Chapter 181: This will

not happen again Qi Sheng had naturally heard of the name of Pop Mart.

The leader in the trendy toy industry, with a market value of hundreds of billions thanks to blind boxes.

Although its market value plummeted later, it is still a company worth tens of billions.

But now, Pop Mart’s market value is only 1.5 billion.

Even if it delists from the New Third Board in two months, its net worth will only be 2 billion.

It sounds like a lot, but it is compared to Pop Mart’s market value of more than 30 billion at its lowest point.

There is still more than ten times the profit margin.

Compared with Pop Mart’s peak market value of hundreds of billions.

It also has a terrifying return on investment of 50 times.

Speaking of it, Pop Mart’s success and failure are both due to blind boxes.

It started out by selling blind boxes, but after regulatory policies were introduced, its market value plummeted.

The development of existing IP is insufficient, resulting in a continuous decline in market value.

Although Wang Ning's appearance and height are not unusual, he has great ambitions.

We want to make Pop Mart the Chinese version of Disney.

Qi Sheng tried hard not to laugh.

If he hadn't been reborn, he might have been fooled by the other party.

"Director Qi, are you not optimistic about us?"

Wang Ning's face looked a little unhappy.

Now is the time when Pop Mart is about to take off.

Otherwise, Pop Mart would not have been delisted from the New Third Board.

The valuation of just 1.5 billion yuan seems unable to satisfy Wang Ning's ambition.

I dare not say that Pop Mart’s market value will exceed 100 billion yuan, but it should at least start at 10 billion yuan.

"Mr. Wang, with all due respect, your company's most profitable IP is only Molly, right?"

“Other exclusive and non-exclusive IPs have restrictions on the duration of cooperation and usage rights.”

“Otherwise, you wouldn’t have tried every possible means to launch your own IP to replace the popular Sonny Angel.”

“It takes time to cultivate and incubate new IPs. Can you afford to wait?”

Seeing that Wang Ning was not convinced, Qi Sheng directly pointed out the biggest problem of Pop Mart.

That is, there is a serious lack of proprietary IP and there is no moat at all.

Trendy toys and other products do not involve any technical difficulty.

Unlike sports giants such as Adidas and Nike, which have absolute control over R&D technology.

There is absolutely no possibility of monopolizing production.

As long as the sample picture is provided, the manufacturer in Yiwu, the universal production center, can immediately start mass production and put it on the market.

After all, blind boxes take advantage of users' gambler mentality and collecting habits.

The experience of "uncertainty" and "scarcity" brought about by the process of opening the blind box.

Sow the seeds for repeat purchases.

There is essentially no difference between this and the "card collecting" for instant noodles that was popular all over the country back then, or drawing SSR rare cards in online games.

Given that Pop Mart’s blind boxes are of the nature of “soft gambling”, it is inevitable that they would be criticized by the top leaders.

Even though Pop Mart’s Molly IP is very popular.

But for an IP that sells millions of copies every year, how could blind boxes have any room for appreciation?

Without room for value-added, users naturally won’t spend a lot of money to buy blind boxes in hopes of finding rare items.

Just relying on this IP, you still want to be the Chinese Disney? You are dreaming! "I..."

Wang Ning was a little speechless, he also understood these principles.

The reason why he can get to where he is today is more because of the times.

When other people in the country had not yet noticed the blind box market.

He became the first person to try it.

"Mr. He, I feel a little unwell. I'll excuse myself for now."

Wang Ning knew that Qi Sheng’s worth was astonishing, and it was not the existence he had provoked at this time.

But he also has a temper, and there is no reason for him to endure this humiliation.

"Boss Wang, I just said a few truths, and you can't stand it?"

Qi Sheng looked at Wang Ning as he was about to leave, and he looked down on him.

No wonder the system only rated him as an elite talent.

It was a good start, but he ruined it by himself.

"Mr. Qi, if you have anything else to say, just say it. I'm not that stingy."

Wang Ning saw He Yu winking at him, but he still sat down reluctantly.

Seeing that Wang Ning was still somewhat unconvinced, Qi Sheng continued to peel off the other party's only remaining fig leaf.

"In my opinion, Wang always one-sidedly shapes Chinese trendy toys into a single image of Chinese blind boxes."

"As the name suggests, trendy toys are trendy toys based on animation and film IP, or art toys designed by artists and designers."

“When it comes to trendy toys based on film and television IP, Disney is the absolute king in this field.”

"But what is the strength of Disney? What is the strength of Pop Mart?"

"Disney acquires film and television companies and comic book companies to build offline Disney theme parks."

"You guys can't even compare to this kind of strength."

Even Wang Ning had to admit that Qi Sheng was right.

His biggest dream is to turn Pop Mart into Disney.

It's a pity that his ability cannot support such a grand ambition.

"Mr. Qi, everyone knows the truth. Do you have a way to make Pop Mart surpass Disney?"

Wang Ning sneered with some disdain, obviously having been unhappy with Qi Sheng for a long time.

"Well, I have an idea."

Qi Sheng didn't hesitate at all and just spent money like crazy.

There are talents provided by the system, recruiting dozens of top talents.

Create Chinese cartoons for yourself, make animated films, and spend money to build offline theme parks.

Then integrate the film, television, comics and trendy toy industries.

It is not easy to create a Chinese version of Disney.

Qi Sheng has no shortage of money.

He has no shortage of talent.

We have both, it just takes time.

"Well…"

Wang Ning didn't expect Qi Sheng to be so confident.

“Then I wish you to achieve this grand goal soon!”

Even though Wang Ning disliked Qi Sheng, he had to have some respect for him because he had the same dream.

After all, Qi Sheng really has this ability.

Not to mention the Banyan Tree Group, whose market value is billions.

Just the spicy king was praised to the skies by his old friend He Yu.

If you miss out on investing, you will regret it for the rest of your life.

It made him a little excited.

It’s a pity that he has no money.

He doesn't even have the qualifications to get on the bus.

If Lawang can really become the second Haidilao.

With Qi Sheng's wealth at that time, he might really be able to handle it.

Isn’t it just burning money?

For a billionaire, it's not a difficult task.

"That's all for today. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon."

Qi Sheng barely ate anything and just got up and left.

"This Mr. Qi is really charming."

Watching Qi Sheng leave, the waiters in the store looked at him with utmost respect and admiration.

Wang Ning was also greatly shocked.

Even he thinks he is very attentive to his employees.

But he couldn't reach Qi Sheng's status.

"Oh, of course. The Spicy King project is definitely the most wise investment I have ever made!"

Hearing Wang Ning's sigh, He Yu couldn't help but show off proudly.

"Lao He, you've always said that Pop Mart is your proudest investment!"

Wang Ning looked at his old friend with some resentment in his eyes.

"Well... it's a different world now."

He Yu touched his nose and quickly greeted Wang Ning.

"Eat the food. Even though it's a buffet, we can't waste it."

"Fuck, who told you to order so much? Are you trying to fill me to death?"

Wang Ning looked at He Yu with horror and refused to eat any more.

"I don't care, or you pay the fine."

He Yu was also very full, but he still pulled Wang Ning to finish the food.

The main point is not to waste.

…

With the official announcement of Banyan Tree Group, its top brand Banyan Tree officially entered Chengdu.

The location of the building in Shengxuan Financial Center caused quite a stir.

In the past, Banyan Tree Hotels have always chosen locations that are secluded from the world.

This time, they chose to hold the event in a bustling metropolis, which caused complaints from many Banyan Tree fans.

But Banyan Tree Group’s explanation is simple.

This is a property owned by the group, so the outside world has nothing to say.

Who would be so foolish as to let someone else manage their own property? Look, Zhou Huaiping has been walking with a breeze lately.

The arrival of Banyan Tree has had a significant impact on office buildings.

Several large companies that had previously had some ambiguous relationships with the hotel signed branch lease agreements due to the entry of Banyan Tree Resort.

It is no exaggeration to say that the arrival of Banyan Tree.

The average office rent has increased by at least 10%!

The rent of Grade A office buildings is very high.

A 10% improvement is definitely not a small amount.

Seeing the elusive boss of his own company.

Zhou Huaiping was also very excited and quickly reported on the recent work progress.

In general, the tenant quality of Shengxuan Financial Center is gradually improving.

Small companies are being eliminated and large companies are clearly increasing in number.

"You're doing a good job. If any tenants are unhappy with the rent increase, their office space will be taken back."

"The demand for office space from other subsidiaries of the group will continue to increase in the future."

Qi Sheng nodded with satisfaction, giving Zhou Huaiping reassurance.

"In addition, Banyan Tree Group's head office in China will also be moved to Chengdu. You should prepare to allocate a floor."

Zhou Huaiping thought for a moment and said, "It just so happens that the tenants on the 12th floor were clamoring for a rent reduction some time ago, so I simply decided not to renew the contract with them."

"It's up to you. Contact the general manager of Banyan Tree China when the time comes."

Qi Sheng was too lazy to deal with such trivial matters and left them to his confidants like Zhou Huaiping.

"Then why don't you go directly to the floor where the spicy king is?"

Zhou Huaiping was not surprised either.

The big boss is busy with all kinds of things, so he doesn't have time to worry about such trivial matters.

"Well, come over for dinner tonight and we can have a small gathering."

Qi Sheng smiled and waved his hand, "Go and do your own thing. You don't have to follow me."

"Okay, then feel free to call me if you have anything."

Zhou Huaiping didn't follow him and just walked him to the elevator door.

As the elevator reached the 28th floor, Qi Sheng walked towards the company.

"Director Qi!"

The receptionist at La Wang was surprised to see the big boss Qi Sheng and stood up quickly.

"Is Mr. Yuan here?"

Qi Sheng smiled and nodded, then asked casually.

"Yes, do you need me to take you there?"

The beautiful lady at the reception looked at the big boss expectantly.

"No, just do your thing."

Qi Sheng waved his hands, the other person's appearance and figure were average.

Even a big boss like him has no interest in eating grass in his own backyard.

"Okay, then just go to the innermost room, which is Mr. Yuan's office."

"Yes, I understand."

There is no mistake in the poem, post, content, and read the book on 6, 9, and bar!

Qi Sheng nodded and walked into the company.

"Hello, Mr. Qi!"

"Director Qi."

“Hello, Boss!”

There was an endless stream of greetings, one after another.

Many newly hired employees looked at this big boss who was praised so highly by his colleagues with some curiosity.

“Everyone is busy.”

Qi Sheng waved his hand, not really caring about these empty formalities.

"Director Qi, I'm Lai Manling, and I'm currently the secretary of President Yuan."

Lai Manling also heard the noise and walked over quickly in surprise.

"I remember you. You won the first prize at the annual meeting, right?"

Qi Sheng looked at Lai Manling, who was very good-looking and wearing a slim-fitting gray OL uniform.

The white shirt was bulging at the collar.

She is obviously a girl with great ambitions.

Further down, there are two slender calves wrapped in flesh-colored stockings.

Wearing black pointed high heels, she looks a bit kawaii.

It's inexplicably cute.

"Yes, after the New Year, La Wang opened up some positions in the company, and I was chosen by President Yuan to be her secretary."

Lai Manling was also very surprised. She didn't expect that the boss actually remembered her. She was quite flattered.

"Try your best."

Qi Sheng nodded and walked towards Yuan Li's office.

"Director Qi!"

Yuan Li heard a knock on the door, and then someone walked in.

Just as I was about to say something, I saw it was Qi Sheng.

"boss?"

Yuan Li immediately stood up in surprise and came over with a smile.

"Haven't you had lunch yet?"

Qi Sheng saw the lunch box on the coffee table in the reception area, which had not been opened yet.

Apparently, this loyal employee was so busy that he forgot to eat.

"I was so busy just now that I forgot. Have you eaten? I'll ask someone to make you one."

"I didn't eat much at the Spicy King restaurant just now. Manling, go get me a meal."

Qi Sheng didn't hesitate and directly gave orders to Lai Manling.

"Okay, wait a moment."

Lai Manling closed the office door excitedly.

Being able to run errands for Qi Sheng is also an opportunity for her.

How can the boss promote you if you don't perform? Moreover, she wants to get the job done in one step, so she has to perform better.

The white-collar restaurant on the basement floor.

Lunch and dinner are provided, and the cuisine is quite sufficient.

All the employees in the building would go there for dinner.

After Qi Sheng took over, the catering supplier was replaced.

The new catering supplier is stronger than the previous one.

The variety of dishes provided and the quality of service are also better.

Of course, the price is higher fees.

After negotiation, the meal standard was 25 yuan per person.

Employees of Shengxuan Group can eat for free by swiping their work ID cards.

If employees from other companies want to come and dine, they have to pay 25 yuan in cash.

Although they also receive meal subsidies, it is still different from the free meals provided to employees of companies like Lawang.

When Lai Manling came back from lunch, she saw Qi Sheng and Yuan Li talking about the next development plan of Lawang.

"Mr. Qi, your meal is ready. If the dishes don't suit your taste, I'll make you another one."

Lai Manling carefully interrupted the two people's conversation to prevent the food from getting cold.

"Thank you, I'll give you the money."

Qi Sheng took out his cell phone and realized that Lai Manling must have paid for the meal herself.

"No, no, it's just the cost of a meal."

Lai Manling didn't have the nerve to accept such little money.

What she wanted more was Qi Sheng’s WeChat.

But with Yuan Li around, she was too embarrassed to ask.

"How about this, I'll add you on WeChat, and you'll supervise Mr. Yuan regularly from now on."

"If she doesn't eat lunch again, report it to me directly and I will criticize her."

Qi Sheng also saw Lai Manling's little thoughts and spoke with very high emotional intelligence.

“Thank you, boss!”

Yuan Li was grateful and Lai Manling was excited.

"You are all my good employees. If you starve yourself to death, won't I earn less money?"

Qi Sheng added Lai Manling on WeChat, then picked up the lunch box and started eating without any hesitation.

Seeing Qi Sheng's eating habits, Yuan Li, who was already very hungry, couldn't help but feel hungry.

Lai Manling considerately inserted a straw into the yogurt and placed it next to the coffee table.

Then leave the office happily.

"I didn't expect you would let her be your secretary."

Qi Sheng naturally didn't need to hide anything from Yuan Li.

"This little girl is quite capable and willing to endure hardships. You must not take her away."

Yuan Li also knew the boss's personality, so she greeted him with some caution.

"Ahem...I'll try my best."

Qi Sheng couldn't think of Lai Manling either.

But who can blame him for the fact that Pop Mart is about to be delisted from the New Third Board, and he still wants to do something big.

Acquiring Pop Mart at this time will definitely be a huge profit.

By the second half of the year, Pop Mart's performance began to soar.

The market value is not just a few billion.

"I really can't do anything about you, so I'll train another secretary."

Yuan Li held her forehead helplessly.

It's a pity that such a good seedling can only be a canary in the future.

"It won't happen again."

Seeing Yuan Li's resentful eyes, Qi Sheng felt a little embarrassed.

But I thought about the gold coins that Lai Manling could give me.

This bit of embarrassment is not worth mentioning.

Qi Sheng and Yuan Li have almost finished discussing the plan for Spicy King.

That is to continue opening the store.

Unlike the previous presence in the southwest, this time we will directly enter the first-tier cities.

There are 6 branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, for a total of 24 stores.

Based on the investment budget of 20 million for a single store, 480 million yuan of funds are required.

For Lawang, which has already raised 50 million US dollars.

However, the preliminary decoration work of these branches can be carried out at the same time.

Stores in the southwest region will be open for business in just over a month.

By then, Lawang’s cash flow will be able to sustain itself.

It is very easy to raise external financing at this time.

With Sequoia as the endorsement, there are many venture capitalists interested in it.

But a valuation of just 1 billion US dollars could not satisfy Qi Sheng and Yuan Li.

The two have tentatively set the valuation for the next round of financing at US$5 billion.

The specific valuation will depend on the performance of the branches in these first-tier cities.

If the performance is good enough, it can soar to 10 billion US dollars, so why not? Capital is the most profit-seeking, and now the wind is disappearing.

If the spicy king performs well enough, it will surely trigger their scramble to follow him.

It is not impossible for the valuation to reach 10 billion US dollars.

After all, valuations are just valuations.

It’s different from market value.

Qi Sheng and Yuan Li talked a lot.

Yuan Li is in charge of the company's daily affairs.

He is not afraid of being sidelined.

The loyalty locked by the system is Qi Sheng’s greatest confidence.

At night, Qi Sheng set up a game.

Zhou Huaiping, Yuan Li, Jie Chao, together with Peng Qingsong, Jian Zhenzhe, Liu Zheng, and his own lawyer Qiu Lei.

There weren’t many people, but they were all members of his inner circle.

I didn’t eat much hotpot at noon, so I made up for it in the evening.

Lai Manling, who had hesitated to leave after get off work, was also asked by Qi Sheng to go to dinner with him.

Lai Manling was not unhappy at all. Instead, she was very excited and thanked Qi Sheng quickly.

Yuan Li couldn't help but shake her head. This girl was lucky to be noticed by Qi Sheng.

From then on, she transformed herself from a secretary to the boss's wife.

Even she, Qi Sheng's most trusted and beloved general, had to be in awe of her.

However, Yuan Li was not envious.

She became Qi Sheng's most respected person because of her abilities.

Lai Manling relies on her face and figure.

Just a different route.

I just thought that the little secretary I cultivated with great difficulty would probably be taken away by the big boss tonight.

As a caring older sister, Yuan Li couldn't help but kindly remind Lai Manling.

Better pay attention to safety.

After all, the boss’s official girlfriend isn’t pregnant yet.

If a competitor emerges who secretly brings his child with him to take over, the boss will be in a dilemma.

As a trusted and beloved general, she naturally had to take precautions before any trouble occurred.

Lai Manling didn't expect that Yuan Li, who was always serious, would suddenly say such words to her.

Could it be that tonight, I really have a chance to climb onto Qi Sheng's dragon bed? 　As of the end of the month, there are a total of 1,600 votes, and I need to add 6 more chapters. I will add more chapters when I get recommendations. I will get the explosive update badge in two days. Starting from the 3rd, I will update 5,000 words every day, and I will update more chapters when I get recommendations. The normal update is 200,000 words per month, plus these 6 chapters of 30,000 words, this month will update 230,000 words. Xiangcai keeps her word and will definitely not let down her!

(End of this chapter)