Prodigal System in the Flourishing City

Lu Xiaobu's reputation still had its effects; at the very least, when he extended an invitation, it wouldn't be rejected.

Both parties agreed to meet at a café.

"Mr. Lu, hello, my surname is Yang. First, I want to make it clear that I am here to meet with you in a personal capacity, so..."

Yang Liqiang stretched out his hand and said to Lu Xiaobu.

Though he didn't finish his sentence, the implication was clear.

This meant the meeting was private and would not involve any liability or commitments.

"Mr. Yang, hello. Of course, I understand."

Lu Xiaobu reached out and shook hands with Yang Liqiang, assessing him as they were introduced.

At first glance, the man before him was someone accustomed to being in a high position, meticulous and bespectacled.

While Lu Xiaobu was sizing up Yang Liqiang, Yang was also evaluating the legendary Lu Xiaobu.

He had heard of Lu Xiaobu's reputation long ago.

A reckless prodigal!

A synonym for miracles!

A professional provocateur against the Koreans for ten thousand years!

Not quite a qualified businessman, but definitely a qualified young hothead!

However, those were all hearsay, and now before him was a young man who did not appear to be very old, yet had exceedingly deep and profound eyes.

For a moment, even he was intimidated by those piercing eyes.

Lazy yet confident, dominantly reserved, seemingly indifferent to everything yet harboring a world-embracing heart!

This Lu Xiaobu was definitely not simple!

This was his first impression of Lu Xiaobu.

"Please take a seat. What would you like to drink?"

Lu Xiaobu gestured as he spoke.

"Sure, a cup of Blue Mountain coffee."

Yang Liqiang nodded his head.

The coffee arrived.

Yang Liqiang: "Mr. Lu, let's skip the formalities and get straight to the point, shall we?"

Lu Xiaobu: "I like your straightforwardness. Let's keep it simple then. I want to collaborate with you, under the same conditions as Lin Feng."

Yang Liqiang chuckled wryly: "Though we agreed to speak plainly, Mr. Lu, you really are quite direct."

Lu Xiaobu shrugged, smiling without saying a word.

Yang Liqiang cleared his throat and spoke gravely, "You should be aware this is not something I can decide alone. If Mr. Lu cannot offer corresponding terms, I'm afraid..."

He spoke half a sentence and left the rest unsaid. Even though the pretext of a private meeting was set beforehand, there were still many things that couldn't be carelessly disclosed.

"I understand." Lu Xiaobu nodded. "First off, since you've already opened up to Lin Feng, doing the same for me wouldn't result in any loss for you — on the contrary, it could be quite beneficial."

Yang Liqiang smiled upon hearing this, stirring his coffee but remaining silent.

Everyone understood that logic; it wasn't particularly meaningful.

"Secondly, I imagine you've always been troubled with establishing a credit system," Lu Xiaobu said with a faint smile, picking up his cup of coffee.

"Mr. Lu, could you be explicit? Do you have a solution?!" Yang Liqiang stopped stirring his coffee and became serious.

A credit system was a longstanding topic.

Having a robust credit system would be immensely helpful for launching various business ventures.

Hence, they had also been striving towards it, but to little avail.

It could be said that no one dared to claim they could perfect a new credit system.

Yet now, Lu Xiaobu had raised the issue.

He believed Lu Xiaobu did not speak without basis.

"No, I don't have a solution," Lu Xiaobu replied with a smile.

"Mr. Lu, that joke isn't funny at all. If you're just here to make fun of me, then let's end the meeting here today!"

Yang Liqiang made a slight move to get up, a flicker of irritation in his eyes.

"Although I can't build a credit system myself, I can use another method to accelerate the establishment of one!"

Lu Xiaobu's eyes locked on Yang Liqiang with an irresistible intensity.

"Please explain!"

Yang Liqiang was subdued by that gaze and sat back down.

"It's the era of mobile payments!"

Lu Xiaobu declared these words with resolute confidence!

"The era of mobile payments?" Yang Liqiang's brow furrowed.

The phrase "era" was not to be used lightly!

"Exactly!" Lu Xiaobu affirmed, and then he began to elaborate.

"In the not too distant future, people will no longer carry cash when they leave home; they will travel the world with just a mobile phone!"

"From large corporate transactions to buying a cup of coffee or a pancake, even to giving money to beggars on the street, all will be done through mobile payments!"

"Just imagine, what a magnificent era that will be!"

"At the same time, all payment actions of individuals will be recorded, and network credit will naturally emerge!"

"Tell me, will establishing a credit system still be difficult then?!"

Lu Xiaobu's words painted a splendid vision in Yang Liqiang's mind, compelling him to envision that scene.

If so, indeed, the credit system would become much easier to establish.

However, he was no naive child to be easily deceived by such talk.

Promptly, he pinpointed the problem: "But in that case, you would be the one controlling the credit system, not us!"

With that statement, Yang Liqiang's gaze towards Lu Xiaobu shifted.

Lu Xiaobu's ambition was far too great!

"No!" Lu Xiaobu shook his head, looking at Yang Liqiang: "I am willing to offer 49% of the company's shares! However, the day-to-day management must still remain in my hands!"

The situation was different after all, so the strategy could not simply follow Earth's blueprint without alteration.

Monopolies were rare in the business world!

Hoarding benefits for oneself would not go far!

Even on Earth, the likes of 'Father Ma' only held around eight percent.

Given that collaboration was necessary, why not partner with the state?

After all, he had no other ulterior motives!

"Hiss!"

Hearing these words, Yang Liqiang couldn't help but inhale sharply.

Lu Xiaobu's boldness was astounding!

Offering 49% of the shares unconditionally – this was not something an ordinary person would do!

However, if what he said was true, then the future Lu Xiaobu had described could indeed become a reality.

He couldn't deny it; he was tempted! Truly tempted!

It was a very alluring proposition!

Lu Xiaobu watched Yang Liqiang, staying silent.

For a moment, the scene was engulfed in silence.

After a long while.

Yang Liqiang finally swallowed, moistening his parched throat, "I can't decide on my own; I need to consult with my superiors."

"Of course!"

Lu Xiaobu showed no objection.

"Well then, I must be going." Yang Liqiang stood up, shook hands with Lu Xiaobu, and left in haste.

It was clear from his hurried steps that he was profoundly shaken by the discussion!

And that cup of Blue Mountain coffee had remained untouched from beginning to end.

Lu Xiaobu watched Yang Liqiang's retreating figure—hoping that it would work out!

Once it did, the benefits he would gain would be far more than just that small percentage of shares!