Not to mention, this proposal had high potential and could generate significant returns.
Zuri didn't fully understand all the details, but she carefully read through the proposal from start to finish.
Evan thought she was just skimming through it like the previous man, but to his surprise, she read it thoroughly. She was the most serious among all the people who had reviewed his proposal.
As time ticked by, Evan grew increasingly nervous. When she finally closed the document, he was on edge, anxiously watching her.
"What do you think?" Evan asked, his throat tightening with nerves.
"The ideas are very forward-thinking and bold. There will be many challenges in implementation, but I believe if you pursue it, you will succeed," Zuri said confidently, her eyes bright and determined.
Evan's nervousness was replaced by a wave of gratitude and warmth. His eyes became misty with unshed tears.
This was the first time someone had recognized his proposal, the first time someone had told him with such certainty that he could achieve his goals.
Since the proposal's inception, he had believed it would attract many supporters. Yet, repeated rejections and harsh criticisms had nearly crushed his spirit.
But her words just now rekindled his hope at the brink of despair.
She might not be able to offer him much, but her encouragement and affirmation were more than enough for him.
"Thank you," Evan said, his voice soft and slightly choked.
"How much initial funding does this plan require?" Zuri asked.
"Huh?!" Evan was stunned, unable to react immediately.
"I want to invest."
Evan was completely shocked. The young girl in front of him, who was even younger than he was, said she wanted to invest.
"Investing requires a lot of money," Evan gently reminded her.
"I know. Just give me a number."
Seeing her persistence, Evan replied honestly, "The initial funding needed is five million."
"Five million," Zuri murmured to herself.
"Alright. Draft a contract, and I'll invest."
Evan was stunned, nearly dropping his jaw. "T-That's five million."
"I know."
"You really want to invest?" Evan couldn't believe it. A young girl saying she wanted to invest in his project was too shocking.
Investment was not a game.
But seeing the serious look on the girl's face, he realized she wasn't joking.
"I'll get someone to draft a contract. You'll contribute technology, and I'll invest the funds. You get 30% of the company, and I get 70%. You'll handle all the company's affairs. We can sign the contract here tomorrow. Does that work for you?" Zuri asked.
Evan stared at her in a daze.
"If you find the equity distribution unreasonable, you can suggest changes."
Evan shook his head, "N-No need, this is good."
Someone willing to invest in him was already a blessing. He wouldn't dare negotiate the share. Besides, he was satisfied with 30%.
Zuri was a bit surprised. She had given him room to negotiate, but he agreed just like that. She suddenly felt like she was taking advantage of an honest person.
"See you tomorrow, then."
Settling things with Evan, Zuri let out a sigh of relief.
In fact, Zuri wanted to sign the contract today to avoid any unforeseen changes, but producing a contract immediately might make him suspicious of her motives.
Trust was the foundation of any cooperation. Without trust, it wouldn't last long.
As for whether Evan would back out, based on their interaction, it seemed unlikely. Unless that financial tycoon, Nolan, appeared today to poach him.
Otherwise, there was no chance.
Zuri didn't believe in such coincidences, that Nolan would show up today.
They left the café and went their separate ways.
Evan stood at the café entrance, unable to recover his composure.
The day's events were surreal, almost magical, and utterly unexpected.
Suddenly, a top-tier Maybach car slowly pulled up by the street. A man with an imposing presence stepped out and walked straight towards Evan.
"Hello, Mr. Fu. Our boss would like to see you," the man said politely, making a gesture of invitation.
Evan followed the man's direction and saw the luxurious car parked by the roadside. The sleek and elegant design exuded an air of prestige.
Seeing the license plate with a string of eights, Evan knew the person inside was someone of high status.
Evan followed the man.
The man opened the back door, and as Evan bent down to look inside, he was momentarily stunned by the imposing figure within, his eyes flashing with surprise.
Once inside, Evan's body tensed, his hands and feet neatly folded, not daring to breathe loudly.
The man in front of him was none other than Nolan, a titan in the world of finance.
Nolan was his idol, someone he admired greatly.
Rumor had it that Nolan was a prodigy, highly sensitive to numbers. At twelve, he was specially admitted to MIT for his doctoral studies. Back then, he used his pocket money to invest in stocks, futures, and gold, making precise investments that yielded high returns each time.
Before he graduated from college, he was already worth millions. At eighteen, he founded his financial company and officially entered the financial sector.
His series of brilliant achievements made him a prominent figure, a shining star among the new generation in finance.
"I've seen your proposal. It's quite good," Nolan said.
Hearing his idol's approval, Evan was ecstatic, his palms sweating from nervousness.
"Thank you."
"If I invest in your project, how soon can you generate returns?" Nolan asked directly.
Evan was stunned.
He suddenly felt like he was being hit by another stroke of luck.
Twice in one day.
"Well… um…" Evan stammered.
"Is there a problem?" Nolan glanced at him, his sharp, deep eyes probing.
"I've already found an investor."
"Are you talking about Mr. Zhao?" Nolan raised an eyebrow, surprised that fool had such foresight.
"N-No, not Mr. Zhao."
"Then who?"
"Her name is Zuri." Evan realized he had said too much.
Although he wanted to collaborate with his idol, he had already agreed to the young lady. He couldn't go back on his word.
"Zuri," Nolan muttered, searching his mind but finding no financial company leader named Zuri.
Nolan didn't push further. Before Evan left, he handed him a business card. "If you change your mind, call this number."
Evan took the card, thanked him, and watched the Maybach drive away.
"Find out about this Zuri," Nolan's low voice echoed in the car.