and his market development and company restructuring plans were stolen by some people in his former company. Originally, his sister wanted to help him set up a new company, and Lao Tan also planned to let him come to his own company.

However, when chatting with Lao Tan inadvertently, he learned that Han Tao was very interested in Lutu's planning and business model. Because these concepts were very advanced, he took over the job of vice president across industries and wanted to challenge himself.

Fortunately, he majored in business administration and had extensive experience as a senior executive in large companies. He had no problem running this start-up company. With a professional manager leading the charge, he was able to get started quickly.

After arriving at the hotel, Andy and Han Tao signed in first and then entered the lobby. The lobby was extremely lively at this time. The two of them had become prominent figures recently and were quickly recognized.

One of the middle-aged men, who was in his forties, shook hands with Han Tao and the other man after exchanging pleasantries and said:

"Hello, Director Han. We've met before at President Ye's place. It just so happens that my company is also planning to reform its legal department. I'd appreciate you giving me some guidance if you have the chance. And Ms. Andy, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Han Tao politely shook hands with the other party and replied with a smile, "Mr. Yang, you're too polite. If you need anything, please have someone call my secretary and I'll arrange a time to bring someone over personally."

Seeing Andy remained silent, President Yang didn't mind. He looked at Han Tao and nodded, saying, "That's great. Director Han is personally in charge. I, Yang, welcome you all the way!"

"Old Yang, don't just chat, introduce yourself to us!"

"That's right. We just returned to the Magic City and don't know much about what's been going on recently. We didn't know when such a talented young man and woman emerged. Why don't you, Old Yang, introduce them to us brothers?"

The people behind Mr. Yang saw him chatting happily with Han Tao and couldn't help but ask curiously. He reacted quickly and introduced:

"Blame me, blame me! I forgot you guys haven't been in Shanghai lately. This is Director Han Tao, the chief attorney at Mingtang Law Firm. He's also a leader in the investment and stock markets. He's invested in multiple fields in a short time in Shanghai and has been very successful.

This includes the real estate company Jingyan Group. During this period, he also acquired the real estate and decoration-focused Longi Group and took over Shengli Building. Now a new company he invested in is acquiring Xie's and Jiangsu Chunlan. He is even known as the "little stock god" in the stock market.

As for today's cocktail party, everyone knows the purpose, but there is one thing you may not have noticed. Although the initiators are Lao Tan and Mr. He, they are only one of the investors. The largest investor of Lutu Coffee is Director Han.

And then there's Andy, an elite from Wall Street who's now the CFO of Shengyuan Group and the current head of Doudou. Mr. Tan put a lot of effort into recruiting her, flying to the US three or four times alone. So both of them are influential figures."

Han Tao smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Wang, you're too kind. Andy and I have only just established ourselves in Shanghai, so our foundation is still shallow. We'll need your and the other CEOs' guidance in the future."

Hearing this, Mr. Yang quickly waved his hand and said, "Director Han, you are too modest. Everyone knows that you and your brother, Mr. He, have reached this point on your own.

Ms. Andy is one of the most influential figures on Wall Street. Although you have only been back in the Magic City for a short time, your actions are legendary in the industry. We are not capable of giving you any advice."

Before Han Tao could respond, Mr. Li behind Mr. Yang looked at him and suddenly interrupted, "Excuse me, did Director Han go to Kyoto a few days ago?

Kyoto was buzzing the past few days about the lawyer Han Tao who won the most expensive car refund-three-compensation case in history and has a fortune of tens of billions. Is that you, right?"

"It's me. Isn't Mr. Li abroad? Has he also heard about this case?"

Han Tao asked with a smile. He didn't expect that the case had already spread. After all, it didn't go to court in the end. In a short period of time, only a few people should have known about it. It shouldn't have been known in Shanghai and abroad as well.

Mr. Li laughed heartily and sighed, "This matter hasn't really spread yet. I heard about it from a friend, Wang Jianguo. You certainly helped him a lot. Director Han should remember you."

As soon as he said this, Han Tao knew that this Mr. Li was referring to Wang Jianguo, the branch manager of TM Group. Thinking that this man also spent a lot of time abroad, he nodded in understanding. "I didn't expect Mr. Li to be Mr. Wang's friend. Nice to meet you!"

Mr. Li shook hands with Han Tao again and said with a smile, "Director Han, I know you are a capable person, and your vision is not something that ordinary people have. I am so lucky to meet you today. I wonder if I can talk to you alone after the reception!"

"Of course no problem!" Although time was tight, Han Tao would not refuse directly, as that would be too humiliating, so he nodded and continued:

"But please forgive me, Mr. Li. I won't have much time after the cocktail party because I have to go to Hunan for some matters. My flight for the afternoon is already booked. If you are not in a hurry, you can wait for me to come back."

"Then let's just have a brief chat first, and then we can discuss the details when Director Han comes back."

As Mr. Li spoke, he apologized to the several CEOs around him, then walked aside with Han Tao and said:

"Director Han, to make a long story short, I have several projects in Linjiang Province, and recently some problems have occurred involving administrative personnel.

And as you know, this kind of case, once it involves some big names in the organization, even well-known lawyers or law firms dare not, nor are they willing to take it. But I know some of your situation, can you help me, brother? I understand the rules."

Mr. Li's words made Han Tao silent for a long time. The Lianchuang case in his hands did involve Linjiang Province, and Han Tao had made some arrangements for this. This was a critical moment, and he needed to be cautious before understanding the specific situation.

Thinking of this, Han Tao glanced at Mr. Li with cold eyes, then his gaze narrowed and he said:

"Since this is the case, I can't give you an answer for now. Please send me the information first.

Although I may not be able to take your case, you can rest assured that I can guarantee my professional ethics and bottom line, and no information will be leaked from me."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Liu nodded quickly and said, "Of course, I have absolute trust in you. With the relationship between Lao Wang and your senior brother, we are also friends. I have nothing to worry about. I will send it to you after the reception."

"That's it, Mr. Li. Let's contact each other by phone. I'll go over and take a look!"

Seeing that Andy was feeling a little uncomfortable and the two of them had almost finished talking, Han Tao said goodbye at the right time and walked towards Mr. Yang and his colleagues.

...............

At the same time, President Yang was saying to Andy, "Andy, I heard that President Tan, in addition to investing in Doudou and Lutu Coffee with Director Han, is also planning to acquire Red Star. You're also the leader of these projects. You're truly as capable as any man!"

Andy waved his hand sheepishly and politely replied, "Mr. Yang, you're too kind. I'm just an employee. I'm grateful for the trust of Old Tan and Han Tao."

"Andy, there's an old saying in China that goes, 'Sometimes being too humble is a form of pride!'"

Mr. Yang laughed and made a joke, then asked curiously, "I heard that Mr. Bao from the Bao Group had approached Mr. Tan a while ago to discuss acquiring Red Star with Shengxuan, but you rejected the idea.

I happened to meet you today, so I wanted to know if your company is still interested in seeking partners?

Andy smiled slightly and said, "Not yet, because there are some new circumstances in this merger and acquisition case, and it hasn't been processed yet. If you're interested, you can talk to Lao Tan."

Mr. Yang nodded, and understood what Andy meant, so he changed the topic of cooperation and said, "That's it for now. I'll talk to Mr. Tan later. But I'll kindly remind you that your evaluation of the Bao Group almost made Mr. Bao vomit blood in anger.

A few days ago, he threatened to confront you in the circle. He will probably be back today, Miss Andy, be careful."

Andy didn't care and replied directly, "Thank you, Mr. Yang, for reminding me. I welcome him to argue with me because I am telling the truth. I do have doubts about the strength and development of the Bao family, and I am not afraid of anyone's argument."

"Hahaha, he's worthy of being the elite that Mr. Tan invited back from Wall Street. I never thought Andy was so capable and efficient. He even looks at mergers and acquisitions worth tens of billions of dollars so casually!"

"Mr. Yang, thank you for your compliment. Han Tao is here, and we need to meet some friends. Please excuse me."

After saying that, Andy walked straight towards Han Tao, feeling relieved. She really didn't like this kind of socializing. If Han Tao and Lao Tan hadn't persuaded her, she would have gone straight to find Fan Shengmei and others and would not have attended this kind of cocktail party.

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Chapter 609 Penguin Talks about Cooperation

After Han Tao and Andy entered the venue, Lao Tan, who was entertaining people inside, saw the two finally appear. He smiled and said sorry to his friends around him, then walked towards them with a smile.

Han Tao and Andy naturally saw Old Tan coming out to greet them, but before Han Tao could say anything, Tan Zongming spoke up:

"Han Tao, Andy, you're here! As the protagonists, it's a bit inappropriate for you two to arrive so late!"

Hearing this, Han Tao responded with a smile, "Old Tan, the protagonists today aren't Andy and I, but President Liang and Vice President Lin. Let's leave the professional stuff to the professionals. We're just here to make a cameo appearance!"

"Don't be so modest, Mr. Han. You're the star of the show wherever you go these days. But I won't argue with you about just being a bystander. You're even more hands-off than I am. These past few days, because of Dou Dou's affairs, my doorstep has been trampled on!"

As he spoke, Tan Zongming led Han Tao and Andy towards a few people not far away, introducing them as they walked:

"It's a good thing you're here. Come with me to meet some friends. There's a tough matter going on over there, and I need your help as a big boss."

"Hahaha, when you, Old Tan, are in trouble, I want to see who is the real you."

Han Tao nodded and followed Tan Zongming. During the walk, Tan Zongming briefly introduced the visitor to prepare Han Tao. In fact, Tan Zongming did not expect this person to come.

Hearing that the visitor was from Penguin Ma's men, Han Tao had an idea and guessed the other party's intention. There were only two purposes: one was to give money and share the cake, and the other was to grab the cake and pick the fruits.

However, Han Tao was not worried. No matter what the purpose was, Han Tao was not afraid. Other people might be worried, but he did not care about the other party's strength and background, so his way of dealing with it was simple. When friends came, he had good wine, and when enemies came, he had a hunting rifle.

If you want to cooperate, then let's talk it out. After all, Penguin is one of the big brothers in the contemporary Internet, especially in the social and gaming fields, where it almost dominates the market.

Moreover, Penguin has grown very rapidly in recent years, with its tentacles covering all walks of life. In the past two years, it has put a lot of effort into investment. It can be said that there are some Penguin figures in all the large and small emerging enterprises on the market, and its influence is still very large.

The person who came this time was a vice president, who was mainly responsible for this business. However, the results did not meet expectations. However, the sudden rise of Doudou and its own model made him and the group very optimistic.

Therefore, after careful consideration of many factors, Vice President Zhang was brought in. However, while he was implementing the company's plan, Vice President Zhang also had some of his own calculations. So Vice President Zhang planned to use his power to pressure others first to see if he could achieve a merger and acquisition. If not, he could discuss cooperative investment.

How could he know that Penguin and Mr. Ma were a huge mountain that could not be overcome for a pure businessman like Lao Tan. After all, at this time, Lao Tan was only on par with Qiangdong, Xingge and others, and had not yet reached the level of the two CEOs, Da Ma and Xiao Ma.

But he has no advantage over Han Tao. Even though Mr. Ma's father is a well-known domestic economist, has worked in the Qiongzhou Transportation Department, and is the manager of the Shencheng Shipping Company, his background is still inferior to Han Tao's.

"Mr. Zhang, let me introduce you. This is Doudou's largest investor, Han Tao, the director of Mingtang Law Firm, a legendary young talent."

After they arrived at the small meeting room nearby, Lao Tan took the lead in introducing Han Tao to the other party, and then introduced Han Tao:

"This is Penguin's Vice President Zhang, President Ma's right-hand man, and very capable."

"Hello, Director Han. I've long heard of you. We apologize for disturbing you today. I hope you won't blame us!"

Mr. Zhang from Penguin politely shook hands with Han Tao and looked at the young man. As soon as they met, he had a subjective feeling that Han Tao had achieved his current status thanks to his family.

Han Tao knew the other party's intention. Old Tan must be in a difficult situation, otherwise he would not let him come forward. After all, he never participated in business, and there would be no results in such occasions, so he just had to show his attitude and leave the rest to Andy and Old Tan.

Seeing that Han Tao understood his idea, Tan Zongming smiled and introduced Andy to him, and then the few of them discussed the basic intention of cooperation.

"Mr. Zhang, although Doudou required a large initial investment and is not profitable, you and Mr. Ma should be able to see the development prospects and momentum, and we are not short of funds.

Director Han and I are not expecting a funding chain breakdown in the short term, so we have no interest in your acquisition plan. If Penguin is truly sincere, then we can participate in the A and B rounds of financing."

Hearing Tan Zongming's refusal, Mr. Zhang knew that this was Han Tao's intention. After all, Han Tao holds a 55% stake in Doudou and is the company's absolute controlling shareholder. The remaining 45% of shares are 20% for Tan Zongming, 15% for He Han and Hantao Fund, 5% for Andy, and the rest are held by other investors.

So after thinking for a moment, Vice President Zhang tried to negotiate again, "Mr. Tan, as far as I know, your company has invested about 1 billion yuan as of yesterday.

We at Penguin are willing to pay $1 billion to acquire 60% of the shares. You won't suffer any loss and can continue to hold shares and receive dividends."

"Impossible, Mr. Zhang, forget about the merger. Our Series A funding is conservatively estimated at $2 to $3 billion, and we'll only take out 10 to 15 percent at most. Don't even think about the $1 billion you're talking about.

Another point is that Doudou is not without profits, it’s just that the investment was large in the initial stage. Moreover, our live broadcast section became extremely popular as soon as it went online, plus the subsequent sales of goods, etc., and this does not include the advertising revenue from celebrities and Internet celebrities.

If you are sincere, Penguin will offer $10 plus the music copyright, and we will have the right of first refusal to acquire a certain percentage of your shares, so we can get 8% to 10% of the shares in the Series A financing. The specific proportion will be discussed in detail. As for controlling stake, don't even think about it.

"Mr. Tan, I think your request is a bit too high. Although Doudou is indeed a dark horse, you should know the domestic market situation. You should also know the weight of the words Penguin and Mr. Ma!"

"Mr. Zhang, I don't think you did a thorough investigation before coming here. I believe the plan agreed upon by Mr. Ma and the Penguin board of directors is not what you mentioned, so let's stop here today. Please also convey my message: if you want to cooperate, you can only participate in financing. Holding shares and mergers and acquisitions are out of the question."

After saying that, Han Tao and Andy walked out of the private room without looking back. He really didn't want to delay any longer.

In fact, Doudou was the first to cooperate with Penguin in its previous life. At that time, Penguin invested US$20 billion in Doudou in cash and shares. This transaction also made Penguin one of its shareholders.

Of course, Doudou and Penguin also completed a cooperation here. The two parties cooperated in content, traffic, users, etc., achieved resource complementarity, and improved user stickiness and retention rate.

Doudou has also launched a new feature, which is that all users can log in to Doudou through their Penguin account. This kind of partnership has indeed enabled Doudou's users to cover more people and increase user stickiness and activity.

It was this cooperation that gave Penguin a new understanding of Doudou, and the relationship between the two parties also rose to a strategic level. After all, Doudou has a shallow foundation and really needs Penguin's technology to improve stability and performance.

However, there is also a certain competitive relationship between Doudou and Penguin. Specifically, the rise of Doudou has had a huge impact on Penguin's business.

Especially in the field of short videos, Doudou has become the absolute leader, while Penguin's short video applications are facing huge challenges.

It is precisely because of these reasons that Penguin is bound to participate in the financing and become one of Doudou's shareholders, and Han Tao also needs capital from multiple parties to intervene in order to expand this business.

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Chapter 610 Meeting Chen Xi Again

After leaving the small conference room, Andy, dressed in a white dress, followed Han Tao into the hall. The guests here were all friends from all walks of life who had attended the opening ceremony of Journey Coffee, so when they saw the founder Han Tao coming out, they all came forward to greet him.

After some pleasantries, Lao Tan also ended his meeting with Penguin Vice President Zhang. After communication, the two sides reached a preliminary consensus. However, the conditions proposed by Han Tao exceeded the plan, so he had to go back and report. The cooperation could only be achieved with the approval of the board of directors and President Ma.

After the people around Han Tao dispersed, Tan Zongming put down his phone and walked over to say, "Andy, Han Tao, a friend just called and said he'll be here soon. Let's chat!"

When Andy heard what Lao Tan said, he frowned and asked, "Lao Tan, who are you talking about? I'm not used to this occasion and environment. How about I leave first?"

Tan Zongming knew this friend best and knew Andy wasn't good at small talk, so he quickly said with a smile, "Andy, you've dealt with this person before, just not in person. Didn't you refuse to take him out to play before?"

Andy looked at Tan Zongming in confusion and asked doubtfully, "Who is it? When did I stop bringing people to play? I have very few friends in China. Besides you, there's only Han Tao."

Hearing this, Tan Zongming pointed to the entrance of the venue and said to a guy in strange clothes:

"Aren't you here? I'll go say hello first, and you'll know after I'm done introducing you."

"All right!"