Yang Zhiyuan's approval was truly unexpected; He Zhengcheng had never imagined that a tycoon with billions of dollars would be willing to help him so much.
The next day, accompanied by the esteemed Yang Zhiyuan, the group engaged in a friendly exchange in a harmonious atmosphere.
People in this era generally lacked a deep understanding of the internet; they all knew it could change the future, but only He Zhengcheng seemed to have seen the future, and his vision was long-term and firm. Even though he consciously controlled himself from revealing too much information, his overflowing confidence unconsciously manifested itself during his interactions with these internet tycoons, seemingly expounding a truth to everyone at all times:
Therefore, all questions about the internet must be: "Centered on me!"
"I believe eBay can be incredibly successful, and its success has a very positive significance for society as a whole.
eBay currently only has auctions, but auctions are only a small part of e-commerce. We can become a platform for internet transactions, where countless people can start businesses through the eBay platform, selling their products all over the world. eBay only needs to fulfill its duty as a platform, providing a safe, efficient, and simple online trading environment. I believe this can expand eBay's market potential countless times over!" He Zhengcheng articulated his vision for eBay's future.
"I suddenly feel like acquiring eBay!" Yang Zhiyuan listened, and was somewhat moved, thinking that perhaps it would be a good idea for Yahoo to create an e-commerce platform.
"No, eBay is not for sale," Pierre Omidyar quickly said. He Zhengcheng's concept of an e-commerce platform further solidified his direction in the mist of the future.
"I regret coming with Christopher. I should have discussed it with him beforehand, so Yahoo could establish an e-commerce department. I believe that under Christopher's leadership, this department will definitely succeed," Yang Zhiyuan said.
"I believe eBay can achieve greater success with his help. I invite you to join eBay. You can join the board of directors and also become an Executive Vice President of this company. Are you interested?" Pierre Omidyar extended an invitation, offering his terms with great sincerity.
"I'm too young, only 22," He Zhengcheng replied.
"Believe me, in the internet era, age is not an issue," Omidyar stated.
"That's right, we were all under thirty when we started our businesses," Yang Zhiyuan added.
"The internet is for young people," Omidyar emphasized.
...He Zhengcheng fell silent.
"Sorry, a few months ago, a group of people believed in me in advance, which is why I have the opportunity to stand here and communicate with you all. I currently don't want to lose their trust in me. At least for now, I won't leave Shanhai Capital!" He Zhengcheng said.
He Zhengcheng's words also made Chao Yang on the side breathe a sigh of relief.
"Then forget it. Whenever you want a change of environment, I welcome you to join me," Omidyar said.
"Me too, don't forget we're friends!" Yang Zhiyuan added.
Every successful person has their own merits worthy of respect; of course, this respect refers to talent and advantages, not character, as the character of some wealthy individuals... "Meg Whitman said you have a way to ensure eBay's offering will not have problems. I believe you do have that capability. I agree to your joining eBay's board of directors, but you still need to become a major shareholder of eBay, only then can I make the nomination!" Omidyar said.
"Although our financial strength is not very strong, Shanhai Capital will become a major shareholder of eBay, please rest assured," He Zhengcheng stated.
"That's good. I look forward to our long-term cooperation," Omidyar replied.
"Me too!" He Zhengcheng agreed.
...With the matter smoothly resolved, He Zhengcheng and Chao Yang once again contacted Daisy Green of Goldman Sachs to discuss and sign the contract with their lawyers. eBay was set to go public next week, and time was of the essence.
"I underestimated you; I didn't expect you to be so efficient!" Daisy Green had initially thought they wouldn't truly have any interaction, but she realized she was wrong.
"Because we are involved in the internet, it is a young person's world, and the rules of the game here are slightly different from the older generation's," He Zhengcheng said.
"Only a successful person can say that!" Daisy Green responded.
"Alright then, if you don't believe me, there's nothing I can do. I want to buy more shares of eBay; is there any problem on your end?" He Zhengcheng asked.
"Buy more, how much?" Daisy Green inquired.
"Another 20 million!" He Zhengcheng stated.
"Cough cough!" Daisy Green coughed.
"It seems with your help, eBay's offering will indeed not have any problems," Daisy Green said, hinting at something.
Goldman Sachs was responsible for eBay's offering, but it was not the sole underwriter. Therefore, the portion they were responsible for, guaranteed by He Zhengcheng's funds, was now certain to have no problems. This would also generate a significant amount of handling fees, essentially earning two sets of fees from one transaction; he had hit the jackpot this time!
"We will still do what needs to be done. As for the effect, that remains to be seen; I can only guarantee to do my best," He Zhengcheng said, emphasizing that ample capital in the capital market is paramount, and other efforts are merely supplementary.
Long-Term Capital Management was destined to be devoured by the Wall Street behemoths; no alligator would spit out food that was already in its mouth. Even if He Zhengcheng were to announce at Yahoo that the crisis at Long-Term Capital Management had largely been resolved, it wouldn't save the company. Of course, it could ease market concerns considerably, but it was uncertain how much effect such a short time would have on eBay's offering. Previously, Daisy Green had merely been trying her luck, as she had nothing to lose, and what if it succeeded?
The funds provided by He Zhengcheng essentially provided a backstop and ensured that the price would not be too low. Coupled with news of an improving market at this time, eBay's stock performance after listing would not be bad. It's just that the profits would shift from eBay to the investors, which Goldman Sachs knew, but they themselves held shares in eBay, so they wouldn't have much objection. At most, Daisy Green's bonus would be slightly less.
"Congratulations, you have a great partner!" Daisy Green said to Chao Yang.
"I think so too!" Chao Yang replied.
Initially, he had planned to sign the share purchase agreement, and once eBay was listed and the share transfer completed, his mission in America would be done. He hadn't expected He Zhengcheng to give him such a big surprise.
Yahoo's Yang Zhiyuan, eBay's Pierre Omidyar and Meg Whitman, had all been convinced by him. It was practically like directly clearing an early-stage dungeon; truly impressive.
What the future of the internet would look like and how large its future market space would be were all unknowns. Yet, He Zhengcheng, with his fearlessness and courage, strengthened his own resolve and also bolstered the confidence of Yang Zhiyuan, Pierre Omidyar, and others, further pointing out one possible direction for development. If eBay hadn't been in its IPO quiet period, unable to freely release information, adjusting the company's development direction would have immediately garnered countless approvals.
"No! If it involves major matters concerning the company's development direction, it is not restricted by the IPO quiet period," He Zhengcheng realized.
...
"Will eBay's stock price really soar, and how much can we actually buy?" Chao Yang wondered.
"Damn it, at this point, only Heaven knows," He Zhengcheng muttered, regretting that his bragging had cost him tens of millions of dollars in profit.
The entire auction market might be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, but the retail market exceeds a trillion dollars. How do you value eBay then...?