Ye Chen and He Yuanjiang returned to Jinling together. As soon as they got off the helicopter, they headed straight to Tianxiang Mansion to meet Steve Rothschild.
Before Ye Chen arrived, Steve Rothschild had already instructed someone to list all the automotive industry companies in which the Rothschild family had shares or controlling interests. There were more than six hundred companies in total, spread across the world.
From top-tier renowned car manufacturers to obscure wire harness producers, the Rothschild family’s investment fund managers had invested money throughout the sector.
As the saying goes, whether there are dates or not, give it a couple of whacks. The Rothschild family operated in this way. With abundant manpower and capital, if they spotted a promising area, their subordinates would go in and try to cover every opportunity.
When the three met, Steve Rothschild was as low-key as a fresh university graduate, nervously rubbing his hands in front of Ye Chen. When he handed the thick roster to Ye Chen, it was like presenting a treasure. He said obsequiously, “Mr. Ye, all the companies listed here have some involvement from the Rothschild family. You can take your time to review them. If you are interested in any company’s products, I will help you connect right away!”
Ye Chen took the stack of rosters, glanced at them, and passed them to He Yuanjiang beside him. He smiled and said, “Professor He, have a look. I am not very familiar with the industry.”
“Good.” He Yuanjiang took the roster, flipped through a few pages, and looked shocked. As he continued flipping, his expression grew even more surprised.
Only after he had gone through the entire roster did he say to Ye Chen with great delight, “Young Master Ye, this list has almost captured all the critical suppliers on the market. I did not expect that many Chinese enterprises also have Rothschild family shareholdings.”
Steve Rothschild quickly clarified, “Regarding those Chinese enterprises, we do not hold direct shares. All are indirect through venture capital funds, and a small portion are held through friendly individuals or companies.”
Ye Chen nodded and asked He Yuanjiang, “Professor He, which ones do you think would be more useful to us?”
He Yuanjiang said excitedly, “Young Master Ye, these are basically all useful. If Mr. Rothschild is willing, he can help introduce us. I will visit the key large enterprises myself, and let the team handle the other small and medium-sized ones.”
Steve Rothschild, being extremely shrewd, immediately replied, “No problem, that is easy to arrange. Professor He, later select the ones you want to visit personally. Then I will have someone schedule times with them and have them queue up to come to Jinling to meet you!”
He Yuanjiang felt a bit uneasy and tentatively asked, “Is this not appropriate?”
“There is nothing inappropriate about it.” Steve Rothschild smiled and said, “To the Rothschild family, they are all minor players. Asking them to make the trip, they will not only have no complaints, but will be exceptionally pleased. So, Professor He, just let me know your available time slots, and I will have my assistant notify these companies to come.”
After saying that, he suddenly had a flash of inspiration and laughed, “I think Changying Automobile could organise a global suppliers conference!”
“A global suppliers conference?” He Yuanjiang asked in surprise, “Mr. Rothschild, do you mean we should use the name of this global suppliers conference to openly discuss with them?”
“Yes.” Steve Rothschild nodded and explained, “Letting them all flock to China, to Jinling, even directly to Professor He’s office to pay respects is fine. But if there are too many people and too much commotion, it might attract unnecessary attention and questions. However, if it is framed as Changying Automobile hosting a global suppliers conference, with all of them invited to attend in Jinling, then the matter becomes much more reasonable.”
