Chapter 361: 361 changes

After graduating, Liu Ying stayed close to her uncle and had seen a fair share of the world. She knew the value of the car and was very surprised. She had the impression that Chen Xu’s family was only average, so how could they afford a car worth millions?

Before, Zhou Juanjuan had told her that Chen Xu was doing quite well, having started his own company. She hadn’t taken it seriously, because she knew that not all companies were successful. Starting a company didn’t necessarily mean one was successful.

It wasn’t until she saw the car in front of her that she realized Zhou Juanjuan was right–Chen Xu was indeed doing very well. Even if the car was just for appearances, being able to afford a multimillion-dollar vehicle indicated extraordinary strength.

After getting into the car, she smelled the distinct scent of a new car and discreetly surveyed the interior. Touching the surface of the seats, she had her answer: this was a new car, likely not rented.

Besides, Chen Xu had no reason to specifically rent such a car to deceive Juanjuan.

Once Chen Xu got into the car, Liu Ying couldn’t help but ask, “Did you buy this car?”

Chen Xu smiled and said, “Yeah, I bought it to make a good impression when negotiating business deals–it makes things a bit easier.”

“Not bad,” praised Liu Ying, “it seems you’re the most successful among all our old classmates.”

Chen Xu smiled at that, knowing such topics were inevitable.

He noticed the shift in Liu Ying’s attitude but didn’t mind. It was natural for people to become more enthusiastic when they learned an old classmate was successful. There was nothing wrong with that.

Previously, he never attended class reunions, not only because he didn’t have many close classmates, but also because he was not doing well. He was afraid of being asked questions and feeling embarrassed.

He couldn’t treat old classmates with indifference himself and therefore wouldn’t blame others for the same. He wouldn’t despise his classmates for trying to curry favor either. Everyone was just trying to live a little better, and being able to swallow one’s pride was a skill in itself–a skill the old him couldn’t manage.

Curious, Liu Ying asked, “Does running a chain of noodle shops make that much money?”

During their meal earlier, they had already discussed their jobs. Chen Xu had mentioned running noodle shops.

“Apart from the noodle shops, I also own a software company and several labs,” he said without any intention to hide.

Zhou Juanjuan interjected curiously, “You’ve started a software company too?”

Chen Xu replied, “Yeah, that input method on your phone is our company’s product.”

Zhou Juanjuan’s phone was a certain brand, and they weren’t powerful enough to pre-install their input method into the phone’s system. Clearly, she had downloaded and installed it herself.

Xuling Company’s promotional efforts were substantial. Many users of Fruit phones and that certain brand’s devices ended up downloading the input method on their own. Its market share had been climbing steadily, securing the top spot in the industry.

“Really?”

Zhou Juanjuan was somewhat surprised. That input method was really popular lately. She’d seen it on a short video platform–it had an excellent voice input feature and an incredible translation function, humorously dubbed by netizens as a translation app masquerading as an input method.

She had been intrigued and couldn’t resist downloading it. The voice function was indeed very useful. The translation feature was also impressive; she regularly dealt with foreign medicines that came with strings of English text. The app’s translation function never made a mistake.

What’s more, the company had a connected product–the translation app–that made things incredibly convenient. After downloading it, you could use the scan feature for instant translations.

If she ever traveled abroad, she wouldn’t need a translator. The app even had a voice translation feature, converting spoken Chinese into English voice and vice versa, with an exceedingly high accuracy rate, surpassing many professional devices.

To say the least, that translation app had already become a hit. She’d even strongly recommended it to relatives planning trips abroad.

Was a software this impactful really developed by Chen Xu’s company?

For a moment, she found it hard to believe.

She had been in the same class as Chen Xu during senior high, and they had discussed college choices. She knew which university and major he had chosen, both of which had nothing to do with computers.

Now, he had a software company and had created such a hot product–a truly surprising turn of events.

When something famous or significant becomes connected to someone you knew, the feeling is extraordinary.

When she used her phone to look up the company’s details, she was utterly shocked and couldn’t help but blurt out, “Your company is valued at a billion US dollars?”

This was the first news item she found. The figure was eye-wateringly impressive.

Nowadays, the market values for internet companies are sky-high, usually amounting to hundreds of billions. Compared to this, a billion US dollars might not seem significant, but if someone you know has a company worth a billion US dollars, that’s quite shocking.

Based on current exchange rates, a billion US dollars equates to over seven billion.

This number was enough to dazzle the average person.

Imagine knowing an old classmate now had a net worth of several billion–it was definitely a complex feeling.

Chen Xu said, “That’s all for publicity, the numbers are exaggerated. It’s not actually that much.”

Liu Shanshan had reported to him that venture capitalists had reached out with an interest in investing in Xuling, but he had declined. Neither he nor the other shareholders were short on cash. If they wanted to go public, they would leave it to Jinxiu Investment.

Liu Ying wanted to say something but ultimately held back. Over seven billion in market value–far beyond the company her uncle worked for.

She had thought Chen Xu having a net worth of ten million was impressive, but several billion was beyond her wildest imaginings. She had never even met someone of that caliber, and suddenly she felt the pressure, not daring to joke anymore.

Chen Xu noticed their change in attitude and brought up a new topic on his own, “By the way, Chinese New Year is almost here. Are you guys going back?”

Liu Ying replied, “Yes, I go back every year to spend it with my parents.”

Zhou Juanjuan shook her head, “During the New Year, I’ll probably be scheduled for shifts. I won’t be able to go back until after the holidays.”

During the New Year, hospitals arrange rotation shifts, usually covered by newer staff. The last two years, she had spent New Year’s in the hospital. This year, it would depend on luck, but she didn’t have much hope.

“Alright then, let’s get together for a meal sometime,” suggested Chen Xu.