Chapter 161: Yumei Increases Shareholding by 20%, Venture Capital Reaps Rewards

Liu Yurong was carrying a significant amount of debt.

Although Zhang Long did not know the exact figure, it was likely in the millions. Most of these funds came from relatives and friends who helped out, and while they might not be in a rush to collect under normal circumstances, life is unpredictable.

Now that the elderly relative and the child of the friend who had once extended a helping hand were both hospitalized, she had no choice but to find a way to repay the money.

……

"Mom, please stop talking."

Liu Yurong's expression darkened, not because her friend was asking for repayment, but because at this moment, her mother had aligned herself with Yuan Junpeng, arguing that once they got married, all these difficulties would cease to be difficulties and her troubles would be completely over.

Elderly people can be stubborn at times, claiming they have your best interests at heart while completely ignoring what you actually want.

Affection cannot put food on the table; having money is all that matters.

"Yurong, you need to understand your aunt."

Yuan Junpeng said with apparent sincerity, "Once we are married, we will be a family. I will help you pay off your debts, and in the future, I will treat Chenchen just like my own daughter..."

"Hah, spare me."

A flash of disgust crossed Liu Yurong's face as she cut him off directly, "Bringing up marriage while kicking me when I'm down—did you really think I'd fall for that? Worst case scenario, I'll sell a bit more of my studio's shares, or even sell the whole thing if I have to."

"I don't need your false charity."

Yumi Studio was projected to be worth five million after two years of planned development. Selling it entirely would be enough to clear her debts. Of course, that valuation depended on achieving the established scale and brand value.

As things stood currently, the entire studio including Liu Yurong was worth at most around two million. Yumi alone wasn't particularly valuable on its own; no one would buy it as it was.

Even Zhang Long had only invested through a rental-for-equity arrangement in Yumi Studio, requiring Liu Yurong to work hard for the next two years.

If Yumi failed to develop properly and fell short of the five million valuation in two years, she would have to make up the rent for those two years.

What was being bought was the future, not the present.

"Yurong, stop being so stubborn."

In the elderly woman's eyes, Yuan Junpeng had a career, money, and didn't mind taking on a single mother with a child and heavy debts. Such a man was already a catch; did liking him or not even matter? Marriage was just partnering up to get through life, and family ties would develop in the end.

Therefore, rather than struggling miserably and barely scraping by, she might as well marry Yuan Junpeng. With the debts paid off, a heavy burden would be lifted, and the whole family could return to a comfortable life free from hardship.

"Mom, I'm getting angry now."

Liu Yurong turned to glare at the old woman. If it weren't for the fact that her mother had sold her retirement home to help pay off a large portion of her debts, she would have fallen out with her long ago. She could tolerate many things, but her marriage was the one major life event she refused to let anyone meddle with.

Yet now, the old woman had been completely blinded by the grand illusions painted by Yuan Junpeng and no longer wanted to endure hardship.

She wanted to return to her former comfortable life.

……

"Oh, you're finally here."

Just as the atmosphere grew dead and heavy, Su Fei suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure approaching. She nudged Liu Yurong while waving at Zhang Long.

Liu Yurong was startled for a moment before giving Su Fei a light glare—she was summoning the divine dragon on her own accord again over a trivial matter, making a fuss out of nothing.

"Sister Liu, Sister Su..."

As Zhang Long drew closer, he noticed the rather tense atmosphere among the group. The old woman's eyes immediately shifted to inspect him, as did the middle-aged man beside her, leaving the remaining gazes to Liu Yurong and Su Fei.

Since they were in the hallway lobby rather than directly outside the hospital room door, conversing in low tones was permissible.

"Yurong, who is this?"

Yuan Junpeng felt an inexplicable sense of danger as he looked at the strikingly handsome and composed Zhang Long, especially noticing the Porsche car keys in his hand.

Where had this rich second-generation heir come from? Bad luck.

"Sister Liu's studio landlord."

Zhang Long glanced at the middle-aged man and replied with a light chuckle. Su Fei had already roughly explained the situation over the phone.

"I heard someone didn't think highly of Sister Liu's Yumi Studio, even claiming that a landlord investing via rent-for-equity must be out of his mind with more money than sense."

"I was just wondering how someone could judge so accurately—I do indeed have more money than sense."

Yuan Junpeng felt a bit awkward. Those were the exact words he had uttered not long ago. Liu Yurong's studio was indeed currently not worth five million; wasn't a landlord investing 500,000 for a 10% equity stake through rent a fool?

Now, facing the person himself and being publicly mocked, he inevitably felt a bit ashamed. What terrible luck.

And as for Su Fei, that annoying bint—she squealed fast, immediately summoning the landlord.

"Auntie, my name is Zhang Long."

Ignoring the petty Yuan Junpeng, Zhang Long looked at the old lady and explained with a smile, "I personally am very optimistic about the future of Sister Liu's studio, which is why I invested by trading rent for equity. Of course, it's also out of a sense of sympathy and a desire to lend Sister Liu a helping hand."

"Ah, thank you, young man..."

The old woman offered a noncommittal response of gratitude. Though aged, her mind was not muddled; she knew that Yuan Junpeng's marriage proposal at this exact moment was somewhat akin to kicking someone when they were down. But if she didn't pressure her daughter, how could their current situation change? How much longer would they have to endure hardship? Her granddaughter attended an ordinary school with no future ahead of her.

What good was it to say that if the studio developed well within five years, it would not only clear their debts but also restore a good life?

That was too far off. Her granddaughter was already falling behind in elementary school fundamentals, and she wouldn't be able to keep up in middle school and beyond.

Adults could endure suffering, but a child could not wait.

……

"Brother, care for a smoke?"

"Sorry, I don't smoke."

At the smoking room at the end of the corridor, Yuan Junpeng had pulled Zhang Long aside to talk. "I don't smoke either; Yurong dislikes the smell, so I've already quit."

It seemed like an assertion of territory, but Zhang Long merely shrugged indifferently. With that kind of approach, he expected to win a woman over?

"We are going to get married."

Yuan Junpeng stared fixedly into Zhang Long's eyes, his tone firm. "Regardless of whether you have any designs on her, I hope you know when to retreat and give up. You have no chance."

"Ha, you're hilarious."

Zhang Long was amused. "Leaving aside the fact that I don't have designs on Sister Liu, even if I did, what could you do about it?"

"I must say, your name is 'Big Roc Spreading Its Wings', but your actions don't match it at all. If you want to pursue Sister Liu, act like a real man. Treat the elderly well when they need it, help pay off some of her debts when she needs it, and let Sister Liu see your sincerity and genuine heart, instead of kicking her when she's down."

"On one hand, you disparage Sister Liu's studio as worthless and lacking prospects; on the other hand, you demand marriage as a condition for helping out the moment she urgently needs money. What a joke."

"With that attitude, you stand no chance."

"Hmph, I don't need you to lecture me."

Yuan Junpeng's face darkened as he said in a deep voice, "Whose money falls from the sky? We aren't even married yet, and if I help pay off debts and things go down the drain, what then?"

"At least I am genuinely looking forward to living a life with Yurong. After marriage, I will treat them both very well."

"I'll give them the life they want."

"Then you truly have no chance."

Zhang Long stood up directly and delivered his verdict. "Most of the time, what a woman wants is an attitude. You don't trust Sister Liu's character; you value money more than you value her."

"Your direction is entirely wrong, yet you still expect Sister Liu to end up marrying you? What are you daydreaming about?"

"Go home, wash up, and get some sleep."

Yuan Junpeng's expression flickered with uncertainty under Zhang Long's verbal barrage. He wanted to retort, but found himself unable to find the words. He stood frozen in place, utterly dazed, failing to snap out of it even as Zhang Long opened the door and left. His mental state was somewhat shattered.

It would be fine if there were no competitors; forcing a marriage while she was down might have worked. But now that a competitor had appeared?

The superiority of each was instantly clear, making a comeback even harder.

……

"Sorry for causing trouble again."

"It's fine, I'm not losing out anyway."

Downstairs by the inpatient department, Liu Yurong walked Zhang Long out, looking thoroughly apologetic. Today's incident hadn't actually been a big deal, save for the old woman staunchly supporting her marriage to Yuan Junpeng as a way out of their current crisis.

That way, not only could the friend urgently needing the money be repaid, but all other debts could be settled one by one.

They could completely return to their former comfortable life.

However, Su Fei had summoned Zhang Long, instantly resolving tonight's urgent crisis. Zhang Long had contributed another one million to purchase a 20% equity stake in Yumi Studio, bringing his total share to 30%—not an insignificant amount.

Of course, if Yumi Studio failed to reach a valuation of five million after two years, whatever price it fetched would first go toward reimbursing Zhang Long's rent and equity investment, meaning he wouldn't lose out.

As long as Liu Yurong didn't run away and developed according to the established plan, achieving that goal was basically guaranteed.

It was just that the old woman didn't want her granddaughter attending an ordinary elementary school and stunting her future life prospects.

No one was entirely in the wrong, yet everyone had made missteps.

"If you hate it, why not just yield to him?"

After Zhang Long left, Su Fei sidled up from behind and whispered with a chuckle. "No matter what, Zhang Long is much better than that big roc fellow. He's helped you out multiple times without ever asking for anything in return. He's a great guy and a fine match."

"You're still young and naturally beautiful. Raising a daughter instead of a son is no big deal, don't feel insecure."

"When you need to make a move, you have to be proactive."

Liu Yurong ignored Su Fei's teasing, simply shooting her a glare: Are you bored out of your mind?

Keep pairing us up randomly and I'll hit you.

"Hit me if you want, I'll still say it."

As they walked back upstairs together, Su Fei continued her endless chatter. "If I looked as good as you, I would've gone after him a long time ago. What a pity I have no hope."

"Weren't you planning never to marry again? Well, taking Zhang Long as a handsome young lover on the side wouldn't be bad either."

"Young, handsome, and loaded."

"Enough, stop."

Liu Yurong was driven to distraction by the constant nagging. "Drop this subject entirely. An old auntie like me isn't going to daydream in broad daylight like you do."

"If you don't want us to stop being friends, shut your matchmaking trap, and by the way, I'm not paying back the money I owe you."

Hearing this, Su Fei immediately zipped her lips and fell silent.

However, her darting eyes clearly showed that she had not completely given up the idea.

Helping her best friend escape a sea of misery—now that was a worthwhile endeavor.

……

April 6th, Saturday.

In the late morning, Zhang Long woke up naturally after sleeping in. After thoroughly enjoying a lazy morning, he got up for lunch and headed to Yumi Studio in the afternoon accompanied by a lawyer. They signed the contract for the 100-percent-paid purchase of 20% of the studio's equity for one million, complete with signatures and thumbprints.

The very moment Liu Yurong received the funds, she transferred them to her friend whose family member was hospitalized.

That one-million-yuan debt was cleared.

Honestly, a friend who extends a helping hand and lends you one million when you are in distress is someone to cherish.

And if you have the ability, you should repay them at the earliest opportunity.

"Life is unpredictable..."

Yumi was operating normally today. Weekends were its busiest times, and the scene Zhang Long witnessed suggested at least sound operations and some future prospects.

Yet, if an emergency forced her to raise funds and sell equity this time, what about the next crisis?

If she kept selling off shares, Liu Yurong would likely end up with zero equity left, completely reduced to a hired employee.

Yumi would change hands, and the boss would be someone else.

"Yumi is all I have left."

Liu Yurong's beautiful eyes dimmed. She bit her lower lip, speaking in a low, bitter, and melancholic tone. "You're the only one willing to help me, buying in based on Yumi's valuation two years from now. If I actually had to sell it right now, including myself, it wouldn't be worth more than two million."

"So even if I end up working entirely for you in the end, I will work hard so you don't take a loss."

"I will make Yumi a success."

Zhang Long nodded noncommittally. If Yumi performed well this year and opened two more branch offices next year, the Yumi brand alone would easily be worth five million by then.

As for Liu Yurong herself, her future value depended on other aspects; she couldn't remain merely an operator.

She needed technical skills, capability, vision, and more.

"Sister Liu, you need to study."

Zhang Long said bluntly, "If you want to go further in the future, you need new skills and capabilities. Yumi's sole focus on painting instruction and training has a ceiling, and peer competition will only bring pressure, so it needs to branch out."

"To put it bluntly, even if Yumi reaches a valuation of five million in two years, it will only give you the capacity to clear your debts as soon as possible—it still won't be enough to wipe them out entirely."

"While managing Yumi, start pondering new plans. If they have potential, I can invest."

"Alright, go back to work."

Liu Yurong stood up to see him off. Watching Zhang Long's retreating figure, a ripple stirred in her heart. A moment later, she let out a soft breath, as if she had made a decision. She had no choice but to fight for it now.

When it came to animation, she could no longer afford to wait.

……

Sunday, Tianhong Venture Capital.

As one of the shareholder-bosses, Zhang Long still liked to drop by occasionally. It not only allowed him to touch base and understand various market investment projects, but also gave him a more comprehensive understanding of a venture capital firm's operations, laying the groundwork for his own future endeavors.

There were plenty of entrepreneurial talents out there.

Many people had ideas but lacked starting capital. Venture capital firms provided the funds to invest in projects and, by extension, in those people. They were bound to misjudge quite a few.

Yet as long as even one or two investments succeeded and yielded super returns, all the effort would have been worth it.

He wasn't just looking at the present; he was looking at the future.

Therefore, looking at the young man passionately explaining his project and future market development prospects, Zhang Long and the other interviewers today nodded with smiles.

Though the project itself was mediocre, the young man's spirit was bright and full of self-confidence.

"Alright, thank you for your presentation. If there's a result, we'll notify you by email as soon as possible."

Gao Shunnian was the investment director at Tianhong Venture Capital. Before Tianhong expanded to a certain scale, he personally oversaw all incoming bid proposals.

Zhang Long was merely sitting in as an observer today, yet he still gained some harvest and expanded his understanding.

Under Tianhong's current model, individual entrepreneurs without a team were generally not supported.

It was a waste of time and capital.

For instance, the milk tea shop project Gao Shunnian brought in when he joined Tianhong was backed by a specific operating team, rather than being handled and run by Gao Shunnian himself.

This young man was alone without a team, and his business project was mediocre; he would most certainly be passed over.

Entrepreneurship was certainly a lofty pursuit, but it couldn't be done alone—at least a few helpers were required.

Liu Yurong's Yumi Studio, the moment it announced its reopening, immediately recalled several teachers and welcomed back students; it wasn't a one-man show headed for ruin.

Trying to start a business with absolutely nothing? What a joke.

"Director Long, how was it?"

Although they didn't plan to invest in the project, Tianhong was still somewhat interested in the young man himself.

"He can be recruited into Tianhong."

Zhang Long nodded with a smile and stood up to leave. Now that Shengxin was on track and no longer required constant busyness, he felt even more confident after establishing his own venture capital firm. Things were looking good.

Observe more, learn more, and absorb more—it was all very good!