Chapter 381 Negotiations

Li Mochen received Darwin Wollman at his own home, with Byrne Georgia as the accompanying guest. The chef was hired from outside, a renowned French chef in Atlanta.

Thus, although the three present had no interest in food, they were still tempted by the aroma of the dishes before them.

"The prestige of Goshen Investment Bank is known throughout America. I personally welcome your bank's investment in Sunrise Electric Retail Company. If possible, I would even hope that your bank could take over the listing guidance for our company."

Li Mochen said as he cut the 'dragon steak' on his plate with a knife and fork. This was meat from an eighteenth-level Thorn Dragon, taken from the spine area, tender and juicy, often the most delicious part of a sub-dragon.

However, as a nearly pure-blooded dragon descendant, Li Mochen felt a bit odd eating this 'dragon steak.'

"But Darwin, currently Sunrise Electric Retail Company has ample funds, and there is still a long time before the second round of financing. I must protect the interests of myself and my shareholders."

Darwin Wollman chuckled, "A-Mo, I don't think these conflict. The power of Goshen Investment Bank can ensure your company operates smoothly in most parts of America. This will benefit your rapid expansion and seizing the initiative. At this stage, an electrical retailer with more stores will undoubtedly hold an advantage in competition."

"No, no, no, Darwin. With our company's current capital reserves and profits, we are already capable of completing a layout of 1,200 stores within one year and 3,800 stores within two years, while ensuring 70% self-owned stores. According to our estimates, as long as we have 1,000 stores, we can guarantee that the company can obtain the most favorable prices from major manufacturers at any time."

Li Mochen shook his head disapprovingly, "So right now, we really don't lack funds."

"Then what about connections?"

Darwin Wollman's eyes flickered, "Your 3,800 stores can't all be opened in the countryside, can they? The Michel Group is powerful, but their strength is more concentrated on the East Coast."

Li Mochen smiled, took a document from his coat pocket, and placed it in front of Darwin Wollman.

"This is?"

The latter's expression tightened, surprise appearing in his eyes, "You've surprised me, A-Mo."

"So now do you still think that Sunrise Electric Retail Company's expansion needs to rely on others' power?"

Li Mochen watched the expression across from him, "Darwin, Sunrise Electric Retail Company has the ability to expand simultaneously on both the East and West Coasts, establishing our store network. This will ensure Sunrise Electric remains undefeated in future competition."

"Indeed."

Darwin smiled wryly, "But now you've confused me, A-Mo. You invited me here this time; it can't be just for a meal, can it?"

"Of course there's a reason."

Li Mochen used the remote control to turn on the TV not far away, then switched to Southern Cable News.

At seven o'clock in the evening, the television station was broadcasting the evening news. This time slot happened to cover the segment on 'Crow Arnold' and the corruption scandal of the Education Committee.

'Mandiv Ferguson, the newly rising media tycoon in Atlanta, is ambitious and has his eye on the Georgia Post that I hold. And now, I am prepared to do everything in my power to bring down the Ferguson Media Group.'

Byrne Georgia had been eating with his head down, not understanding why Li Mochen had invited him, and dared not interrupt, so he could only listen in silence.

He felt completely superfluous; even as a companion, his status was far beneath that of the two men before him.

But just then, his body trembled slightly, and for a moment he couldn't hold onto his knife and fork, letting them clatter onto the plate with a 'clink'.

However, the two beside him paid no attention to his rudeness.

'Mandiv Ferguson?'

Darwin Wolman glanced sideways at the television without really looking: 'I've heard about the afternoon program on Southern Cable TV, and I've also seen the extra edition of the Atlanta Daily Telegraph. To be honest, it's quite surprising. Since entering Georgia, the Flag Group has always taken a friendly stance, never—'

'Firefly Media has been acquired by me.'

Li Mochen interrupted the other's speech: 'Since we're preparing for war, how can we lack the dragon-slaying weapon?'

Darwin Wolman leaned back and tapped the table with his fingers: 'If I'm not mistaken, you mean to use the power of Goldman Investment Bank to block the Ferguson Group's funding channels, or even call in loans from the Ferguson Group, right? Is this the ticket for Sunrise Electric Retail Company's IPO?'

'There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world, Darwin.'

Li Mochen smiled slightly: 'In the next month, the Ferguson Media Group has three short-term loans totaling 230 million gold shields coming due. And I hope that banks across Atlanta will rationally consider the Ferguson Group's operating condition. After losing the textbook business, does Ferguson Media still have sufficient repayment ability?'

Across from him, the handsome young man fell into deep thought. After a full three minutes of deliberation, he spoke again: 'I can help you. But Amo, before that, I need to know exactly how much you plan to give us.'

'Priority qualification for the second round of financing, I'll give you three percent of the shares in Goldman. Plus priority rights as the IPO underwriter. In a year, we will invite Goldman Investment Bank to provide IPO guidance.'

'No, no! That's far too little, Amo. If your Sunrise company really waits until it has over 3,000 stores before launching the second round of financing, what's left for us will be just scraps. I think ten percent is a reasonable number.'

Darwin Wolman began to bargain: 'Completely cutting off bank funding to Ferguson is no simple matter. In America, there aren't many who can do that.'

'But there are still those who can, right? I could also go to Morgan or Lehman.'

Li Mochen smiled, his tone exceptionally firm: 'Five percent, no more, Darwin. The timing of Sunrise's second round of financing may indeed be unfriendly to your capital, but it also means its future is boundless, doesn't it? Its future will surely be a trillion-dollar enterprise, don't you think? I imagine that even if valued at 300 billion gold shields, you'll still see a return of several times. A 300% profit—this opportunity is very rare. Once you miss it, it won't come back.'

Byrne Georgia nearly bit his tongue. He looked at Li Mochen beside him in disbelief.

That young man who, just a few months ago, had been arguing with him over scholarships—had he already come this far?