A few minutes later, Fang Bai and the Dean arrived at the Principal's office.
Investing 300,000 yuan was no small matter; if compared to some prices twenty years later, it would be worth tens of millions of yuan.
In later generations, a freshman investing tens of millions of yuan to start a business would definitely attract the attention of school leaders, especially considering the possibility of him donating to the school in the future, which would require even greater emphasis.
Currently, student entrepreneurship was extremely rare, and a large investment like Fang Bai's was certainly a first.
University graduates had employment guarantees, but it was only when these guarantees ceased to exist that various colleges and universities would introduce policies to encourage student entrepreneurship to improve their employment rates.
Fang Bai followed the Dean into the Principal's office and quickly scanned the office's layout.
The office was forty to fifty square meters, with a solid wood tea table, two solid wood sofas, and several solid wood chairs in the center of the room, giving it a somewhat solemn appearance.
Two large bookshelves were filled with various books, and a strong scent of books wafted through the air.
One wall was adorned with historical photos and a huge school emblem, showcasing the school's history and honor.
At this moment, four school leaders were gathered around the tea table, drinking tea and chatting, waiting for Fang Bai and the others to arrive.
Seeing Fang Bai and the other two, the Principal motioned for them to enter.
The Dean introduced Fang Bai to the Principal and the other three school leaders.
Jiao Tong University had several Vice Principals, and the Principal had notified relevant leaders to come and meet together.
After Fang Bai shook hands with the school leaders, the Principal motioned for him to sit down and praised him, saying, "Fang Bai, you are young and promising, excellent in character and academics, and truly outstanding. This is very rare.
We asked you to come today, firstly, because we wanted to meet an outstanding student from our school, and secondly, because we wanted to hear your ideas about starting a business."
Fang Bai smiled and said, "Thank you, Principal, for your praise. Starting a business on campus was just a temporary idea, simply to help the impoverished students in my class.
Of course, I myself am optimistic about this project, and my family happens to have investments in this area, so I'm just utilizing some resources.
If it goes well, this student supermarket will expand to various colleges and universities in Shanghai, and even to universities in other provinces.
This can not only help more impoverished students but also provide more convenient shopping channels for other schools.
If the development is not smooth, then it will just be two universities, and we'll treat it as practical training for the students.
Regardless of success or failure, I believe this entrepreneurial attempt is a valuable learning opportunity for the students in our class."
"It seems you are quite confident, otherwise you wouldn't invest 300,000 yuan.
You are very generous to your classmates and value friendship, which is very rare.
You also enjoy helping others; I know about your helping others on the day of freshman registration.
I happened to read about you in the newspaper and never thought you would start your own business and develop Xinghai Company to such a large scale; that's truly remarkable." After the Principal learned about Fang Bai, he had someone find a newspaper article about him. Even after reading it, he still found it somewhat unbelievable, as it was too shocking, so he wanted to ask him personally.
"It's all because of poverty, there was no other way. My family was truly poor back then, we couldn't even afford meat, so I deeply understand students who can't afford meat," Fang Bai replied sincerely.
His words made all the leaders present burst into laughter.
Look, what an unpretentious student he is!
Not hypocritical, not artificial.
If it were an ordinary student, he would try to avoid discussing his family background, even fearing others would know his family was from the countryside.
"Your parents must be very comforted and happy to have such a sensible son like you. How is Xinghai Company developing now?"
Fang Bai had just shaken hands with the Principal and did not hesitate to probe him, quickly learning his specific information.
[Weng Lie: Currently 59 years old, graduated from Jiao Tong University's Department of Electrical Engineering in 1952, a thermal machinery expert. Began serving as Principal in 1984, currently working hard to be nominated as an academician.]
Knowing this, the Principal's question was actually to confirm his family's financial situation.
If it developed well, he would naturally be more valued by the school, and he would have an easier time in school in the future, making the construction of the supermarket a small matter.
If it didn't develop well, he would still be valued, as he was still stronger than many students, but he would receive fewer resources.
Seeking benefits and avoiding harm is human nature. The Principal was no exception, and Fang Bai was no exception either, so he understood the school's approach.
Since that was the case, Fang Bai had no need to hide anything; this was an opportunity to showcase his strength.
So, he calmly said, "Currently, we are investing in a large-scale comprehensive shopping mall, covering an area of 40,000 square meters, with an estimated total investment exceeding 200 million yuan, to be invested in several phases.
The first phase currently covers an area of 5,000 square meters, with a total construction area of 30,000 square meters, and has entered the decoration stage. It is expected to be operational early next year, and it will include an open-plan comprehensive supermarket."
"Oh, such a large scale!
This first phase must also require a very large investment, right?" the Principal replied in shock, and the other leaders were equally surprised.
200 million yuan! That could build a new campus.
Not to mention Wen City, even Shanghai currently didn't have such a large-area comprehensive shopping mall. They really wanted to know what kind of mall this was.
Such a large investment would certainly be valued by the local government.
In that instant, the Principal immediately regarded Fang Bai as a distinguished guest of the school, treating him as an equal, no longer just a student.
The Dean and Secretary of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering had only heard Qin Xue's report, but it was not as shocking as Fang Bai's personal admission.
Fang Bai replied, "The main construction, including decoration, is probably two to three hundred million yuan, and the inventory is over ten million yuan. The total investment for the first phase is probably thirty to forty million yuan."
"That's a very large investment, impressive. I think it's more appropriate to call you Mr. Fang, haha."
Fang Bai raised his hand, "No, Principal, please just call me by my name. Calling me Mr. Fang feels strange."
"Haha, alright then, I'll call you Little Fang at school. In non-official school settings, I'll still have to call you Mr. Fang."
"I don't dare to accept that, just call me whatever you like. The Principal is a thermal machinery expert, and all the leaders are experts in various fields, all having made immeasurable contributions to the country. You are the elders students most respect," Fang Bai said politely, neither arrogant nor humble, earning the admiration of all the leaders present.
"Haha, you're good at talking, let's just be casual. Little Fang, now that you're studying here in Shanghai, you can't look after your family's business. Do you have any other investments here? The student supermarket probably isn't worth your attention, is it?"
"My parents are managing things very well now, and there are also some management personnel, so I don't have to worry about the family business anymore," Fang Bai said with a smile. Seeing that everyone was still so curious, he thought for a moment and then added, "In July, Xinghai Mechanical Company was established in Shanghai, preparing to enter the construction machinery field, and we bought 2,000 mu of industrial land in Sha County.
However, we are currently in deep debt; we haven't paid for the land yet, and Xinghai Company's debt ratio is also high, which is very troublesome.
But no matter what, for the company to develop, we have to bite the bullet and push forward.
If things go smoothly here in Shanghai, construction is expected to begin next year. At that time, we may still need some help from the school, and I hope we can cooperate with the school."
Even if the Principal didn't ask him about these matters now, Fang Bai would still seek help from Jiao Tong University later.
Fang Bai couldn't possibly know everything about factory planning, what equipment needed to be purchased, etc. He needed professional advice, and the school had top national experts who were difficult to recruit even with money, so it would be a pity not to utilize them.
Of course, it would only be school-enterprise cooperation; he would not give the school any shares.
Fang Bai said these things to demonstrate his strength and to gain resource support from the school.
But by claiming poverty and bank debt, he was implying that he would not be making any donations to the school for the time being.
This was like in later generations: I have several houses, but I'm deeply in debt with mortgages. If you want to borrow money from me, I really can't lend it; it's good enough if I don't borrow from you.
When people heard he couldn't even pay his mortgage, they wouldn't feel comfortable asking to borrow money.
It was the same now: I'm currently in deep bank debt, so asking for donations is impossible. I'll have to wait until my company becomes profitable.
Fang Bai's words instantly shocked the leaders present again, with some even staring dumbfounded.
2,000 mu of industrial land, my goodness, how much would just the land cost?
If they were to invest, how many hundreds of millions would that be?
The college entrance examination had only been restored for a little over a decade, and the domestic economy had just started to take off. Jiao Tong University did not yet have any famous alumni entrepreneurs.
It would be many years later before they made a name for themselves.
Like Xue Cun from the 1982 class, President of SoftBank China;
Mao Daolin from the 1985 class, former CEO of Sina;
Yang Qing from the 1986 class, Chairman of Lenovo…
The famous business figures from Jiao Tong University were mainly concentrated among students from the 1985 to 1994 classes. Nowadays, these people might still be working in their units.
It could be said that among Jiao Tong University's business alumni, Fang Bai had the biggest name, and he was still a student.
After all, in those days, there weren't many people with assets close to 100 million yuan.
Not to mention 1991, but by 2000, looking at the rich list, having three to four hundred million in assets on the surface could place one in the top fifty nationwide.
Of course, this was only information on the surface; due to underdeveloped information, many wealthy individuals did not disclose their fortunes.
But no matter what, in 1991, there were not many billionaires.
Jiao Tong University had many famous people in political, scientific, and educational circles, but temporarily no famous alumni in the business world.
Therefore, the school attached great importance to Fang Bai, this dazzling new star genius in the business world.
Even the principal felt that today's meeting was a bit informal and should have been held formally in the principal's office.
He hadn't expected Fang Bai to develop into a business magnate; setting aside his student identity, meeting such business magnates was not easy.
"Little Fang, I never imagined Xinghai Company would develop to this scale. Amazing, I admire you. It is the school's honor to have a student like you!" The principal couldn't help but praise, and it was true.
Even top scorers in the college entrance exam were eagerly sought after, ultimately because of their future development, hoping these top students could help the school.
However, many top scorers and excellent students started strong but faded, with not many truly reaching the pinnacle of their industries, though of course, their success rate was higher than that of average students.
But before their eyes was a living, breathing success story!
Jiao Tong University didn't need to cultivate him further; he was a free addition. The principal felt incredibly lucky about this unexpected boon.
"Fang Bai is a rare business prodigy and a learning genius, truly uncommon!"
Other school leaders also praised him similarly.
"You all flatter me, leaders. How can a student like me be worthy? It is also my pride to be able to get into Jiao Tong University," Fang Bai said humbly.
"Haha, Little Fang, you have the right to be proud. The proposal for school-enterprise cooperation you just mentioned is an excellent idea." The principal elevated Fang Bai to a certain level, then asked the other school leaders, "What do you all think?"
"The principal is wise. Student Fang Bai has far-reaching vision. This is the best win-win cooperation for both sides."
"Mutual support, mutual penetration, complementary advantages, shared resources, shared benefits. It's a very good proposal."
Other school leaders expressed their stance. The Dean and Secretary of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering only listened; at this level of conversation, it was no longer their turn to interject, only to smile and nod.
After seeing the vice principals present agree, the principal gently said to Fang Bai, "Your proposal for a student supermarket is also good; it can provide a better shopping experience for students. Currently, the school indeed does not have a suitable space for what you call a large supermarket. Building a new one is not impossible, but it depends on the location. The main thing is that it cannot affect teaching.
How about this? We have time now, let's go together and see which location is more suitable?
Little Fang, what do you think?
As for the rent you mentioned, these are minor matters; we'll follow what you suggested."
"Thank you, Principal." Fang Bai was delighted. With the school's approval, doing business would be much easier.
Everyone stood up and left the principal's office.
The principal's office was not far from the student dormitories. The principal walked alongside Fang Bai, accompanied by three other school leaders, the Dean and Secretary of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and two attendants, totaling eight people.
A student walking with several school leaders, especially Fang Bai chatting happily with the principal, made passing students puzzled: Who exactly was this young man?
Jiao Tong University students hadn't seen Fang Bai before, but they felt that being able to walk with several school leaders and chat so happily meant he must be incredibly impressive.
First-year students from the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering had seen Fang Bai, and this scene indeed puzzled them. It seemed like the principal was accompanying him for some kind of inspection.
The main areas the principal took Fang Bai to inspect were around the cafeteria and the open spaces near the student dormitories.
"Little Fang, how do you feel about studying and living at Jiao Tong University?" the principal asked gently.
"It feels very good. Jiao Tong University has always been the university I most wanted to attend during high school. The learning atmosphere among the students here is excellent," Fang Bai said.
"There are also many areas that need improvement. The student dormitories are relatively simple. I heard you live in a dormitory; are you accustomed to it? Would you like a single room arranged separately?"
Fang Bai smiled and declined: "Thank you for your concern, Principal. There's no need for a separate arrangement. I'm currently getting along very well with my roommates; this is a very rare university friendship. Perhaps next semester, when work gets busy, I might occasionally stay off campus. I have a house off campus."
"That's fine. If you're not used to the student dormitories, the faculty apartments are also an option."
"No need for such trouble. Teacher accommodation is tight now; there's no need to set a precedent for a student. The student dormitories are quite good," Fang Bai said. This would put him completely in the spotlight, quickly making him a target, and greatly upsetting teachers who hadn't been assigned apartments.
At this time, it was dinner, and students were heading to the cafeteria to eat. Seeing Fang Bai and his group, they were equally curious about Fang Bai and stopped to watch.
Fortunately, Fang Bai was thick-skinned; otherwise, being watched by hundreds of people like a monkey would have made him blush.
After looking around the cafeteria, it didn't seem very suitable for building a new supermarket.
When passing the girls' dormitory, Fang Bai, walking among a group of middle-aged men, and especially walking in front with the principal, was too eye-catching and instantly attracted the attention of many girls.
Zhang Wenhui was just about to go to the cafeteria to get food when she saw Fang Bai. Her mouth slightly agape, she exclaimed, "Wow! I knew it! My fellow townsman would definitely make a big splash soon. It's only been a few days, and this is the second big move!"
Her two roommates, who were walking with her, knew Zhang Wenhui was talking about Fang Bai. Zhang Wenhui had talked a lot about Fang Bai in the dormitory, but had never seen him. Seeing the young man in the crowd, they realized Zhang Wenhui really hadn't lied to them; Fang Bai was indeed very handsome and had a unique aura.
Fang Bai, walking among these middle-aged men, was like the protagonist in a movie, with the surrounding leaders like stars orbiting the moon.
After inspecting the vicinity of the girls' dormitory, Fang Bai and the others walked past the student dormitories. When they reached the vicinity of Gate 3, they saw several vacant lots with a lot of weeds, all over seven or eight hundred square meters, which were reserved by the school.
The principal asked for Fang Bai's opinion, and Fang Bai finally chose a vacant lot south of Gate 3. To its east were the student dormitories, and it was only a hundred meters from the student cafeteria.
After the inspection, the principal told Fang Bai to submit his design and construction drawings to Vice Principal Liu for the approval process. It should be approved in a day or two, and then construction could begin.
The principal invited Fang Bai to eat together at the faculty cafeteria. Fang Bai didn't refuse and called Wang Dakai to bring a few bottles of Maotai and red wine.
They had prepared a lot of wine in the rented house as backup and also installed a telephone.
The leaders were slightly surprised to see Fang Bai pull out a mobile phone to make a call, but they hadn't expected him to carry a mobile phone in his backpack.
Just as Fang Bai and the school leaders arrived at the faculty cafeteria, Wang Dakai drove up and carried a box of wine from the car.
Everyone noticed a santana car and a Da Ge Zi carrying a box of something, which indeed attracted everyone's attention.
Only when Da Ge Zi followed behind Fang Bai did everyone realize he was delivering wine.
"Little Fang, your subordinate's actions are truly swift! No wonder you make money so quickly," the principal praised.
Fang Bai smiled: "I always keep some in the car. It only takes a few minutes to get here from outside."
"You brought wine, but you can't drink. We'd feel bad drinking it."
"Principal, in terms of knowledge, I am far inferior to all of you leaders.
But in terms of drinking capacity, I'm not boasting, but a few of you combined are really no match for me." Fang Bai said without "courtesy." The leaders, hearing this, couldn't believe it and thought Fang Bai was bragging.
"Oh, you're boasting a bit with that statement. Well, then we won't be polite later," the principal said with a smile. He and the other leaders could certainly drink; how else would they help the school secure research projects?
It was just that drinking in front of students didn't look good, but hearing Fang Bai say that, everyone stopped being polite.
More than an hour later, Fang Bai had drunk a lot of wine but was still clear-headed, which left the leaders impressed.
Several school leaders had drunk a fair amount, but dared not drink too much, fearing they would make a fool of themselves if they got drunk. They had already verified Fang Bai's drinking capacity; drinking two bottles was like drinking water to him. They felt that his success in business must have a lot to do with his drinking ability.
They had only just met Fang Bai, but his various actions continued to surprise them. They estimated that it wouldn't be long before Fang Bai would create even more astonishing things.