The world is in trouble

Chapter 295 Empire! Fanaticism!
Lin Xiao, Sun Zhengyi, and Yang Zhiyuan had another small meeting.

Jerry Yang has decided to resign as CEO of Yahoo, retaining only his position on the board of directors, and then devote himself fully to the new project X.

Even the shareholding ratios of the three parties were discussed casually.

Because all three of them were certain that Yang Zhiyuan would be in charge of this project. However... he would also greatly respect, and even follow, Lin Xiao's strategic direction.

The most crucial issue now is whether to start from scratch or directly acquire Twitter.

The so-called acquisition of Twitter was entirely for reputational reasons.

All three were almost certain that starting completely from scratch and focusing on the X development path of mobile internet would be a success, completely replacing Twitter's historical status.

After all, Twitter doesn't have much influence now, and it's far from being irreplaceable.

However, if we start from scratch and create something new (X), we will face another problem.

Are you imitating Twitter?
It's just that it's been moved to the mobile phone.

Lin Xiao is currently facing a controversy over plagiarizing Google's Android, but almost everyone is on his side.

No matter how valid or persuasive the lawyers' reasons were, all the public saw was that the quantum phone's operating system was top-notch, far superior to the Google G1.

Moreover, Lin Xiao has recently become a hero.

Therefore, it's really best to avoid getting involved in any imitation controversies at this time.

“Let’s acquire Twitter,” Lin Xiao said. “Twitter just went through a Series C funding round, raising a total of $1750 million and reaching a valuation of around $1 million.”

“We will complete the acquisition of it for two hundred million dollars, or even $2.5 million.”

In other words, the two hundred million dollars was purely for the sake of reputation.

"agree!"

"agree!"

Although Lin Xiao has been short of money for a long time, the most difficult time is over now. The huge success of the quantum phone in sales and the success of his various businesses make it easy for him to take out another loan.

"Brother Yang, you should go and negotiate in secret. It's best to secure the deal in one go, without causing any trouble or attracting competitors to snatch it up," Lin Xiao said.

Yang Zhiyuan: "I know."

In the current environment, at least Google is keeping a close eye on Lin Xiao. Any move he makes will attract attention. If he gets thwarted again, it will be disgusting.

Masayoshi Son: "Lin, there's something else, a very big thing."

Lin Xiao: "Please speak."

Masayoshi Son: "The financial crisis has put global markets on edge, with the Nasdaq plummeting and market pessimism running high."

“Nasdaq CEO Adner Friedman, through me, wants to extend an invitation to you and Wu Lingxi for a private meeting.”

Lin Xiao: "Is it about Facebook's IPO?"

Masayoshi Son: "Definitely."

In this environment of intense pessimism, the Nasdaq market also needs a strong stimulus, and the listing of a super unicorn company is like a shot in the arm.

Currently, there are very few super unicorn companies in the world.

Facebook is arguably the most unicorn and the strongest of them all.

But deep down, Lin Xiao really didn't want to go public.

Firstly, Facebook's development has entered a very strong virtuous cycle, and its own ability to generate revenue is already very strong. The demand for funds is no longer as great. Moreover, even if it needs money, it is unknown how many people would be willing to invest.

Moreover, neither Masayoshi Son, Wu Lingxi, nor Lin Xiao himself really need this kind of paper wealth, let alone the opportunity to cash out stocks.

Of course, the most crucial point is that going public now would be a huge loss.

However... not going public is almost impossible.

Next, the three of them discussed briefly whether to make the acquisition under the name of Yahoo! Group.

This has both advantages and disadvantages.

The advantage is that it can be associated with a powerful family; with Yahoo's full support, the starting point will be higher.

Moreover, it could lead to the so-called revival of Yahoo in the future.

However, the three quickly rejected the proposal because Yahoo! Group was too complex, especially in the current environment, and even Yang Zhiyuan could not have complete control.

Therefore, it's best to travel light.

..........................................

Next, Yang Zhiyuan acted swiftly and immediately went to Twitter's three founders, Ivan Williams, Jack Dorsey, and Biz Stone.

The two sides held brief negotiations.

Moreover, it's not just these three people who need to be won over, but also the investors from the previous rounds of funding.

Fortunately, it was an economic crisis, and everyone was in a bad situation.

Ultimately, the price was set at around $2.8 million.

Even for Series C investors, how can there be such a crazy business that yields a return of nearly two or three times in less than two months?
However, the other party still seemed dissatisfied and wanted to raise the price further.

Yang Zhiyuan: "2.6 million US dollars, absolutely no more than that, and you are welcome to stay in the company and serve in the management team."

“If the price exceeds this, I’d rather start from scratch.”

Even though Yahoo has declined somewhat, it is still a behemoth. If it sets its sights on this market and goes all out to enter, can Twitter stop it?
At that time, Twitter, which had only been established for about two years, did not have a strong competitive advantage.

Therefore, the two sides almost completed the negotiations in just half a month.

Jerry Yang's investment firm acquired approximately 90% of Twitter's shares for $2.6 million, making it a near-full acquisition.

And this price is almost three times the original price.

This was a very successful acquisition for both parties.

Next, Twitter needs to develop an app in conjunction with the X operating system as quickly as possible to enter the quantum phone platform.

When he took over Twitter, Lin Xiao couldn't help but imagine the future.

He actually took over the two largest social media platforms in the United States, Facebook and Twitter.

Americans don't think much of it now, but who knows what will happen when both platforms develop to a terrifying level in the future.

That's something for the future; we'll see.

Having some chips in hand is always better than having none.

It's quite interesting, really. More than a decade later, the American semiconductor industry was dominated by a group of Chinese people.

The leaders of the four major semiconductor giants—Nvidia, Intel, Broadcom, and AMD—are all Chinese.

So it makes sense that all the major internet giants in the future will be Chinese.

Facebook, YouTube, Twitter.

................................................

Lin Xiao has been holding talks with Lee Jae-yong of Samsung's overseas offices recently.
There's only one core requirement: Samsung smartphones must use the X operating system.

Historically, Samsung launched its first Android smartphone in 2009. That phone was modeled after the Google G1, featuring a small 3.2-inch screen, 320P resolution, and several physical buttons.

Even now, Samsung still prefers to use Google's Android system.

The core reason is that Google itself doesn't manufacture phones.

However, Quantum Technology not only develops its own operating system but also manufactures its own phones. Therefore, it will become a direct competitor to Samsung and may face the risk of being held hostage in the future.

So, a simple question arises: can the global mobile operating system market ultimately accommodate a three-way competition?
Lin Xiao made a judgment that unless due to special political circumstances, it would be difficult for a three-way balance of power to exist.

A two-way split is highly probable.

BlackBerry was once very powerful, but it completely declined within a few years.

Microsoft is certainly more impressive. In order to promote its operating system, it even spent nearly $100 billion to acquire Nokia, but it still failed.

Therefore, Lin Xiao judged that, most likely, only one of his X operating system and Android system would survive.

Therefore, Samsung's positioning becomes very important.

Historically, the Android camp initially experienced a chaotic and frenzied war.

LG, Sony, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Huawei, Lenovo, Xiaomi, VIVO, OPPO, and others.

But in the end, only two remained.

Chinese manufacturers and Samsung.

Samsung Group is so amazing that it has already laid such an amazing foundation.

From chips to screens, and later CMOS sensors, everything was developed in-house.

They truly mastered the core technologies.

To get Samsung phones to use the X operating system, Lin Xiao would even agree to many, many requests.

For example, the chips developed by Future X Research Institute can even be manufactured by Samsung Semiconductor.

For example, future quantum phones may even be able to purchase screens manufactured by Samsung on a large scale.

At that time, Samsung's phone screens weren't considered top-notch, so it was a huge advantage that major manufacturers were willing to purchase their screens.

even……

Lin Xiao is willing to completely separate XSOFT from quantum technology and allow mobile phone manufacturers such as Samsung to invest in it.

This completely offsets the drawbacks of quantum technology manufacturing its own mobile phones.

Lin Xiao: "Mr. Li, currently, whether it's global reputation or global sales, the quantum phone far surpasses the Google G1."

"Would you really want your phone to come out with an outdated operating system?"

"We have registered a huge number of patents around the world, which Android simply cannot bypass."

"Even in terms of the ecosystem, our operating system far surpasses Android."

Lee Jae-yong was very polite, but never gave a clear answer.

Of course, he won't make a statement. He doesn't have the final say in Samsung yet, so this matter will ultimately have to be discussed by the Samsung board of directors and will require Lee Kun-hee to make the final decision.

The negotiations between Lin Xiao and Samsung are destined to be very long, especially since the lawsuit between Quantum Technology and Google has not yet reached a conclusion.

Many mobile phone manufacturers are now waiting for the outcome of this lawsuit.

From a purely legal perspective, quantum technology is even at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiao also held talks with the Sharp Group.

One of the most important directions is investing in quantum technology, making a large investment in Sharp, and then, depending on the situation, deciding whether to focus on AMOLED screen research.

In this era, LCD screens are still the absolute mainstream. AMOLED screens have many drawbacks, such as being blurrier at the same resolution, and screen burn-in, etc.

Who knows?

In the future, AMOLED will not only become mainstream, but will dominate the market.

One of Samsung Electronics’ most successful strategies was betting on AMOLED.

It's impossible to persuade HTC to accept this; they're determined to stick with the Android system.

However, this company is not a cause for concern, because it lacks core technology and is destined to decline.

Its brief period of glory in history was largely due to its early development.

They were the first to turn around and embrace Android smartphones.

In this world, it hasn't even fired its first shot, so the difficulty of making a success of its own is even greater. As for Sony Ericsson, they're even more speechless.

Originally, it was the most likely to replace Samsung and become the king of mobile phones in the future.

Because it also possesses core technologies, with strong screen technology, advanced semiconductors, and its own CMOS sensor.

For a long time, Sony has even been considered more prestigious than Samsung.

However... Sony's power is too decentralized now, it's too globalized, and it's leaning too heavily towards the entertainment services industry.

Of course... this is actually the right thing to do, allowing Sony to remain strong, even more than a decade later.

However, this is not good news for electronics manufacturing.

Given that the trend towards smart technology is already quite evident, and with an ally like Lin Xiao, Sony Ericsson should immediately shift its focus and fully commit to smartphones.

But... no!
They are still hesitating and weighing their options.

However, Sony Ericsson is very independent, and neither Kazuo Hirai nor anyone else has a decisive influence on Sony Ericsson.

Howard Stringer, chairman of Sony Corporation, is a media professional and not particularly interested in electronics manufacturing.

But in a way, this is good news.

The other most important mobile phone manufacturing system is the Chinese system.

Historically, they would wait until the year after next, or even the year after that, before the full transition to smartphones takes place.

Because China's opportunities always come a year or two later than those in Europe and America.

But it's different now.

The birth of quantum phones in China has sparked a powerful wave of smart technology innovation.

Many mobile phone manufacturers are already eager to try.

The leaders of the information industry department are preparing to convene a meeting with domestic mobile phone manufacturers.

On the surface, the meeting's content revolved around the upgrading of the mobile phone industry.

However, one of the core points is that when domestic mobile phone manufacturers want to produce smartphones, they must use the X operating system and cannot choose Android.

Although it may not be said so explicitly, that's the gist of it.

Lin Xiao is not worried about the overall situation in the rear, but there may still be some companies that will not follow the guidance of the domestic authorities and will resolutely stand on the side of Google Android.

However, it shouldn't affect the overall situation. Lin Xiao has never been optimistic about this company's mobile phone business.

....................................

Four Times Square, New York.

This is probably the most prosperous place in the world.

Real money never sleeps.

This is also a global financial center.

Adner Friedman, president of Nasdaq Group, warmly received Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi here.

"Lin, I must say, you are a devil who has mastered aesthetics."

"Your phone is so beautifully designed, I absolutely love it."

"I have received sales data for quantum phones in North America from a friend, which is really surprising and delightful."

"However, Apple's stock price fell as a result, and Google's stock price also fluctuated due to the lawsuit with you."

After the mutual flattery, the other party revealed the core message.

Of course, Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi already knew this.

That is to push for Facebook and YouTube to list on Nasdaq, especially Facebook.

"This financial storm has been devastating to global markets, but... we all know that Nasdaq has been completely unjustly affected. It has the world's best technology companies, which are the world's most valuable assets."

"As a result, due to the impact of the financial crisis, the market value of countless technology companies has been declining continuously."

"It's clearly unfair that the subprime crisis was triggered by the real estate sector, yet tech companies have to bear the brunt of it."

"Economy is confidence."

“Nasdaq investors especially need confidence right now.”

"It's time for Facebook to go public!"

"I am confident that it will be the largest IPO on Nasdaq."

Faced with this proposal, Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi were almost unable to refuse.

Because they also need the acceptance of American capital.

....................................

Inside the penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel New York.

Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi overlooked the entire urban jungle from here.

“If you can’t refuse, then try to delay it as much as possible.” Lin Xiao said slowly, “At least delay it until early 2010. If we go public then, the valuation will be higher, and Facebook will be even stronger in the mobile internet market by then.”

Wu Lingxi: "Have you decided on a name for the new instant messaging software?"

This is so difficult; Lin Xiao is practically suffering from decision paralysis.

Is it called WeChat or WhatsApp?

Or is it called WeChat in China and WhatsApp overseas?
This app has already been developed, and even within Facebook itself, it has undergone countless tests.

Moreover, once it is promoted, users of Facebook in China, East Asia, or overseas can directly transfer their friend relationships.

Lin Xiao was in charge of this project, and he was extremely careful about almost every function.

It combines the advantages of both WeChat and WhatsApp.

However, WhatsApp's biggest advantage is its privacy and security.

As for functionality, whether it's due to preconceived notions or not, no matter how many times he thought about it, Lin Xiao felt that WeChat was superior.

Therefore, at least in terms of functionality, this product is still unconsciously leaning towards WeChat.

Although WhatsApp has the most users globally, Lin Xiao always felt that WeChat was superior.

Lin Xiao: "It might be called 'wechat' abroad, but it's called 'WeChat' in China."

Wu Lingxi: "When will it be released?"

Lin Xiao: "When Facebook has more than 10 million mobile users worldwide, let them get used to Facebook on their mobile phones first, and then launch WeChat."

Wu Lingxi: "Apple came to me and asked us to put our app on iOS."

At this time, Apple was far from being as dominant; Facebook was currently the most dominant in software applications.

Many other apps are optional on mobile phones, but Facebook and smartphones are a perfect match.

From the perspective of quantum phones, Facebook should only use quantum phones and the X operating system, and absolutely not use Android or iOS.

However, for the sake of Facebook's development and the future development of WeChat.

Facebook should be available on iOS now.

Lin Xiao's strategy for operating systems is simple: coexist with iOS and eliminate Android.

Because the X operating system is too similar to Android, only one of them can survive.

"let's go!"

Wu Lingxi: "Okay!"

Just then, a familiar voice came from the television.

As a result, the news was reporting on Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi's visit to the Nasdaq Group headquarters.

"Facebook may soon begin the IPO process."

"If this is true, it will be one of the largest IPOs on the entire Nasdaq."

"Professor Paul, what do you think Facebook's final market value will be once it goes public?"

Paul: "It's actually very difficult to judge because Facebook's valuation changes almost every day. Its dominant position is being consolidated every day, and its global user base is growing every day."

"Moreover, with the hot sales of quantum phones, we see that they will have an even stronger performance in the mobile internet market."

"Currently, quantum phones are selling far more than the Google G1 phone, and Apple has also been in contact with Facebook and will do its best to bring the Facebook app to the iOS system."

"Unless Google can reverse its decline in mobile operating systems, Facebook will further outpace its competitors in the mobile internet era."

Host: "Professor Paul, could you give us a more precise answer?"

Paul: "It depends on when Facebook goes public. The longer it goes public, the higher its market value will be. If I were in charge of Facebook, I would try my best to delay the IPO process."

"If we assume that Facebook will officially go public by the end of next year, its valuation should exceed 30 billion!"

The female host cooperated by giving a surprised expression.

"Are you saying that Ms. Wu Lingxi could be in charge of a 30 billion yuan empire at the age of 29?"

Paul: "Yes, and this is just the beginning."

Female host: "We also seem to have noticed a detail, which is the relationship between Ms. Wu Lingxi and Mr. Lin Xiao."

"Let's zoom in on this image."

As Lin Xiao and Wu Lingxi entered the Nasdaq building.

"I counted, from getting off the car to entering the building, in less than three minutes, Miss Wu Lingxi looked at Mr. Lin Xiao three times. For more than 70% of the time, her gaze was on this man's face."

“Even from a great distance, we can see the fascination and passion in that gaze.”

"As far as we know, Mr. Lin Xiao had a romantic affair while in China, which severely damaged his reputation in China, and he has not fully recovered even now. This is also why he completely withdrew from the Lightning Group a few years ago."

"Do you think that if he were to have a similar romantic entanglement in the United States, it would affect the development of Facebook and quantum technology in the US?"

Paul: "Absolutely not, we don't like moral exemplars."

Wu Lingxi: "When are you going to produce the key evidence to win the lawsuit against Google? Little Waterdrop has been working so hard on your case that it has lost a lot of weight."

Lin Xiao: "Soon."

Wu Lingxi: "I'm going back to my room."

"You can't have any more scandals. You're almost done with those two girls, and your family of three is about to be a reality. You absolutely can't let any unexpected problems arise."

"Besides, emotions will only slow down my sword-drawing speed."

"I am about to become the queen of a 30 billion dollar empire."

Then, Wu Lingxi left directly.

But a few minutes later, she rushed back!
She reached inside the skirt, peeled off the two small stickers, and threw them away.

He lunged directly at Lin Xiao.

She tackled him to the ground and kissed him passionately.

..............................

Note: I'm more than half an hour late again today, what a pity! My benefactor, could you still give me your monthly pass? Thank you so much!

(End of this chapter)