novelraw Chapter 194 : Are you interested_
Chapter 194 : Are you interested_
Chapter 194: Are you interested?
According to Zhou Honghai, Han Zijun and their team had around thirty members, mostly from the alumni association.
Initially, those who were willing to stay and start a business together were largely influenced by Han Zijun's impact.
The team had no funding when starting their business, with the only meager startup capital of around 200,000 yuan that Han Zijun managed to scrape together from his family.
However, they completely overlooked the difficulties of building a portal website.
In less than five months, the team encountered various problems.
Out of the 200,000 yuan, little was left after being spent here and there, while the initial website prototype they produced was facing numerous issues.
Most importantly, internal conflicts arose during team meetings.
Some believed that choosing a portal website was a mistake from the outset, as their current financial resources were insufficient to manage a portal website.
Moreover, even if they managed to pull it off, they would likely lack sufficient funds for promotion and to compete with the three major domestic portals.
Members within the team proposed to pivot immediately while they still had some funds left, exploring other projects instead.
At least to ensure the team's survival.
However, Han Zijun, being stubborn, not only forcefully rejected the proposal but also reduced everyone's salaries.
The real conflict erupted recently when the team finally developed a website prototype. During the meeting, someone suggested further internal testing due to the numerous issues, but Han Zijun once again displayed his dominance and rejected the proposal.
To quickly launch the project and impress potential investors, Han Zijun made the decision to force the website online.
The result was a complete mess, with the website riddled with problems, leaving the team scrambling to fix it.
This finally triggered the previously suppressed voices within the team to explode.
At a recent company meeting, the conflicts became irreconcilable, with some even slamming the table and threatening to quit the team.
After listening to Zhou Honghai's introduction, Chen Fan felt a sense of reflection.
It proved that dreams and passion alone were insufficient for success.
Chen Fan did not doubt the team's abilities, as those who graduated from renowned universities' computer science programs undoubtedly possessed skills.
However, merely relying on student camaraderie and enthusiasm to come together, without funding or proper management experience, meant they could not go far.
Looking up at Zhou Honghai across from him, Chen Fan asked, "Are you telling me this because you want me to invest in them?"
Without waiting for Zhou Honghai's response, Chen Fan shook his head.
"Actually, I made it clear last time that I don't see potential in their project. I won't let my money go to waste."
"Old Zhou, let me be honest without offense."
"I know you and Han Zijun are good friends from way back, but from my previous conversation with him, I feel he's somewhat arrogant, self-important, and unwilling to listen to others..."
Seeing Zhou Honghai open his mouth, Chen Fan raised his hand and continued, "Of course, I don't deny his strong personal abilities, but someone like him is unsuitable as a leader and more suited as a pure computer science professional."
"You understand what I mean, right?"
Zhou Honghai nodded with a wry smile.
"You're right."
"But you misunderstood my intention. I'm not here this time to ask you to invest in them."
Chen Fan looked somewhat surprised, curious.
Zhou Honghai took out a cigarette from his pocket, gesturing to Chen Fan, who shook his head.
Zhou Honghai lit a cigarette himself, taking a puff before continuing.
"During the recent meeting, the conflicts within their team became irreconcilable."
"The team is currently divided into two factions, one supporting Old Han and willing to continue."
"The other faction has lost hope and decided to quit."
Zhou Honghai explained, "Among those prepared to quit, the one leading them is called Liang Shichu. He's our alumnus, but from a year after us."
"This kid is also quite capable and opinionated, so he often argues with Old Han."
Chen Fan glanced at Zhou Honghai, "Are you close with him?"
Zhou Honghai shook his head, "No matter how close, it's not as tight as my relationship with Old Han."
"The reason I approached you is twofold: firstly, we're all alumni, and I can't bear to see these technical geeks be defeated like this. Secondly, I wanted to ask if you're interested in becoming their investor."
"Liang Shichu has made it clear that he plans to leave the team with some people. Either they'll all go their separate ways and find jobs at companies, or Liang will secure funding to go solo."
"Last time, you seemed quite interested in internet entrepreneurship, so I thought I'd ask if you're interested."
Chen Fan's heart skipped a beat.
To be honest, Zhou Honghai's words piqued his interest.
He admitted that working on projects alone had been quite challenging. If he could recruit these people to his team, it would undoubtedly double his efficiency.
Moreover, as Zhou Honghai elaborated, their "breakup" stemmed from differing philosophies, not a lack of technical ability.
What a heaven-sent opportunity.
It was like someone offering a pillow when he was about to sleep.
Excitement filled Chen Fan's heart, but his expression remained calm, appearing rather helpless.
"You've seen how busy I am, with barely any spare time."
Zhou Honghai smiled, "I'm just sounding you out. Whether it succeeds or not is up to your decision."
Chen Fan pondered for a couple of seconds.
"Alright, help me get in touch with this Liang Shichu. I'll meet him and have a chat."
"Regardless of investing or not, I should at least assess what kind of person he is."
Zhou Honghai smiled.
"No problem. I can contact him right away."
In front of Chen Fan, Zhou Honghai made a call, but after a few words, his expression turned awkward.
"What's wrong?"
"He said he's out of town, visiting his hometown, and won't be back for a couple of days."
Chen Fan laughed, "No rush, we can reschedule when he returns."
Zhou Honghai shook his head with a wry smile, "This is my fault. I should have given him a heads-up earlier."
Chen Fan, however, felt more reassured.
At least this proved that Zhou Honghai's intentions were genuinely out of alumni solidarity, not a scheme to deceive him into investing.
...
Luo Wenjie was highly efficient, taking only two days to thoroughly investigate that Teacher Liu's background.
At the Starry Sky Internet Cafe office, Luo Wenjie handed a few sheets of paper to Chen Fan.
"Take a look, is this him?"
Chen Fan glanced at the photo and nodded.
"Yes, it's him."
Luo Wenjie chuckled.
"Well, well, our Teacher Liu is quite the talent, isn't he?"
Seeing Chen Fan's confusion, Luo Wenjie smiled and pointed at the papers in Chen Fan's hand, reminding him, "Keep flipping, there's a surprise..."