lovenovelstory Chapter 111 Agents of Arctic Capital
Chapter 111 Agents of Arctic Capital
Chapter 111 Arctic Capital Agents (5k)
In the living room of the high-end apartment at China Resources Bund Jiuli, on the Bund in Shanghai, the lights are on.
Gu Wanning and her best friend Luo Yanling were snuggled on the soft carpet, playing "Taiko no Tatsujin" on their PSPGo in front of the TV screen, the buttons on the controller clicking away.
"Oh no, I can't take it anymore, I need to rest for a bit!" Luo Yanling wailed, then collapsed backward onto the sofa, like a salted fish that had lost its dreams.
"You've only played a few rounds, Miss Luo?" Gu Wanning put down the controller and smiled at her panting best friend. "Your stamina has declined quite a bit."
"I just got wrecked by the trainer at the gym, it's normal to be exhausted!" Luo Yanling waved her hand weakly. "Besides, there aren't any exciting new games in the library anymore. It's all the same old stuff, so boring."
She crossed her legs, then suddenly remembered something, her eyes lighting up: "Oh right, Wan Ning! I heard the diva is making her comeback next month, and her first tour concert is at Wukesong! Shall we fly over and watch? I'll take care of the tickets; I'll have my dad find someone to get us two front-row seats in the inner section!"
"Uh—I doubt it, I might not be available during that time." Gu Wanning shook her head.
Upon hearing this, Luo Yanling's face fell: "Sigh—haven't you been working less overtime lately? Another new case?"
"I might fly to Hong Kong a few more times later."
"Hong Kong?!" Luo Yanling perked up instantly, her eyes gleaming with shopping desire. "That's fine too!"
Let's go on a shopping spree at Harbour City and Times Square! I haven't been shopping in ages!
"Stop, stop." Gu Wanning interrupted her fantasy helplessly. "I'm going to work. I have an important client to meet with, and my schedule is probably very full. I don't have time to go on a shopping spree with you."
"Work, work, more work!" Luo Yanling pouted, looking at him with exasperation. "Attorney Gu, if you keep going like this, you'll really become a legal maniac. You'll have no fun in life at all. Who will dare to pursue you in the future?"
"Tch, as if you've already successfully found a partner," Gu Wanning retorted lightly.
"Hmph!" Luo Yanling retorted, her sore spot touched. "Let me tell you, my mom's really anxious right now. She drags me to watch 'If You Are the One' every day, and she's been secretly asking me, 'Lingling, do you want to sign up and give it a try?' I just—"
"Then go ahead and go," Gu Wanning teased. "Maybe your Mr. Right is ready to take you home."
"I don't even know how to register!" Luo Yanling rolled her eyes.
"You can register through the Jiaotong University matchmaker program to get direct access to the program team," Gu Wanning suggested.
"That's too difficult! The Jiaotong University matchmakers are so popular now. I heard their spots on 'If You Are the One' are completely filled." Luo Yanling shook her head.
"If you really want to try—" Gu Wanning's tone shifted, a hint of smugness in her voice, "I can help you—pull some strings~"
"Huh?" Luo Yanling immediately moved closer, asking curiously, "How do we get there? Through your uncle who's a professor at Jiaotong University?"
"No need for that. The founder of 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' is my client. I should be able to get some face by asking," Gu Wanning said casually.
"That's it? Just because someone is your customer doesn't mean they'll help you." Luo Yanling expressed her doubt.
"He wouldn't dare not help?" Gu Wanning raised her chin slightly, feigning complaint. "He owes me legal fees and has been dragging his feet on paying them. This is a good way to settle the debt. How about it, should I call and ask right now?"
Looking at her best friend's slightly smug expression, Luo Yanling knew perfectly well—these two definitely had a special relationship! There's some juicy gossip!
She deliberately provoked him: "I don't believe you! Call me now! Put it on speakerphone!"
Gu Wanning didn't think much of it, and had a serious look on her face that said, "Fine, I'll fight you, who's afraid of who?"
She took out her phone and had just found the name "Geng Huyou" in her contacts. Before she could press the button, the screen suddenly lit up, and the caller ID showed "Geng Huyou"!
"Huh? What a coincidence, he called first!" Gu Wanning chuckled, answered the call, and pressed the speakerphone button.
When Luo Yanling saw the name in the notes, she thought to herself, "Oh my god, this is no ordinary customer, there's definitely something going on here!"
[Straightforward]: "Hey, Wan Ning, are you done with your yoga practice? I've taken photos of every room in your house and sent them to you, this time even the corner of the bathroom wasn't missed, I promise—"
This was the first time Geng Zhi had taken photos of Gu Wan Ning's entire house in real life, and it was a purely coincidental and funny incident.
But to Luo Yanling, this was a much bigger deal.
Photos of every room at Wan Ning's house? And the corner of the bathroom?
Luo Yanling's eyes widened instantly, she covered her mouth, and mouthed to Gu Wanning, "Developed—so—fast?"
Gu Wanning hadn't expected Geng Zhi to suddenly do this, and her face flushed red as she quickly interrupted.
[Gu Wanning]: "Boss Geng! My best friend Luo Yanling wants to apply for 'If You Are the One,' could you do me a favor?"
Is this really the founder of Jiaotong University's matchmaking service? He has a very nice voice, and he's also a young and handsome guy—Luo Yanling couldn't help but be shocked again.
The straightforward person on the other end of the phone immediately sensed from Gu Wan Ning's hurried tone that there was someone with her, and that it was her best friend. He was immediately seized by a playful impulse and switched to his social butterfly mode.
[Straightforward]: "That's it? No problem! Leave it to me!"
[Gu Wanning]: "Oh, I don't want to participate in your Jiaotong University matchmaker's 'If You Are the One' event, I want to participate in the Jiangsu TV's 'If You Are the One' event."
[Straightforward]: "That's even more of a problem! Such an outstanding girl, we absolutely have to arrange it for her!"
Luo Yanling couldn't help but chime in with a question out of curiosity.
[Luo Yanling]: "I am Luo Yanling. How do you know I'm outstanding? We've never met."
[Straightforward]: "Is there even a need to meet? Birds of a feather flock together! Wan Ning is so outstanding, her best friend must be a goddess! Ms. Luo, send us your basic information and we'll give you priority processing right away."
Seeing that the other party was serious, Luo Yanling became a little scared and quickly tried to make amends.
[Luo Yanling]: "Ah, um—I'll think about it some more, I'll think about it some more."
[Straightforward]: "I understand! Going on TV is something to be careful about. How about this, why don't you come and experience our Jiaotong University Matchmaker's offline high-end dating event first? I'll reserve a VIP seat for you, you can come anytime and there will be a place."
These words piqued Luo Yanling's curiosity.
[Luo Yanling]: "This sounds good! I'm quite curious about how your event will be held—by the way, can I pick out which handsome male guests are coming up?"
[Straightforward]: "Of course! You can browse the database as you like, and I'll arrange the most important ones for you."
Gu Wanning: "Then I want to sign up too."
[Straightforward]: "I'm sorry, Attorney Gu, our event is full, you can't register."
"Pfft—" Luo Yanling couldn't help but burst out laughing.
[Gu Wanning]: "————? You idiot! How come it's full just because I'm here? I'm your company's long-term legal counsel, and a 71-year long-term WIP member!"
[Straightforward]: "I'm sorry, Attorney Gu, our activities are always fair, just and transparent. We will not treat you specially just because you are a VIP member."
Gu Wanning: "*——"
After chatting for a while, Geng Zhi finally got down to business.
[Straightforward]: "Attorney Gu, we previously obtained a term sheet from that Hong Kong capital firm, and their partner said they might come to Shanghai to sign the contract with us. I'd like to ask Attorney Gu to help us oversee things here—"
[Gu Wanning]: "I'm sorry, Boss Geng, I really can't help you with this this time."
Gu Wanning then hung up the phone.
[Straightforward]: "—Women, are they this vengeful??"
It wasn't that she didn't want to help, but as a partner of Arctic Capital, she couldn't help the "Jiaotong University matchmaker" negotiate this time. Trying to have her cake and eat it too would be a serious violation of regulations.
In the dead of night, Luo Yanling, having eaten her fill of melon, went home satisfied.
After taking a shower and drying her long hair, Gu Wanning sat back down at her computer in her study and began compiling a detailed candidate evaluation report titled "Li Dongping".
Some time ago, her client, Charles Lin, asked their law firm to help find an agent partner for Arctic Capital to be in charge of all Arctic Capital's investment matters.
Mr. Charles Lin has extremely high requirements for candidates: candidates must be based in Hong Kong, proficient in finance and law, currently unemployed, reliable, discreet, and preferably have some financial pressure.
After several twists and turns, and through multiple screenings and investigations, Li Dongping, the former financial director of a major bank in Hong Kong, became the only candidate who met all the stringent requirements.
Li Dongping, 45 years old, is from Xiashi, Fujian Province. He was a top graduate in the early 90s and has been working in Hong Kong's financial industry for many years, eventually rising to the position of chief financial officer. His wife is from mainland China.
He was laid off during the 2008 financial crisis and remains unemployed to this day.
Gu Wanning encrypted the finalized report and uploaded it to the designated email address. Just as she clicked send, her phone rang at the agreed time—it was Mr. Charles Lin.
[Gu Wanning]: "Hello Mr. Lin, I am Gu Wanning."
[Straightforward]: "Hello Attorney Gu, let's check in on the progress of candidate recruitment."
[Gu Wanning]: "Okay. Mr. Lin, I have found a candidate who is a very good match for you."
With top-notch skills and experience, and a professional and composed image, he definitely needs a high-paying job with relatively flexible hours.
Over the phone, Gu Wanning clearly and logically explained the selection logic, the results of the background check on Li Dongping from multiple sources, and his core advantages.
[Straightforward]: "You mentioned in your report that his family has special circumstances," what exactly do you mean?
[Gu Wanning]: "His wife—who became a vegetable due to an accident many years ago, has been meticulously cared for by him ever since. She is both his source of financial pressure and a vital source of emotional support and responsibility. He—"
Geng Zhi remained silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone.
[Geng Zhi]: "Understood. Please continue, his personality traits, behavioral habits, and the strengths and weaknesses you've observed?"
Gu Wanning answered each question one by one, portraying a professional, cautious, middle-aged financial elite who, despite bearing the burdens of life, still strives to maintain dignity and order.
[Straightforward]: "During the communication, did he show restrained, professional disinterest in the background of Arctic Capital and information about its boss, or did he seem to genuinely want to investigate but was trying to restrain himself?"
[Gu Wanning]: "It's the former. All the questions he asked revolved around 'job responsibilities,' 'reporting lines,' 'legal authorization boundaries,' and 'salary structure.' He never mentioned the source of funding or your background."
[Gu Wanning]: "The only thing to note is that he might not interfere too much, but he also won't tolerate any obvious legal risks. He has family ties and has suffered a series of career setbacks; he needs stability and order."
After more than ten rounds of communication, Geng Zhi was generally satisfied with Li Dongping.
[Straightforward]: "Okay, Attorney Gu, I have a preliminary understanding of Mr. Li's basic situation. You just mentioned that he has two specific questions he asked you to convey?"
[Gu Wanning]: "One question is, where is the office located? As the nominal investment partner of Arctic Capital, what kind of team does he have?"
[Straightforward]: "The office location is in the Regus shared workspace in Central, Hong Kong, a prominent address..."
The service is professional; I've already made arrangements.
Shared office space?
Gu Wanning's heart skipped a beat. However, considering that this might be a flexible strategy from a new investment institution, it made sense.
[Gu Wanning]: "Understood. So, what's the team configuration?"
[Straightforward]: "In addition to Mr. Li, there will be a part-time finance and administration manager, and you, Attorney Gu, as the chief external legal counsel."
[Gu Wanning]: "Hmm. Anything else?"
[Straightforward]: "No, our team will be more streamlined in the early stages."
What? Just... just?
Upon hearing this, Gu Wanning held the phone and remained silent for two seconds.
An investment firm with only one partner and two "outsourced" staff in the early stages? This streamlined setup was a bit beyond her expectations.
When she communicated with "Charles Lin" before, the grand vision and "not short of money" aura he exuded made her think that he would be a well-rounded team.
Why did the style suddenly change when it came to actual implementation, becoming so stingy?
[Straightforward]: "Of course, this is just the initial setup. As the project progresses and the funding scales up, we will gradually bring in full-time investment analysts, IR (investor relations) managers, and other roles."
[Straightforward]: "A mountain is not famous for its height, but for the immortals who dwell there. Water is not sacred for its depth, but for the dragons that inhabit it. The strength of capital has never been about the number of people, but about accurate vision, steady action, and ruthless returns."
[Gu Wanning]: "————Okay, Mr. Lin, I understand."
After a moment's hesitation, Gu Wanning asked the last question that Li Dongping wanted to ask.
[Gu Wanning]: "Regarding the salary, as you mentioned before, it is estimated that Mr. Li can be paid no less than 100 for the total contract."
Mr. Li wants to know the specific composition and payment method of his annual salary of HKD 10,000.
[Straightforward]: "Well—actually, our work is quite easy, and the salary is far more than HK$100 million. Our commission structure is also quite innovative."
Geng Zhi coughed lightly, took a sip of water, and then continued to explain.
[Straightforward]: "The commission consists of three parts: a fixed annual salary, a project success commission, and virtual equity."
Fixed annual salary of HK$60, paid monthly.
[Straightforward]: "For each successful completion of a project's final signing and payment, you can receive a commission of 0.5% to 1.5% of the investment amount."
[Straightforward]: "Once profits reach a certain milestone, a certain percentage of the fund's profits can be shared. If performance is good, limited partners can also be granted equity."
Gu Wanning listened and quickly took notes.
This plan sounds promising, but the initial cash outlay isn't particularly substantial, and it's highly dependent on the project's success, making it seem like empty promises.
However, as the intermediary lawyer, she is only responsible for conveying the facts truthfully and does not make biased evaluations.
[Gu Wanning]: "Mr. Lin, I will convey your proposal to Mr. Li in its entirety. If he can accept it, I will then arrange for the two of you to meet in Hong Kong or have in-depth online communication."
[Straightforward]: "No problem, thank you for your hard work, Attorney Gu."
It seems that the core issues have all been discussed.
Gu Wanning was about to politely end the call when the other party's next words made her heart skip a beat.
[Straightforward]: "Attorney Gu, Arctic Capital has invested in two pilot campus startup projects in Shanghai and has already issued term sheets to them."
[Straightforward]: "If Mr. Li Dongping passes the interview, he needs to go to Shanghai as soon as possible to negotiate with the two project teams and complete the signing of the TS agreement to avoid any changes to the project. At that time, we will need to trouble Attorney Gu to accompany him as legal counsel."
What was bound to happen has finally happened.
Gu Wanning took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
She knew that the two campus startup projects Mr. Charles Lin mentioned were "Ele.me".
The project and the straightforward "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" project.
The "Jiaotong University matchmaker" team, or more precisely, Ma Wencai, has already sold Arctic Capital because they preferred to invest in Mu Yan and Zhu Xiaohu, who had higher valuations and strategic synergies.
On one hand, there's my important client, Arctic Capital, and I really want to remind them of something.
But even though it's just a small client, it's still a client, and it's that deceitful company—
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She knew all the inside information, but her professional ethics required her to play the role of a "clueless" middleman at this moment.
Why does God have to torment people like this?
It's such a struggle!
Calm down, calm down, relax, relax—Gu Wanning composed herself and began to ask questions in a slightly curious yet professional tone.
[Gu Wanning]: "Okay, Mr. Lin. Which two projects specifically? What background research and agreement preparation do I need to do in advance?"
Seeing that Gu Wanning had also joined the ranks of con artists, Geng Zhi on the other end of the phone almost couldn't help but laugh.
He tried his best to maintain the calm tone of "Charles Lin" and answered seriously.
[Straightforward]: "These are two student startup projects from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. One is called 'Ele.me,' which is a campus food delivery service; the other is called 'Jiao Tong University Matchmaker,' which is a new type of online dating and matchmaking service. Their information—"
Gu Wanning interrupted him before he could finish speaking, her tone a mixture of surprise and embarrassment.
Gu Wanning: "Huh? This—"
[Straightforward]: "What's wrong, Attorney Gu?"
[Gu Wanning]: "I'm very sorry, Mr. Lin. It's a coincidence that I currently serve as the permanent legal counsel for the 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' project."
[Gu Wanning]: According to the recusal principle in legal practice, I cannot represent both parties with potentially conflicting interests in the same matter. I'm afraid—you'll need to hire legal counsel from another law firm for this negotiation.
The call has ended.
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