Chapter 55: Ayu Games
While Zhao Xuanyi was scrutinizing Murong Feng's face, he also took a closer look at hers. He noticed her extremely fair skin, high nose bridge, deep eye sockets, and bright blue eyes like lakes. She was a mixed-race beauty!
Shaking his head, Murong Feng smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, Miss Zhao, but with such a beautiful face, I definitely wouldn't forget if we had met before."
Hearing the compliment in his words, Zhao Xuanyi gave a charming smile and said, "Mr. Murong really knows how to flatter. Have you been to Hong Kong before?"
Murong Feng nodded, "I went there about six months ago."
"Six months ago? I had already moved to Beijing by then..." Zhao Xuanyi frowned in thought, then suddenly remembered, "Oh, I remember now! You're the mainland rich kid rumored to be dating Miss Huo in the gossip magazines!"
Murong Feng was stunned and then shook his head with a bitter smile, "So that rumor even spread to the mainland?"
Zhao Xuanyi laughed and explained, "My mentor, Fang Jiabai, is the trainer for the Huo family's champion racehorse, 'Viva Pataca'. I'm also friends with Siqi, so I pay attention to Huo family news. When I saw that news online, I immediately called Siqi to congratulate her. I didn't expect it to be a misunderstanding."
She looked Murong Feng up and down again and laughed, "A handsome guy like you, Siqi missing out is her loss!"
Murong Feng was embarrassed, feeling that Hong Kong women were indeed straightforward and spoke without reservation.
Murong Feng could only touch his nose and smile wryly, "Miss Zhao, are you always this direct?"
Zhao Xuanyi displayed a playful expression and answered with a smile, "That depends on who I'm talking to!"
Just as Murong Feng was about to respond, Zhao Xuanyi raised her riding crop and made a standard fencing salute, smiling, "Mr. Murong, if you're not planning to start practice today, I'll take my leave. Bye." She then turned and walked away with a smile.
Murong Feng watched her graceful, lightly swaying body, her round and perky buttocks tightened by her tightly fitting breeches and her long riding boots emphasizing her curvaceous hips and long legs. Suddenly, he felt that having her as his equestrian coach might not be the best idea.
This woman seemed quite fiery!
At this moment, Wang Lei rode his horse over slowly, laughing, "So, Murong Feng, isn't this woman quite a handful?" Murong Feng just shook his head and smiled.
Wang Lei dismounted and affectionately stroked "Tafeng," smiling, "Zhao Xuanyi came to Tianxing a year ago. She's a superb rider, and she's beautiful too. They say she has British aristocratic blood. She's very famous in the club. Many rich young men in Beijing have tried to pursue her, but none have succeeded. She's definitely a challenge. Murong, are you afraid of getting burned?"
Murong Feng laughed, "As long as she can teach me to ride well, I have no other interests."
Even though he didn't actually ride a horse this time, Murong Feng still felt the joy of equestrianism and was looking forward to starting his riding life once his equipment arrived in two months.
---
Murong Feng did not participate in Huayou Films' US roadshow. Most of the paperwork and tasks involving him were already completed. He only needed to attend the listing ceremony at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange on the day of the IPO.
He also visited the university to meet with Professor Chen and Wang Ruoyun, reporting on his research at Huaxia Group. He felt his research was essentially complete. Although Professor Chen was puzzled by his separation from Li Suyan during the research, he accepted Murong Feng's report. The next step was to write and submit the research report for discussion.
Murong Feng delegated the tasks at his Beijing company and then boarded a flight to Hangzhou.
There was still one matter unresolved in Hangzhou. Once settled, he planned to go to Wuxi to pick up Ye Zi. Her project team had a rotation, allowing her to stay in Beijing for a week.
After getting off the plane, Murong Feng walked out of the airport, looking for a taxi. He was surprised to see Tang Qing leaning against a bright red Mercedes SLK convertible, smiling and waving at him.
It was rare to see her in formal attire—a chic white GUCCI suit and black knee-length skirt. Such colors would make an average woman look bulky, but on Tang Qing, they highlighted her enticing figure and strikingly beautiful appearance.
Such a top-tier beauty with a luxury car was rare even in a wealthy city like Hangzhou. People coming and going from the airport couldn't help but look at her.
Murong Feng walked up to her amidst everyone's gaze and smiled, "Janney, why are you here?"
Yesterday, he had called Tang Qing to arrange a meeting in Hangzhou to discuss the sale of Song Kangnian's game company. She mentioned that she was in Hangzhou for a new product launch event for Mercedes. He asked her to schedule a meeting with that person, and he would arrive today.
He didn't remember telling her his flight details. How did she know?
Tang Qing didn't answer directly. She tossed him the car keys and smiled, "You drive." She then walked around the car and sat in the passenger seat.
Murong Feng caught the keys, saw her already seated, and could only shake his head with a smile. He tossed his bag into the back seat, got in, and started the car, asking, "Janney, you still haven't answered me."
The red SLK's rear engine roared, and the car shot forward, leaving envious glances behind.
Tang Qing chuckled, "You said you'd arrive today. How could I not come to pick you up? What's there to answer? I came directly from the event site. Are you touched?"
Murong Feng nodded, "Touched." Their relationship was becoming closer, but he wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing.
The trees along the road were still lush, unlike the barren winter trees of the north.
The sports car sped along, and the clean, spacious highway with vast green lawns on either side lifted his spirits. Murong Feng couldn't help but feel that convertibles were indeed most suited for southern cities. Driving with the top down in Beijing would freeze you.
He shared this thought with Tang Qing.
Tang Qing replied, "I've tried driving with the top down in Beijing in winter. When you're in a bad mood, the north wind blows your face, and tears can freeze quickly." Her tone carried an inexplicable feeling.
Murong Feng glanced at her in surprise, seeing her looking ahead with a hint of sadness on her face, her thoughts seemingly far away. He sighed inwardly, realizing everyone had their own sorrowful past, even someone as privileged as Tang Qing.
Just as he was about to lighten the mood, Tang Qing burst into laughter, turning to him, "How was my performance? My sister-in-law used to be an actress in the General Political Department's art troupe. She taught me acting."
Murong Feng shook his head with a wry smile, "Your acting was great. You had me fooled!"
Was it really acting? Murong Feng recalled the sadness in Tang Qing's eyes, sighing inwardly.
Changing the subject, he brought up the game studio they were here to discuss.
Talking business, Tang Qing reverted to her usual poised and competent self. She explained, "I had tea with Sun Xiaohong. That game studio was established when the online game market was just starting. Song Kangnian wanted to diversify, so he brought in a Korean game called 'Red Moon' and set up the company. It did well initially, making millions annually. But then there were licensing disputes with Korea and issues with people creating cheats, which led to its downfall. And subsequent games weren't profitable. Now, Mr. Song wants to streamline his business's so he's selling the company."
Murong Feng was surprised, "'Red Moon' was a great game! I played it in college and cursed the operators when it shut down. I didn't know it was this company! I think it was called something 'Ayu'. But if that's the case, this company doesn't seem to have much acquisition value."
Tang Qing responded, "It's Ayu Games. But don't dismiss it. Ayu's employees are experienced professionals in gaming operations. That intangible asset is valuable. Given the current large online gaming market, a good game could quickly get the company back on track."
Murong Feng nodded in understanding. Knowledgeable staff could easily handle a good product.
Achieving twice the results with half the effort, making things much easier.
Tang Qing laughed, "You're in luck. Song Kangnian is eager to liquidate assets, or you wouldn't get such an experienced company so easily."
Murong Feng smiled and asked, "What's the asking price?"
Tang Qing squinted and said, "
Murong Feng thought for a moment and shook his head, "That's too high."
Tang Qing turned to him, her smile radiant, "Right, Murong. It's too high. I told Sun Xiaohong that it would be difficult to sell at that price. Although the economy is improving, few companies would buy a game company without a hit product. Sun Xiaohong wants to negotiate with you directly and is willing to lower the price."
She smiled, "Before the financial crisis, this company could have fetched at least
At a teahouse near West Lake, in a courtyard with green tiles and red walls, Murong Feng met Sun Xiaohong again. As elegant as at the Huaxia Group banquet, she wore a purple dress. Despite it being winter, she only had a light shawl over her shoulders. Her graceful entrance added to the picturesque scene, accompanied by the melodious tones of Jiangnan pingtan music.
Tang Qing stood up, smiling, "Sunny, you're finally here. Murong and I have been waiting."
Sun Xiaohong warmly greeted her and, smiling at Murong Feng, said, "Mr. Murong, it's an honor to meet you. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Murong Feng shook her hand, feeling its softness and smoothness. He quickly let go, smiling as he pointed to a plaque reading "Who Sits With Me Pavilion" and said, "With such beautiful scenery and waiting for someone as wonderful as Miss Sun, how could I complain? Please sit."
Tang Qing teased, "Murong is a Chinese major, so he must know this pavilion's name comes from Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden."
Murong Feng laughed, "Even a Chinese major doesn't know everything. I recently visited the Humble Administrator's Garden and rested in this pavilion."
He leisurely took a sip of tea, continuing, "I remember the plaque is inspired by Su Shi's poem 'Idle Leaning on a Couch': 'Idle leaning on a couch, peaks beyond the tower. With whom to sit? Bright moon and clear breeze.'"
He recited the poem, amusing the two women. Tang Qing playfully said, "You're such a scholar." Sun Xiaohong politely said, "Mr. Murong, you have great talent."
Murong Feng laughed, "In such a beautiful setting, with two lovely ladies, I naturally had to indulge in some elegance." The women laughed, lightening the atmosphere.
They then discussed business. With Tang Qing's influence and Murong Feng's charm, Sun Xiaohong, who had just been urged by Song Kangnian to sell up, agreed to Murong Feng's offer of 30 million, but insisted on full payment upfront.
Sun Xiaohong earnestly said, "Mr. Murong, this is a package deal, including the servers and millions of paid users that Song Dong invested tens of millions in. The game company has nearly 50 developers, all valuable assets. Plus, the two floors of office space in the West Lake Science Park are worth nearly ten million. If Song Dong hadn't urged me to sell quickly, I wouldn't have gone below 50 million. So, the payment must be made in full."
Tang Qing knew this was a good price, and looked to Murong Feng.
Murong Feng pondered, calculating his funds.
After investing in TOM Beijing Media, he still had over 20 million in his private account. Additionally, he had 40 million managed by UBS, aside from the 20 million invested in Huayou. But he didn't plan to use that money; he had a new idea.
The cash-rich Fengxing Company.
With rapidly growing revenue, Fengxing now had nearly 60 million in funds. His plan was to use Fengxing and his own investment to jointly acquire Ayu Games. However, using Fengxing's funds required board approval now that the TOM Group had invested.
Fengxing's board had four members: Murong Feng, Bao Zixian, Liu Xin, and Ding Jun. He had discussed the acquisition with Liu Xin and Ding Jun but hadn't spoken to Bao Zixian yet. He stepped outside the pavilion and called Bao Zixian.
Bao Zixian laughed heartily over the phone, "Great idea, Murong. I trust your judgment. Go ahead. You're taking business seriously now; should I be glad? Remember to check on TOM Beijing too. Don't leave it all to Doris and Ouyang."
Murong Feng smiled wryly, "Got it, boss."
Returning to his seat, Murong Feng smiled, "The price is fair, and the payment method is fine. Miss Sun, you've got a deal!"
Tang Qing and Sun Xiaohong smiled, standing up. The three toasted with tea, celebrating the successful deal.
And so Ayu Games became the fourth company Murong Feng had a stake in. The shares were divided as follows: Murong Feng personally invested 10 million for a 33.3% stake, and Fengxing Wireless invested 20 million. And since Murong Feng owned 45% of Fengxing, it equated to owning nearly 30% of Ayu indirectly. So with a total 63% stake, Murong Feng became the new owner of Ayu Games.
Gazing at Tang Qing's stunning face and feeling her joy for him, Murong Feng felt deeply moved. Yet, he suddenly missed Ye Zi in Wuxi.
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