Chapter 10. Su Qingyan Becomes Much Bolder Ma Tengyun was feeling completely dazed at this point. “Let’s make ten million tomorrow”? Is this even humanly possible? If Li Mo could casually earn ten million like that, Why would he need to sell his apartment to invest in him? The more Ma Tengyun thought about it, the more he felt like he might be getting scammed. Now that he was already on this “pirate ship,” he had no choice but to sail into the storm. “Let’s rent an office space today.” How much would renting office space cost? Real estate prices were already sky-high, In Shenzhen, even a modest office would cost at least 500,000 to 600,000 yuan a year. And their total cash flow was only 1.5 million yuan? Were they really about to spend half of it right away? “I’ll follow your lead.” Ma Tengyun trailed behind Li Mo, Feeling utterly helpless. Now, he could only hope Li Mo wasn’t just spouting nonsense. “We’re establishing an instant messaging division.” “Tomorrow, I’ll allocate two million yuan to you.” “You must have a lot of classmates, right?” “If possible, recruit a few.” “We need to move fast—ideally, get it done today.” Ma Tengyun still had no idea where Li Mo’s money was coming from. It wasn’t his place to question him. “I do have quite a few classmates.” “Everyone’s been thinking about starting a business,” “But no one had a clear direction.” “Most of them are in Shenzhen—I can reach out. They could probably start tomorrow.” Ma Tengyun *steeled himself…and chose to fully trust Li Mo. [*mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult.] Even though he knew… this seemed impossible, He was out of options. Was just too difficult. No one believed in the future of instant messaging. Only Li Mo was willing to bet on him. A man bold enough to sell his home for investment couldn’t be a fool, right? Maybe… he really did have a way to make ten million. Thinking this, Ma Tengyun’s resolve hardened. Even if this was just a dream, He didn’t want to wake up. Because this dream held his brightest future. No matter what… he had to persevere! “Let’s go with this place.” When Li Mo brought Ma Tengyun to the 21st floor of Blue Ocean Tower, Ma Tengyun’s mind went completely blank. Li Mo would rent some small office. He was looking at Blue Ocean Tower? This was where major corporations operated. And the leasing terms here were whole-floor minimums, Costing at least three million yuan a year. How could he afford this?! “Are you looking to lease this entire floor?” Li Mo nodded seriously. Running an investment firm required attracting top talent. No matter how much insider knowledge he had, He couldn’t do everything alone. And office space reflected a company’s strength. If they worked in some shabby place, Talented hires would worry if they’d even get paid next month. Who would want to work for a company like that? “But I have one condition.” The leasing manager smiled politely. “As long as we sign the agreement today,” “You have seven days to complete payment.” Li Mo surveyed the floor. “Xiao Ma, get familiar with this place.” “Someday, we’ll buy the entire tower.” Did Li Mo chug a few bottles of baijiu this morning? How else could he say something ? Even after six or seven beers, I wouldn’t dare dream this big! How much would this tower cost? Several billion yuan! The manager led Li Mo to sign the contract. “Have this floor cleaned for us.” “I need it ready by tomorrow.” According to his phone’s predictions, Tomorrow, he could make up to fifteen million yuan in the stock market. Ordinary trading couldn’t generate such profits— He’d need highly leveraged, complex contracts, Capitalizing on every market fluctuation. And for something this intricate, He needed a professional team executing his orders. Everything he did today… “Understood, President Li.” “We’ll make sure it’s spotless.” After finalizing the details, Li Mo settled into his new office. Ma Tengyun snapped to attention. Now, there were too many questions piling up. Renting this office cost over three million a year! For a startup like Qingyan Investment, this was insanely extravagant! Shouldn’t cash flow be prioritized for actual development? “My company needs people.” “Post job listings on Zhilian today.” “Recruit a hundred hires.” “Starting salary: 10,000 yuan/month.” “Only high-tech talent.” In this era, that was a premium salary. They’d be recruiting top-tier tech professionals! Ma Tengyun was stammering now. Li Mo looks so refined… Why does every word out of his mouth sound like a boast? “But we only have 1.5 million in the account!” Finally, Ma Tengyun couldn’t hold back. “Tomorrow, I’ll make ten million for the company’s development.” Eventually, he concluded: Li Mo must have another ten million stashed somewhere. Maybe in stocks he plans to sell. That’s the only explanation. After a long pause, he asked: “Mr. Li, even if we have ten million tomorrow…” “Shouldn’t we focus on practical steps first?” “Renting a cheaper space would free up funds for actual growth.” “Is leasing an entire floor in Blue Ocean Tower… too much?” Li Mo studied Ma Tengyun’s bewildered expression, Then leaned back in his executive chair. “Actually, this office is the most practical step.” “Business isn’t a solo game.” “Whether investing, partnering, or hiring,” “You must demonstrate strength.” “Otherwise, who would take you seriously?” The more Ma Tengyun listened, The more it felt like Li Mo was indirectly mocking him. Why did I believe a man without even a car could invest millions in me? He had no way out now. “I understand, Mr. Li.” Ma Tengyun decided Li Mo must indeed have ten million. This spending was reckless. Startups needed to conserve cash at every turn! “Recruiting is your task now.” “Reach out to your classmates—bring them onboard.” “Tomorrow, we’ll finalize the instant messaging plans.” “You’ll be rewarded.” “Tonight, focus on urgent hiring.” Li Mo adjusted Ma Tengyun’s glasses, Then patted his shoulder. “I see potential in you.” Li Mo sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, Admiring Shenzhen’s dazzling nightscape. The sound of the door opening sent a ripple through his chest. Su Qingyan bounded toward his room with light steps. Turning, Li Mo took in her delicate features, And the black-stockinged legs beneath her short skirt. Ever since he started seeing Su Qingyan as a woman, There was no going back. She was no longer just a little sister. “Bro, did you sell the apartment?” Su Qingyan enthusiastically wrapped her arms around Li Mo from behind. Ever since Su Xiaoxiao’s divorce from Li Mo, Su Qingyan had become much bolder.