Li Li was in the real estate and physical business sectors, so he was somewhat skeptical of Ye Chen's words.
4G was not yet widespread; it was still in the promotional stage.
Therefore, Li Li still found it hard to believe that the 4G Internet era held such immense potential.
But Ye Chen knew.
The arrival of the 4G era sounded the clarion call for the rise of the Internet industry.
Many people would seize the opportunity to become multi-millionaires, or even billionaires.
Ye Chen said seriously, "Uncle, for us, the next dozen or so years are absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Since you're so optimistic about the Internet, do you have any good investment projects?"
Li Li looked at Ye Chen with a face full of anticipation.
In fact, Li Li's reason for seeking out Ye Chen this time was simply to observe what kind of person he truly was.
Although Ye Chen had indeed made a lot of money from his recent investments, Li Li wanted to know if Ye Chen relied on luck or vision.
Li Li also wanted to see what kind of magical qualities this young man possessed.
Ye Chen fell silent for a moment before saying, "There is actually a decent investment project right now, and the cycle is very short."
"What project?" Li Li asked hurriedly.
Ye Chen thought for a moment and said, "Shared Bikes."
Shared Bikes first appeared on the Peking University campus.
Back then, a group of top students were the first to try it out.
However, in 2008, this group of top students hadn't thought of this plan yet, or rather, the plan was still in the conceptual stage.
Furthermore, Shared Bikes remained obscure for a long time back then before finally being noticed by businesses.
The reason Ye Chen proposed Shared Bikes as the first investment project to Li Li was also to test the waters with it.
While Li Li was observing him, Ye Chen also wanted to see if Li Li was a suitable investment partner.
After all, although Shared Bikes would become popular, they would quickly go downhill.
The 'Little Yellow Bikes' were popular for a few years, but didn't they eventually collapse as well?
The investment for Shared Bikes wasn't very high, so even if it failed, Ye Chen wouldn't suffer too great a loss.
Hearing Ye Chen's words, Li Li was stunned.
"What are Shared Bikes?"
This was the first time Li Li had heard the term Shared Bikes.
Ye Chen explained, "Shared Bikes are, to put it simply, bicycle rentals—a new type of transportation rental business."
"Shared Bikes have many advantages: they are flexible, lightweight, and the price is very low, which fits the needs of the general public very well."
Li Li's eyes lit up upon hearing this.
This plan seemed quite interesting.
Ye Chen continued, "Uncle Li, you can imagine: taking our Jiangzhou as an example, if we place these Shared Bikes in commercial areas, bus stations, University campuses, and residential areas, then residents will have more choices for travel."
"For many people, their travel distance isn't far; taking a taxi isn't worth it, and the bus is too crowded. Thus, they need a very convenient means of transport."
After Ye Chen finished speaking, he looked at Li Li.
He believed that since he had explained it so clearly, if Li Li had a business mind, he should already see the business opportunity.
Li Li slapped his thigh after listening, his eyes flashing with excitement. "Xiao Ye, your idea is simply brilliant. We can definitely do something with these Shared Bikes."
"So, are you interested in my Shared Bikes project, Uncle Li?"
"Of course I am. Xiao Ye, are you interested in partnering with me?" Li Li said, looking at Ye Chen seriously.
"How about this: you develop the specific plan, and I'll provide the manpower and resources. We'll make money together, what do you say?"
Li Li was somewhat excited. With his sharp business sense, he had a feeling that this project would definitely make money.
"Mhm, of course we can, but how should we split the shares?"
Through his contact with Li Li, Ye Chen could feel that Li Li's character was decent, and he was also Li Sitong's father.
If things went well, they might even be family in the future, so a partnership was a good idea.
But even close brothers should keep clear accounts; this project was certain to make money.
Back then, Mobike was sold for over three billion.
Ye Chen's plan for the Shared Bikes investment was actually the same.
Once Shared Bikes became popular and reached their peak market value, he would sell his shares to cash out and make a graceful exit.
Therefore, every share now represented real gold and silver, so Ye Chen naturally had to fight for them.
Even Ye Chen couldn't predict exactly how high the future price of Shared Bikes would rise.
In fact, while Li Li was very optimistic about Shared Bikes, in his eyes, being able to earn tens of millions would already be quite good.
He could never have imagined that these Shared Bikes Ye Chen spoke of would bring in billions in revenue.
"How about this: we'll invest ten million. You provide the plan and five million in capital, and I'll provide the manpower and resources along with five million. We'll split the shares equally, each holding fifty percent."
"Of course, if you don't have enough money, I can cover the remaining portion," Li Li added afterwards.
This share distribution could be said to be very fair for both Ye Chen and Li Li.
Li Li was now even more impressed with Ye Chen, and he also wanted to strengthen his relationship with him.
After all, the two were now business partners, and Ye Chen might very well become his son-in-law in the future.
The Shared Bikes project in particular allowed Li Li to see Ye Chen's potential.
This young man's future prospects were absolutely limitless.
After all, Li Li hadn't even mentioned discussing projects before.
He had just brought it up casually, and Ye Chen had come up with such an excellent project.
Who knew if Ye Chen had other even better projects in his head?
The share distribution Li Li proposed was based on a fair and reasonable foundation for both parties.
Ye Chen nodded. "Uncle Li's distribution is very reasonable. However, I possess a complete set of plans that will save our company from many detours during development, so I want fifty-five percent of the shares."
If it were anyone else, Ye Chen still wouldn't have agreed to fifty-five percent.
He possessed a set of plans that had been proven by the market; even if he asked for sixty percent, it would be perfectly justified.
Ye Chen predicted that in just one year, Shared Bikes would definitely become popular, even sweeping across the entire country, at which point their market value would skyrocket.
But the other party was Li Sitong's father; it wouldn't be appropriate to be too excessive.
"Fifty-five percent?"
Li Li frowned slightly, looking at this future son-in-law with even more newfound respect.
This young man acted steadily and even possessed a maturity that an eighteen-year-old shouldn't have.
In this business negotiation, his confidence and composure were such that even a veteran of the Shopping Mall like himself couldn't help but feel some admiration.
Li Li took a deep breath.
This young man's future prospects were truly limitless.
As expected of my daughter, she has great vision.