Before seeing the R&D workshop, Qi Yun always thought Tao Ziming had a bit of a tendency to brag and bluff.
But when he actually stepped into those two old factories, he realized he might have been wrong.
The factory was comprised of workspaces divided by transparent glass, bright and tidy, with over a dozen staff in sterile suits busy at work. There was a lot of equipment Qi Yun had never even seen before; in short, it all looked very professional.
"This factory mainly focuses on materials research and development. We have another factory next door mainly for production and experimentation..." Tao Ziming introduced as he walked.
These modern workshops formed a stark contrast to the rundown factory and office building from the outside.
After taking a tour of both workshops, Qi Yun followed him back to the office.
"Can I ask how much you’ve invested in this company so far?"
Tao Ziming handed over a 2 yuan Wahaha mineral water bottle and replied with a bitter smile, "When I returned from the United States, I brought with me 8 million US Dollars. Later, I mortgaged my house, took out loans, plus contributions from two other partners of about 20 million—we’ve invested almost 100 million in total."
Qi Yun nodded after hearing this, musing to himself that this person was different from Accountant Jia. The similarity was that they were both extremely confident in what they were doing, filled with visions.
The difference was that Tao Ziming was truly spending money on making things happen, and every penny was well spent.
"Investing 100 million with no returns yet is indeed not easy." Qi Yun twisted open the bottle cap, took a sip, and looked directly at Tao Ziming, "However, judging by your workshop’s situation, it’s not just money spent in vain."
"But I still want to know, how long do you think it will take before you can develop a mature product to bring to market?"
Tao Ziming pushed his glasses up, a hint of resolve in his eyes, "Mr. Qi, to be honest with you, the development of new materials is a very lengthy process. Companies like Panasonic and Denning Era took several years to succeed in their research."
"I had already outlined the general direction while abroad. What’s left is countless experiments and exploration. According to my calculations, within at most one more year, we should achieve a breakthrough..."
After listening to his answer, Qi Yun lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and slowly said, "Can I understand this as you’re stating an ideal scenario, and there’s also a chance that even after burning money for another year, nothing could be produced?"
Tao Ziming’s face slightly changed, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes.
"Mr. Qi, there are indeed uncertainties in research and development, although we are very confident we will achieve a breakthrough within a year and launch a mature product."
"But in scientific research, no one can guarantee everything; unexpected difficulties might arise, causing delays or even research failures."
Saying this, determination returned to Tao Ziming’s face, continuing, "However, with each experiment, we accumulate data and experience, bringing us closer to success."
"What we lack now is funding. With it, we could accelerate progress and potentially shorten the R&D cycle."
Qi Yun nodded silently after listening, now understanding why this intel was classified as blue.
Because while it’s indeed valuable, it’s also filled with uncertainties, not like Qingnang Book, which is already an established fact.
This was something that could potentially yield high returns, or the invested money could end up wasted.
After a while, Qi Yun spoke again, "Haven’t you raised a single cent yet?"
Upon hearing this, Tao Ziming sighed and replied bitterly, "Domestic capital isn’t keen on companies like ours focused on R&D. I’ve visited many bosses, all of whom turned me down."
Qi Yun nodded, acknowledging the other’s honesty.
He took a few more drags on his cigarette, thought for a moment, and came to a decision internally.
"How much money do you currently need?"
Hearing this, Tao Ziming’s eyes lit up, as if sensing Qi Yun’s willingness to invest.
He sat up straight, a hint of excitement on his face, "Mr. Qi, after our current calculations, there’s a funding gap of about 40 million, mainly for experimental material costs and the salaries of the R&D team..."
After the other party finished speaking, Qi Yun extinguished the cigarette butt in the ashtray: "Finished?"
Tao Ziming nodded, his eyes full of anticipation, "Finished."
Qi Yun stood up, patted the ashes off his sleeve, and said blandly, "Well, if you’re finished, goodbye." After speaking, he turned and walked towards the outside.
Tao Ziming’s face of expectation instantly froze, a look of astonishment flashed in his eyes.
He hurriedly stood up, took a step forward, grabbed Qi Yun’s arm, "Mr. Qi, don’t rush off, is the amount too much for you? We can discuss it further."
"The current situation of the company does indeed make funds tight, which is why there’s such a large gap, but this money is truly necessary..."
Stopped by him, Qi Yun turned to look at him, reluctantly saying, "Buddy, my name is Qi Yun, not Jack Ma."
Wow, asking for forty or fifty million at once, that’s out of his league, at least for now.
Embarrassment appeared on Tao Ziming’s face, he opened his mouth, but didn’t know what to say for a moment.
Seeing him in this state, Qi Yun felt some pity, but he understood his capabilities and limits; currently, he couldn’t bear such a significant investment risk.
"I understand your predicament, and I can see that you and your team are genuinely trying to make things happen." Qi Yun sighed, his tone softening, "But forty million is no small sum for me, with my current ability, I can’t afford to invest that much."