Transmigrating Into the Beautiful CEO’s Doomed Substitute - Chapter 108

Three years later, Haicheng.

The Shen Group’s headquarters was holding a semi-annual report summary meeting. The person in charge who rushed from various branch companies across the country had almost been replaced by people recommended or appointed by Shen Zhibing. Such meetings were becoming increasingly comfortable for her, no longer feeling like a major confrontation as they did five years ago.

As the meeting was nearing its end, Yu Xinyan brought up the final agenda item.

She had been promoted from Deputy Director of the Procurement Department to General Manager of the New Business Development Department two years ago, becoming Shen Zhibing’s de facto strategist.

“It was mentioned at last year’s year-end summary meeting that the Shen Group would open up new business and enter new fields in the next three years. The development of basic industries is nearing saturation, and the social structure is also constantly changing, so we need new businesses to adapt to the needs of society and the market.”

The special team that Shen Zhibing directly led back then, the vast majority of its members now worked under Yu Xinyan. A very few who were unable to perform their duties chose to voluntarily resign shortly after being returned to their original departments.

It was said that they signed a non-disclosure agreement and did not go to work in the same industry after resigning.

“Among these new businesses, there is one that must be implemented this year, and it is currently the industry most likely to become a blue ocean.”

Yu Xinyan had her subordinate project relevant data onto the screen. A line of text regarding the focus and repair of psychological and emotional problems caught the attention of everyone present.

“In recent years, adolescent psychological problems have become frequent, triggering many family and campus tragedies. This is a social problem, but also a dilemma that social development will inevitably face. We conducted preliminary research, and due to various reasons, the number of people with emotional disorders is not small. However, for industries targeting the emotionally sub-healthy population, we can’t say they don’t exist, but they are almost all superficial.”

They were nothing more than diagnosis and treatment.

There was a gap in the market for early intervention and prevention, as well as later follow-up and correction.

Shen Zhibing listened intently and was constantly thinking.

The transformation of the Shen Group was not only an adjustment of its industrial structure, but its social image also needed a change.

Affluent, powerful, and a leader in traditional industries—these labels were no longer fully suitable for the pursuit of the new generation of consumers. Shen Zhibing was not satisfied with just confining the Shen Group to being powerful; she wanted to build the Shen Group into a “company that is more meaningful to society.”

“What General Manager Yu just mentioned is the key project that the Shen Group will focus on and follow up on in the second half of the year. We prefer to cooperate with companies experienced in this field.”

This was not an industry where one could quickly accumulate resources and dominate the market simply by throwing money at it. Moreover, the customer base for this project inherently belonged to a vulnerable group. Impulsive and aggressive methods would be of limited help to them, but the stimulation could be significant.

Shen Zhibing herself had been affected by emotional distress, but she was relatively lucky, having the resources and ability to get the best treatment. However, many people did not have this condition, or because of conceptual constraints, were unwilling to actively face their illness.

If you are sick, you must be treated promptly. This was something Shen Zhibing had only realized in the past two years.

After the meeting, Yu Xinyan went to the President’s office.

“Here are the names of prospective partner companies, take a look first.”

Shen Zhibing flipped through them. Most were unknown companies.

“Company scale is not important, the important thing is to determine whether they have potential and capability. Lack of money and resources, the Shen Group can support these, but we absolutely cannot support a useless company.”

This industry relies heavily on consumer trust. This kind of service is not like buying clothes or drinking milk tea, where you can switch to another one if the first try doesn’t suit you. Emotional problems cannot withstand repeated trial and error and upheaval. Everyone is fragile and precious.

“I understand what you mean, which is why these companies have been selected again and again, and a final decision has not been made yet.”

Shen Zhibing wanted to do this last year but did not rush the business launch, allowing ample time, also understanding its special nature.

After discussing these matters, Yu Xinyan did not intend to leave.

“Have you heard about Qi Zheng’s situation?”

Shen Zhibing was stunned: “What about her?”

Qi Zheng had lifted her group block against Shen Zhibing a year ago, but she did not seem to give her any special signal. What she saw was no different from what Yu Xinyan and Yun Fei saw.

“It seems she plans to return to China for development.”

“Is that so?”

After returning from the United States, they had indeed deliberately distanced themselves for a period. After Shen Zhibing decided to focus on treatment, she no longer dwelled on needing an immediate answer, slowly putting her focus on herself, and gradually adapted to the current situation of being separated from Qi Zheng.

Most of her knowledge of Qi Zheng’s recent situation came from her moments shared on social media or occasional mentions by people around her. It wasn’t until the end of last year that she saw relevant reports about Qi Zheng in some media.

Unlike her, who frequently made headlines in the financial section, the reports about Qi Zheng were mostly from some Chinese self-media in the United States, or local media that were not considered mainstream, but she was still noticed.

This was a rare achievement for a young person who started a business with $80,000 from B University. Shen Zhibing was happy for her but did not dare to disturb her rashly.

“I haven’t heard her mention it. Her development in the US is quite smooth.” The implication was that she didn’t quite believe Yu Xinyan’s rumor.

“I heard that a large consortium wants to acquire her business, replicate it for other English-speaking international student groups, and prepare to bloom in the US market.”

“Have you inquired about the consortium’s background?”

Yu Xinyan smiled: “Old Shen, you really have endless things to worry about. It’s Xinda Capital that wants to acquire it. Now you can relax, right?”

Xinda Capital, ranked among the top ten in the world. Any project they are interested in has great potential. The acquisition funds must also be considerable, so there is no possibility of malicious manipulation behind the scenes.

Shen Zhibing instinctively gripped her fountain pen and pondered: “Being acquired by Xinda is not necessarily a bad thing. The US policies towards Chinese international students have not been friendly in the past two years, and her business has always been limited in scale.”

The ceiling was obvious. No matter how well Qi Zheng developed, it was still a niche industry.

If she returns to China, there is a broader field waiting for her to explore and gallop, and she can fly higher.

Yu Xinyan also agreed with this point: “Who says it’s not? But not every founder is willing to sell their ‘child.’ Besides, her current smooth development doesn’t mean she can foresee the subsequent crises and restrictions, unless Xinda completely overwhelms her with money.”

Shen Zhibing, however, shook her head silently: “If she agrees to sell, it’s absolutely not because of money.”

She didn’t know Qi Zheng’s considerations and plans for her career in recent years, but based on Qi Zheng’s development results, she definitely chose the right direction and found the right rhythm. To be able to build such a situation in a foreign country, almost starting from scratch, Qi Zheng relied on more than just effort.

She must have sharp enough insight and a constantly clear mind to navigate the entrepreneurial path with countless forks.

Qi Zheng was awakened by her phone alarm. This was the third time this week she had only slept for three hours. She rented a larger apartment not far from her previous residence and still frequented the same wonton shop as before.

Now the shop not only had wontons, but also scallion pancakes, fried dough sticks, and potstickers, all of which she loved. Even black soy milk was supplied on a fixed schedule every day. Qi Zheng absolutely did not want to leave this neighborhood.

Her career developed much better than expected. After the initial few batches of customers, they didn’t need to deliberately promote their service anymore. The parents spontaneously shared their experiences in group chats, and new customers soon came to inquire proactively.

Later, some people who were still in the early stages of applying for visas in China were already making appointments for the service in advance, saying they hoped to adapt to life here sooner.

This also made Qi Zheng realize that well-off customers in China were beginning to pay attention to and value the impact of the environment on mental health.

She and Li Yunshan also discovered the limitations of developing in the United States. Their service was excellent and thoughtful, but apart from the Chinese international student community, they seemed completely unable to explain a whole bunch of things to foreigners.

They would not be the buyers of this service. If Qi Zheng wanted to expand her business, she could only wait for the international student population to increase. However, the tightening of policies made her sense a crisis.

Li Yunshan brought the newly bought breakfast to her apartment. The two of them were recently discussing whether or not to sell the business.

“Qi Zheng, Xinda’s offer has increased again. It seems they are genuinely sincere in wanting to buy.”

Qi Zheng added another spoonful of sugar to the soy milk, stirred it well, and took a big sip before feeling better.

“It’s not sincerity, they’re afraid of others stealing it.” Three companies had recently made offers, all wanting to buy. They probably felt that this seemingly inconspicuous business, which developed so quickly and successfully, was worth trying.

After all, starting with $80,000, it is now a “classic case” outside of the B University Business School textbook. The professors who taught Qi Zheng mention it to new students every year, and the school’s startup evaluation committee has long included Qi Zheng’s entry plan from that year in its achievement display catalog.

“So what are your thoughts? Sell or not sell?”

“What about you? If I decide to sell and return to China, will you come back with me?”

Li Yunshan initially didn’t want to, as she had adapted to life here.

“We cooperate so well. I can learn a lot from starting a business with you. I won’t miss such a good opportunity. I’m waiting for you to lead me to make a fortune.”

Qi Zheng smiled: “You’ve been very poor these two years?”

It wasn’t instant wealth, but she wasn’t poor anymore. Li Yunshan bought an apartment at the beginning of the year, but Qi Zheng said she didn’t like buying property, so she kept renting.

Now she belatedly realized: “Qi Zheng, be honest, did you plan to return to China from the start, which is why you were too lazy to buy a house?”

Qi Zheng was noncommittal and did not answer directly: “Not entirely.”

The acquisition by Xinda truly gave Qi Zheng and Li Yunshan their first pot of gold. The hardships of three years of entrepreneurship, converted into cash, resulted in an amount that made them feel that all the suffering was worth it.

Li Yunshan said gleefully: “With this money, I can buy a house in Haicheng too. I’m starting to look forward to returning to China.”

Qi Zheng received more money than Li Yunshan. She had continuously bought some cryptocurrencies and stocks over the past two years, and the gains were also good.

“I’ve been researching the prospects of similar markets in China recently, and I’ve found an area that’s worth delving into.”

Li Yunshan had become accustomed to Qi Zheng’s ability to find business opportunities in subtle places over the years. She no longer had any doubts, instead, she was like an orange cat waiting to be fed, practically shaking its bowl.

“Tell me about it. Let’s see if I have a chance to piggyback on buying a villa.”

Qi Zheng briefly outlined her idea and plan. Li Yunshan, however, didn’t immediately agree as she had in the past.

“I’ve also paid attention to the phenomenon you mentioned, and it is indeed a trend. But currently, there is no established industry in China, and not even large capital has intervened. Are we going in a bit too early?”

The fear is going in too early and preparing the ground for others.