098. Trembling Liu Jie, Su Yan Invests Another Billion

Ma Huateng knew full well that Su Yan had truly done him a huge favor this time.

After all, if HIM's shares had fallen into the hands of other parties, it could have posed a serious threat to him. If the day ever came when he lost control of Tengxun completely, everything he had built would become meaningless.

The arrival of Su Yan, a powerful ally, had stabilized Ma Huateng's position like an unmovable mountain.

And…

With Su Yan's immense financial backing and connections, Tengxun would be able to avoid many future crises.

Zhang Xiaolong, who had been quietly listening, felt a twinge of excitement.

In truth, he still had big dreams. Penguin Mailbox already dominated the email market. Domestically, he had no competitors. Keeping things running as they were now just didn't challenge him anymore.

Deep inside, he wanted to expand, to venture into new territory—like his recent idea of developing a new instant messaging platform.

But Tengxun's current situation wasn't favorable. With the tech industry deep in a "winter" phase, everyone was tightening their belts.

In times like this, when no one had much money to spend, someone like Su Yan—who had an abundance of cash—was a rare opportunity.

If he could work under Su Yan's banner, many of his ideas could become a reality.

After all, launching new ventures required substantial financial backing. And Su Yan… well, his financial prowess was downright terrifying.

"It seems like Mr. Zhang is seriously considering joining Brother Su," Ma Huateng observed, noticing the thoughtful look on Zhang Xiaolong's face.

Having been in the business world for many years, Ma Huateng could easily tell that Zhang Xiaolong was moved. Finding a talented individual with both the drive and the resources to back it up was rare—such opportunities didn't come around often, not even once in a lifetime for most entrepreneurs.

But despite his temptation, Zhang Xiaolong hesitated, showing a hint of loyalty. "Mr. Ma has always been kind to me. I feel I should stay and ensure the stability of Penguin Mailbox for him."

Ma Huateng smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. "Xiaolong, let me be honest. Penguin Mailbox has essentially become a monopoly. Everyone already communicates through our platform."

"So, you don't have to stay here out of obligation. If you want to move on and work for Brother Su, I won't stop you. After all, Su Yan isn't a stranger to us."

"I'd even be willing to accept an investment in Rongyan from you."

"And besides, your contract is with me. If Brother Su wants to 'poach' you, he'll have to pay handsomely for it. You have no reason to feel guilty."

Zhang Xiaolong hadn't expected Ma Huateng to be so open-minded. But when he thought about it, it made sense…

Even though Ma Huateng was a business giant, Su Yan was someone even he had to show deference to.

After all, with Su Yan's wealth and background, Ma Huateng knew it would be no easy task to oppose him, especially considering Su Yan's growing share in Tengxun.

"Brother Zhang," Su Yan chimed in, "if you come work for me, I won't make any grand promises. But I can give you a special fund of one billion yuan—do whatever you want with it."

Su Yan wondered if Zhang Xiaolong already had the concept of Weixin (WeChat) in mind. Regardless, with the right guidance, he was confident that Zhang could develop it into a successful platform.

And with the brewing conflict between Tengxun and 360 just around the corner, Weixin could serve as the perfect entry point for Su Yan to step into the fray.

Zhang Xiaolong was completely swayed by Su Yan's offer.

One billion yuan…

In this cold period for the internet industry, when even the economy was struggling, no one else would be willing to spend a billion yuan to expand. No one, except for Su Yan.

After all, Su Yan had just spent billions acquiring 20% of Tengxun's shares, and now, he was offering another billion to fund a new project.

Ma Huateng was stunned by Su Yan's sheer generosity.

One billion yuan—Su Yan had just bought a building, and another 20% stake in Tengxun. And now, he was ready to hand over a billion to Zhang Xiaolong to pursue whatever he wanted?

In fact, Zhang Xiaolong didn't even have a concrete plan at the moment. And yet, Su Yan was willing to invest 1 billion yuan purely based on his talent.

This was true wealth and power.

Standing next to Su Yan, Liu Jie's hand trembled slightly as he held his wine glass.

Was Su Yan really about to drop another billion?

"Mr. Su, isn't one billion a bit excessive? I don't even have a project in mind right now," Zhang Xiaolong said, hesitating.

Su Yan smiled. "No need for ideas right now."

"I'll give you one billion up front. When the time comes, whatever project you decide to work on, I trust that the name Zhang Xiaolong alone is worth the investment."

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