"The second matter is actually unrelated to everyone, but I think you should have at least the basic right to know.” Ota Ling smiled slightly, his mood akin to when he visited a brothel for the third time decades ago — no initial nervousness, no second-time anxiety, just pure enjoyment and ease. "Alright, now let’s discuss the third matter. Tianxing Finance plans to collaborate with us to jointly develop Neon’s online payment market. Who’s in favor? Who’s against it?” "How do we oppose it? What are the reasons for opposition?” Previously, although Mitsui Sumitomo collaborated with Ant Group to jointly acquire PayPal Group’s business in Tokyo to develop Neon’s online payment market, Both parties harbored their own motives and trusted no one, resulting in little progress. Things are different now, with Mitsui Sumitomo’s partner shifting from Ant Group to Tianxing Financial Group, from Ma Yun to Lu Liang. While Tianxing Financial Group’s total assets are not as substantial as Mitsui Sumitomo’s, they hold over $200 billion in cash flow, bolstered by Lu Liang’s reputation. Backing thirteen companies and reviving three major indices, Lu Liang is now regarded as a god-like figure in Neon. The conversion of AB shares can’t be rushed for now. Ota Ling had discussed with Lu Liang, that at least they need to let the shareholders have a taste of the benefits first before they willingly hand Mitsui Sumitomo over to Lu Liang and him for management. "No one should doubt Mr. Lu’s Midas touch, right?” With a smile on his face, Ota Ling picked up the remote and turned on the large screen behind him, on which an exaggerated curve appeared for the three major indices of Japanese stocks. At this morning’s market opening, the Nikkei 225 Index was about to fall below 16,000 points. However, after Tianxing Finance announced the backing of thirteen companies, it instantly turned around and gained. The index surged by 7 points, breaking through 17,000 points, gradually recovering lost ground, and heading towards 17,500 points. The leading stocks were Mitsui Sumitomo, PayPal Group, and the thirteen companies backed by Tianxing Finance. Among the thirteen stocks, the highest gainer was PayPal Group, rising by 28.65%, with its market value significantly increasing by $2.7 billion. The lowest gainer was Mitsui Sumitomo, which only climbed 18.22%, but considering its large size, its market value surged by $13.2 billion. The prices of the thirteen stocks, Quickly returned to their levels before yesterday’s sharp decline. Ota Ling was almost spitting as he exclaimed excitedly, “Did you see that? This is the influence Mr. Lu brings.” He opened the IPO plan for Ant Group: “Now take a look at this. If it weren’t halted by East Country’s regulators, how high do you think Ant’s market cap would have been after listing?” "Ant Group’s IPO valuation was $180 billion. Post-listing, could it have reached $300 billion or even $500 billion?” "Don’t think I’m daydreaming. Even though our market is just one twelfth of East Country, with Mr. Lu’s backing and markets like Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia next door, it may not be far-fetched to match East Country.” Listening to Ota Ling’s descriptions, everyone’s breathing became somewhat rapid, given PayPal Group’s current market value was only $12.7 billion. If it turned into something like Ant Group, Mitsui Sumitomo’s stake value could swell from $5.08 billion to $50.8 billion, or even more. Moreover, it’s not just the value increase itself that’s important; it would trigger a series of chain reactions such as boosting Mitsui Sumitomo Group’s stock prices, which would be their real gain. "On behalf of the Sumitomo Group, I support the partnership between Mitsui Sumitomo and Tianxing.” Tanabe Junta was the first to respond, his face showing a sycophantic smile: “Chairman Ota, from now on, Mitsui Sumitomo will rely on you.” "Mr. Tanabe, you’re too kind. We’re all working to make Mitsui Sumitomo better.” Ota Ling laughed heartily, not holding grudges or deliberately making things difficult for others. To flatter the superior and be overbearing to the subordinate is a common human failing, yet Tanabe Junta knew when to find the right path back. "Mr. Mitsui, do you need to consult President Mitsui? If necessary, we can pause for ten minutes.” Ota Ling showed a concerned expression, looking at Mitsui Takahiro as if to say, ‘This is crucial, being young, you’re not quite capable enough to decide, maybe check with the family elders.'” Being young and hot-blooded, at just 28 years old, and of noble birth, Mitsui Takahiro couldn’t swallow this. With a stern face, he said, “Collaborating with Tianxing Finance will bring benefits to the Group. Mitsui Group has no objections.” "If that’s the case, let’s proceed with a vote. Raise your hand if you support the partnership with Tianxing Finance.” With a smile on his lips and the look of an old fox having successfully stolen a chicken, Ota Ling watched the room. Once again, nine votes, unanimously passed! After the meeting, Ota Ling immediately called Lu Liang to inform him of the meeting’s content and sought his guidance. Lu Liang had just finished a call with Old Ma. "A team will be arriving in Neon on Monday, and you are responsible for hosting. They will be solely responsible for promoting Alipay.” Lu Liang decided to keep Alipay, given its simple concept and some reputation already in East Asia. In the future, Alipay will be like Red Bull, with separate domestic and overseas versions, bearing the same name but having no real connection, with completely different data sets. "Next, PayPal Group will launch a hundred-billion-yen subsidy plan. Can Mitsui Sumitomo’s funds keep up?” Lu Liang asked. Although he jokingly said that Tianxing Finance would inherit Old Ma’s legacy and fulfill the unfinished aspirations of Ant, It was only a joke, yet Old Ma seemed to take it seriously, generously sharing valuable insights during the call. For example, this hundred-billion-yen subsidy plan. "In US Dollar terms?” Ota Ling was shocked. "What are you thinking? Of course, it’s in yen.” Lu Liang replied petulantly. A hundred billion dollars, though he could afford it, isn’t worth it for Neon. Ota Ling laughed sheepishly, “No problem then.” A hundred billion yen, at the current exchange rate, is just $725 million. The equity structure of PayPal Group is Mitsui Sumitomo holding 40%, Tianxing Finance 30%, and PayPal Group shareholders and investors holding 30%. Based on equity, Mitsui Sumitomo’s contribution would be only $290 million, a significant sum but still manageable. "Tianxing will contribute $217.5 million based on its equity while accepting a 10% equity increase from PayPal Group. No issues, right?” Lu Liang said. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦·𝘯𝘦𝘵 After the directed issue, Tianxing Finance’s shareholding will reach 37%, and combined with 5.75% of tradable shares in the secondary market, they will hold a 42.75% stake, making them the undisputed largest shareholder of PayPal Group. "No issues.” Ota Ling quickly responded. While PayPal Group is controlled by Mitsui Sumitomo, Mitsui Sumitomo was under his control, and he’s a loyal subordinate of Lu Liang — whatever Lu Liang says goes. Lu Liang acknowledged and didn’t bother with false politeness. He also explained the objectives of the hundred-billion-yen subsidy plan, targeting the six water and electricity and three telecom companies that Tianxing Finance has backed. Paying for water, electricity, and communication bills through Alipay will all have a chance to be free, and at the very least, will offer reductions of 1,000 to 10,000 yen. Lu Liang continued, “In the future, we’ll include metros, buses, ferries, and other transport methods. These companies will need Mitsui Sumitomo to facilitate integrating Alipay’s interface.” He aims to turn Alipay into a national application in Neon. East Country has 1.4 billion people, Alipay has 565 million active users, applying the same logic in Neon, they need at least 70 million active users. By then, banks directly affiliated with Tianxing Finance, like Guangsheng Bank and Delimei Bank, will be embedded in this framework to become online banks with physical presences. Unlike Old Ma, Lu Liang doesn’t pretend to say that power needs regulation, that Ant Group’s original intention was for the people’s benefit, setting aside his own interests. Old Ma’s initial purpose can only serve as Lu Liang’s grand rhetoric. His real intention is to embody power itself. Through a single platform, he intends to control the lifelines of all connected enterprises, forming an absolute dominion over all industries. Then, Tianxing will establish a brand-new credit system, making Old Ma’s vision shine beyond borders. If this system can be built in East Asian countries, Lu Liang will introduce this system to save the people of Europe and America. Ota Ling widened his eyes, stunned by Lu Liang’s grand plan, and, after a long silence, solemnly said, “Sir, I am willing to go through thick and thin for you, a hundred deaths without hesitation.” "The urgent matter now is to unite with Xingheng to assist Tianxing in fully controlling the backed companies, at the very least ensuring their cooperation in integrating Alipay’s interface,” Lu Liang smiled, not taking Ota Ling’s words to heart. Ota Ling nodded and responded. He knew Lu Liang hadn’t completely trusted him yet, but he understood it. Because trust is like love, It’s not about words, it’s about actions. In the future, through concrete actions, he would prove that the Ota family is worthy of Lu Liang’s trust.