Reborn as a tycoon in Hong Kong

"I think Blockbuster's current valuation of $80 million is very reasonable."

Although he knew that Blockbuster's valuation of US$80 million was too high, the price was announced by Lin Baicheng himself, and he certainly could not agree with Buffett's words.

"Blockbuster is developing very fast now, especially after it received US$5 million in funding after the first financing. The company entered a stage of rapid development after receiving the money, and only then did it get the second financing, which is now."

"Blockbuster is a high-quality company. Not only are you optimistic about it, Mr. Buffett, but I am even more optimistic about it. Its future development prospects deserve a higher premium rate."

"Also, there is only one video rental company like Blockbuster on the market now, and there are no competitors. As long as Blockbuster has enough funds, it can completely occupy the market before competitors appear, and then develop into an industry giant and take over The most delicious cake.”

Lin Baicheng is not talking nonsense. When facing Buffett, he does not dare to talk nonsense, because not only will he fail to deceive others, but he will also make the other party look down upon him.

"But that is the future, and the future is uncertain. Blockbuster may develop into an industry giant, but it may also be overtaken by latecomers."

Buffett shook his head. In fact, he knew that Lin Baicheng was right. Blockbuster has no competitors now. After financing, it can occupy more markets with a large amount of funds. When competitors appear, it will no longer be Blockbuster's opponent. .

Once Blockbuster becomes the industry leader, it will be able to capture more than half of the industry's profits, and the rest will be the profits that the industry's second-largest companies and other small and medium-sized companies compete for. At that time, Blockbuster's market value will definitely be very high.

But this is just the best future. As Buffett just said, the future is uncertain and full of variables. Blockbuster may be overtaken by latecomers, so he still feels that the valuation of US$80 million is It's too high. We won't recognize such a high valuation just because Blockbuster is more likely to become the leader.

"That's what Mr. Buffett said."

Lin Baicheng smiled and did not argue with Buffett. After all, he really couldn't find a better way to persuade Buffett, not to mention that people like Buffett are not so easy to persuade.

"However, Blockbuster is now in contact with Wall Street. The valuation announced by Blockbuster is US$80 million. However, there are still institutions in contact with Blockbuster. This shows that institutions are optimistic about Blockbuster."

This is true. Goldman Sachs, Citigroup and other institutions did contact Blockbuster after Blockbuster announced a valuation of US$80 million, but they also bargained for it, and they cut it very hard, cutting them off directly. Blockbuster is valued at $40 million.

Lin Baicheng, Blockbuster and Morningstar Pictures are definitely not satisfied with the valuation of US$40 million. Therefore, Blockbuster and Wall Street are still in contact and negotiation, and there is currently no result.

But this is normal. It has only been a few days since Blockbuster contacted Wall Street. Talking about financing is not that fast. Talking for ten days and a half is not a long time. It takes one or two months to negotiate financing. A very normal thing.

"Mr. Allen, I heard Wall Street's valuation of Blockbuster is not high."

Buffett is very well-informed. He knows that Wall Street values ​​Blockbuster at only $40 million. He also knows that this is not Wall Street’s lowest price. When financing is actually negotiated, it will definitely be a higher price, but he did not say The main reason for coming out was to save some face for Lin Baicheng, who was asking for help.

"That's because the two parties are still in the negotiation stage. I believe that after the financing is negotiated, Blockbuster will have a fairly high valuation."

Lin Baicheng still has some room for words. There is a saying for 'quite high valuation'. A valuation of US$40 to 50 million can be described as such.

Buffett just smiled when he heard this, and then said: "Mr. Allen, I am very optimistic about Blockbuster. I am willing to invest in Blockbuster at a valuation of US$50 million and obtain 20% of the shares for US$10 million. What do you think?"

"Mr. Buffett, this is absolutely impossible!"

Lin Baicheng immediately shook his head after hearing this and said solemnly: "Let's not talk about the issue that the valuation you gave Mr. Buffett is too low. If you want to get all the financing shares this time, first of all, this is not in line with Blockbuster's development strategy. ”

"How do you say this?"

Buffett's heart sank when he heard this. He was indeed very optimistic about Blockbuster, so he wanted to get more shares of Blockbuster, preferably all 20% of the shares, so that he could get more returns in the future. Unexpectedly, the price Before the deal is settled, the issue arises first with the number of shares.

Lin Baicheng shook his head: "In addition to obtaining some funds for development, Blockbuster's financing this time also means selecting partners for the future listing of the company. Therefore, the company will choose several institutions as partners instead of All financing shares are given to one company.”

"Mr. Allen, Blockbuster has only raised its second financing now, and its development scale is limited. It is too early to consider listing in the future. This matter can be considered during the next financing."

Buffett was a little helpless. He didn't expect Lin Baicheng to have such considerations. As a result, it would not be easy for him to obtain more shares of Blockbuster.

"This is all for the benefit of all shareholders. If the company goes public sooner, it can also bring generous returns to shareholders sooner."

Lin Baicheng smiled. Introducing Wall Street capital early can also prevent potential competitors from overtaking after gaining support from Wall Street.

"If the company is listed too early, shareholders who hold shares will not be able to get more returns."

Buffett said that he likes to take the long term and doesn't mind if good companies go public later. He doesn't mind holding shares of a company for more than ten years, as long as the company's development and growth are always within expectations.

"Everyone has different ideas. We won't argue here. When the company goes public will definitely be decided by each shareholder."

Lin Baicheng waved his hand, and then said: "I personally prefer to find more partners for Blockbuster, but if someone gives a higher valuation for the company, and Wall Street institutions are unwilling to follow up, then I can also accept investors receiving 20% ​​of the shares.”

Lin Baicheng doesn't mind letting an institution or individual get 20% of the shares and become the company's major shareholder, because he will only hold the most shares. When the day comes when he doesn't hold the most shares, it means he is not optimistic about the company. , he didn't care who became the controller of the company at that time.

There is no need for others to compete with him for control of the company. In order not to leave a bad reputation, Lin Baicheng will probably choose to voluntarily give up control.

"Mr. Allen, Blockbuster's valuation of $80 million is too high and I cannot accept it."

Buffett shook his head with a wry smile. He understood what Lin Baicheng meant. It was simply that if he accepted a valuation of US$80 million, and if no Wall Street institution followed suit, he would be able to obtain 20% of Blockbuster's shares.

This is still the case when no one is following up. If an institution also recognizes the valuation of US$80 million, he will have to offer a higher price if he wants to obtain more shares.

The problem is that although Buffett is optimistic about Blockbuster and believes that Blockbuster is more likely to succeed in the future, he cannot accept the huge price now and become a leek.

"That would be a shame."

Lin Baicheng said with regret: "Mr. Buffett, if you want to get Blockbuster shares, you can only participate in Blockbuster's financing and compete with Wall Street. However, in this case, you will not be able to get all the shares." .”

"Mr. Allen, I know that Morningstar Pictures is the major shareholder of Blockbuster, and Morningstar Pictures is controlled by you. I wonder if Morningstar Pictures is willing to transfer some of its shares? The funds obtained from the sale of this part of the shares will be given to Morningstar Film industry, you can use the funds to do other things when the time comes."

Buffett was unwilling to give up easily, so he instead sought Lin Baicheng's shares and was willing to let Lin Baicheng cash out some of the funds first.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Buffett, but I am very optimistic about Blockbuster and have no intention of selling Blockbuster shares for the time being."

Lin Baicheng immediately shook his head. If he sells Blockbuster shares now, how much less will he make in a few years? If he wants to sell, he must at least wait until the company goes public before selling. Moreover, even if it is listed for sale, it is a bit early, and it will be too late to start selling it again in ten years.

Buffett couldn't force others to sell their shares, so he had to say: "Mr. Allen, I wonder if you could help me introduce the financier in front of Blockbuster, or help me ask if the other party is willing to sell the shares?"

"I can help you with this. I can contact Mr. Buffett first and see what he thinks."

Lin Baicheng nodded and agreed, but he would only tell Buffett that the other party was unwilling to sell the shares, because the shares were originally his, but the fact that the left hand was transferred to the right hand had to be concealed.

"Thank you, Mr. Allen!"

Buffett thanked him aloud and raised his glass. Regardless of whether it can be done or not, it is still somewhat of a hope.

"You're welcome, I'm just a middleman."

Lin Baicheng, who raised his glass in return, smiled.

Buffett said politely again, and then turned to talk about something else: "Mr. Allen, I haven't congratulated you yet. I heard that the New Century Software Company under your name is going through the listing process. When the company goes public, your net worth will be It can rise a lot again.”

"Thanks."

Lin Baicheng nodded with a smile and said: "Mr. Buffett, I don't think you will buy New Century Software Company's shares? New Century Software Company is not in line with your investment philosophy at all."

"Mr. Allen is right, I hope you don't mind."

Buffett admitted that he did not buy shares of New Century Software Company. He did not understand companies that rely on new technologies to develop, and he did not buy stocks that he did not understand.

"Don't worry, Mr. Buffett, I won't mind."

Lin Baicheng really wouldn't mind. After all, if others don't buy his company's stocks, he can't force them to buy them. Besides, it's useless even if he asks others to buy them. The money is in other people's hands.

After the two chatted for a few more words.

Buffett said: "Mr. Allen, I think I have some ability in investment. If you have idle funds, you can leave it to me. I believe it will bring you generous returns in the future."

After getting down to business, it was a rare meeting, and Buffett raised some funds by the way. After all, the more funds he manages, the more benefits he can get.

"I very much agree with Mr. Buffett's investment philosophy. I happen to have some funds on hand. I will ask my assistant to contact Mr. Buffett when the time comes. I believe that under the management of Mr. Buffett, my investment will receive a generous return. .”

Lin Baicheng didn't mind investing more money in Buffett. He initially invested US$10 million in Buffett, and later asked his assistant to invest another US$10 million. This time he planned to invest another US$30 million.

"By the way, I wonder if Mr. Buffett would mind if I buy shares in Berkshire Hathaway and become a small shareholder?"

Yes, Lin Baicheng not only wants to use some of the funds for Buffett to manage, but also wants to buy shares of Buffett's company.

"Mr. Allen wants to become a shareholder of my company, and I can't wait to welcome him."

Buffett did not refuse. He was not the only shareholder of the company to begin with. There were several small shareholders, so of course he would not mind having one more.

Lin Baicheng said: "Mr. Buffett, I wonder how much your company is worth now? I want to invest US$50 million."

"Mr. Allen, I can only give up 5% of the company's shares, so I cannot accept all of your $50 million investment."

Buffett refused. The current market value of his company is less than one billion US dollars. It is true that he manages billions of dollars of funds, but the money has nothing to do with his company. The company only charges agency fees and commissions.

"Okay, then I'll give you 5% of the shares. I'll send my assistant over to discuss the specific price. I'll also bring over the US$30 million that I entrusted to Mr. Buffett's management."

Lin Baicheng doesn't ask for too many shares, 5% of the shares is completely enough.

"Okay, I'll wait for your people to contact you."

Buffett nodded, and the matter was generally settled.

Lin Baicheng and Buffett chatted for a while, and then they got up and left. After leaving the restaurant, they left separately.

After leaving, Lin Baicheng went to the villa he had arranged with Carrie Fisher. Carrie Fisher had already returned to the villa.

As soon as they met, Lin Baicheng took out the gift Catherine bought at noon, a gorgeous necklace, priced at more than 180,000 and nearly 190,000 US dollars.

"Alan, thank you!"

Seeing the necklace, Carrie Fisher's eyes lit up and she gave Lin Baicheng a big hug and kiss.

When Carrie Fisher saw the price tag hanging on the necklace, the smile on her face became even bigger. A gift of nearly two hundred thousand dollars was a big sum for her.

Today's celebrities, whether in terms of salary or endorsement income, have not increased significantly.

Even though Carrie Fisher filmed two Star Wars movies in a row, she actually didn’t get much pay. The first film had limited production costs, and it was her first time being a heroine, so she cherished it and accepted the heroine role for only $50,000. The second film was a hit sequel, and she didn't dare to do it for the role. The salary was too high. This time the salary only increased to 300,000 US dollars.

The agent's commission and tax deductions were deducted from the two remunerations, so not much actually fell into the hands of Carrie Fisher.

However, after the two Star Wars movies became popular, Carrie Fisher has recently received a lot of endorsements and earned more than two million US dollars. She can get at least more than one million US dollars.

But even so, two hundred thousand dollars is not a small amount of money for Carrie Fisher, and she is not willing to spend so much money to buy a necklace.

Therefore, Carrie Fisher was very happy to receive the gift. She accepted many of Lin Baicheng's requests that night and developed many poses.