As Su Wei stepped onto the podium, warm applause erupted—especially from Zhaoge Royal Academy students.
Though the academy had produced countless talents, renowned businesspeople were rare. Most graduates became scientists or politicians.
Wang Meng, the current world’s richest person, was arguably the most famous alumnus.
Yet even he, who acknowledged his ties to the academy, was often mocked for dropping out midway.
Rumors even claimed: to succeed as an entrepreneur from Royal Academy, you must drop out first.
None of today’s business elites were academy graduates, and their words held little reverence for the world’s most prestigious university.
Su Wei hadn’t heard them, so she remained unfazed. But the students felt a bitter sting.
Now, with Su Wei on stage, their cheers swelled with pride.
“Hello, everyone,” Su Wei began, adjusting the mic with a slight smile. “Honestly, I didn’t fully grasp the foundation’s process beforehand—I’d planned to donate and leave. But since the Second Prince invited me to speak… I’m momentarily at a loss.”
Truth be told, being thrust onstage made her a little nervous. Her gaze drifted into the distance as she gathered her thoughts.
“Entrepreneurship is trending now. Many dream of being their own boss. Some youths even say, ‘Working for others? Never!’
That’s a good sign. But before you leap, ask yourself a few questions.”
“First: What exactly will you do?
You might think, ‘Isn’t that obvious? How can I start without knowing?’
Valid. But dig deeper.
How will you execute it? Who’s your target audience? What’s their purchasing power? What’s your product’s unique edge? Does it truly meet their needs? Are competitors already serving them? Why would they choose you? What are your strengths and weaknesses? How will you amplify the former and minimize the latter?”
At first, many watched Su Wei simply admiring her poise. But as these questions landed, eyes lit up. Notebooks flipped open. Even seasoned entrepreneurs nodded slowly.
“Many young founders act on impulse. A few get lucky—but most fail. Yet if you clarify these points first, even if success isn’t immediate, you won’t lose everything… and victory may still come.”
“Second: What’s the initial investment?
Say you’ve researched everything and plan a bubble tea shop near campus. Rent? Renovation? Equipment? Inventory? Marketing? Salaries? How much capital do you have? If it doesn’t profit, how long can you hold on?”
Su Wei shared her hard-won insights in clear, practical detail.
“…Which brings us to the final point: goals. Whether building a company or opening a shop, avoid aiming too high. Start with an achievable small goal—like earning 100 million!”
Students had been scribbling earnestly. Entrepreneurs nodded along. But at “earning 100 million,” the hall froze—then burst into laughter. Su Wei chuckled too. *Wait… how did that famous ‘small goal’ meme slip out of my mouth?*
Reporters sprang into action. Writers circled the quote fiercely in their notebooks. Photographers captured the exact moment Su Wei raised a single finger. Headline secured.
Second Prince Zhou Shengde stepped up, smiling warmly. “President Su’s advice is invaluable—sharing hard-won wisdom openly. But may I ask: was ‘earning 100 million’ your company’s starting goal?”
“Not at all. Our motto is ‘Rooted in Grand Zhou, radiating globally.’”
“‘Rooted in Grand Zhou, radiating globally,’” Zhou Shengde repeated, nodding at the students. “An even grander vision! So… how long did it take your company to reach 100 million?”
“We hit 100 million Zhou yuan in the first month.”
Zhou Shengde feigned astonishment, turning to the roaring applause. “Remarkable! May I ask—how much will Jiucang Group donate today?”
Su Wei paused. *How could he ask this publicly? If I hadn’t planned to donate, this would be coercion. Could the Second Prince of Grand Zhou really be so short-sighted?* Even the business elites murmured in surprise. Yet Zhou Shengde’s smile remained perfectly warm.
“This time, Jiucang Group will donate 100 million Zhou yuan to support youth entrepreneurship.”
“Bravo!”
Thunderous applause followed. Though Su Wei called it a “small goal,” this was a donation—not investment. The Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation director clapped until his palms burned red. With Su Wei setting the tone, others would surely follow.
After the speech came the donation ceremony. True to hope, pledges soared. Jiucang’s 100 million stood alone at the top; others offered 30 or 20 million. Last time, nothing exceeded 20 million!
Post-event, the foundation director rushed to Su Wei, visibly moved.
“President Su, on behalf of Grand Zhou Federal Empire’s youth—thank you for your generosity.”
Su Wei shook her head with a gentle smile. “Director, no need for thanks. I’m young too. Supporting our community is simply my duty.”
“President Su truly embodies the spirit of an outstanding young entrepreneur! I’ve already reported to the chairman. The Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation formally invites you to join as a director!”
After a brief pause, Su Wei nodded. “Thank you for the council’s trust. I accept with gratitude.”
“Hahaha… Then I shall call you Director Su!”
After exchanging professional compliments with Director Zhang and swapping contacts, Su Wei turned to leave.
But just as she reached the exit, Zhou Shengde emerged from a corner.
“President Su—wait!”