Chapter 55: Working as a Laborer (1)

  Jū ān zhǐ hǎo gēn zhe jǐ gèrén yìqǐ qìngzhù qǐlái, liǎng gè lǎowài hé liǎng gè zhōngguórén yìqǐ kāi le yī píng xiāngbīn, ránhòu gěi sì gè bēizi dào mǎn. Kàn kan zuì qiánmiàn de bàngōng zhuō shàng hái fàng zhe liǎng sān pánzi, yī gè pánzi lǐ fàng de shì qūqí zhīlèi de kǎo bǐng, qíyú de liǎng gè pánzi zé shì yīxiē qiē hǎo shuǐguǒ. Jǐ gèrén yìqǐ ná le gè xiǎo pánzi bá le diǎn fàng jìn pánzi lǐ, jū ān yě nòng le liǎng gè xiǎo kǎo bǐng cháng le yīxià, fāxiàn wèidào hái bù cuò.

  Liu Chao happily said: "The cookies and fruit are all made by Sara herself, how's the taste?"

  "The cookie tastes great, this is the best cookie I've had since coming to America" said Jian'an with a mouthful of praise.

  Sarah was delighted to hear that: "An, you like it, eat more of it. In the morning when I come to work, if they have been working overnight, they will bring some for these two people, and fortunately they also like it."

  William chimed in from the side: "Sara's cookies, sometimes we work overtime until morning and wait eagerly for Sara to arrive."

  "Didn't you say the software is almost done? Why are you guys still working so late?"

  Liu Chao explained: "Some functional extensions, we gave to some domestic software developers. At night when I'm on duty, I usually discuss programs with them. Now it's almost done. Your sister also has an opinion, saying that I haven't been home for a long time and asked if there was someone outside."

  "Sister-in-law is also too lacking in confidence, just you this kind of weirdo, that girl can't stand it." Ju An heard Liu Chao's answer and disdainfully glanced at him.

  William and Sarah found what Ju An said amusing and burst out laughing, causing Liu Chao's face to turn bright red.

  After eating for a while, Sarah said: "It's getting late, my kids are about to come back home, I'll leave first, you guys have fun" and then she packed up her things and prepared to leave.

  William and Liu Chao both said to Sarah: "Drive carefully, and say hello to the little guy for us."

  Sarah said "thank you" and then opened the door and left.

  The only ones left in the house were Ju An, William and Liu Chao. Liu Chao said: "Our first order has been completed, and there are still several customers who are very interested in our products with good prospects. This time I brought you here to discuss the matter of venture capital investment. Last time a venture capitalist took a fancy to our company and wanted to invest, investing $4 million for 25% of our shares. Let's discuss it."

  "Is the company really short of money now? They're in such a hurry to find venture capital. Those guys are ruthless."

  William explained: "Actually, it's just a risk-sharing. They see the potential of our company, invest money in us, and we get investment to develop faster, it's a win-win situation."

  Liu Chao said: "Actually, I also agree with introducing venture capital. They have some connections, that is, in terms of shares, I want to lower them a bit, at most 21%, the three of us will take out some shares as an exchange. William and I discussed it before, now let's put it forward and see what you think."

  "Since it's not just about the money, I support your decision. I thought the company was short of funds again. If it were just about money, I still have some, 40 million is no problem. As for connections, I know you two now, and that's all I've got."

  Liu Chao smiled and said, "Then we each take out about 7% of the shares for this financing. If they don't agree to 21%, we'd rather not finance it. Anzi, you add another 3 million in investment, and William and I will take out 7% of our shares and give them to you. What do you think?"

  "Over here, I don't have any issues. You two discuss and decide on everything. To be honest, I don't really understand these software-related things either. The company is relying on the two of you anyway. If the venture capital side doesn't agree, I'll invest another 3 million yuan myself. You two can each give me 5% equity, it's all yours to run the company."

  William thought for a moment just about to say something was interrupted by Liu Chao and said: "Well, let's do it as you said".

  Then the three of them started talking about the company's environment, and when they mentioned this place, someone said: "I thought you guys rented a house in an office building, but I didn't expect it to be in such a remote location. You say that your initial investment hasn't been reflected on the surface at all, the whole company looks like a refugee camp."

  William laughed and said, "Many companies start out like this. At the beginning, who has so much money to spend on these things? Having money is not as good as hiring a good programmer. Compared to many companies renting in garages, we are already doing well."

  Liu Chao smiled and said: "Yes, our conditions are already very good. Now in the coffee area, entertainment area, everything is available, and there is also a rest room, the conditions are very good."

  After taking a look around, there was a coffee bar and two resting chairs, which is what they called the "coffee area" or "entertainment area". A few old office desks, probably bought from second-hand stores. I thought to myself: Is this really considered good conditions? This is too unimpressive. Thinking again, anyway it's just these two guys staying here, and I don't have to stay here myself, so my mind balanced out a lot, and immediately felt that these two people are not pursuing personal enjoyment, very reliable. How can there be a saying: "It's easy to go from being frugal to luxurious, but hard to go from luxurious to frugal?" If it were a few months ago, I would have been thrilled to get such a big place, not just for office use, but even if I had to live here every day. But since I've made some money, I really look down on this kind of house now.

  "Have you considered the domestic market in China? I think there are many domestic companies that can use this kind of software too."

  Liu Chao nodded and said, "There are many companies that can be used, but it's hard for a small company like us to enter. You also came from China, don't you know the domestic situation? We're a small US-funded company with no reputation or background, it's too difficult to enter the domestic market."

  "Or you can ask Wang Fan and see if he can help."

  Liu Chao shook his head and said, "I've already asked Wang Fan about it. He said we don't have a template, just find a bigger company to use our software. Those companies in Jiangnan, he can't even open his mouth, the key is that we're not famous."

  William asked curiously: "It's precisely for small businesses that our software is more favorable, they don't have to pay for those modules they won't use."

  Liu Chao shook his head and said: "You don't understand the situation in China. Our way of thinking is very different from here in the US, even if I tell you, you won't understand."

  William then took a sip of champagne and stopped talking. Everyone else discussed for a while before closing the door and going home separately.

  Liu Chao drove the car with Ju An back home, but Zhao Nan had not returned from visiting guests. The two of them sat on the sofa in the living room, each holding a bottle of beer and started drinking.

  "Is this what you called me here for? Can't it be solved over the phone or through email? Do I have to make a special trip all the way here?"

  Liu Chao smiled and said: "It's mainly about this matter, bringing you to meet the partners. The company has been established for a long time, but one of the shareholders has never shown up."

  "Stop bothering me with these things, I don't understand the programs you're playing. If you want me to learn about sales, I'll just sell a toy, nothing else." He said with an air of confidence and complacency.

  Liu Chao nodded at Ju An's chest, then took a sip of beer and shook his head: "You're so willing to let me mess with these 20 million, aren't you afraid that I'll mess it up?"

  "Relax, I'm just like a venture capitalist. Two million for someone I think is promising, it's worth it."

  Liu Chao clinked his beer bottle against Ju An's and turned around to say, "Your brother-in-law also gave it a shot. If this works out, we'll have villas and yachts. If not, I'm afraid your brother will lose this house and car, and in the second half of my life, I'll follow you to herd cattle, with six animals as companions, which is also a kind of life."

  "Absolutely not," said Ju An, raising his hand. "One foodie in the pasture is enough, if another one comes, it's all over."

  The master of listening burst out laughing.

  "Now that everything is done, I'll be leaving tomorrow. I still have to groom the horses every day," said Ju An.

  Liu Chao shook his head and said: "You can also come up with this excuse? Stay for two days and help me renovate the roof of the house."

  "Repair the roof? I've never done it before, why not spend money to hire someone to fix it, my minute is worth tens of thousands, can I go with you to repair the roof?" Ju An said.

  Liu Chao continued: "In the US, when you're at home, you still sleep. The old Americans in this neighborhood all fix their own roofs, basically they just ask friends for help. I've lived here for so long and have helped several families fix their roofs, it's actually quite fun, just like a labor class."

  "Living in comfort, shaking his head and saying: 'Don't think you can fool me, I've seen all sorts of big winds and waves'".

  Liu Chao continued: "Why would I cheat you? Otherwise, I'll take you to my garage to see my brother's equipment?" He stood up and pulled Ju An to the garage.

  Entering the garage and taking a look, wow, there are electric drills, electric saws, wrenches, axes, chisels, and even a small weed trimmer.

  Jū ān said: "This tool of yours is still very complete, having lived in America for a short time, you've become a carpenter."

  Liu Chao proudly held up the beer in his hand and said: "When I first came, I didn't know how to do it. After living here for a while, I learned from those old Americans. In our community, almost every man knows how to do these things. To be honest, American men are really handy. Many people can build a small house or a barbecue pit without hiring anyone outside. They just invite a few friends over, buy the materials and DIY it themselves."

  "Isn't there a need to pay?"

  Liu Chao explained: "Every time everyone asks someone to pay, some people collect it, some don't, and it's casual. The day after tomorrow, I'll invite eight or nine familiar friends to come and do it together, and finish it in two days. You little kid, don't run away, even if you're just helping out below, it's also a labor force."