Musk was very happy, finally getting down to business.
"Mr. Lin, look, our Tesla electric vehicle technology is the best in the world. If you invest in us, you will definitely make a fortune."
"Making a fortune? I don't see where Tesla's profit lies yet. Is it just because of that sports car I was just driving?"
"Ahem, the ROADSTER is the first sports car we developed, and its sales... well, sales were pretty good. And our next family sedan, the Model S, is already under development."
"So there's still no profit point, right?"
Musk was practically cursing. "Do you even know how to talk? How do you know all about profit? You're investing in the future. Do you even know what future technology is?"
Lin Chen found it hilarious to see Musk's face turn red with anger. "How about that? Your big con artist skills aren't working now, are they?"
Musk did not answer.
Lin Chen continued, "Let me rephrase my question: How long do you expect it will take for Tesla to start making a profit?"
Uh… Musk was dumbfounded again. Why the hell do you always ask me questions that I can't answer?
In fact, Tesla had previously calculated its profit targets and estimated that it would take at least three years before it could start making a profit.
But how can you tell people this? If you go out to solicit investment and tell them that your company won't start making money for another three years, will anyone still invest in you?
The atmosphere in the reception room became quite awkward.
After a long silence, Musk sighed and said, "Well, Mr. Lin, it seems you know more about Tesla than I imagined. Just tell me how you want to invest."
"No, no, no, it's not about how to invest, it depends on how many shares you're willing to sell."
Musk gritted his teeth; he still owns 28% of Tesla shares, worth $532 million.
To be honest, he didn't want to sell any shares; he just wanted to get them for free.
Lin Chen: You're dreaming.
“I am willing to sell three percent of my shares, Mr. Lin.”
"Too little."
"No, no, no, I must ensure that I hold 25% of the shares, otherwise it will not be enough to support my decisions in the company."
"How about this, we can sign an agreement where you sell 8% of your shares to me, but you still retain the decision-making power over those 8% of my shares."
"Huh? Are you sure?"
Musk was intrigued by the suggestion. The most important reason he needed shares was to control the company. He would rather leave Tesla than lose control of the company.
In fact, he's quite similar to Liu Qiangdong in this respect.
However, since Lin Chen only wants the value of the shares and not the decision-making power, he naturally agrees 100% and 120% with it.
“Yes, I am absolutely certain that we can sign a contract. I am a very contract-abiding person, and I have my own company. I have no interest in the operation of Tesla.”
“Okay, I agree. I’m willing to sell you 8% of the shares for $160 million.”
"What the heck? Mr. Musk, are you misunderstanding something? I never said that my 8% decision-making power was free."
"What? You want to charge me more?"
"What else can we do? There's no such thing as a free lunch."
"So how much are you willing to pay?"
"130 million US dollars."
"No, it has to be at least 140 million."
Lin Chen thought for a moment, then pretended to be conflicted and said, "Okay, but you have to give me a Roadster sports car."
"Hahaha, of course there's no problem with that."
Musk felt that Lin Chen was just giving each other a way out; it was just a sports car, and one that his own company produced, so how much did it cost? Of course, he could afford to give it to him.
"Okay, let's sign a contract then. You can write the decision-making power into the contract."
"Okay, Mr. Lin, you are truly a person with a strong sense of contractual responsibility."
Musk quickly prepared the contract, and Lin Chen sent the electronic version of the contract to Ye Qian in China for her to review.
After Ye Qian finished reading it, she replied that there was no problem, and Lin Chen then signed the document.
"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Lin."
"It's a pleasure to work with you."
After signing the contract, Musk was very happy. Although he lost some shares, he gained a large sum of money and his decision-making power remained the same. It was a happy ending.
"Mr. Musk, can I pick up my Tesla in New York?"
"Of course you can, and you can charge your Tesla in New York anytime, for free for life."
"That's great, then we'll take our leave."
"I'll arrange a driver to take you to the airport. We can be partners now, hahaha."
"Haha, I hope there will be more opportunities for cooperation in the future."
It was already evening when Lin Chen and his companion returned to New York. They went straight to their hotel to rest. Lin Chen hadn't cancelled the previous hotel reservation, and the room was still there.
As Lin Chen approached the room door, he hesitated for a moment before turning to Shen Yue and saying, "Why don't you just come to my room? It'll save me the trouble of getting up to open the door at night."
"What are you saying, Lin Chen? Why would I go to your room? There's nothing fun in your room."
After saying that, Shen Yue went into the room and closed the door.
Lin Chen: ? ? ?
Nothing fun? Don't you come and mess with me every night?
Sure enough, around midnight, the young lady knocked on the door again.
Lin Chen got up and opened the door, only to be pushed back onto the bed...
A softer bed is definitely more comfortable. My knees don't hurt anymore, the bed shakes less, and I can last longer.
The fighting continued until after 2 a.m. before gradually subsiding.
The next morning, Lin Chen woke up to find himself alone in bed.
Lin Chen glanced at his phone and saw it was already past noon. He got up, washed up, and went to call Shen Yue to have lunch together.
After finishing their meal, the two took a taxi to the Tesla dealership in New York.
"Hello, sir, are you here to look at a car?"
"Hello, I'm Lin Chen. I wonder if Mr. Musk told you that I was coming to pick up my car?"
"So you're Mr. Lin Chen. Mr. Musk has already told us. Please come with me. Your ROADSTER sports car is ready."
The receptionist led Lin Chen and Shen Yue to the car handover area, where a brand-new ROADSTER sports car was already parked.
"Mr. Lin, please give me your ID. I need to register your vehicle usage information."
Lin Chen turned to Shen Yue and said, "Miss, let her use your ID."
"mine?"
"Yes, this car is for you to drive. It's more convenient to have a car in Meidi. And this car doesn't need to be refueled. If it runs out of power, you can just come to the store to charge it."
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