Chapter 580: Whatever Tricks You Have, Use Them

Two days passed in a flash.

Director Guo, who hadn't shown her face for a few days, finally appeared.

After getting up, she first went to find Chen Jiashan, and the two of them went to Liang Shiya's suite.

The assistant opened the door; inside was a living room with a desk facing the window.

Liang Shiya put down the documents in her hand: "You didn't go do a background check?"

"It went very smoothly, we basically didn't encounter any obstacles!" Chen Jiashan sat down on the sofa, "So, what needed to be checked has already been checked."

Guo Yongxin sat on the other side: "Diwen, this Director Lin is very strange!"

"Oh!" Liang Shiya was interested, "How strange?"

"Very young, only twenty-two years old, still a graduate student—his family background is very ordinary; his grandfather is a university professor, and his parents are just grassroots civil servants—"

"However, he earned tens of millions by the age of twenty-one—and he has a wide social circle, knows many business people and socialites, and also knows many officials in government departments—"

"Furthermore, he has a talent for research and has his own research center in Xijing: besides Artifact Restoration and Craft Restoration, it also involves Cultural Relic Protection Material Technology—"

Guo Yongxin emphasized: "And these things don't have much to do with that teacher of his—"

Liang Shiya was noncommittal: Mike (Li Zhenghao) had already investigated part of what Guo Yongxin said. For example, his youth, his family background, and his teacher.

There were also some things that, although not investigated, could be imagined: for instance, his relationship with government departments.

The logic was simple: without a good cooperative relationship or a powerful background, those departments could not unconditionally trust and support him.

For example, this negotiation.

Since his family background was very ordinary, it could only be attributed to his personal ability and charisma.

Therefore, Lin Sicheng did not lie: he really did have quite a few friends.

But compared to that, Liang Shiya was more concerned about Lin Sicheng's ability to make money and his research level.

"So you mean, he has tens of millions in savings?"

"No, it's already spent: that center of his at Northwest University is not small, with an investment of around forty million. Then he established the current Sub-center in Beijing. As of now, the verifiable investment amount is about twenty million. If it runs normally, it will need about another ten million—"

"And what I found, whether it's the accounts of the two centers or his personal accounts, the total balance is less than eight hundred thousand."

""

Halfway through, Guo Yongxin paused, "What I find strange is his way of making money: antiques?"

Guo Yongxin was a professional Accountant and was no stranger to this industry; in fact, she was very familiar with it.

She had heard many, many stories related to antiques and had seen many top-tier collectors, so she was very clear about all the tricks involved in so-called art collecting.

Some are used for tax avoidance, some for money laundering. Besides that, it's not that no one can make money from it, but it's basically all small-time stuff.

She had never seen a single person who could purely earn tens of millions from buying and selling antiques.

And upon arriving in Mainland, she suddenly ran into one, and he was so young?

The key was the time Lin Sicheng used: "Diwen, it only took him a year and a half to earn these seventy million—"

Actually, it wasn't as much as seventy million, at most two-thirds of that.

The excess part came from explicit or implicit investments from Northwest University and the municipal and district governments; these could not be checked through banks or the Tax Bureau and could only be counted toward Lin Sicheng.

The rest was because Guo Yongxin also counted the collections in the exhibition hall as fixed assets.

"Wasn't it only sixty million? How did an extra ten million appear?"

Guo Yongxin thought for a moment: "Oh, he also made donations, about ten million!"

Liang Shiya did the math: seventy million, converted to US dollars, was at least ten million. For a college student with no background and an ordinary upbringing to earn this much in a little over a year was indeed quite rare.

But he had already spent it, right?

Now, he needed to raise at least twenty million US dollars. And the time was only a short month.

Oh no—including today, there were twenty-six days left.

Earning it was impossible, so he could only borrow.

"Mary, if we value his center, how much would it be?"

"Six hundred million RMB!"

Liang Shiya widened her eyes: "How much?"

"Valued at six hundred million, and it's very authoritative: this is the figure jointly assessed last November by the National Intellectual Property Administration, the Cultural Relics Bureau, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, and the Local Finance Department—"

Guo Yongxin explained, "The reason it's so high is because of the Cultural Relic Protection Material Technology he researched jointly with the National Cultural Heritage Administration. I specifically investigated it; this technology of his is not only applicable to the field of Cultural Relics protection but even more so to the industrial field, and it is in a leading position internationally—"

Liang Shiya couldn't stay calm.

Perhaps because she had seen many geniuses, to Liang Shiya, whether it was being young, being able to make money, or having a wide social circle, the impression it gave her was actually just so-so.

Such people were rare, but they did exist.

But if one said that a twenty-two-year-old young man, in a China that was lagging behind in every aspect, had researched a material technology to an internationally leading position, that was truly unbelievable.

She finally understood why Guo Yongxin said: Lin Sicheng's research ability was very strong.

However, this was material technology, which was a world away from analytical instruments.

Liang Shiya let out a breath: "So, he plans to use this center as collateral to take out a bank loan?"

Even if he could only mortgage half of it, he could still borrow three hundred million—

Guo Yongxin thought for a moment: "It's not impossible!"

Asking herself, this young man still had a strong sense of social responsibility: for example, before he had even earned sixty or seventy million, perhaps not even half of that, he had already donated nearly ten million.

There were many wealthy people who donated, but those who donated anonymously without asking for any return were truly few.

From this, it could be seen that if the relevant departments were worried about triggering restrictive clauses and could not provide him with sufficient financial support, Lin Sicheng would very likely find a way to solve it himself.

"But it's not impossible to stop him!" Guo Yongxin was methodical, "Six hundred million is just a valuation, and this technology of his has not yet been licensed on a large scale. So as of now, this center of his does not have a stable, sustainable revenue project."

Liang Shiya's eyes lit up: Since there was no stable revenue project, on what grounds would a bank lend you so much?

According to the Financial Clause, the United Association has every reason to suspect whether your funds originated from backroom deals with government departments.

"Besides this Center, does he have any other assets?"

"Only this one in Beijing, but it hasn't officially started operations yet, so it cannot be valued."

Liang Shiya did not lower her guard: "If he borrows from private individuals, how much could he borrow?"

"It's hard to calculate; it specifically depends on how much he borrows, after all, he really has quite a few friends! But Diwen, you don't need to worry—"

Guo Yongxin was calm and composed, "The Financial Clause in the Technology Authorization Agreement restricts not only institutions and departments, but also individuals!"

Rich people fall into two categories: either there is a problem with the origin of their money, or there is a problem with the origin of the person. Even if there are no problems in these two aspects, Guo Yongxin could still find a problem.

Rich people are also people; they always have relatives, right? Are there any among them who are in politics or are government officials?

What, none?

Fine, then they must have friends. I don't believe you have never spent money or entertained with officials?

If you don't even have that, then it is absolutely impossible for you to be rich. Because, China is an official-oriented society—

"That's good then!" Liang Shiya let out a sigh of relief, "There are still twenty-six days left, Mary, CoCo, keep a close watch!"

As long as Lin Sicheng cannot raise the money, the Technology Authorization Agreement will automatically terminate, and they will have completed their mission.

Then, the CTO will still be the CTO, and the CFO will still be the CFO.

"Diwen, don't you worry!"

For the sake of a million-dollar annual salary, they would definitely keep a death grip on Lin Sicheng and let this Technology Authorization Agreement die in the cradle.

Liang Shiya reached out her hand: "Let's work hard together!"

The three women's hands clasped together.

Suddenly, with two "clack-clack" sounds, Liang Shiya's Assistant stood at the door, "Diwen, a lady surnamed Li says she wants to see you; she claims to be General Manager Lin's Assistant—"

Surnamed Li, that young and pretty Office Director?

"Invite her in!"

"Very well!"

Saying this, the Assistant closed the door, and a moment later, she arrived at the door again: "Assistant Li, please come this way!"

Following the sound of her voice, the door was pushed open, and Li Zhen entered the living room.

Liang Shiya and Chen Jiashan had met before; the remaining one she did not recognize, who should be that Financial Officer surnamed Guo.

Li Zhen politely bowed slightly: "Director Liang, Director Chen, Teacher Lin asked me to come and deliver the Financial Plan!"

Before coming, Lin Sicheng had specifically called to say he would have his Assistant deliver it, and Liang Shiya knew about this.

"Assistant Li, please sit down first."

This was to prevent there being parts that were not understood, so Li Zhen could explain on the spot.

Or if something was inappropriate, Li Zhen could take it back for Lin Sicheng to revise.

Liang Shiya pointed to the sofa and took the document.

It wasn't much, just two pages of paper, but most of it was high-sounding polite talk, and substantive content was less than one-third.

After scanning it a few times, Liang Shiya was stunned, then let out a "ha" sound.

Subsequently, she passed it forward: "Mary, CoCo, you two take a look as well!"

Guo Yongxin took it, and with just one glance, she looked as if she were stunned.

The title was sloppy and direct: This Week's Financial Plan.

This week, meaning, this was just a Work Plan for this one week?

Continuing to look down, sure enough: this entire plan revolved around "how to raise one-quarter of the twenty million USD License Fee."

Which meant, how to raise five million USD.

They had originally thought that even if what Lin Sicheng handed over wasn't an annual plan, it should at least be for one quarter: besides the twenty million USD License Fee, he also needed to plan to raise Startup Capital. For example, renting a venue, renovations, purchasing equipment, and so on.

Lin Sicheng, on the other hand, let alone a quarter, didn't even have one month's worth; he only made a one-week plan.

Besides how to raise five million USD, he didn't write a single extra word.

The key was, you couldn't even pick out any faults in it.

The three women looked at each other: so that's how you want to play?

Fine!

Liang Shiya pointed at the plan: "General Manager Lin intends to sell off his collection to raise the License Fee?"

Li Zhen was neither humble nor pushy: "Yes, General Manager Liang!"

"As far as I know, the art pieces he collects are only worth ten or twenty million RMB. After selling the collection, what does he intend to do?"

"Teacher Lin said this is the next step of the plan. If Director Liang is not in a hurry, you will be able to see it in next week's Financial Plan—"

The meaning was, it's none of your business for now.

Liang Shiya was choked up, and her expression turned cold.

None of my business, is it? Then let me ask if I can ask about what is my business?

She closed the document: "Assistant Li, where is General Manager Lin?"

"At the building!"

"Good, please tell General Manager Lin that in addition to the Financial Plan, I require General Manager Lin to submit a detailed Work Plan to me!" Liang Shiya was very serious, "Also on a weekly basis!"

Lin Sicheng had long anticipated that this woman would nitpick and had prepared various contingency plans for Li Zhen.

Li Zhen was not flustered at all: "I'm sorry General Manager Liang, this does not comply with the Safety Clause in the Technology Authorization Agreement!"

Liang Shiya was stunned for a moment and looked at Chen Jiashan.

Chen Jiashan nodded slightly, meaning that there was indeed this clause in the Technology Authorization Agreement: for fear of endangering personal safety, the United Association had no right to inquire about Lin Sicheng's specific work itinerary.

To put it bluntly: afraid of being assassinated—

Liang Shiya kept a straight face: "Assistant Li, then how am I to know if General Manager Lin is carrying out his work strictly according to the arrangements in the plan?"

Li Zhen replied without hesitation: "Teacher Lin said that if Director Liang feels it is necessary, he can report to you by phone after work every day. If Director Liang feels that is not rigorous enough, you can supervise him in person!"

Liang Shiya laughed: "Haha————"

It was not sarcasm, but anger.

Lin Sicheng was digging his heels in with her: I don't care, as long as you don't find it troublesome.

"Fine! Please tell General Manager Lin to report to me on time at seven o'clock in the evening. Also, tomorrow I will personally accompany General Manager Lin to carry out his work————"

Li Zhen sighed: Is this woman for real?

And Lin Sicheng too, why are you being so serious with a woman?

Now look what's happened————

She nodded: "Director Liang, I will pass on the message!"

"Good, MiMi, see Assistant Li out for me!"

The Assistant pointed toward the door and said "please," and Li Zhen stood up and walked out.

As soon as the door closed, Liang Shiya sneered and crumpled the plan into a ball.

"Lin, you just wait!"

Guo Yongxin and Chen Jiashan exchanged a look: Actually, everyone knew that both sides would definitely have a falling out; it was merely a question of sooner or later.

But they hadn't expected it to be this early. And they certainly hadn't expected that Lin Sicheng would be the one to provoke it.

According to normal logic: in order not to be so strictly restricted or heavily supervised, the party being supervised would certainly try every way to please the inspection team.

Unless absolutely forced or pushed beyond endurance, they would inevitably be cautious, swallow their pride, or even act servile.

Yet Lin Sicheng was doing the exact opposite?

They hadn't even started yet, and Lin Sicheng had already made his attitude clear: whatever tricks you have, bring them on!

It was as if Lin Sicheng couldn't wait to ruin the authorization.

If that were the case, why had he gone to such great lengths and put in so much effort during the negotiations?

Chen Jiashan looked suspicious: "Diwen, don't you feel this person is a bit contradictory?"

"It's not that Lin Sicheng is contradictory, but that he is confident because he has something to rely on!" Liang Shiya shook her head, "He has concluded that we can't do anything to him!"

Or to put it another way: Lin Sicheng has thought it through very clearly.

Whether I try to please you or not, you are going to make things difficult for me. You won't relax even a little bit just because my attitude is good, so why should I put on a smiling face for you?

Thinking of this, Liang Shiya gritted her teeth: "Mary, CoCo, be serious!"

The two of them nodded in unison.