Not to mention, this proposal had high potential and could generate significant returns.
Zuri didn't fully understand all the details, but she carefully read through the proposal from start to finish.
Evan thought she was just skimming through it like the previous man, but to his surprise, she read it thoroughly. She was the most serious among all the people who had reviewed his proposal.
As time ticked by, Evan grew increasingly nervous. When she finally closed the document, he was on edge, anxiously watching her.
"What do you think?" Evan asked, his throat tightening with nerves.
"The ideas are very forward-thinking and bold. There will be many challenges in implementation, but I believe if you pursue it, you will succeed," Zuri said confidently, her eyes bright and determined.
Evan's nervousness was replaced by a wave of gratitude and warmth. His eyes became misty with unshed tears.
This was the first time someone had recognized his proposal, the first time someone had told him with such certainty that he could achieve his goals.
Since the proposal's inception, he had believed it would attract many supporters. Yet, repeated rejections and harsh criticisms had nearly crushed his spirit.
But her words just now rekindled his hope at the brink of despair.
She might not be able to offer him much, but her encouragement and affirmation were more than enough for him.
"Thank you," Evan said, his voice soft and slightly choked.
"How much initial funding does this plan require?" Zuri asked.
"Huh?!" Evan was stunned, unable to react immediately.
"I want to invest."
Evan was completely shocked. The young girl in front of him, who was even younger than he was, said she wanted to invest.
"Investing requires a lot of money," Evan gently reminded her.
"I know. Just give me a number."
Seeing her persistence, Evan replied honestly, "The initial funding needed is five million."
"Five million," Zuri murmured to herself.
"Alright. Draft a contract, and I'll invest."
Evan was stunned, nearly dropping his jaw. "T-That's five million."
"I know."
"You really want to invest?" Evan couldn't believe it. A young girl saying she wanted to invest in his project was too shocking.
Investment was not a game.
But seeing the serious look on the girl's face, he realized she wasn't joking.
"I'll get someone to draft a contract. You'll contribute technology, and I'll invest the funds. You get 30% of the company, and I get 70%. You'll handle all the company's affairs. We can sign the contract here tomorrow. Does that work for you?" Zuri asked.
Evan stared at her in a daze.
"If you find the equity distribution unreasonable, you can suggest changes."
Evan shook his head, "N-No need, this is good."
Someone willing to invest in him was already a blessing. He wouldn't dare negotiate the share. Besides, he was satisfied with 30%.
Zuri was a bit surprised. She had given him room to negotiate, but he agreed just like that. She suddenly felt like she was taking advantage of an honest person.
"See you tomorrow, then."
Settling things with Evan, Zuri let out a sigh of relief.
In fact, Zuri wanted to sign the contract today to avoid any unforeseen changes, but producing a contract immediately might make him suspicious of her motives.
Trust was the foundation of any cooperation. Without trust, it wouldn't last long.
As for whether Evan would back out, based on their interaction, it seemed unlikely. Unless that financial tycoon, Nolan, appeared today to poach him.
Otherwise, there was no chance.
Zuri didn't believe in such coincidences, that Nolan would show up today.
They left the café and went their separate ways.
Evan stood at the café entrance, unable to recover his composure.
The day's events were surreal, almost magical, and utterly unexpected.
Suddenly, a top-tier Maybach car slowly pulled up by the street. A man with an imposing presence stepped out and walked straight towards Evan.
"Hello, Mr. Fu. Our boss would like to see you," the man said politely, making a gesture of invitation.
Evan followed the man's direction and saw the luxurious car parked by the roadside. The sleek and elegant design exuded an air of prestige.
Seeing the license plate with a string of eights, Evan knew the person inside was someone of high status.
Evan followed the man.
The man opened the back door, and as Evan bent down to look inside, he was momentarily stunned by the imposing figure within, his eyes flashing with surprise.
Once inside, Evan's body tensed, his hands and feet neatly folded, not daring to breathe loudly.
The man in front of him was none other than Nolan, a titan in the world of finance.
Nolan was his idol, someone he admired greatly.
Rumor had it that Nolan was a prodigy, highly sensitive to numbers. At twelve, he was specially admitted to MIT for his doctoral studies. Back then, he used his pocket money to invest in stocks, futures, and gold, making precise investments that yielded high returns each time.
Before he graduated from college, he was already worth millions. At eighteen, he founded his financial company and officially entered the financial sector.
His series of brilliant achievements made him a prominent figure, a shining star among the new generation in finance.
"I've seen your proposal. It's quite good," Nolan said.
Hearing his idol's approval, Evan was ecstatic, his palms sweating from nervousness.
"Thank you."
"If I invest in your project, how soon can you generate returns?" Nolan asked directly.
Evan was stunned.
He suddenly felt like he was being hit by another stroke of luck.
Twice in one day.
"Well… um…" Evan stammered.
"Is there a problem?" Nolan glanced at him, his sharp, deep eyes probing.
"I've already found an investor."
"Are you talking about Mr. Zhao?" Nolan raised an eyebrow, surprised that fool had such foresight.
"N-No, not Mr. Zhao."
"Then who?"
"Her name is Zuri." Evan realized he had said too much.
Although he wanted to collaborate with his idol, he had already agreed to the young lady. He couldn't go back on his word.
"Zuri," Nolan muttered, searching his mind but finding no financial company leader named Zuri.
Nolan didn't push further. Before Evan left, he handed him a business card. "If you change your mind, call this number."
Evan took the card, thanked him, and watched the Maybach drive away.
"Find out about this Zuri," Nolan's low voice echoed in the car.
"Yes," Chief Assistant Grayson responded.
Meanwhile, Zuri, who was trying to figure out how to gather the five million, had no idea she had almost lost a significant opportunity.
Arianwen was carrying something upstairs when she bumped into Dalia. "What are you holding?"
"These are gifts from the Ji, Yu, and Shu families. The Second Miss asked me to deliver them to her."
Dalia's gaze swept over the items in Arianwen's hands. Each one was invaluable. "Give them to me. Tell the Miss that I'll keep them safe."
Arianwen hesitated.
"What? Are you disobeying my orders?" Dalia's previously gentle voice turned icy.
"Alright."
Reluctantly, Arianwen handed over the items.
At that moment, Zuri's door opened, and her gaze fell on the items in Dalia's hands.
"Arianwen, you shouldn't trouble Madam with delivering things to me." Zuri walked toward Dalia.
Dalia smiled. "These are valuable. Let me keep them safe for you."
"No need. I'm not a child. If I can't handle these, how will I survive in the real world?" Zuri extended her hand.
Dalia didn't budge. "You don't need these right now. The calligraphy and antiques shouldn't be casually stored. If they get damaged, they become worthless. Your father happens to like these things. Let him enjoy them for a few days. You'll get them back."
Zuri chuckled, her eyes cold. She stepped closer to Dalia, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "Do you think your precious daughter is living too comfortably?"
A blatant threat!
Dalia was stunned, staring at her in shock.
"If you like them so much, keep them," Zuri said, stepping back with a chilling, eerie smile.
Without another word, Zuri turned and left.
Dalia, shaken by Zuri's unsettling smile, hurriedly handed the items back to Arianwen. "Quick, take these to the Second Miss."
Arianwen nodded and quickly followed.
That evening, Aaron and Dalia were lying in bed. Aaron, in a rare good mood, noticed his wife's discontent. "What's wrong?" he asked casually.
Dalia turned, her serious and heavy gaze meeting his. "Honey, don't you find Zuri a bit strange? Sometimes her gaze is quite unnerving."
Aaron scoffed. "You're overthinking."
"Really. Today, I just wanted to keep her valuable gifts safe, and she threatened me. Do you think she resents us? Might she harm us?" The more Dalia spoke, the more agitated she became, almost convinced of Zuri's malice.
Aaron's smile faded. "I know you don't like Zuri, but that's too much. She's our daughter. Saira, as close as she is to us, is still someone else's child."
Aaron had become increasingly satisfied with Zuri and less so with Saira. Thinking of how Christian had forsaken his family and father for that girl irritated him.
Dalia felt a pang of discomfort at the mention of Saira but wisely kept silent, instead saying, "I do want to get close to Zuri, but she's so distant."
"Treat her well, and she'll come around. Remember, Zuri is likely to marry into the Feng or Ye family. Be good to her," Aaron warned sternly.
Dalia was displeased. "She's my daughter too. I care about her. Don't talk as if I'm a stepmother."
"As long as you understand. Whether the Lin family advances depends on her," Aaron clarified, making sure she grasped the importance.
Dalia watched Aaron fall asleep, her eyes filled with resentment. To him, everything was about profit. His interest in Zuri was purely because she could benefit the Lin family.
Meanwhile, Zuri organized her birthday gifts, categorizing the valuable items for sale and setting aside the rest.
Once done, she called Azura.
"Azura, do you know anyone interested in antiques? I want to sell the pieces from the Ji and Shu families."
Azura was taken aback. "Do you need money?"
"Yes."
"I have three million here. Is that enough?" Azura offered directly.
"No need. Selling these two antiques will be enough."
Azura didn't question her further, assuring her, "Leave it to me."
After the call, Azura checked her contacts, all either young people or their elders. She hurried to her uncle's study and knocked.
"Come in."
Azura peeked in, "Uncle, do you know anyone who collects antiques? I want to sell two items."
The man behind the desk looked up, his deep eyes meeting hers. "Antiques?"
"Yes." Azura nodded.
"Zuri wants to sell them?"
Azura grinned, "Nothing gets past you, Uncle. She wants to sell them quickly."
"Bring them over."
"Make sure to find a buyer soon," Azura reminded him.
"Got it."
"You're the best, Uncle," Azura praised.
The next day, Zuri sent the items over. She expected a wait but received a transaction notification by the afternoon.
Seeing six million in her account, she immediately transferred the money to Evan, instructing him to start the project as soon as possible.
At YS Group, Fang Hao walked into Leo's office, plopping down on the couch and putting his feet up. He noticed a box on the coffee table, opening it to find a tea set and a calligraphy piece.
"When did you start collecting antiques?" Fang Hao asked, setting the items back down with little interest.
"Just a whim," Leo replied casually.
"How much did they cost?"
"Six million."
Fang Hao jumped up. "Leo, you got ripped off. These are worth at most four million. You overpaid by two million. I can't believe the shrewd Leo got conned."
He laughed, relishing in Leo's misfortune.
Unperturbed, Leo continued working.
"Who sold these to you? I'll find them and give them a lesson," Fang Hao offered grandly.
"No need."
Fang Hao sensed something unusual. "You're acting strange, Leo."
"Leave if you're done."
Fang Hao placed an invitation on Leo's desk. "Your childhood friend is getting married. She's invited you."
Leo glanced at the invitation before resuming his work.
Seeing his indifferent reaction, Fang Hao sighed inwardly. He knew that Fang Yao was bound to be disappointed.
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