"Kevin and I went back and pondered for several days, but the more we thought about it, the more restless we became! The directions you mentioned, we're still digesting the others, but there is one..."
He paused, his tone carrying a bit of tacit understanding among men: "It's the 'influencer economy' and 'MCN incubation' you mentioned! Hey, after discussing this, we both found it really interesting!"
His voice was filled with even more excitement: "Think about it, Ethan! Even if this thing is ... Ahem, even if the business doesn't succeed in the end, at least the process is ... rich and colorful, right? It's still better than investing in those cold, indifferent machine factories, right? At least you can 'deeply experience' the industry ecosystem!"
He let out a mischievous chuckle, then quickly tried to make up for it: "Of course, I'm optimistic about its commercial prospects! Last time you analyzed things like monetizing traffic and the fan economy — it was so exciting to listen to!"
Ethan helplessly pressed his temples: "Brandon, so after all that time breaking down the trend in the space, content is king, and closed-loop business models, you remember 'rich and colorful'?"
He teased him and said, "If I really just wanted to 'experience' it, would I need to drag you into a company? Why not just throw money around and be done with it?"
Brandon smiled and said, "Hey, don't undermine me! Are you really planning to invest in the influencer sector?"
"Isn't that obvious? Otherwise, do you think the business I'm putting together with you has a future?" Ethan said speechlessly.
Brandon chuckled on the other end of the phone, finally turning serious: "No joke, Ethan. How confident are you about what you mentioned last time? Give it to me straight. You know, even though I love to play, I still need a clear picture in mind when I put real money into it. If you really think this thing can come together, bro, I'd definitely want a ride! Doesn't need to be much, just following your lead, maybe getting some shares to play with."
He sighed, his tone tinged with envy: "You have no idea, the girls Kevin's been bringing around lately — several of them are influencers with hundreds of thousands of followers dancing on that 'live' app... my legs get a little envious just watching!"
Ethan was silent for a few seconds.
Sunlight moved across his face, reflecting the calm weighing in his eyes.
He organized his words, his voice steady and clear, carrying a caution beyond his years: "Brandon, when it comes to investing, no one can guarantee 100% success. There's opportunity and I'm optimistic about the trend, but that doesn't mean getting in guarantees we ride the wave. The market changes fast — policy shifts, platform strategy, competitive pressure, and how well the team on the ground executes... any link in that chain could go wrong."
He paused and continued, "The core difference between investing and gambling is that the former is based on deep analysis of trends, data, and patterns, while the latter is purely a game of luck. My judgment tells me this space is worth investing in, so I've decided to place a bet. But I have to be clear upfront: there's no guaranteed profit-free deal."
Brandon on the other end of the phone gasped exaggeratedly after hearing this: "Hiss... Ethan, man, with that mindset, you're really something else. Right now, I'm genuinely curious — does your family actually own a money printing operation? Otherwise, how could they put up with all this 'strategic trial and error' from you?"
Joking aside, his tone grew even more serious: "No more jokes! When are you free? We have to face this head-on! Site selection, startup capital, equity structure, exactly how to handle it... Everything needs to be finalized! It's all on fire!"
Ethan thought for a moment: "Tomorrow! I'll come find you tomorrow morning."
"Done!" Brandon made the final decision, his voice full of enthusiasm, "Then tomorrow! I'll find a good spot, let's plan it out carefully and try to make it big!"
As soon as he finished speaking, he decisively hung up the phone.
Ethan put down his phone and gently tapped the cool phone case with his fingertips.
At the end of the corridor, the humming of the class bell rang out, and a certain smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
A new chessboard has been laid out, and the pieces are about to be placed.
The next morning.
Oak Ridge.
The thin morning mist, as light as gauze, had not yet fully lifted. Crystal-clear dewdrops hung from the tips of the oak leaves, and the air was filled with the crisp scent of grass and trees.
Ethan pushed open the courtyard gate, carrying a faint morning chill.
However, at the entrance, a figure stood quietly, forming a subtle contrast to the tranquil surroundings.
The woman was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, her posture upright like slender bamboo.
Her hair was styled in a smooth, neat low bun, meticulously revealing a smooth, full forehead and graceful neck.
Her face was meticulously crafted yet understated, perfectly highlighting her delicate features. Especially her calm, deep eyes, radiating focus and competence.
She wore a deep gray cashmere suit dress tailored like a work of art, with the fabric draping beautifully, outlining a slender yet powerful waist.
Layered with a high-quality pearl-white silk shirt, the collar tied with a simple matching silk scarf, showcasing professionalism and taste in every detail.
Beneath the skirt suit, a pair of well-proportioned, shapely legs were wrapped in top-quality black stockings, shining with a delicate yet restrained luster in the morning light. On her feet were simple and elegant black pointed heels, with just the right height, giving a commanding presence while maintaining an easy walk.
It was none other than Ethan's personal Chase Bank secretary — Mia.
Upon seeing Ethan, Mia immediately bowed slightly, her angle precise and elegant. A flawless, professional smile instantly appeared on her face, her voice clear and pleasant, carrying just the right warmth: "Ethan, good morning."
Ethan was indeed a bit surprised.
Yesterday, he'd only told Mia he needed help with the new company's site selection and registration this morning, without setting a specific time.
Not only did she arrive early, but she also chose to wait quietly outside the door. Her precise timing and excellent sense of proportion left Ethan with a deeper impression of her professionalism.
"Thanks for coming so early." Ethan nodded in greeting.
"You're too polite," Mia replied, bowing slightly again, her posture respectful but not overly humble.
"It's my job to make sure I'm always responsive to your needs. Besides, today was the day to finalize the office space and start registration. It's important, so I figured I'd get here early."
Her answer was logical and flawless, steering the topic directly to today's main business.
Ethan waved his hand, a hint of a relaxed smile as he tried to close the distance: "We're about the same age. Just be casual with me in private, no need to be so formal. I'm not the type to fuss over red tape."
"Alright, Ethan." Mia nodded obediently in response, the curve of her lips deepening slightly, but the professional calm and distance in her eyes remained, like an invisible barrier.
There are 130 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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