What Qin Fen didn't know was... Zhou Xing, sitting right in front of him, indeed possessed a unique channel of information.
It didn't come from his family.
Rather, it was from the experience he possessed from his past life.
Zhou Xing gave a faint smile and said, "Isn't it obvious? The domestic internet era is booming."
"After the emergence of 4G, almost every industry underwent a reshuffle. Turmoil also represents opportunity. Look at how many billionaires have been born from it over these years."
Qin Fen nodded, signaling for Zhou Xing to continue.
He understood these principles, of course. He had tried to get involved before, but the internet era had long been targeted by those giants.
With his scale, his strength was still insufficient to join the fray.
"But... the landscape of the internet has long been set. It's firmly controlled by the big three internet companies. It's not that easy for ordinary people to enter the market, is it?"
Qin Fen asked, "In all these years, I haven't seen any other internet company stand out and escape the checks and balances of the big three."
"With a population as large as China's, the internet era is destined to be like an inexhaustible gold mine. It's not that there are no opportunities; it's just that the right way hasn't been found yet."
Zhou Xing gave a mysterious smile.
In a few more years, Qin Fen wouldn't be asking such questions anymore.
The status of the big three internet companies was not unshakable.
Once TikTok was released, who across the entire internet could compete?
When Shared Bikes were introduced, they set off a craze throughout China.
Even with Penguin dominating half of the Chinese gaming market, Genshin Impact still relied on the 'export-to-domestic' model.
It quickly exploded in the domestic market, leaping to become a rising force in Chinese gaming.
Qin Fen was a bit confused by what he heard. He asked, "Then for the investment company you plan to establish, do you have a direction? Which industry do you plan to focus on?"
There were simply too many industries available for investment.
Even an investment company with huge sums of money couldn't afford to invest in every industry.
They would only choose fields they were skilled in or specialize in one or two directions for investment.
At first, Qin Fen thought Zhou Xing was just starting an investment company to test the waters through trial and error.
Young and reckless—it didn't matter if he failed.
Now, it seemed Zhou Xing clearly had great confidence, appearing as if victory was already within his grasp.
"I think the film and live streaming industries are quite good."
Zhou Xing stopped there, picking up his apple cider and saying no more.
"The film and entertainment industry, I know... it indeed has great potential. The internet era has given them a second lease on life, and the incomes of these celebrities are becoming more and more outrageous."
Qin Fen complained, "In the past, a few tens of thousands was enough for them to spread their legs. Now they act all high and mighty, pretending to be pure and innocent. It makes me sick to watch."
"However..."
Qin Fen changed the subject, "Hasn't the live streaming industry already started to decline?"
With the development of the live streaming industry and the reckless expansion of capital...
...the quality of emerging internet celebrities has become a mixed bag.
The state also promptly issued laws and regulations to rectify the live streaming industry.
This dealt a massive blow to the live streaming industry instantly.
It seemed somewhat slumped, nowhere near as glorious as it was at the beginning.
"Old Wang's National Treasure TV isn't doing very well either. He invested such a large sum, but the project ended up half-dead."
Qin Fen mentioned Wang Xiaocong; his relationship with Wang Xiaocong was quite good.
Whenever the other party came to Shanghai, he would often contact him.
After a few interactions, they had become good buddies.
"Even though he founded it, he can hardly get a word in now. His shares were taken by capital, and two capital groups are fighting for power, completely ignoring whether National Treasure TV lives or dies. Old Wang has been quite stressed talking to me about this lately."
As Qin Fen spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Zhou Xing, observing him.
But the other party was far too experienced.
Only eighteen, yet he acted exactly like an old fox, remaining completely unfazed.
"Exactly."
Chang Wenyu also nodded and said, "How much value can these low-class internet celebrities create? Old Zhou, I see you're rich, but you shouldn't squander it like this."
"The film industry is fine, but don't touch live streaming. It's not something ordinary people can play with."
"Many families I know joined this industry, only to end up complaining bitterly and full of regret."
Zhou Xing smiled slightly.
He didn't explain much.
How could they know that it was these very internet celebrities they looked down upon...
...who would explode with such immense energy once TikTok was released.
And just how profitable Live Stream E-commerce would be.
Even just... an ordinary MCN Agency would make money hand over fist.
Only by following the development of the times can one take advantage of the momentum to take off and soar upwards.
Standing at the vent, even a pig can fly.
But how many people can keenly capture a fleeting opportunity?
He didn't think Qin Fen or Chang Wenyu were incapable of seeing through it.
Not everyone was like him, reborn and clear about the future situation.
Qin Fen asked a few more questions, but Zhou Xing brushed them off lightly.
This left him feeling anxious with curiosity, yet helpless.
He could only say, "Alright then... if you establish an investment company, let us know if you have any problems. We brothers will help you look into things, which should save you a lot of trouble."
"We'll see. This will have to wait until after school starts."
Zhou Xing's expression was calm.
Establishing an investment company was a long-term plan of his, so naturally, he couldn't be careless.
With school starting soon... he didn't have much energy to focus on setting up a company.
Compared to choosing partners, he preferred to keep the shares firmly in his own hands.
Absolute control—that was the real deal.
"Fine, once school starts, we'll come out to get together and talk."
Qin Fen said, "If this thing seems reliable, I'll take a share too."
"You wouldn't mind letting your brothers have a taste of the broth, would you?"
Qin Fen looked at Zhou Xing with a smile.
"I have no problem with that, of course. We can make money together; there's no end to it. As long as you're willing, just don't look down on my makeshift team when the time comes."
Zhou Xing laughed.
The meal had finally come to an end.
They arrived at the parking lot.
Zhou Xing stood right in the center, with Qin Fen and Chang Wenyu on his left and right.
Subtly...
...Zhou Xing had become their core. Both Qin Fen and Chang Wenyu subconsciously considered Zhou Xing's thoughts.
"Are we heading to the next round, or...?"
Chang Wenyu asked Qin Fen while holding the model in his arms, but Qin Fen pointed at Zhou Xing.
Zhou Xing shook his head and said, "Forget it, I'm going back to rest. Let's get together next time."
Luo Qianqian was still waiting for him at the hotel.
A 'quick meal' once in a while is fine.
Eating too much of it only makes one feel sick of it.
Isn't someone like Luo Qianqian, whom he raised himself, much better?
"That's fine, I have some things to handle as well."
Qin Fen said to Chang Wenyu, "Then we'll meet up at your bar next time. I should be going too."
Chang Wenyu naturally had no objection.
Zhou Xing opened the Lamborghini, took out ten stacks of cash, and placed them in Tongtong's arms. "I won't be seeing you off. You head back first; I still have things to do."
Tongtong held the cash, and though she was disappointed, she nodded obediently. "I understand."
If possible... she would have preferred to go back with him.
After all, not only was he handsome, but he was also the most powerful among them.
If she could cling to this 'big thigh', even a little leak from him would mean she wouldn't have to worry for the rest of her life.
The other girls' eyes widened.
The impact of cash was far more direct than a bank transfer.
He was tall, handsome, and young.
He was also so generous. One by one, they swayed their hips and frequently winked at Zhou Xing, hoping he would notice them.
If they weren't afraid of offending the young masters they were accompanying, they would have swarmed him long ago.
Zhou Xing ignored them completely and opened his car door.
He started the car and, under everyone's gaze, drove away.
Leaving behind a group of disappointed women and jealous glares directed at the cash in Tongtong's arms.