Liu Guangxin nodded, took a small sip, and put down his glass: "But the funds needed to build cars are no small amount. Just the initial R&D investment and production line construction might require tens of billions."

"Although Guanghui Group can scrape together some money, this is a long-term investment and it’s hard to see returns in the short term."

"Guanghui Group, although large, has its resources spread out and the cash flow needs to cover all aspects. Betting entirely on a high-risk, long-cycle project would put enormous pressure on the board."

Qi Yun detected the underlying message—this was likely the reason Liu Guangxin invited him to dinner tonight.

"Hmm, I understand. So, what do you intend to do, Director Liu?"

Liu Guangxin looked at him, his tone becoming more serious: "Give it to me straight—how much can you contribute?"

Qi Yun pondered briefly, not immediately providing a number, but instead said frankly: "Director Liu, to be honest, I currently have a few billion, but I’ve just negotiated a cooperation with a shareholder of Evergreen Shipping, and this money is needed to buy their shares."

"If too much funding is required from my side initially, it might be quite challenging."

At the mention of ’Evergreen Shipping,’ Liu Guangxin visibly paused, but he didn’t ask further, simply nodded.

"Xiao Qi, you must understand, even though I’m the largest shareholder of Guanghui Group, I don’t have the final say."

"In the board, there are other shareholders, including family members and external investors. They might be more focused on short-term returns and risk control;

This new energy vehicle project, with its long cycle and high risk, although promising, won’t easily convince everyone."

"The main issue is... if you’re only using Dawn Technology’s assets as your contribution, then regarding equity distribution..."

Liu Guangxin didn’t finish his sentence, but his meaning was very clear.

If Qi Yun was to join with only these conditions, while Guanghui Group invested over a hundred billion, Qi Yun might be at a disadvantage in future company equity distribution.

However, since Liu Guangxin brought this up proactively, it showed that he didn’t have the intention to take advantage of the equity issue, but was merely reminding Qi Yun that Guanghui Group is not a dictatorship and to be wary of potential changes.

The private room fell silent, Qi Yun frowned in contemplation.

Liu Guangxin’s concerns were not unnecessary but were based on practical considerations. As the largest private enterprise in Province J, Guanghui Group’s internal structure is complex and decision-making indeed needs to balance multiple interests.

Their honesty showed sincerity in cooperation.

After a while, Qi Yun had an idea.

"Director Liu, would you mind if we bring in another partner for our cooperation?"

Liu Guangxin was surprised: "Oh? Who do you want to bring in?"

"Maple Capital."

Maple Capital, the investment company controlled by his father-in-law Zhao Weilin. When he planned to buy Evergreen Shipping’s shares, Qi Yun had already considered borrowing money from his father-in-law.

Now that funds were tight, he naturally thought of them first.

Liu Guangxin was slightly taken aback but quickly his eyes lit up.

Maple Capital is also quite famous in the industry. Although not one of the top few giants, it still holds considerable influence and has a strong background and good reputation.

If Maple Capital could be brought in, Guanghui Group wouldn’t need to squeeze out so much money, as liquid capital is extremely valuable right now.

"Do you have connections with Maple Capital?" Liu Guangxin confirmed.

Qi Yun nodded: "Yes, Zhao Weilin is my fiancé’s father."

"Oh!?" Liu Guangxin was both surprised and pleased, with a hint of excitement on his face.

"If that’s the case, then negotiations will be much easier."

"With Maple Capital’s participation, the funding pressure can be greatly alleviated, the equity structure will be more reasonable, and having them involved will quiet those voices within the group."

"Those shareholders have considerable confidence in decisions from such large investment firms."

Qi Yun smiled: "Do you also think this is feasible?"

"Of course it’s feasible!"

"Your Dawn Technology provides core technology, Guanghui Group provides manufacturing capability, supply chain, and channels, and Maple Capital provides funding. Each side brings their strengths—it’s undoubtedly an excellent collaboration configuration." Liu Guangxin was very supportive of this proposal.

"Then what are your thoughts on the equity distribution among the three parties?" Qi Yun raised a new question.

Discussing the equity issue, Liu Guangxin became serious again: "Since it’s a three-way cooperation, we shouldn’t simply calculate based on the percentage of capital contribution. Technology, channels, and funds—these three elements have different value weights at different stages."

After pondering for a moment, he continued: "My initial thought is to design a dynamic equity structure. In the early phases, Dawn Technology’s core technology and team value should occupy a higher proportion, as this is the foundation and core competitiveness of the project;

Guanghui Group’s manufacturing, supply chain, and channel resources, along with Maple Capital’s funding, also need to be given a fair valuation."

"We can set an initial equity percentage, for example, Dawn Technology holds 40%, while Guanghui Group and Maple Capital each take 30%, but this percentage is not fixed."

"Certain clauses can be set..."

Liu Guangxin elaborated on his ideas, and Qi Yun listened quietly, occasionally nodding in response.

One could see that Liu Guangxin was indeed a person with a broad strategic vision and long-term insight.

"Director Liu’s considerations are very comprehensive, so let’s proceed as you suggested. I’ll have the team prepare a cooperation plan, then invite Maple Capital to discuss the details further."

"Great! Then it’s settled," Liu Guangxin said with a beaming smile.

After the meal concluded, Qi Yun saw Liu Guangxin off, got into his car, lit a cigarette, and then took out his phone to dial Old Zhao’s number.

Zhao Weilin was a workaholic and wasn’t resting even at this hour. Qi Yun skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"Uncle, here’s the situation..."

After listening, Zhao Weilin didn’t seem too pleased, even sounding a bit gritted: "Has Dawn Technology’s new material development succeeded?"

A few months ago, he specifically sent Dong Anyun over, intending to acquire 51% of Dawn Technology’s shares. However, Qi Yun had already secured it earlier.

The previous offer was fifty million, but now... that price might only buy a fraction of it...

"Yes, it was successfully developed last month, and the factory has been built. I’ve already bought four of the most advanced production lines from Germany, and they will be operational by the end of the month," Qi Yun replied, rubbing his forehead.

Uncertain if it was to provoke Old Zhao or simply to provide updates...

"You kid..." Zhao Weilin took a long breath on the other end of the line, his tone complex, filled with both regret for a missed opportunity and palpable admiration.

"Guanghui Group indeed has some good cards. I think the collaboration you mentioned is feasible."

"Alright, I’ll come over as soon as possible to discuss the cooperation in detail."

"Great! Uncle, I’ll await your news," Qi Yun was delighted, feeling the situation was quite promising.

...

More than half an hour later, Qi Yun arrived at the hospital, only to meet Secretary Wang quickly approaching as soon as he reached the inpatient building entrance.

"President Qi!"

Qi Yun paused, frowning at him: "Is there an issue?"

Secretary Wang smiled awkwardly: "Sorry to bother you so late, but Director Hou would like to invite you to his office. Would you be available?"

This time he was smart enough to drop the authoritarian tone and adopted a negotiating posture, keeping a low stance.

Qi Yun glanced at the time, noticing it was already past ten in the evening.

He could guess Director Hou’s purpose in wanting to see him; it was undoubtedly about meeting Wei Zhe.

Despite his internal grievance, he wasn’t ready to break ties, so he sighed: "Let’s go."