In this industry, even a startup with nothing to its name can attract capital investment, as long as the founder has a relevant background and a project proposal. It's even more absurd than the financial market...

After Chu Liang's explanation, Han Lie finally gained an insider's perspective on the current gaming industry ecosystem.

If there's a chance, investing in the big three is still worthwhile.

Investing in them wouldn't bring Han Lie any additional clout, but it could generate a huge cash flow.

Towards the end of their conversation, Han Lie once again began to probe Chu Liang's connections. After all, as a Peking University computer science master's graduate, surely he had many classmates working in major tech companies?

Chu Liang really didn't seem like a rich second-generation heir, more like a somewhat naive tech geek.

When Han Lie broached the subject, Chu Liang himself began to reminisce.

"I'm considered one of the less successful ones from my graduating class. For example, Zeng Fan has already reached P10 at Alibaba, Guan Tao has his own project team at Tencent, and Chen Lin is the head of product at a startup called bytedance..."

Han Lie listened intently. His initial thought was to gauge the caliber of Peking University computer science master's graduates and see if, through Chu Liang, he could recruit some top computer experts for his own quantitative strategies.

But as he listened, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

ByteDance?! ByteDance!

Damn, why does that Chen Lin sound so familiar?!

Han Lie racked his brains, but the relevant memories were too vague. He only knew that ByteDance's core consisted of "Three Zhangs and One Liang"—Zhang Yiming, Zhang Lidong, Zhang Nan, and Liang Rubo.

Liang Rubo wasn't widely known to the public, and those further down the hierarchy were essentially nobodies.

But for this Chen Lin to ring a bell with Han Lie, he had to be someone extraordinary.

"Your classmates are all remarkable. The computer science department at Peking University certainly lives up to its reputation."

Han Lie skillfully flattered Chu Liang and then steered the conversation towards ByteDance: "I've heard of that company, ByteDance. Their product, Today's Headlines, is doing very well; I have it on my phone."

Chu Liang grew excited, perhaps because he'd found common ground with Han Lie?

"Chen Lin's technical skills are only average among my classmates, but he's exceptionally good at product development. He and Huang He are essentially the backbone of the product department at Today's Headlines. The last time we chatted, he told me the company is preparing for Series C funding. If all goes well, his equity would surely be enough for him to achieve financial freedom..."

Damn, he already has shares? A founding team member?! That guy's future position definitely isn't just head of product. He must be one of ByteDance's top executives; otherwise, he wouldn't have left such an impression on me. If I can win him over, I'll have a chance to get to Zhang Yiming. And once I get to Zhang Yiming, I'll have a shot at participating in their Series C funding. Even if Series C is too late, I absolutely must get in on Series D. Otherwise, I'll truly miss out.

In that instant, Han Lie marked Chen Lin as someone to get on his side.

Thus, Han Lie skillfully drew Chu Liang out, chatting with such animation and enthusiasm that he nearly coaxed out all of Chu Liang's family secrets...

At the end of their conversation, Han Lie patted Chu Liang's upper arm, full of emotion.

"I just love talking to you tech guys. Ultimately, societal progress still relies on technological advancement...

Keep up the great work, Brother Liang!

If you need investment, just say the word. After the New Year, I'll set up an equity investment fund. A shortfall of tens of millions? For you, it's just a matter of saying the word!"

This made Chu Liang feel quite embarrassed, as if he were deeply indebted to Han Lie.

"I'm sorry, God Lie, my venture is actually quite small. The money from my family is enough to keep me going for a few years, really..."

A man nearly thirty years old, blushing and looking as if he'd terribly wronged Han Lie—it was quite a sight.

This group of "rich second-generation" individuals... they really were a diverse bunch.

Han Lie's conscience pricked him ever so slightly... Not that it pained him; he wasn't equipped for that sensation.

He simply felt that a person like Chu Liang was worth befriending.

While Chu Liang was halfway through his reluctant refusals with an awkward expression, his face suddenly lit up with joy: "Hey, how about I introduce you to some peers? Game development companies are rarely flush with cash. I know several studios that are looking for funding everywhere..."

Han Lie didn't really take it to heart.

With a major prospect like ByteDance (the company behind Douyin) in his sights, who would still be concerned about some small game studio?

But he needed to accept the gesture gracefully. He patted Chu Liang, adopting the air of an older brother: "Then I'll have to trouble you! Between brothers, we don't need to stand on ceremony. We'll talk business when the time comes!"

"Yes, yes, absolutely!" Chu Liang nodded eagerly, visibly delighted and even a bit flattered.

After the event, as he and his mother headed home, his excitement hadn't faded.

Mrs. Chu, whose maiden name was Yuan, watched her son with amusement and tenderness. She asked, "You seemed to have enjoyed your chat with that young man. What's he like?"

Chu Liang launched into a lengthy stream of praise for Han Lie.

Mrs. Yuan responded with a wry smile: "Is he really that good? It's not like our family needs his bit of money, nor are we lacking investment opportunities. Are you sure you've sized him up correctly?"

"Han Lie's achievements far surpass mine!" Chu Liang answered decisively.

"He's a top elite in his industry, while I'm just starting out and don't even know how things will turn out. Yet, he respects my work and my ambitions, without being condescending or preachy. That shows his magnanimity and vision!"

Good grief, he's been completely won over by Han Lie's smooth talk...

A pang of sorrow touched Mrs. Yuan's heart, and she said no more.

She knew well that her son had always been a bit insecure.

Perhaps because his parents were too accomplished and successful, the boy had always lacked confidence growing up. He felt that apart from studying, he wasn't good at anything and desperately craved recognition.