116: Chapter 116 This is an investment for the future

A private jet flying from New York to Beijing cut an arc through the sky.

Schwartzman sat in first class, watching the ever-changing clouds outside the window.

He had arrived quite quickly, but as soon as he landed, he learned that several competitors were also in Beijing and had even made preliminary contact with representatives of the Cyber Freedom Republic.

This caused him to temper his initial dismissive attitude.

Inside a secure clubhouse in the Beijing Suburbs, Lin Zhou, Qin Yue, and Chen Yuan were waiting for Schwartzman.

"He is here," He Jun's voice came over the walkie-talkie.

Immediately after, the clubhouse door was pushed open.

Schwartzman strode in, followed by a few elites. He was tall with an upright posture, exuding a powerful aura. His gaze swept over the three of them, Lin Zhou and the others, without any superfluous pleasantries.

"Leader Lin, I have heard much about you," Schwartzman said, extending his hand directly toward Lin Zhou with a confident tone.

Lin Zhou stood up and shook his hand: "Mr. Schwartzman, welcome."

Both sides took their seats, and the atmosphere immediately turned serious.

"Mr. Schwartzman, I believe you have already seen this plan," Lin Zhou said, pushing a briefing document to the center of the table and getting straight to the point. "We are seeking a partnership to build the Cyber Freedom Republic into the world's largest offshore data center and financial services hub."

Schwartzman's gaze lingered on the briefing for a moment before turning to Lin Zhou.

"The plan is indeed grand. But I want to know, what does Blackstone Group get out of this? Or rather, what do you need Blackstone Group to do?"

"What Blackstone Group will get is at least 30% of the future revenue from data hosting fees," Lin Zhou stated, pointing directly to the core benefit.

This figure caused a slight change in the expression of one of the assistants behind Schwartzman, but Schwartzman himself remained steady in his seat.

He leaned back in his chair, scrutinizing Lin Zhou.

"A very generous figure," Schwartzman said, his tone unreadable. "But can this money actually be collected? Your republic is facing diplomatic blockades, economic distress, and even a seat at the United Nations is nowhere in sight."

Chen Yuan cleared his throat and took over the conversation: "Mr. Schwartzman, that is precisely why we need a partner of Blackstone Group's caliber. We possess the most secure data center technology, as well as a zero-tax policy capable of attracting global capital."

Qin Yue added: "We have built an "Offshore Company Law," "Digital Asset Protection Law," and "Bank Secrecy Law" that are extremely attractive to capital, modeled after the legal systems of international offshore centers. In the future, any company registered in the Cyber Freedom Republic will enjoy a permanent zero tax rate on its global legal earnings. Data stored in our country cannot be accessed by any organization, including our own government, without the owner's consent."

Members of Schwartzman's team looked surprised and began whispering among themselves.

These conditions were practically tailor-made for those multinational corporations that were fed up with regulation and high tax rates.

"It sounds wonderful," Schwartzman said, his smile fading. "But Wall Street needs certainty. If you cannot gain widespread recognition from the international community, then no matter how attractive the policies are, they will remain nothing but a pipe dream."

He looked directly at Lin Zhou, his tone becoming sharp: "Leader Lin, I know you need capital. Blackstone Group can invest; five hundred million, one billion, that is not a problem. But that won't solve your political predicament. We do not invest money in a country with an unclear future that could collapse at any moment."

Money was certainly important, but national credibility and international status were the cornerstones.

"Mr. Schwartzman, that is exactly why we need you. This deal is not just about money," Lin Zhou said, his voice not loud, but his words radiating powerful strength. "It requires a partner with the ability to break through the current diplomatic impasse. Otherwise, even if we build a top-tier digital port, if no one dares to use it, everything will be empty talk."

Lin Zhou's gaze was sharp, as if he could see right through the other party's thoughts.

"We need you to leverage your influence within Wall Street and even the United States government to open up the blockaded diplomatic channels for the Cyber Freedom Republic. This is not a simple investment project; it is a national-level venture capital bet. What you are investing is your resources, your connections, and your reputation."

"This is more valuable and meaningful than investing one billion or ten billion."

Upon hearing this, Schwartzman sat up straight.

"Your demands go far beyond a typical investment," Schwartzman said after a moment of thought. "But you are right; a stable sovereign state is the foundation for these plans. If I can achieve that, then 40% of the revenue is open to discussion."

"Our ultimate goal is to achieve true independent sovereignty," Lin Zhou said firmly. "This requires a process, and I need a powerful partner who can accompany us through this journey."

A look of calculation appeared in Schwartzman's eyes.

If he could truly facilitate a diplomatic breakthrough for the Cyber Freedom Republic, the potential of this "Digital Switzerland" would be unfathomable. Those hundreds of billions of dollars in annual profits would no longer be just talk on paper.

"How about this," Schwartzman's voice deepened. "I accept your conditions. I promise to use all of Blackstone Group's resources to do my utmost to secure international recognition for you, including clearing internal channels within the United States government and assisting you in engaging with international organizations like the United Nations."

"But in exchange, I require 35% of the future revenue from data hosting fees."

Both Chen Yuan and Qin Yue's expressions changed.

Lin Zhou, however, smiled.

He shook his head and picked up his teacup for a light sip.

"Mr. Schwartzman, you are the king of Wall Street, but you should also be aware that a nation's sovereignty is not a commodity that can be sold at will."

Lin Zhou set down his teacup, his voice slowing down, but the implication behind his words made Schwartzman's expression tense up.

"Blackstone Group's brand and your influence are indeed highly valuable. However, our technology, legal framework, and unique geographical advantages are equally valuable assets. The "permanent zero tax rate" and "data sovereignty protection" we have proposed are, in themselves, unique core values that cannot be replicated."

He paused, looked directly at Schwartzman, and his tone rose once again.

"I believe you are aware of how large the returns here are, so let's not haggle any further; let's all be a bit more sincere."

Schwartzman's expression shifted uncertainly.

He thought for a long time, finally let out a long sigh, and a trace of helplessness appeared at the corner of his lips.

"Very well, Leader Lin. It seems I have encountered a young man who understands negotiation better than I do."

A look of excitement, like a hunter discovering top-tier prey, appeared in Schwartzman's eyes.

"32.75%," he said, gesturing with his fingers. "This is my bottom line. I will ensure the political commitments are fulfilled, and furthermore, we will make an initial investment of 500 million USD. Subsequent investments will be added based on progress. This should be enough to demonstrate Blackstone Group's sincerity."

This figure was within Chen Yuan's psychological expectations.

Most importantly, Schwartzman's political commitment was worth far more than those few percentage points.

"Deal!" Lin Zhou extended his hand again.

Schwartzman took his hand, his grip firmer than before.

In this negotiation, he had not gained the upper hand and was even suppressed by this young Eastern man at one point. But he knew he had seized the greatest opportunity of the century.

"Then, I will push as soon as possible to lift the diplomatic pressure from the relevant departments on your country and promote the process of establishing diplomatic relations," Schwartzman said in a steady tone, his words exuding powerful confidence.

Lin Zhou nodded.

After Schwartzman and his team left, Chen Yuan let out a long sigh of relief.

"Leader, this 32.75%..."

"Old Chen, do you think it's worth it?" Lin Zhou asked.

Chen Yuan adjusted his glasses and said in a deep voice: "Looking at the current situation, what we lack most is not money, but the power to break through external pressure. If he can truly fulfill his promises, then we have made a huge profit."

Qin Yue also nodded in agreement: "If Blackstone Group is really willing to take action, the United States government's diplomatic pressure will surely loosen."

"Let's hope so!"

Lin Zhou walked to the window, watching the night view of Beijing for a long time without speaking.

"By the way, the exercise over there should have started by now, right?"