Chapter 196: Strange Things

Upon hearing Su Hao mention Netflix, his subordinates immediately scrambled to retrieve relevant information.
“This is a company that originally ran a DVD rental business, but began transitioning to OTT streaming services in 2007.”
“OTT?”
“This concept is still relatively new. You can simply understand it as… an online video platform.”
This company, Netflix, after abandoning its traditional DVD mail-order business, began chasing the trend and venturing into streaming media.
Recently, they ambitiously announced their intention to expand to 150 countries worldwide.
“Now, when people watch movies, they either go to the cinema, buy DVDs, or, as a last resort, download pirated copies online,” the analyst explained.
“Who would be willing to spend money every month just to watch videos online on Netflix? Most people think this model won't work.”
To make matters worse, even before the Deutsche Bank crisis erupted, the market had already sensed the danger, and many investors were withdrawing their funds.
Netflix, which had already secured a large investment, had its global expansion plans abruptly halted by a fatal blow.
Streaming exclusively online? Or a monthly subscription?
In this era of widespread download technology, it sounded like a joke.
“Netflix itself knew this problem, so they came up with a solution:
Producing exclusive original series, making the content itself an irresistible reason for users to subscribe.”
Attached to Netflix's materials was a list of original series they had already completed or were in production.
Su Hao's gaze swept over the list.
Then, his pupils suddenly contracted.
“…!”
Among the many titles, one name shone with a golden light even brighter than Netflix itself, as bright as a giant firework display!
It was a series that even in China, the Chinese subtitles and promotional posters had already been completed.
Stranger Things?
***
“Netflix’s market capitalization peaked at $30 billion two years ago.
But this time, Deutsche Bank’s bankruptcy was like the last straw.
All financial institutions frantically withdrew their funds, directly causing Netflix’s market capitalization to plummet, falling below the $10 billion mark!”
In the chairman’s office, Vice Chairman Lin Fan was reporting Netflix’s predicament to Su Hao.
This veteran, a pillar of strength for Fang Huan, was significantly older than Su Hao, yet he treated him with utmost respect.
He had unhesitatingly relinquished the chairman’s seat, which should have been his, to Su Hao, willingly taking the second-in-command role.
It was precisely because of his stalwart presence that none of the seasoned veterans in the company dared to abuse their seniority simply because Su Hao was younger.
Therefore, Su Hao held him in high esteem.
"So, they desperately need a lifeline?"
"That's right, reportedly a billion US dollars in emergency funding. They're frantically searching the world for a sugar daddy."
Lin Fan continued,
"If no one provides that funding, their global dream will turn into a global tragedy, and they might have to shut down immediately."
Su Hao listened quietly, without speaking.
Lin Fan looked at the excessively young chairman and asked, "Chairman, what's your approximate investment amount this time?"
Su Hao smiled and countered, "In your opinion, how much would be appropriate?"
Lin Fan took a deep breath and said decisively, "Excuse my frankness, but personally, I oppose this investment."
"Oh? Why?"
"Netflix's all-out global expansion is nothing short of gambling; it's too reckless.
Furthermore, this isn't just simple stock trading; we're injecting capital into them by issuing new shares.
This means we're pouring real money into their bottomless pit!
The risk is too high, ridiculously high!"
Conquering the world with streaming media?
He hadn't understood this business logic at all.
These days, aren't there still plenty of people watching movies on DVD?
Who would waste their money on that?
But high returns mean high risks.
Once Netflix, this sinking ship, sinks, the money Fang Huan invested will be gone forever.
It was precisely because of this deep-seated fear that those other institutions fled faster than rabbits.
“However,” Lin Fan changed the subject, looking at Su Hao's calm face, and sighed,
“It seems, Chairman, you're determined to invest, right?”
Su Hao didn't answer directly.
When he first saw the Netflix data, behind the dense risk data that others saw, he saw a scene that others couldn't see—
It was a vast, undiscovered treasure trove, shining with boundless golden light!
“If we absolutely have to invest,” Lin Fan suggested when Su Hao remained silent,
“I think one billion US dollars would be about right. No more, no less, exactly the amount Netflix wants right now.”
“Hmm,” Su Hao replied, “Since they’re all here, let’s meet them and talk things over.”
At this moment, Netflix founder Rod Westin felt like a drowning man.
When he heard that a private equity firm he’d never heard of before, “Fanghuan Investment,” was expressing interest in investing, he didn’t even have time to investigate their background. He immediately booked the earliest flight and rushed over like his pants were on fire.
“Boss, rumors say this company has very strong financial resources.
There’s also some uncertain news that they made a fortune in the recent Deutsche Bank bankruptcy crisis.”
His assistant reported from the side.
Rhode wasn’t concerned about that now.
Whether it’s hot or cold, as long as it fills his stomach, it’s good food!
He'd be willing to beg for money, even begging for a ride!
Standing beneath that towering skyscraper, Rod swallowed hard.
"Holy crap...this entire building...is it all Fang Huan's investment?"
***
Guided by staff, Rod and his group entered the conference room and met their potential savior.
"Fang Huan Investment, Su Hao," a young man calmly introduced himself, seated at the head of the table.
At first glance, Rod mistook the hostile-looking middle-aged man next to Su Hao for the boss.
So… this young upstart is actually the chairman?!
But then again, age doesn't matter, what matters is… money!
Today, no matter what, I have to get the money!
“Now, please allow me to introduce Netflix’s future development direction.”
Rhodes, along with his executive team, enthusiastically described Netflix’s globalization blueprint, painting a rosy picture of the future.
He even offered a highly tempting condition:
Through a private placement, shares would be offered, along with special preferred stock!
This meant that Fanghuan Investment could not only participate in management decisions but also enjoy excess dividends!