Chapter 281: Tesla Industrial Exhibition (Part I)
The Decision to Fundraise
Charlie was right; to those large consortiums and investment firms, ShowMe was a mouth-watering piece of meat. If not for Luke's known background in the underworld, many would have already moved in for the kill.
After pondering the situation for a while, Luke spoke.
"What are the founders saying?"
Charlie replied, "Myself, Cindy, and Zacks are all against taking funding right now. ShowMe doesn't need the cash. Our reserves are strong, and our operations are excellent. At this pace, we'll be profitable in four months, tops."
"But funding has its benefits, too. Partnering with a large group could accelerate ShowMe's growth and open up diverse markets. Philip and the others agree we should fundraise, arguing that it's a necessary step for company growth and we shouldn't be blindly old-fashioned. We've debated it several times, but no one can convince the other side. Young Master, we need you to make the final call."
Luke took a drag from his cigarette, then looked at Billy.
"What about you? What's your view?"
Billy scratched his head. "The people from Wayne Enterprises left a good impression on me. The proposal they offered is very appealing. I think we should consider working with them."
"Oh?" Luke seemed surprised. "Wayne Enterprises hasn't given up yet?"
Charlie sighed. "They call every few days. I can't figure out why a world-class enterprise like Wayne Enterprises is so interested in ShowMe."
"How much did they offer?"
"It started at $200 million for 60% of the shares. When you refused, they kept pushing. It's now up to $600 million for 50% of the shares, a price far above the company's current valuation."
"What do you think of Wayne Enterprises?"
Charlie nodded, his expression serious. "They seem very sincere. Their cooperation proposal covers every angle; they're even willing to use the Group's resources to open up the European market for ShowMe. However, they are firm on the equity stake—it can't be less than 50%. As for the price, if we show willingness to cooperate, they can probably raise it by another $200 million."
"Young Master, I think you should meet with the owner of Wayne Enterprises, Bruce Wayne. His behavior defies normal business logic. We all believe it's due to Bruce Wayne's personal interest. According to the letter of intent, the shares won't be held by Wayne Enterprises, but by the Wayne Family. Since Bruce Wayne is currently the only member of the Wayne Family, it means he personally wants to acquire ShowMe."
Luke narrowed his eyes. "He wants to be the master of ShowMe?"
Charlie gave an awkward laugh and didn't answer, and Billy remained silent.
Wayne Enterprises was no ordinary company, and Bruce Wayne was no ordinary man. Making an enemy of someone like that was not a good idea.
Luke ground the cigarette butt firmly onto the tabletop.
"Billy, you no longer need to report to ShowMe. I need a trustworthy person to manage Tesla; help me handle that. As for the financing..." He paused, then slowly said,
"After the opening ceremony, I will host a charity gala. Charlie, in my name, send invitations to the CEOs of the consortiums and bank presidents who are interested in investing in ShowMe. Make sure Bruce Wayne gets one."
Charlie let out a long breath of relief.
"Understood, Young Master. I will take care of it."
Tesla Takes Center Stage
Life suddenly became hectic after returning to Metropolis. Luke had to manage ShowMe's operations, and the upcoming opening ceremony for the new companies was a monumental task. Luke wished he could split himself into eighteen pieces.
Publicity was paramount. Fortunately, the plan was already set. After throwing hundreds of millions of dollars at advertising, the golden time slots on major media outlets were filled with promotions for the Industrial Exhibition set to take place in Metropolis.
The exhibition was Luke's intended blockbuster start for Tesla. Key political and business figures in Metropolis, including the Mayor and various council members, would be present to witness the grand opening.
As the advertising intensified, Luke Shaw and Tesla became viral internet topics. The four thousand tickets for the Industrial Exhibition sold out in just ten minutes.
A Reporter's Assignment
At the Daily Planet in Metropolis, Clark Kent, having recently finished his internship, pushed open Lois Lane's office door under the envious eyes of his colleagues.
Although working at the same newspaper as his girlfriend was a good thing, Clark felt a headache coming on.
"I have stacks of drafts to write. Why couldn't this wait until after work?"
Lois waved an invitation in her hand.
"Look what I got!"
Clark glanced at it and frowned. "Tesla Industrial Exhibition? Is this for that new company opened by Luke Shaw?"
"Want to go together?"
"Us?"
"Of course."
Lois sat elegantly on her chair, one leg crossed over the other. "This is the big story right now. They say the founder, Luke Shaw, is going to unveil a world-shaking new product at the opening ceremony. Every major newspaper will send reporters. The manager agreed, and you're coming with me. You'll carry the camera; I'll conduct the interviews."
"Oh, and I also heard that your cousin, Kara Zor-El, works at Tesla—reportedly in a senior position. If we go, you might get to see her."
Hearing Kara's name, Clark frowned instantly.
He still didn't know how to approach the "relative" who shared his Kryptonian blood. Her personality traits made him deeply uncomfortable.
Lois saw the distress on her boyfriend's face and walked over to comfort him.
"Don't overthink it. Since she chose to come back to Earth, whatever was going on out there must be finished. Besides, it's a chance to ask about Krypton. It is, after all, where you were born."
Clark nodded slightly.
"Alright, I'll trust your lead."
Gotham's Playboy Billionaire
Meanwhile, in Gotham City at Wayne Manor.
Alfred pushed open the bedroom door, expertly pulled back the curtains, and opened the windows. After waiting half a minute, he addressed Bruce Wayne, who was yawning and rubbing his eyes.
"Last night, a lady named Jennifer phoned me, stating that you had been kidnapped. I inquired as to what happened, and she claimed you abruptly disappeared during your date and was quite worried, asking if she should contact the police..." Alfred paused deliberately, then continued,
"Master Wayne, I do not object to your nocturnal activities to fight crime, but as a well-bred gentleman, might I request that you settle the bill before departing? Not every beautiful lady can afford a three-thousand-dollar candlelight dinner."
Bruce Wayne rubbed his hair and said, confused,
"I paid when I left last night."
"Are you certain?"
"Absolutely. A three-thousand-dollar check and a hundred-and-fifty-dollar tip. I remember it clearly."
"Very well."
Alfred's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "It seems I shall need to place a call to Commissioner Gordon. Gotham is seeing an unfortunate rise in grifters."
He placed breakfast on the table and simultaneously presented an invitation card.
"This is from ShowMe. Their owner, Luke Shaw—the seventeen-year-old—has opened two new companies and wishes to invite you to the Industrial Exhibition he's hosting on their opening day."
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