Chapter 94: The Path Won’t Work
“Shangri-La Hotel, sixth-floor banquet hall.”
After a few casual exchanges, Hu Weiwei left. Clearly, Lu Liang was her best choice, but not her only option.
Standing at the company entrance, Lu Liang watched her take the elevator until she disappeared down the corridor. Then, he turned back into the company.
As he passed through the office area, he waved over Wen Chao, and the two entered his office together. Lu Liang asked, “Has the OFO financing proposal been sent over yet?”
Wen Chao handed him the report. “It came in this morning. The Series A round will kick off on August 29th, with an initial valuation of $15 million.”
OFO’s seven-day average daily active users had already exceeded 150,000, fulfilling the bet between the two parties over a month ahead of schedule. As a result, Dai Wei promptly launched the Series A financing proposal.
“Initial?” Lu Liang raised his eyes, looking doubtful.
“Mr. Dai said he wants to see the market’s response to Mobike’s financing first, then adjust OFO’s valuation accordingly.”
Now, to see how much he had grown was a surprise. Though Shiyu was only slightly taller than Lu Liang, he was noticeably broader.
Hiring him as a driver might even save the need for a bodyguard.
Fang Shiyu gave an honest smile. “Maybe it’s because I eat a lot.”
“Good appetite is a blessing. Let’s go chat inside.”
Smiling warmly, Lu Liang wrapped an arm around his cousin’s shoulder and led him to the office.
From the moment he entered the building, Fang Shiyu’s wide eyes took in everything with curiosity.
Lu Liang laughed. “This place is still pretty small. We’re moving to a new office next month.”
Fang Shiyu looked confused. This 40-square-meter office seemed more than spacious, with a high floor and great views.
Lu Liang made some tea and offered him a cigarette, but Fang Shiyu shook his head. “Brother, I don’t smoke.”
“Not smoking is good. I’m addicted and can only try to cut back.”
Lu Liang didn’t push it and lit his own cigarette. Then he began explaining the plan. “When I go out, you’ll follow me.”
“If I’m not going out, you can sit over there. Play on the computer or your phone, but don’t disturb others while they work.”
He pointed to a workspace next to Wen Chao and Chen Jinchun that had been hastily set up the day before. It consisted of just a desk and a computer.
“There are basically no days off. But if you need to take leave for something, just let me know in advance.”
Fang Shiyu waved his hand. “Brother, I won’t take leave.”
Lu Liang teased him, “Don’t be so sure. What if you meet a girl you like? Taking a day off to go on a date is totally normal.”
“N-No, I won’t,” Fang Shiyu stammered.
With his dark complexion, it was hard to tell if he was blushing, but his flustered tone made it clear he was a bit embarrassed.
Lu Liang chuckled and continued, “For now, your monthly salary will be set at 10,000 yuan. With various allowances, it should add up to about 12,000 yuan. After deducting social insurance and the housing fund, you’ll still get around 10,000.”
Fang Shiyu responded quietly, “That’s too much. Back home, I made only 4,500 a month driving and unloading trucks.”
Lu Liang couldn’t help but laugh. “You can’t compare working back home with here. Ten thousand is actually on the lower side.”
He pointed to the door. “Her name is Chen Jinchun. You’ve met her, right?”
“Yeah, Sister Jinchun,” Fang Shiyu nodded.
“Sister Jinchun?” Lu Liang burst into laughter, suddenly recalling that his cousin joined the military at 19, left at 21, and is now 22—technically younger than Chen Jinchun.
“Later, go find her. She’ll help you settle into your accommodations and pick up some clothes and essentials. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to ask her.”
Although the company didn’t provide dormitories, Fang Shiyu was family and had been brought in from their hometown. It wasn’t convenient for him to live with Lu Liang, so they rented a one-bedroom apartment near the office for him.
After finishing his instructions, Lu Liang called Chen Jinchun over to take his cousin to settle in. They planned to go out for dinner after work.
Since the Musang was still on the way, Lu Liang let his cousin drive the Urus for now. On the way to dinner after work, he handed over the keys.
It became clear that Fang Shiyu’s driving skills were decent, though he seemed a bit nervous. Lu Liang laughed and said, “Drive boldly. If you crash it, there’s insurance.”
Fang Shiyu gave a quiet acknowledgment and then fell silent, focusing intently on the road ahead. His speed never exceeded 80.