Chapter 50: The First Investment

It was clear that this was the Tang family’s way of expressing their gratitude—a golden opportunity delivered to his doorstep. Naturally, Xiao Yao would not refuse. “Of course I’m interested. There must be countless people eager to get a piece of Tianhui Group’s premium investment projects. I definitely won’t let such a good opportunity slip by.”

“Then, Brother Xiao, you should register a company as soon as possible. If you invest in your own name, you’ll have no privacy at all. It’s better to invest through a company, it’s more discreet. When I get back, I’ll discuss this with my father and give you a prompt reply.” Reciprocity was the key to building enduring relationships, and Xiao Yao’s answer pleased Tang Tianhao greatly.

When Elder Zhao was still alive, the Tang family had repeatedly invited him to invest in some top-tier companies, but all invitations were politely declined. Despite their many efforts to draw closer to Elder Zhao, he was too indifferent to material gain and desire, so the relationship remained distant and left the Tang family both disappointed and helpless.

Now, if Xiao Yao, as Elder Zhao’s successor, could become a shareholder in one of Tianhui Group’s subsidiaries, there would be mutual interests at play, and the two families would naturally grow closer. For the Tang family, this was an event of utmost importance. So, as soon as Tang Tianhao left the courtyard, he wasted no time and went straight to his father’s office to report the matter in person.

Both Tang Zhengshan and the entire Tang family took this matter very seriously and acted with impressive efficiency. By the next morning, Tang Tianhao arrived once again at Xiao Yao’s courtyard, carrying the necessary documents.

After sipping a mouthful of the Biluochun tea personally brewed by Butler Lu, Tang Tianhao felt a refreshing fragrance linger in his mouth—the tea seemed extraordinary. But his attention was focused on inviting Xiao Yao to invest, so he didn’t dwell on it and got straight to the point. “Yesterday, after discussing with my father, we selected three premium investment projects for you, Brother Xiao. You can choose any one of them, or all three if you wish.”

Tang Tianhao then gave a detailed presentation on each project.

The first project was a mining company under Tianhui Group. Although its assets were less than ten billion, it owned several high-quality coal and rare earth mines, making it highly profitable and stable. The company was about to raise funds and expand its shareholding to acquire premium overseas mines, making this a rare opportunity.

The second project was the chance to participate in the financing and share expansion of Huahui Bank. Although Huahui Bank was not a direct subsidiary of Tianhui Group, the Tang family, through direct and indirect holdings, was its largest shareholder. Huahui Bank had been formed through the consolidation of several regional banks and was now in the final stages of integration. After this last round of financing and share expansion, preparations for going public would commence. The Tang family had great confidence in the bank, and its valuation was bound to soar once listed.

The third project involved a medical equipment company undergoing integration. This company had monopolized several highly lucrative domestic medical devices. Securing a stake in it was practically like picking up money off the ground.

After listening to Tang Tianhao’s detailed explanation, Xiao Yao asked, “Among these three projects, what’s the maximum amount I could invest in each?”

Tang Tianhao replied, “The mining company and the medical equipment firm aren’t very large, and there are countless eyes watching. The maximum investment is not high—up to 500 million for the mining company and 300 million for the medical equipment company. As for Huahui Bank, although many are eyeing the opportunity, its scale is much larger. We can secure up to two billion for you, Brother Xiao.”

The Tang family had already calculated the possible investment amounts well in advance. Without much deliberation, Xiao Yao made his decision. “Then I’ll go with Huahui Bank. The mining company and the medical equipment company are too small in scale. I’d rather not spread myself thin for such limited profit. I’ll pass on those two.”

“So, Brother Xiao, how much do you plan to invest in Huahui Bank?”

“Let’s make it 1.5 billion. That should be manageable.” Although Tang Tianhao had said he could invest up to two billion, Xiao Yao didn’t want to make things difficult. 1.5 billion seemed just right.

Tang Tianhao had no objections. He continued, “After this round of financing, Huahui Bank will be valued at 30 billion. With your investment of 1.5 billion, you’ll hold a 5% stake and be offered a seat on the board. If you want to invest more, anything up to two billion is perfectly fine. There’s no need to hold back.”

After a moment’s thought, Xiao Yao said, “Then let’s make it 1.8 billion for a 6% stake. And you don’t need to transfer money to me anymore.”

“Very well. I won’t transfer the payment for the ‘Nine Dragons Playing with Pearls’ bracelet to your account then. Within at most half a month, the shareholding will be finalized. Brother Xiao, please register your company as soon as possible.” Tang Tianhao reminded him again.

Xiao Yao replied, “My master still has a few shell companies, both domestic and overseas. They’re all empty, but once I complete the formalities, I can just use one of them.”

Before his rebirth, Pan Wu had prepared for the worst, but for several key companies, he had only withdrawn the funds, not dissolved them. His original plan was that if his rebirth succeeded, he could inject capital into these companies and activate them immediately. If he failed, they were merely empty shells, and the loss would be negligible.

Once everything was settled, Tang Tianhao, representing his father, invited Xiao Yao to their home for a meal the next day before taking his leave.

Having saved Tang Tianhao’s life, Xiao Yao was to be formally thanked by Tang Zhengshan, his father. Furthermore, now that the Tang family knew Xiao Yao was Elder Zhao’s successor, the other family members wished to meet him as well. This banquet was the perfect occasion.

With nothing urgent to attend to in the capital for now, Xiao Yao planned to return to Hanzhou after the Tang family banquet. His parents had already called him several times, unhappy about him staying in the capital and neglecting their small restaurant in Hanzhou.

His recent experiences were far too bizarre to explain over the phone. He would have to wait until he returned home to tell his parents everything in detail.

The Tang family banquet was grand, with all the important members present, each showing Xiao Yao the utmost respect. After this gathering, the bond between Xiao Yao and the Tang family became even closer. (Details omitted for the sake of propriety.)

When they heard Xiao Yao was returning to Hanzhou, Wang Chuanjie and his wife, as well as Tang Tianhao, all came to see him off.

Tang Tianhao did not come empty-handed—the car was packed with special supply cigarettes and various rare health supplements, all gifts for Xiao Yao’s parents. He could only accept them.

Xiao Yao and Butler Lu chose to fly back, while Butler Lu arranged for two security personnel to drive the Bugatti Veyron and Rolls-Royce Phantom back separately.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom was simply too ostentatious. Although Xiao Yao was fond of the car, he finally decided to leave it in the capital for use there.