Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Black Swan Capital
Songjiang Wanda, Starbucks.
A pure white Porsche 918 drove over from afar and casually parked by the roadside, catching the attention of many people. Quite a few passersby in front of Starbucks couldn’t help but pull out their phones to take pictures.
Even though the 918 doesn’t have the flashy scissor doors of a Lamborghini or the elegant butterfly doors, no one can ignore the 918’s grandeur, even with its simple upward-opening doors.
Wearing a light gray summer coat and with clean, simple short hair, from his looks alone, one might think he was some kind of boy band idol.
This person was none other than Gu Bai.
Several days had passed since the SSCC racing festival, and another weekend had arrived. Gu Bai’s Night Shadow had been sent back to the original factory by Lamborghini itself for repairs at the fastest speed. As for Lu Jinghou’s Ferrari 488, Gu Bai only compensated a symbolic few hundred thousand. Despite Lu Jinghou’s dissatisfaction, there was nothing else he could do, as all assessments indicated this was the necessary amount. Public embarrassment wasn’t Gu Bai’s concern.
This Porsche 918 officially transferred from Principal Wang’s hands to his own for 18 million, the same price as the Patek Philippe 6002G he wore. Overall, it wasn’t considered profit or loss. After all, the official price of a Porsche 918 is around 15 million, and it’s normal for it to appreciate slightly over three years. In a few more years, it would begin to depreciate, but that didn’t matter to Gu Bai. He could hardly wait a few more years just to save a few million.
Gu Bai glanced around, observing the passersby’s expressions as if they’d encountered some rare species, then walked directly into Starbucks.
Today was the day of his agreed-upon interview with the headhunting company. Gu Bai couldn’t understand why everyone insisted on discussing matters in a coffee shop. Even if it’s just for the sake of appearing high-end, shouldn’t they at least choose a more upscale coffee shop? What’s with Starbucks?
However, Gu Bai couldn’t be bothered to complain much, closed the car door, and walked straight in.
He directly called the headhunting company’s staff.
After some communication, he finally found them in a slightly quieter corner.
The headhunting company staff immediately recognized Gu Bai and quickly stood up, "President Gu."
Besides them sat two others, a man and a woman. The man was about 40 years old, wearing a suit so neat it had no creases, giving an impression of meticulousness. One could tell at a glance he was a steady person.
As for the woman, she appeared in her 20s, also dressed in a black small suit, with a few pages of information in front of her, exuding an air of a strong urban woman.
Upon hearing the headhunting company’s staff’s address, the two quickly stood up and greeted him, drawing strange looks from around the so-called workplace elites freeloading with their laptops.
Gu Bai extended his hand, slightly pressing down to signal them to sit.
As soon as they sat down, the headhunting company staff began introducing, "President Gu, these two are Mr. Shao Sheng and Miss Xiao Qiang."
Gu Bai nodded, sat down, and calmly observed the two.
"Name: Xiao Qiang
Attractiveness: 92
Health: 94
Favorability: 30"
"Name: Mr. Shao
Attractiveness: 78
Physique: 85
Favorability: 30"
They shared an oddly consistent favorability towards him.
Gu Bai placed his phone on the table, lightly tapping the back with his fingertips.
"No need for small talk, just start with your self-introductions."
By introduction, he obviously didn’t mean just their names, but their educational backgrounds, previous work experiences, or workplace advantages, etc.
While Gu Bai was observing them, they were also observing Gu Bai. Eventually, it was Xiao Qiang who spoke first.
"My name is Xiao Qiang. I graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA. During my studies, I interned at Redwood Capital and later served as an investment advisor in key positions. I have a certain understanding of the current capital market. Returning to the country this time is to seize the capital dividend period in China and strive to achieve something."
Xiao Qiang looked calmly, her gaze filled with confidence, as there were indeed few at her age who could reach such a level, neither common nor rare.
Gu Bai nodded and then looked at Mr. Shao, signaling him to begin his introduction.
After hearing Xiao Qiang’s introduction, half of Mr. Shao’s confidence had been eroded. After all, Xiao Qiang’s resume was just too impressive, and the undeniable factor was her age. Xiao Qiang was still young, in her promotion phase, with infinite possibilities ahead, which is what all employers love about her. No boss would dislike an employee who is constantly improving.
While his case was different, having exceeded 40 years old meant he was considered high-aged in the workplace, indicating he was on the decline. The comparison between the two was clear to anyone.
However, he couldn’t afford to show timidity because of this. He slightly adjusted his suit and began his introduction earnestly.
"My name is Mr. Shao, with a bachelor’s degree. I’ve served as risk control director at Yuanhui Capital and deputy director of the IDG China Investment Department, possessing several independent experiences in handling projects worth hundreds of millions."
With a simple sentence, he directly laid out his strengths and weaknesses.
The downside is a low degree, which was common in those days. It was rare to have particularly elite people with high degrees. But in the past decade, higher degrees have started to become more valuable. The advantage is simple: extensive work experience.
After finishing their talk, the two people pushed the prepared documents in front of Gu Bai.
Gu Bai only glanced briefly to get a general understanding and then asked, "I believe the headhunting firm told you about the specific situation when they contacted you. Currently, my company is not yet established, which is what’s commonly referred to as a shell company. It’s not even a shell company since the company was just registered today."
After speaking, he also took out the prepared documents from the side.
Xiao Qiang and Mr. Shao took the documents, titled Black Swan Investment Co., Ltd. (Black Swan Capital), and were immediately drawn to the string of zeros on the document.
Tens, hundreds, thousands... 500 million!
An entire 500 million in funds, and looking at the following document approvals, it’s the actual paid-in capital.
Seeing their expressions, Gu Bai faintly smiled.
This was exactly the effect he wanted: to prevent them from thinking his company was a frivolous venture and to ensure he was in an absolutely advantageous position in this interview.
Don’t think that only bosses pick employees; it’s entirely normal for employees to pick their bosses too.
"The company’s current actual investment is 500 million, as you can see. I’d like to ask, if you had the opportunity to handle it independently, which industries in the country do you currently favor more?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard Xiao Qiang respond in an absolute tone, "The internet! Not just now, but for the next 20 years, the internet industry will continue to be in a period of booming development!"
Gu Bai only slightly nodded and then looked at Mr. Shao: "And you, Mr. Shao?"
"I agree with Miss Xiao’s view, but with some differences. I am more optimistic about offline industries centered on internet users, such as the now booming shared bicycle industry and food delivery industry."
Gu Bai did not comment on Mr. Shao’s words.
To be precise, he didn’t really understand anything; he was just hoping to see the competence and investment directions of these two people based on his foresight into the coming years. From the looks of it, what the two said was rather vague, especially Xiao Qiang, who could even be described as aggressive.
"The final question: if the two of you can accept it, we can continue to discuss salary matters."
Upon hearing Gu Bai’s words, the two unconsciously sat upright, with a more upright posture than when Gu Bai first arrived, after all, Gu Bai had already demonstrated his capability to them; a company with an initial investment reaching 500 million would surely attract the attention of the majority.
Investment companies are different from commercial companies.
After all, it is not a company with immediate profit returns. Generally, to generate revenue, there is a long cycle, whether through holding shares for dividends or issuing for cashing out, all are such.
In order to grow the company, there must be continuous injections of capital, either introducing partners or self-funding, but it’s impossible to do with just a registered capital and live off it forever.
Unless it’s a nominal shell company, but is Gu Bai’s company like that? Clearly not. Otherwise, why put in so much effort to interview these two?
"Please go ahead, President Gu."
Gu Bai directly said, "The question is simple: during the early and middle stages of the company, I will not grant you any independent operational rights. You only need to follow my directions on specific project details, in other words, in some aspects, you’re just a tool person. Can you accept that?"
As soon as he finished speaking, both fell silent.
Especially Xiao Qiang, when Gu Bai said this, she had almost put a cross next to his name in her heart.
She is very young, full of vigor and ambition.
This is also why she came back to the country; if the plan was to just be a tool person, why return? Regardless of Gu Bai’s company scale, could it be larger than the renowned Redwood Capital in the capital sector?
Contrary to this, Mr. Shao, after hearing Gu Bai’s words, only thought briefly and accepted.
He is older and no longer has the enthusiasm of the young. He left IDG because he couldn’t withstand the high-intensity assessment tasks of the company, so being a tool person, on the contrary, seemed more comfortable for him.
After less than two minutes of consideration, Mr. Shao gave his response.
"President Gu, I think I can accept this condition."
Mr. Shao’s agreement was within Gu Bai’s expectations. After all, from his resume, he didn’t have any particularly outstanding investment experiences nor major mistakes—typical of someone who is moderate and maintenance-oriented.
"The salary conditions would be 1.2 times your previous salary at IDG. Can you accept that?"
"I can."
Mr. Shao was prepared for a lower salary than before, but now it’s even increased by 20%; what is there to be dissatisfied about?
When he saw Xiao Qiang already starting to pack up her documents, Gu Bai stood up and extended his right hand to Mr. Shao.
Mr. Shao also smiled broadly and shook Gu Bai’s hand.
"Welcome to Black Swan Capital."
"Thank you, President Gu, for your insight."