Return to 88: Starting from Marrying My Sister-in-law

The ink from the signed contract was not yet dry on the exquisite parchment agreement, and the tense air in the meeting room seemed to have just begun to move.

Lu Yang put away his pen, his fingertip lightly tapping the smooth tabletop, the soft sound seeming to deliver the final blow to this $60 million deal.

At this moment, Wu Ying and Lu Hongliang could no longer maintain their composure.

The two couldn't help but show expressions of joy.

6000 million, in US dollars, is enough to accomplish a lot.

At least, they no longer have to worry about the company's development.

Next, the deployment of Xiaolingtong (a type of mobile phone service) channel base stations in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas will no longer be a problem.

My dream is about to come true.

"Regarding the funds," Lu Yang's voice broke the brief silence, slightly calming the excited expressions on the two men's faces.

Lu Yang said clearly and calmly, "The 60 million US dollars will be delivered in two batches. One part, about 30 million US dollars, will be transferred directly from the headquarters of Pengcheng Century Group to UTStarcom's domestic account. The funds will be used specifically for the rapid expansion of the PHS network. The primary goal is to improve the signal coverage and network quality in Shanghai and its surrounding core areas."

His gaze swept over Wu Ying and Lu Hongliang. "The other part, about 30 million US dollars, will be transferred directly to your company's designated overseas account in the form of Japanese yen. It will be used specifically to pay for the subsequent purchase of PHS patent technology from NTT or DDI Pocket in Japan. If there is any surplus, I will allow you to exchange it back to US dollars or RMB from me. Whether this money stays overseas or flows into China is up to you."

The words just fell!

Wu Ying's Adam's apple bobbed almost imperceptibly across from him.

He had a lot to say.

Although the founder instinctively wanted to negotiate a better allocation of funds, the undeniable control in the young CEO Lu's words and the fait accompli of the signed agreement made him swallow back the words he was about to say.

He subconsciously looked at Lu Hongliang beside him, whose face remained expressionless as he calmly nodded.

“President Lu’s arrangements are very thoughtful,” Lu Hongliang said, his voice as calm as ever. “Direct settlement in Japanese Yen does save the trouble and time of currency conversion, and makes the upcoming patent negotiations more convenient and efficient. We have no objection. Even if there is a surplus, there is no need for you to help us exchange it back to US dollars or RMB. Just leave it in the company’s overseas account. After all, the company is going to expand overseas in the future.”

He is of overseas Chinese descent and has no aversion to keeping money in overseas accounts.

Wu Ying opened his mouth again, but in the end, he didn't say anything.

"Very good." A satisfied smile appeared on Lu Yang's lips.

This massive influx of funds, like fresh blood, is about to be injected into UTStarcom's veins.

He stood up, casually straightening the cuffs of his impeccably tailored suit, exuding an aura of complete control.

"Then, I'll leave the rest to you two. I hope to see a substantial progress report on the Hangzhou pilot network and the patent negotiations in Tokyo as soon as possible."

He reached out and shook hands firmly with Wu Ying and Lu Hongliang respectively.

Wu Ying's palms were slightly damp, as if he had not yet completely shaken off the complex emotions of the huge equity dilution, but the strength of his handshake still conveyed a sense of commitment.

Lu Hongliang's hands were dry and steady, exuding the power of an executor.

Just as Lu Yang turned around, preparing to leave the conference room that had witnessed a crucial game with his capable team, he was about to leave.

"President Lu, please wait a moment!" Wu Ying's voice rang out with a hint of urgency.

Lu Yang stopped in his tracks, turned to the side, and cast a questioning glance.

Wu Ying strode forward, a warm smile plastered on his face: "Look, you've come all this way, flying all the way from Shenzhen, just finished signing such a big agreement, and haven't even had a proper cup of tea yet. Just now I received a call from the Municipal Government Secretariat; Secretary Li from Hangzhou heard about your arrival and very much hopes to meet with you to express his gratitude for your investment in local businesses. Is your schedule convenient?"

Undoubtedly, this is his preparation for leading his team to deploy PHS base stations in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas.

Business people are masters of exaggeration and deception.

Lu Yang raised his eyebrows slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes.

Even if the investment of 60 million US dollars is directed at a foreign-invested company like UTStarcom, headquartered in Hangzhou, its stimulating effect on the local economy, employment, and future industrial development is obvious.

It's understandable that local officials would want to get to know this generous "big spender" and express their importance to him.

"Secretary Li?" Lu Yang pondered for a moment.

He had some understanding of the political circles in Hangzhou and knew that this Secretary Li was in his prime, in his early fifties, and a graduate of the Central Plains Mining Institute. He was a typical academic-turned-technocrat, with a pragmatic style and broad vision. The development momentum of Hangzhou's private economy in recent years was inseparable from his enlightened governance philosophy.

“Since it was Secretary Li who invited me, I’ll gladly accept.” Lu Yang smiled and agreed, “Please make the arrangements, Mr. Wu.”

Wu Ying's smile widened, and he said repeatedly, "That's great! President Lu is so generous! I'll reply right away and arrange the afternoon's meeting."

In the afternoon, in an elegantly decorated and spacious reception room of the Hangzhou Municipal Government, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto the gleaming floor.

Accompanied by Wu Ying and Lu Hongliang, Lu Yang met the rather legendary Secretary Li Ming.

As rumored, Secretary Li possessed a calm demeanor with the elegance of a scholar, a firm handshake, and a sincere and infectious smile.

Without much pleasantry, he got straight to the point after taking his seat: "Comrade Lu Yang, welcome to Hangzhou, and we also welcome your investment in our local enterprises... We extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to you and Century Group for this significant investment in UTStarcom..."

“Secretary Li, you flatter me.” Lu Yang’s attitude was humble and his response was appropriate. “Investing in UTStarcom is Century Group’s deep recognition of the prospects of PHS technology and the capabilities of the UT team. Hangzhou has an excellent business environment and a strong atmosphere of innovation, and we are very optimistic about our development here. This investment is not only a business transaction, but also a token of our willingness to participate in the construction of Hangzhou.”

The atmosphere of the talks was relaxed yet pragmatic.

Both sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the promotion and implementation of PHS (Personal Handyphone System) technology in Hangzhou, how to better serve citizens, and how to integrate it with urban informatization. Secretary Li demonstrated exceptional professionalism and keen insight into new technologies. He inquired in detail about the PHS network's construction plan, coverage timeline, and its impact on the local industry chain. Lu Yang and Wu Ying answered each question, while Lu Hongliang provided supplementary technical details as needed.

Throughout the process, Secretary Li did not rush to promote other projects or forcefully demand an expansion of the investment scope like some local officials. Instead, he always focused on how to optimize services and create a better development environment, which made Lu Yang's evaluation of him even higher.

During the conversation, Secretary Li changed the subject, and with a hint of mentoring a younger generation and recommending talent, he smiled and said to Lu Yang, "Mr. Lu is young and promising, with a unique vision. He is one of the best among our private entrepreneurs. Our Hangzhou not only has beautiful mountains and rivers and favorable policies, but also a group of passionate and creative entrepreneurs. Today is a perfect day, and I would like to introduce you to a rising star entrepreneur from our local Hangzhou. His ideas are very interesting, and perhaps you young people can spark some inspiration."

No sooner had he finished speaking than there was a gentle knock on the door of the reception room.

The secretary led in a lean man with distinctive features and piercing eyes. He wore a suit that wasn't particularly well-fitting, but his gait was confident, even impatient.

"President Lu, this is Ma Yun." Secretary Li introduced with a smile, "Young Ma used to work at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation. She has a lot of ideas. Now she has returned to Hangzhou to start her own business in the Internet industry. Her ideas are very forward-thinking."

When the name "Ma Yun" was clearly heard, Lu Yang's pupils contracted slightly for a moment, and his heart skipped a beat.

Even with his current status and shrewdness, the sudden encounter with this legendary figure who would profoundly change the business landscape of China and even the world at this time and place must have stirred up a storm in his heart.

He quickly lowered his eyelids, picked up his teacup and took a sip, perfectly concealing the fleeting shock in his eyes. When he looked up again, he was completely calm and composed.

"Secretary Li, you flatter me. Hello, President Lu! Hello, President Wu! Hello, President Lu (Hongliang)!" Ma Yun's voice had a unique, passionate hoarseness and penetrating power. He stepped forward quickly and shook hands with everyone warmly. Especially when shaking hands with Lu Yang, his eyes were eager and full of expectation.

"I have long admired Mr. Lu's name. It is a great honor to meet you today!"

After introductions and pleasantries, the focus of the meeting naturally shifted to Ma Yun.

Secretary Li skillfully steered the conversation, encouraging Ma Yun to introduce his entrepreneurial project to Lu Yang.

Ma Yun immediately shone like a torch, radiating a dazzling light.

He didn't need a script at all; he leaned slightly forward, his hands gesturing vigorously as he spoke, his pace quick and clear, full of infectious energy.

"Blah blah blah..."

"In short, Mr. Lu, what we are doing is to create an unprecedented internet business platform!"

"We call it 'Alibaba'!"

"Just think about it, how difficult is it for small and medium-sized enterprises to do business these days?"

"Information is not readily available, channel costs are high, and cross-regional transactions face numerous obstacles!"

"What Alibaba wants to do is to break all of this! We want to build a huge online marketplace so that it's easy to do business anywhere in the world!"

Ma Yun is a very good speaker.

He became more and more excited as he spoke, his eyes seeming to pierce through the walls and see that magnificent future:
"Buyers can find global suppliers here, and sellers can connect with customers all over the world here!"
"All inquiries, quotations, and transactions can be completed efficiently on this platform! This is not just B2B (business-to-business), it's creating a completely new business ecosystem!"

"We leverage the power of the internet to give even the smallest businesses the opportunity to compete on the same stage as large companies! Trust? We have 'TrustPass' to guarantee it! Payment? We will have our own secure payment tools in the future! Logistics? We will integrate resources! This is a complete closed loop! Its potential is limitless, and it will completely change the way global trade is conducted!"

Ma Yun's speech was highly persuasive. The blueprint he painted was grand and imaginative, and his fervent belief that he was making history, regardless of everything, seemed to envelop the entire reception room in his passion.

Although Wu Ying and Lu Hongliang did not understand the specific workings of the Internet, they were attracted by the vision it painted.

Secretary Li wore an encouraging smile.

Lu Yang listened quietly the whole time without interrupting, maintaining a focused and slightly thoughtful expression on his face.

He knew better than anyone that the unassuming, eloquent young man before him was not describing a castle in the air, but a future that was rapidly becoming a reality.

The rise of Alibaba, the disruption of Taobao, the transformation of Alipay... a series of future scenarios flashed through his mind.

When Ma Yun finally ended his "roadshow" with a rousing final note, and looked at Lu Yang with anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible nervousness, a brief silence fell over the meeting room.

Lu Yang put down his teacup, tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest, and met Ma Yun's eager gaze with a gentle yet meaningful smile:

"Mr. Ma, that's brilliant! Building a global trade platform for SMEs... This idea is very ambitious and forward-thinking. It sounds very interesting."

He paused, and as the light in the other person's eyes shone even brighter, he added slowly and deliberately:

"How about we find some time after this meeting to discuss this in detail privately? I've indeed developed a considerable interest in your Alibaba."

These words were like heavenly music, instantly igniting all the flames of hope in Ma Yun's eyes!

He suppressed the urge to jump up, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement:
"That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Mr. Lu, for giving me this opportunity! I'll be waiting anytime! Anytime!"

At this time, Ma Yun, who was in his early thirties, had just finished his cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing. When he realized that he could not realize his dream of building an Internet business platform for small and medium-sized enterprises within the system, he decisively gave up his stable job and reputation in Beijing and led his team back to Hangzhou to start a new business.

Starting a business requires funding, and the newly established Alibaba is currently just an empty shell. Although he is confident in making Alibaba bigger and stronger, convincing others to invest in him is a difficult problem.

Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice, can he?

So Ma Yun, who is short of money, has been raising funds recently. He doesn't want to develop this newly established B2B company step by step, but wants to put the company on the fast track from the beginning. Coincidentally, Wu Ying of UTStarcom is also his friend. Because Masayoshi Son of SoftBank Group had previously invested in UTStarcom, Ma Yun has been communicating with Wu Ying recently, hoping that Wu Ying can help him contact Masayoshi Son and get him to invest in his startup Alibaba.

All of this was originally going to happen in the future.

But now, because Lu Yang has arrived, and Lu Yang has also invested in UTStarcom and Xiaolingtong, the butterfly of time and space has spread its tiny wings and gently flapped them, resulting in the current situation.

Lu Yang has a strong possibility of snatching the angel investment opportunity that originally belonged to SoftBank and Masayoshi Son. (End of Chapter)