Charm point maxed out, inheriting game assets

Thinking of this, she held her wine glass and walked over with ease.

She began to engage in lighthearted conversation.

However, her status wasn’t quite enough to garner much attention.

She only managed to collect a few business cards.

This left her somewhat helpless.

At that moment.

A refined voice sounded from behind: ”Hello, Mr. Meng.”

Turning around, Meng Ran saw Fang Zhiyuan approaching her.

The founder and general manager of Ling Chain Technology.

She had previously met him with Xie Shuyu, and he left a good impression.

”Mr. Fang, I didn’t expect to see you here.” Meng Ran clinked glasses with him lightly and stepped out of the small circle.

Fang Zhiyuan shook his head with a wry smile: ”No choice, the company is short of funds right now. No matter how busy, I have to try my luck at these events.”

He paused, his gaze scanning the surroundings, then lowered his voice to ask: ”Didn’t President Xie come with you today?”

Meng Ran raised her slender eyebrows, ”She’ll be here a little later.”

”And what about the mysterious investor from Glimmer Coffee?”

”They should arrive together, I presume,” Meng Ran responded with an enigmatic smile. ”What, Mr. Fang, are you that eager?”

Now that Glimmer Coffee had established a partnership with Ling Chain Technology.

As the future COO, she will inevitably interact frequently with Mr. Fang. It’s necessary to establish a good relationship now.

”Hehe... indeed, I’m eager.”

Fang Zhiyuan laughed awkwardly, though his tone couldn’t hide his anticipation.

This private by-invitation-only ”New Consumption” event hosted by First Finance is the highest-profile opportunity in the Southwest region recently.

Besides connecting with Shuyu’s investor, he came to meet with several investment institutions to see if there are any opportunities.

Just as he was about to subtly gather more information.

A faint commotion arose near the entrance.

”President Li from Jufeng Investment has arrived!”

Many guests glanced over.

Fang Zhiyuan’s eyes lit up, hurriedly excusing himself to Meng Ran, he moved in that direction with his wine glass.

However, within two minutes, he returned, looking slightly helpless.

”Sigh, no chance. His entourage is already surrounded by all sorts of project representatives.” He shook his head with a wry smile, ”I couldn’t even get a word in before being stopped by the public relations manager, who said that today President Li isn’t discussing any projects.”

Overhearing their conversation.

Not far away, Zhang Guangming turned and stood beside Meng Ran, saying: ”Jufeng Investment has been having issues with LP funding lately, and their funding pool is tightening. You could approach Hillhouse and IDG people; they’re here with senior investment managers specializing in new consumption and have dedicated funds.”

Meng Ran introduced, ”This is Zhang Guangming, Vice President of our Hema Fresh Southwest Region and my superior.”

”Hello, President Zhang, I’m Fang Zhiyuan from Ling Chain Technology.” Fang Zhiyuan shook hands with him and handed over his business card, then said: ”To be honest, we’ve approached them before. But these major institutions have strict betting agreements, often requiring joint guarantees and repurchase clauses. If we sign, the company may be trapped before we even grow.”

”Indeed.” Meng Ran nodded, deeply agreeing.

After all, her friend Xie Shuyu had experienced such a situation.

Zhang Guangming chuckled, ”Exactly, the entire venture capital circle is conservative and cautious now. Institutions are holding tightly onto their funds.”

While the three were chatting.

The entrance kept stirring with new movements.

Partners from Boyu Capital, the New Consumption Director of Penguin Investment, senior managers in charge of the consumer sector at Redwood China, IDG’s project head...

Apart from the capital heavyweights, there were key figures from brands and the upstream industry chain.

For example, the general manager of Coca-Cola’s Southwest District, the president of JD’s New Consumption Business Department, and even a co-founder of HeyTea...

Of course, there were also some leaders from the city’s Development and Reform Commission and Commerce Bureau.

The entire venue was bustling with laughter and chatter.

Filled with the unique, glamorous, and captivating atmosphere of a high-end social event.

Fang Zhiyuan, holding business cards, moved through the crowd.

The smile on his face was starting to stiffen.

Although he had a modest harvest, adding many on WhatsApp, through brief exchanges, he clearly sensed that no investors showed genuine interest in Ling Chain Technology.

After all, their business model required massive capital investment, and they were still in a cash-burning expansion phase, not yet profitable.

This type of company, amid a financial winter, is something few would dare to bet on lightly.

That’s why he placed his greatest hope on the mysterious investor behind Xie Shuyu.

He checked the time and returned to Meng Ran, his face revealing undeniable concern:

”Mr. Meng, there’s less than half an hour before the private event officially starts. Why hasn’t President Xie arrived yet? Did something happen on the way? Perhaps you should call to check in?”

Meng Ran thought for a moment and also felt something was amiss.

She took out her phone from her bag and dialed Xie Shuyu’s number.

The phone rang twice and was answered.

”Hello? Yu, where are you now?”

”Oh, okay. No rush. I’m in the resting area at the southeast corner of the venue. See you soon.”

After hanging up, Meng Ran reassured the anxious Fang Zhiyuan, ”Don’t worry, they’re already downstairs at Jinjiang Hotel and will be up shortly.”

”That’s good.” Only then did Fang Zhiyuan relax.

However, before he could regain his composure, a more notable commotion erupted at the entrance.

A middle-aged man, wearing silver-rimmed glasses with a powerful presence, slowly entered, personally escorted by the Editor-in-Chief of First Finance and several government leaders.