"Brother, share your thoughts." Ding Sanshi was immediately interested. He liked hearing different opinions and seeing who was right.
"Brother Shi, it's like this. Think about it, too many companies were listed before, and some shell companies went public to raise money. This is an unhealthy investment method."
"The market will correct this unhealthy investment method. Investors have discerning eyes. Perhaps they couldn't uncover the truth at the time."
"Paper cannot wrap fire. Gold will shine eventually, and rotten wood will emit a rotten smell sooner or later."
"Time will tell us the answer about whether a company is good or bad."
"I believe this is the perfect time for a thorough selection process, to weed out all the companies that were merely making up the numbers before," Zhang Tianxing explained his thoughts.
Net One is a good company; it shouldn't get entangled in this mess.
"A word from you is better than ten years of study. Little brother Zhang, I underestimated you." After hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Ding Sanshi felt reassured.
Seeing the shift in demeanor, Ding Sanshi's fighting spirit soared, a complete reversal from his earlier dejection.
"Brother Shi, what's with you?" Zhang Tianxing voiced his question. The change was too rapid, occurring in mere moments.
"I've decided. Once Net One lists, regardless of the environment, Net One will have the confidence to push through." Ding Sanshi was filled with unprecedented confidence.
What Zhang Tianxing said was not wrong. The market is indeed an environment of survival of the fittest. So, let the market see how far Net One's strength can take it.
Upon hearing Ding Sanshi's words, Zhang Tianxing nodded to himself. Net One's significant achievements in the Chinese portal website sector were largely attributable to Ding Sanshi.
With both technical skills and capability, such a person would succeed anywhere.
Through this meeting with Zhang Tianxing, Ding Sanshi benefited immensely. Every casual remark from Zhang Tianxing made him feel the extraordinary nature of this young man.
It seemed that in Zhang Tianxing's eyes, opportunities abounded everywhere in this world.
"Zhang Tianxing, I'm truly curious now, how do you come up with so many ways to make money? Talking with you for a while has enlightened me." Ding Sanshi felt a bit old, unable to keep up with the thinking of a twenty-year-old.
"Brother Shi, we are in a constant state of transaction for survival on this planet. However, as people with ideals, we must not snatch food from the mouths of the common folk; that is our bottom line," Zhang Tianxing said slowly.
"Little brother Zhang, judging by your words, it seems you have many avenues for making money?" Ding Sanshi asked with a smile.
"Business revolves around the four essential aspects of life: food, clothing, housing, and transportation. As long as you grasp the essence of these four, making money becomes effortless. However, when we are capitalists, we cannot solely focus on profit; we must be enterprises with ideals and conscience."
Zhang Tianxing's words resonated with Ding Sanshi. "That's right. I was planning to list Net One in the next year or two. Our company has only about three hundred people, we rent server space, and invest a bit in game development. Although our profit points are limited."
"But we spend little, and we have ample cash reserves. We are not short of money, precisely because several major shareholders injected funds into Net One when we were low on funds. Now, looking at internet companies listing, countless billionaires are born."
"These old guys, their eyes have turned green, urging Net One to go public every other day."
"Damn it, these capitalists who are obsessed with money are all useless."
"Then, I'll grant their wish. Once Net One lists, I'll be the one ringing the bell at NASDAQ. Seeing you here, I came to visit and seek your advice."
"Alright, I've complained a lot, and I've made little brother Tianxing laugh. You must not laugh at me. Seeing you, I just want to pour out my heart."
Zhang Tianxing smiled but said nothing. Ginger is indeed spicier with age. During the conversation just now, Ding Sanshi had realized many things.
"Brother Shi, you're doing something wrong here. You shouldn't be a slave to capital," Zhang Tianxing immediately retorted, "You have the technology, you have the ideas. In my opinion, Net One is already on the right track, it just depends on whether you can persevere."
"Little brother Tianxing, you're truly direct. I have no choice but to not give up," Ding Sanshi was stunned, not expecting Zhang Tianxing to be so blunt.
Can one be so direct in business? Isn't it said that harmony brings wealth? Why isn't Zhang Tianxing playing by the usual rules?
"All roads lead to Rome. The right path is not singular," Zhang Tianxing said. Having lived this life anew, he intended to earn money while standing tall.
No longer would he earn money by bowing. There were plenty of profitable ventures these days; doing just one could ensure a lifetime of sustenance.
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's impassioned words, Ding Sanshi couldn't help but let out a wry chuckle. He had lived for several years longer, thinking he was a king in the tech world, believing this world would become more beautiful because of him – it was merely wishful thinking.
Ultimately, it was all a game of capital.
"Brother, there's something I want to tell you from the heart. At your level, you can't spend all your money in this lifetime. What remains is the desire to realize your value. In life, one must have aspirations, right? You can't let others lead you by the nose, can you?"
"You little brat, you dare to mock me! I won't let you off!" Ding Sanshi's spirits soared, and he burst into laughter.
The onlooker sees clearly, while the person involved is confused. Zhang Tianxing's words provided Ding Sanshi with a way out of his dilemma.
Damn it, after ringing the bell, I'll get right to work. These capitalists are all dictating terms. It's perfect to go public and raise funds, then I'll slowly dilute their shares and kick them all out.
Investing in Net One was not a loss for them; in two years, it had multiplied more than tenfold. I hope they have good luck next time.
Net One, this ship, must remain in my hands to achieve my life goals. Zhang Tianxing's words ignited Ding Sanshi's fighting spirit.
A person strives for honor, a Buddha for incense. The stock price upon listing held no significance for Ding Sanshi.
He wasn't in a hurry to cash out anyway; he was confident in making the company bigger and stronger.
"Little brother Zhang, do you think the Nasdaq index will rise or fall next?" Ding Sanshi finally asked this question.
"I don't know. That depends on the market. The market decides whether it rises or falls. I cannot predict it," Zhang Tianxing answered honestly.
Ding Sanshi was amused. "You're a clever one. Not a single honest word! If you can't predict it, you wouldn't be shorting one hundred million US dollars. I don't believe you."
"If you ask me, it's the same principle as 'what goes up too much will fall, and what falls too much will rise.' Where are there so many 'whys' in the world? Existence is reasonable," Zhang Tianxing said with a shrug.
"Right, I wish you good luck, brother, and may all your wishes come true," Zhang Tianxing said to Ding Sanshi. This was a big shot, highly skilled, and surprisingly sought his advice.
This place is quite nice, but it's not my home. Zhang Tianxing began to miss home, everything about his hometown, especially after meeting fellow Chinese people.
He could only console himself, saying he had only been here for a little over half a year. If he stayed for four years, Zhang Tianxing reckoned he could become a top student, poring over books every night.
Indeed, nothing in this world comes easily, whether it's doing business, studying, or entering politics, one must commit their heart and mind to it.
Only when you take your work seriously will you stumble upon a brilliant idea.
Sharpness from a whetstone, plum blossoms from bitter cold.
Life has no smooth paths; behind all the glamour and radiance lie unknown perseverances.