dkrc Chapter 92 Cashing Out and Leaving
Chapter 92 Cashing Out and Leaving
Chapter 92 Cashing Out and Leaving (4k)
The last exam in the postgraduate entrance examination was a computer science subject exam.
The exam was originally scheduled for three hours, but Geng Zhi wrote fluently and quickly, finishing it in about two hours.
Submitting the paper early would be too conspicuous and leave him open to criticism. So he spent the rest of his time thinking about *Fruit Ninja*.
The details of the release are being prepared.
Geng Zhi originally thought that he would be grateful if the "extracurricular reading" that Professor Qi gave him could predict 30% to 40% of the exam questions.
When the test papers were actually handed out, it was discovered that the overlap in knowledge points was almost 90%!
At 5 p.m., the final whistle blew, marking the end of the long postgraduate entrance examination.
Geng Zhi handed in his exam paper and walked out of the examination room with the crowd.
The air on a winter evening is crisp and cool; when you breathe it in, it feels like a lightness as if you've been freed from shackles.
If it weren't for waiting for Niu Baoguo, and if it weren't for having to "report" to that nominal CEO classmate Ma Chunmei, he would have gone straight to Zhongchuan Airport and flown back to Shanghai overnight to watch "Fruit Ninja" launch.
Reporting to Ma Chunmei was a crucial step in the plan.
This wealthy but greedy daughter of a coal tycoon may become the most suitable facilitator for him to quickly cash out and leave the market.
For him, the significance of "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" is not only to purify the dating and social networking industry, but more importantly, to become a cash cow for accumulating his first pot of gold and building up strength for his next real take-off.
The startup and investment circles are never short of stories of wealth creation.
Leaving aside companies with exceptionally high profitability that can gradually realize their wealth through dividends, for many entrepreneurs, major shareholders, and early-stage investors, there are usually only a few conventional ways to create and realize wealth.
The first path is the most glamorous but also the longest: enduring countless challenges within the company, then cashing out and leaving normally after the company goes public.
After a company goes public, the shares held by founders and early investors are released from lock-up and can be sold, which is a normal closed loop and a process of wealth realization for venture capital.
Once the lock-up period ends, they can gradually realize their cash through block trades, direct sales on the secondary market, stock pledging, and establishing trusts.
Of course, there are also some who cash out and leave in a ruthless manner, which is disgusting, but I won't go into details here.
The second and most direct option is to exit through mergers and acquisitions.
When entrepreneurs sell their entire company to a larger industrial or financial buyer, the founders and all other shareholders can receive cash (or partial equity swap) in a lump sum, putting their wealth into immediate cash.
For example, Baidu acquired 91 Wireless for a record-breaking $19 billion, Meituan acquired Mobike for $27 billion, and Alibaba acquired Ele.me for $95 billion.
The third option is the most flexible but also the most challenging to manage: transferring existing shares.
Before the company goes public, some of its shares are transferred to later investors or original shareholders.
For example, before JD.com went public, early investors such as Capital Today and some executives did the same thing: when Ant Group and ByteDance sought to go public, many early participants also reaped huge returns in advance.
For Geng Zhi, the first path—cashing out after the IPO—is too time-consuming and unpredictable; he would never take it.
Even if "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" successfully goes public and its market value soars, that will be many years from now.
Taking the second path is actually the simplest, such as selling to industry giants like Baihe.com or Zhenai.com, but the prices they offer are too low.
Geng Zhi's goal is clear: to take the third path, the transfer of existing shares.
Once the project's value is fully recognized and the next round of financing is secured, transfer a portion of your shares to investors seeking equity at a substantial price to quickly cash out.
"Ah, so straightforward! So straightforward—!"
Standing at the entrance of the examination hall, while waiting for Niu Baoguo and sorting out his thoughts, a somewhat familiar voice came over with excitement.
Geng Zhi turned around and saw that it was indeed the company's CEO, Ma Chunmei.
Both of them applied to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, so their exam venues were very close to each other.
"Gengzhi, how did your exam go? Do you think you'll get into Shanghai Jiao Tong University?" Ma Chunmei walked over quickly and asked excitedly, looking quite pleased with herself.
"Hello, Mr. Ma!" Geng Zhi immediately put on a professional smile and nodded in greeting.
"Uh, okay—hello—" Suddenly being called "General Manager Ma," Ma Chunmei was clearly not fully used to this identity and was slightly taken aback.
Seeing that Geng Zhi's brows were slightly furrowed and he seemed to be in low spirits, she immediately judged that he must not have done well on the test.
After all, with all the time spent running the "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" business, where would they find the time to study? It would be good enough if they could even finish the exam.
But if Geng Zhi can't go to Shanghai for graduate studies, will her "Jiaotong University matchmaker" project fall through?
She paused for a few seconds, then, feeling it necessary for her future boss to comfort her, she said, "Straightforward, don't be too discouraged. Even if your score isn't high enough for Shanghai Jiao Tong University, you can try transferring to other universities in Shanghai. Getting into a 985 or 211 university might be difficult, but you still have a chance at a regular university. Just try your best; as long as you can stay in Shanghai, that's all that matters!"
"Oh, thank you for your concern, Mr. Ma!" Geng Zhi readily agreed.
"Actually," Ma Chunmei lowered her voice, appearing completely open and honest, "with the promising career of being a matchmaker at Jiaotong University, whether or not I pursue a master's degree isn't that important. Focusing fully on my work and creating value will definitely be more rewarding than three years of graduate studies!"
She unconsciously displayed leadership qualities, feeling that her words were both considerate and visionary.
"Mr. Ma's insight is excellent, and he makes perfect sense." Geng Zhi continued to flatter him, almost bursting out laughing inside.
"By the way, how's the company doing lately? I glanced at the group chat, and Li Haipeng is planning to expand again? Give me, the CEO, a detailed report—yes, tell me the details so I can quickly get into the role."
Ma Chunmei straightened her chest, trying to appear more authoritative.
"Oh, okay, Mr. Ma."
"upright!"
Just then, Niu Baoguo and Huang Lijuan walked over side by side.
Niu Baoguo ultimately made a choice between love, friendship, and his future, giving up Jiangcheng University and instead applying to Huashi University in Shanghai.
"Geng Zhi, how did you do on the exam?" Niu Baoguo asked with a smile, seeing that Geng Zhi looked calm and didn't seem like he had failed.
"Not bad, performed as expected. Getting into a school in Shanghai shouldn't be a problem," Geng Zhi said with a smile.
"That's great! It's all set! Our Lanzhou F4 can successfully reunite in Shanghai again!" Niu Baoguo said happily, his eyes unconsciously glancing at Ma Chunmei next to him.
"Chunmei, we have to celebrate now that the exams are over! Let's go to Asiya Restaurant, the four of us, for some hand-pulled mutton and Sanpaotai tea!" Huang Lijuan enthusiastically suggested.
"Okay! Let's go!" Ma Chunmei readily agreed; she needed to show off her company.
Inside the Asia restaurant, steam and aroma filled the air.
Four people sat around a table, with "Sanpaotai" tea brewing in an exquisite covered bowl, its sweet aroma wafting through the air.
"Chunmei, how are you feeling this time? You've got Shanghai Jiao Tong University in the bag, right?" Huang Lijuan asked, blowing on the tea foam.
"I felt I performed exceptionally well on the written exam, so getting into the interview stage is definitely not a problem!" Ma Chunmei raised her chin, full of confidence. "The interview is even more certain; with the 'matchmaker' from Jiaotong University, I'll pass with flying colors!"
"Wow, that's amazing! Congratulations!" Huang Lijuan was genuinely happy for her friend.
"Lijuan, Niu Baoguo, you wouldn't believe it," Ma Chunmei took a sip of tea, her tone suddenly becoming excited, brimming with a long-suppressed desire to boast, "Our Jiaotong University matchmaker is a sensation in Shanghai now! Her monthly income has already surpassed 100,000 yuan!"
She had been focused on preparing for the exam and, although she knew about the project's progress through QQ groups, she didn't publicize it much. Now that the exam is over, the CEO's "sense of responsibility" and desire to perform have immediately surged.
"Huh??" Huang Lijuan and Niu Baoguo exclaimed in unison, their faces filled with disbelief.
Huang Lijuan was shocked by the fact that "Jiaotong University matchmakers" earn 100,000 yuan a month.
Amidst the shock, Niu Baoguo was also filled with deep worry and confusion:
Is this guy, Geng Zhi, really going to build such a big company? How much time does he have left to study? Is he doomed to fail the postgraduate entrance exam?
Niu Baoguo looked at Geng Zhi, his tone filled with confusion and worry: "Geng Zhi, didn't you say you'd just register the company first and then gradually start operating it? Why did you actually start? This—this will interfere with your exam preparation, won't it?"
Geng Zhi simply smiled and didn't explain further.
"Come, come, let me show you." Ma Chunmei excitedly sent all the well-known news posts about "Jiaotong University matchmakers" to the "Busiest Five".
Niu Baoguo and Huang Lijuan immediately opened the QQ group, their fingers flying across the screen. The more they looked, the wider their mouths opened, their expressions changing from curiosity to surprise, and then from surprise to disbelief.
After a long while, Niu Baoguo put down his phone and looked at Geng Zhi with a complicated expression: "No wonder you mentioned transferring—Geng Zhi, is it really worth giving up getting into Jiaotong University for this company?"
"Niu Baoguo! Can't you speak properly!" Ma Chunmei immediately became displeased, her eyebrows furrowing. "What do you mean by 'this company'? This is my company, Ma Chunmei's company!"
"Even after graduating with a master's degree, you still have to find a job. Someone as straightforward as me became a senior executive three years early, making money and starting a business at the same time—what's wrong with that? You need to have a long-term vision!"
Ignoring the oblivious Niu Baoguo, she turned to Huang Lijuan, her tone mysterious yet proud: "Lijuan, this is just the beginning. The Jiaotong University matchmaker is already in contact with investors and discussing financing! I heard the valuation could reach tens of millions! Right, Geng Zhi?"
She deliberately raised her voice for the last sentence, seeking confirmation.
"Mr. Ma is right." Geng Zhi nodded calmly.
Huang Lijuan covered her mouth again and gasped.
Niu Baoguo, who had just felt sorry for Geng Zhi, suddenly fell silent, his eyes becoming complicated. He was told to give up graduate school for a company valued at tens of millions? He probably would be willing.
In the following time, at the strong request of the three, Geng Zhi briefly and directly recounted the current situation, future plans, and ongoing contact with investors of "Jiaotong University Matchmaker," picking out the parts he could talk about.
"Damn! Awesome! Honest, you're really—absolutely awesome!"
Words failed him; Niu Baoguo could only express the overwhelming shock he felt with the simplest two words.
"Straightforward," Ma Chunmei deliberately pressed on in front of the two of them, adopting the air of someone conducting a CEO audit, "how much do you estimate our company will ultimately raise? What will the valuation be?"
"Mr. Ma, we've only just started getting involved in capital. If we don't work hard, the valuation might only be one or two million. But if we put in the effort, the valuation could very well reach over ten million, and in the future, it could even be over a hundred million," Geng Zhi said.
"Then you all have to work hard!" Ma Chunmei said without hesitation. "It's us, we'll work hard together!"
She, as a second-generation coal miner, might not feel much about an estimated value of one or two million, but she was quite excited about valuations of tens of millions or hundreds of millions.
Her family's coal mine only generates two or three hundred million yuan in revenue a year, with tens of millions in profit.
If my own company is really worth that much, then I'll really be proud in front of my dad.
"Mr. Ma, if we want investors to give us a high valuation, we need to develop our online app as soon as possible. Relying solely on offline events has limited potential." Geng Zhi timely revealed a troubled expression, "This requires us to recruit a reliable engineering team."
.
"Then let's hire people! Let's get development going!" Ma Chunmei felt that this was not a problem at all.
"Mr. Ma, the problem is—money." Geng Zhi sighed and shrugged. "The company's monthly profit is only sixty or seventy thousand, which isn't enough to support an engineering team."
"That's not a big problem. As long as we can raise the company's valuation, the rest of us can invest," Ma Chunmei said with a relaxed expression.
"Mr. Ma, I've carefully analyzed the costs. Building a decent team, plus all other expenses, will cost over 20 yuan per month." Geng Zhi looked troubled. "We'll need to develop this for several months, and with promotion, it'll be close to a million yuan."
Ma Chunmei then vaguely remembered that Song Qing, a technical colleague, had mentioned the high development costs in the group chat before.
"Ms. Ma, this is no small sum of money." Geng looked at her honestly. "Mr. Li and I have decided to invest. If you also agree to invest, I suggest you discuss it with your family."
Ma Chunmei hesitated for a moment.
She thought that with a total of over a million yuan invested by three people, she would have to contribute 300,000 yuan herself.
"Okay, wait a moment, I'm going to make a call." She stood up, took her phone, and walked towards the quiet courtyard of the restaurant.
The call connected, and I dialed my father, Ma Wencai.
[Ma Chunmei]: "Dad! I finished my exams! I feel great, I'm sure I'll get into Jiaotong University!"
Ma Chunmei first shared the good news, then her tone became even more excited.
[Ma Chunmei]: "Also, Dad, I've been an entrepreneur. I started a company called 'Beautiful Encounters,' and I'm the CEO! Our 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' project is incredibly popular in Shanghai right now—"
She poured out her story like beans spilling from a bamboo tube, embellishing the details of how booming the company's business was, how it was being reported by the media, and how its valuation was in the tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in the future.
Ma Wencai, on the other end of the phone, was overjoyed.
His daughter has never been interested in the family's coal mining business and insists on studying marketing. He is worried that she will become a bookworm.
I never expected that they would cause such a big commotion without making a sound!
Success in the postgraduate entrance exam and career advancement—it's like having two pieces of good news at once!
[Ma Wencai]: "Chunmei, you said the company's valuation is in the tens of millions, and might even reach hundreds of millions in the future? Is that true? Which investment institution has taken a liking to it? Dad will help you find out."
Ma Wencai's voice conveyed both joy and a hint of caution.
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