Only after being reborn did I realize how fascinating the world of the rich is.

Li Xiaofeng smiled and shook his head.

Lu Zhendong said somewhat displeasedly, "Third brother, what do you mean by this? Are you saying you no longer acknowledge us as your brothers?"

"That's not what I meant. What I meant was that the company isn't run by me alone anymore. The Jiang family is a shareholder, Boss Cao is a shareholder, the venture capital firm is a shareholder, and I'm just one of the shareholders."

After the financing, the company's valuation has now reached 20 billion. If I were to reduce the company's valuation to 4 million, how could I explain it to my shareholders?

Don't forget, I raised 4 million in my Series B funding round alone. I advise you not to mess around with me. Go and learn some basic investment knowledge first, then come find me!

Lu Zhendong and Cheng Zhiyuan exchanged a glance, and asked somewhat unwillingly, "Third brother, is there really no other way?"

"There's no way!" Li Xiaofeng answered decisively.

Cheng Zhiyuan tentatively asked, "Then we'll invest in you according to the same standards as venture capital firms, is that alright?"

Li Xiaofeng shook his head again and said in a calm tone, "The Series B funding is over. This money is enough for us to live on for a while. If you want to invest, you'll have to wait until the next round of financing starts."

Then, Li Xiaofeng said seriously, "Second brother, fourth brother, do you remember what I said to you last time? I said I reserved a quota of 50 million for you, but you probably didn't take it seriously at the time!"

It's important to understand that when it comes to financing, the key is to only raise enough, not more. This is especially true for early-stage financing, where raising too much means giving up more equity, which is not a good deal.

I told you guys back then that the Series A funding was the most valuable, and I was planning to keep it for my own people, but you didn't want it, so I had no choice but to give it to Boss Cao!

The further along you go, the clearer the company's development path and prospects become, but the lower the potential for stock appreciation. Also, it's not about taking just any money, nor is it about taking money from just anyone!

I invested in a foreign venture capital firm for my Series B funding because I needed their connections to go public overseas!

Lu Zhendong said somewhat displeasedly, "Third brother, are you saying that Fourth brother and I came here for nothing?"

Li Xiaofeng smiled and said, "You didn't come for nothing. I'll treat you to dinner. It's been a while since we all got together since graduation!"

Perfect timing! I know Cao Laoda isn't busy today either. I'll call him over later, and our dorm will be reunited!

Cheng Zhiyuan asked with some confusion, "Didn't you have a conflict with Boss Cao? How come you seem to have a pretty good relationship with him now?"

"The adult world is not like that of children. We have all entered society and are now considered prominent figures. We can no longer act like children."

Boss Cao pursued Jiang Xueying for the sake of a business partnership with the Jiang family, but now the possibility of a partnership between the Cao and Jiang families is slim. And I've helped him make so much money; now when he sees me, he's beaming like he's eaten honey!

"real or fake?"

"Of course it's true! If you don't believe me, I'll call Boss Cao over here!"

Soon, Cao Jinpeng drove his Porsche 911 to a hotel room that Li Xiaofeng had booked.

After entering, he greeted the second and fourth brothers with great enthusiasm: "Hehe, aren't these the two big bosses? What brings you here to inspect our work today?"

Cheng Zhiyuan said irritably, "Look at the smug look on your face. Third Brother was right when he said you ate bee droppings!"

"The third brother is my god of wealth now. He can say whatever he wants. I've worked hard for two years, and I still don't earn as much as the third brother has helped me. In the third brother's words, this is perception, this is the difference!"

Cao Jinpeng smugly pulled out a cigarette, and just as he was about to light it, Li Xiaofeng frowned and said, "Smoking is prohibited in public places. If you want to smoke, go to the toilet. The smoke here is suffocating!"

Cao Jinpeng chuckled and quickly stuffed the cigarette back into his hand.

Li Xiaofeng asked with a smile, "Fourth brother, have you finished dealing with your family's affairs?"

Cheng Zhiyuan nodded: "It's basically all taken care of. Now I have some money on hand and I'm thinking of finding a project to work on!"

Li Xiaofeng said irritably, "Didn't I teach you before? Invest in real estate, speculate on houses. Is there any business that's simpler and more profitable than that now?"

Lu Zhendong asked with some suspicion, "Then why don't you speculate on real estate if you have so much money?"

"The money in my hand is not my own; it belongs to the company. It is a special fund that can only be used for the company's business development. It is not something I can use however I want!"

"My company's money and my personal money are not the same thing. Even if the company were a joint-stock company, taking money out of it would incur both corporate income tax and personal income tax—it's like being ripped off multiple times!"

"What if housing prices drop?" Lu Zhendong retorted.

Li Xiaofeng shrugged and smiled, saying, "Then there's nothing I can do. I've already done everything I could for you, giving you everything I know. What more do you want from me?"

I own a lot of properties myself. If we lose money, I'll lose money with you. Do you really expect me to hand over my money to you?

Cao Jinpeng, who was standing to the side, said with a smile, "Actually, you've already put the money right in front of them, but those two idiots just won't lend it to you. Anyway, I acknowledge your third brother's good judgment and ability to make money."

The rest of the Cao family's money has been used to buy real estate. As you said, the remaining money will be used to pay the mortgage payments; it should be enough for two years!

After hearing Cao Jinpeng's words, Cheng Zhiyuan fell silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Lu Zhendong said with a worried look, "But my family runs a construction company, and most of our money is needed for working capital. I can't come up with much money. I had to beg and plead to get these 20 million!"

Li Xiaofeng smiled and said in a nonchalant tone, "Eat only what you can afford. Just make your own business plan and act within your means. Do you expect me to make plans for you? I'm not your father!"

Cao Jinpeng continued cheerfully, "I think it's fate that we met Lao San. Believe it or not, I believe in Lao San now."

Besides, I've already sold off all those crappy internet cafes and billiard rooms I owned. I was working myself to the bone every day and barely making any money. Looking back, I was totally crazy!