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Chapter 593 0581 [The Famous Scene of the 10 Billion Yuan Bet]

China World Hotel.

In the lounge of the annual economic figures awards ceremony, Chen Guiliang sat in a corner watching the final match of the S2 finals on his phone.

Royal Club is already down 0-2 to SKT1.

At the start of the game, the commentators kept emphasizing that Royal Club might be able to come back from 0-2 down to win 3-2.

But just a few minutes later, the commentators realized the reality.

Because the five members of the Royal Club were completely stunned by the Koreans and were all in a daze.

The barrage of comments was filled with insults and mockery, with things like "One play and you're down 3-0, I could do that in a match too."

"What are you looking at?" Ma Jieke leaned over to look at Chen Guiliang's phone screen.

Chen Guiliang said: "This is the last match of the Oracle Era Global Finals."

Ma Jieke said, "I heard this competition is very popular?"

Chen Guiliang said, "From the group stage until now, the highest number of simultaneous online viewers worldwide has reached 500 million. The data for today's final hasn't been tallied yet, but it should reach over 600 million simultaneous viewers, maybe even 700 million!"

This is the data after the water content has been removed.

Moreover, it refers to the number of people watching online simultaneously, not the cumulative number of viewers.

"So many?" Ma Jie was very surprised.

Old Wang leaned closer: "My son is doing this too; he even started an e-sports club."

Chen Guiliang turned off the live stream: "His team is pretty good. They were the world champions last year and made it to the quarterfinals this year. They should be able to commercialize it next year and recoup their initial investment."

Old Wang laughed and said, "It would be good if he could recoup his costs. I gave him 500 million to try his luck."

Ma Jieke asked, "Why aren't you watching? It's China's final."

Chen Guiliang said, "There's no need to watch anymore. There's no hope of a comeback. This year's champion will definitely be the South Korean team."

"Is the South Korean team very strong?" Ma Jieke asked.

Chen Guiliang said, "South Korea wasn't strong last year. Of the four teams that made it to the semifinals, three were Chinese and one was European. But South Korea has risen this year, and now they have two of the four semifinalists."

The three continued chatting as more and more guests arrived in the lounge—the award winners were not in this room.

President Liu is here too.

Finally, two leaders appeared, vice ministers from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture, respectively, and everyone went over to greet them.

I'm quite familiar with Chen Guiliang from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, but this is my first time meeting the person from the Ministry of Agriculture.

During a casual conversation, Chen Guiliang connected industry and information technology with agriculture: "Once 4G networks become widespread, the performance of smartphones will be further improved. At that time, I plan to conduct outdoor live streaming with mobile phones. Farmers can use their phones to showcase their agricultural products to consumers in orchards, vegetable fields, and breeding farms. Farmers can cooperate with e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, and consumers can place an order with one click to purchase the agricultural products they like."

"This is a great idea! It can generate income for farmers and modernize and informatize the sales of Chinese agriculture." Agricultural leaders highly praised it.

The leader from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology smiled and said, "We are building a 4G network on a large scale this year, and just last week we issued three 4G licenses. We believe that 4G will gradually become widespread in the next year or two, and then we will be able to realize Mr. Chen's vision."

Jack Ma seemed to have had his mind opened as well: "Alibaba will strongly support this kind of business model that benefits farmers. After the awards ceremony, Mr. Chen and I can have a private discussion about it."

“We are also happy to cooperate with Alibaba,” Chen Guiliang said.

The leader from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said, "The more I think about this model of 4G live streaming, e-commerce, and agriculture, the more promising it seems. Mr. Chen's mind is indeed full of creativity."

The agricultural leader laughed and said, "Haha, the rumors are true."

Chen Guiliang said, "Real estate companies can also get involved. Sales staff can use a mobile phone to walk around the community and show properties to consumers via live stream."

Old Wang laughed heartily: "With 4G, anything can be sold via live streaming."

As everyone was chatting animatedly, a foreigner walked in—former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The two leaders shook hands with Blair first, followed by the other guests.

Some guests weren't very good at English and needed a translator to help them communicate.

Chen Guiliang stood out in the crowd because he was so young that it was hard not to notice him.

Before the translator could even introduce him, Blair laughed and said, "You must be Mr. Chen, China's richest man. I saw you on the cover of a magazine on the plane when I came to China."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Prime Minister," Chen Guiliang said, shaking hands.

After a few casual pleasantries, there was little further interaction.

The two leaders stopped speaking and instead, Ma Jieke, Liu Zong, and Blair chatted enthusiastically.

Soon, staff came over and invited everyone to take their seats at the awards ceremony.

These guests were all seated in the middle of the first row, with this year's award winners not far away.

Lei Jun and Dong Mingzhu both won the Economic Person of the Year award.

In the third quarter, Xiaomi's market share could only squeeze into the top fifteen. But in the fourth quarter, it suddenly exploded, with the launch of new flagship phones and Redmi models, achieving sales of 5.5 million yuan on Singles' Day alone.

It's worth noting that the mobile phone market in the fourth quarter of this year was shrinking compared to the third quarter.

While other brands (except HarmonyOS) experienced declining sales, Xiaomi bucked the trend and surged ahead. Xiaomi successively outperformed OPPO, Tianyu, Gionee, and Meizu, and its market share ranking is right behind Apple.

Lei Jun was sitting next to Ms. Dong, beaming with a smile.

He already has a development plan for next year: to continue to consolidate and develop the domestic market, and to expand overseas by developing Xiaomi Android phones.

Lei Jun even regretted not choosing Android from the start, instead opting for the more mature HarmonyOS ecosystem at the time. This resulted in him only being able to sell HarmonyOS devices in mainland China and Android devices overseas, significantly increasing development costs due to the dual-system approach.

It's too late to switch sides now, because the mainland market is firmly tied to us.

Putting aside other issues, once Xiaomi fully switches to Android, how will it migrate its domestic user data?
Huawei, ZTE, Coolpad, and other manufacturers sell both Android and HarmonyOS phones in China. This has created a chaotic situation, as user data between the two systems is incompatible, and core ecosystem services such as cloud services, app stores, payments, and push notifications are also disconnected.

This forced manufacturers like Huawei, ZTE, and Coolpad to abandon the domestic Android route and instead focus on selling HarmonyOS domestically and Android internationally.

This year in China's smartphone market, Nokia and HTC suffered a complete defeat, while domestic brands experienced a collective surge. Furthermore, manufacturers that previously offered dual operating systems are now forced to choose between them in the domestic market, leading to a dramatic increase in the market share of HarmonyOS.

如今中国的智能手机保有量大约5.8亿部，其操作系统的份额占比如下：鸿蒙61.6%、安卓30.7%、苹果5.8%、其他1.9%。

Android is currently supported entirely by Samsung, Lenovo, and HTC, while brands like Motorola, LG, and Sony are simply not competitive.

As older mobile phones that have been used for two or three years are gradually phased out, the domestic market share of HarmonyOS will become even higher!
If you were a third-party developer, which system's app would you prioritize developing and maintaining?

Zhou Hongwei's 360 phones and Luo Yonghao's Smartisan phones had originally considered adopting the Android system. However, influenced by the domestic app ecosystem, they ultimately voted with their feet and chose the HarmonyOS camp.

……

The three hosts took the stage and introduced the guests in the front row one by one.

After summarizing the economic situation in 2013, the awards ceremony officially began.

The award ceremony was different from when Chen Guiliang received his award. This time, two guests went on stage in pairs, chatting as they announced the names of the two winners. Then, the two winners accepted their awards and chatted with the two presenters. Occasionally, an additional guest would be invited on stage for a chat.

For example, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was invited up to chat with two of the award winners about a certain topic after they received their awards.

It has become more interactive and entertaining.

Chen Guiliang remained seated until the latter half of the awards ceremony when the host announced, "Our next two award presenters are Jack Ma, Chairman of Alibaba Group, and Wang Jianlin, Chairman of Wanda Group. Please welcome them!"

The two stood up at the same time, but stopped at the same time before going on stage.

Old Wang gestured for him to go, but Ma Jieke waved repeatedly, indicating that Old Wang should go first. Then the two of them raised their hands together and started vibrating them at a high frequency.

After some polite deference, Old Wang went on stage first.

But when they reached the podium, Old Wang stopped and invited Ma Jieke in first.

Old Wang said, "Jack Ma has become even more formidable. His sales volume on Singles' Day this year doubled compared to last year. Moreover, the pressure on traditional retailers has intensified."

Host: "Did the pressure make you feel uncomfortable?"

Old Wang nodded: "A little."

A soft chuckle came from the audience.

Ma Jie took the initiative to shake hands with Lao Wang.

Host: "Mr. Ma, what changes do you see in Mr. Wang this year?"

Ma Jieke said, "There has been great progress. President Wang has transformed, and those who can transform and upgrade have become more independent."

The host deliberately stirred things up, and the director even had last year's awards ceremony shown on the big screen.

In last year's awards ceremony, Jack Ma, holding his trophy, said: "E-commerce cannot completely replace the traditional retail industry. At the same time, I have some bad news: it will basically replace you."

Then came the scene from last year: "Taking a bath, getting a foot massage, cleaning your ears—these are things that e-commerce can't provide. No matter how powerful e-commerce is, there are some functions that it can't replace."

Ma Jieke: "In the face of a machine gun, Xingyi Quan, Tai Chi Quan, and Bagua Zhang are all the same."

After saying that, Ma Jie made a shooting gesture and fired at the host and the camera.

Old Wang: "I made a bet with him. If e-commerce accounts for 50% of the Chinese retail market share in 2022, which is ten years from now, I will give him 100 million yuan. If not, he will give me 100 million yuan back."

Last year's video has finished airing.

Host: "A year has passed. How do you both feel now? Please describe it in one word."

Old Wang: "I'm living very comfortably." Ma Jieke: "I'm living very uncomfortablely."

"Hahaha!"

Chen Guiliang and everyone else were amused.

Jack Ma is certainly not feeling well this year. JD.com is posing an increasing threat to Taobao, and Alibaba is also being scrambled by Chen Guiliang in the payment sector.

After a round of banter, Ma Jieke and Lao Wang announced the winners.

Lei Jun and Dong Mingzhu made a joint appearance.

Ma Jieke and Lao Wang, who were originally about to leave the stage, were asked by the host to wait aside.

The host asked Ms. Dong, "During Singles' Day, they (Xiaomi) sold 1 million yuan worth of goods in just a few minutes. Did that annoy you?"

Ms. Dong: "It's not a problem. I think in the era of big data, e-commerce and physical stores are different sales methods."

The host began interacting with Jack Ma, Wang Jianlin, Dong Mingzhu, and Lei Jun, who compared the different business models of Gree and Xiaomi using charts displayed on a large screen.

Under the host's deliberate provocation, Ms. Dong declared she wanted to challenge Lei Jun: "How many people here use Xiaomi? Two... three, anyone else?"

Lei Jun: "This shows that we have a lot of room for growth. There are still 99% of people who don't use Xiaomi."

This quick response was met with applause and laughter.

Ms. Dong: "In today's mobile phone market, who is the boss?"

Host: "You mean, Xiaomi is definitely not the leader."

Ms. Dong: "At least not yet, right?"

Host: "Alright, please welcome Mr. Chen Guiliang, Chairman of HarmonyOS Technology, the leader in the mobile phone industry, to the stage!"

Amid applause, Chen Guiliang walked onto the stage and took the microphone from a staff member.

Chen Guiliang stood next to the host: "To correct you, the HarmonyOS system is the leader, but HarmonyOS phones are not yet the leader. Although we had the leading market share in the third and fourth quarters, Samsung still ranks first in annual sales."

"Mr. Chen, hello." Ms. Dong took the initiative to shake hands.

Chen Guiliang said, "Hello, President Dong."

Ms. Dong continued, "I want to ask Lei Jun, if all the factories in the world close down, who will produce under your asset-light model? You can do asset-light production, but don't forget those factories that do asset-heavy production. Don't forget their contributions and the goodwill they have shown."

Host: "Mr. Lei, I feel you should bow to Mr. Dong."

Lei Jun laughed and said, "Mr. Dong is trying to sow discord. Xiaomi can find the best contract manufacturers and suppliers..."

Miss Dong interjected, "We're not making it for you!"

Lei Jun said, "Xiaomi uses Foxconn and Inventec..."

Miss Dong, in a very girlish manner, gave Lei Jun a push: "What if I don't do it for you?"

Lei Jun smiled and said, "Now we emphasize specialization and division of labor. Factories should focus on doing their factories well, and product manufacturers should focus on making their products well."

Ms. Dong said, "Then I'll sell you the air conditioner."

Lei Jun: "I can consider it."

The whole audience burst into laughter.

Chen Guiliang felt that he had nothing to do, so he simply stepped aside and stood with Ma Jieke and Lao Wang.

Old Wang stood ramrod straight, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Ma Jieke was so bored he couldn't stand still, so he stood there swaying back and forth.

Chen Guiliang observed for a moment, then stood next to Lao Wang, forming a signal pillar from high to low among the three of them.

Provoked by the host, the tension between Ms. Dong and Lei Jun intensified.

The host suddenly turned his head: "What's your evaluation, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Guiliang: "I'm just a bystander watching the show."

"Hahaha!"

Amid laughter from the audience, the host asked, "HarmonyOS phones were initially designed with a light asset model, so why are you now expanding to physical stores nationwide?"

Chen Guiliang said, "We still sell online, but we are strengthening our offline channels. I think both asset-light and asset-heavy models are viable; there's no need to see it in black and white."

Host: "You mean Gree can also do online business, and Xiaomi can also do offline business?"

Chen Guiliang said, "It's very difficult."

Host: "Why?"

Chen Guiliang said, "I might offend you both if I tell the truth."

Ms. Dong: "I'm willing to hear the truth."

Lei Jun: "Please go ahead, Mr. Chen."

Chen Guiliang said, "Gree has too much historical baggage. If Gree's online store sales are too high, traditional distributors will definitely be unhappy. Therefore, Gree can also choose to expand its channels through e-commerce, but its online store sales can never exceed a certain percentage."

Ms. Dong's expression changed, but she quickly forced a smile: "President Chen, tell me more about Xiaomi."

Chen Guiliang said, "Xiaomi's core competitiveness is low price and high configuration, which is achieved through a light asset model. Therefore, Xiaomi can also expand its offline channels, but offline sales can never exceed a certain percentage."

Host: "Mr. Chen's words are indeed very offensive."

Ma Jieke added fuel to the fire: "What President Chen means is that Gree and Xiaomi both have inherent flaws, and only HarmonyOS can balance online and offline operations."

Old Wang said, "I could tell too."

Chen Guiliang: "I've figured it out. You're taking advantage of my honesty and honesty, and you've sent me here to offend people tonight."

"Hahahaha!"

The audience burst into laughter and applause.

The guests and audience members below the stage were mostly leaders and entrepreneurs. They certainly understood that Chen Guiliang had a keen eye and saw through the problems of Gree and Xiaomi at a glance.

Moreover, even if the problems are pointed out, they can't be fixed; Gree and Xiaomi continue to operate as before.

Host: "Does Mr. Dong want to refute what Mr. Chen just said?"

Ms. Dong: "Gree's sales channels are very healthy. We are also trying to do e-commerce, and we can fully coordinate the online and offline channels. Last year, didn't Mr. Ma and Mr. Wang make a bet? Let's see if e-commerce can account for more than 50% in ten years. Gree is walking on two legs. In ten years, 50% of offline sales will be ours, and 50% of online sales will still be ours."

Host: "Mr. Wang, Mr. Ma, Gree wants 100%. You each prepare 1 million yuan in bets, and give the money to Mr. Dong later."

Old Wang: "Okay."

Ma Jieke: "What, is this some kind of business between us?"

Host: "You have been drawn into the war."

The host continued to fan the flames, and Ms. Dong's tone became even more aggressive, constantly interrupting Lei Jun and making him lose face.

Lei Jun started to beg for forgiveness, changing his address to "Sister Dong".

But Ms. Dong wouldn't let it go.

Lei Jun finally lost his temper and changed his address from "Sister Dong" to "Ms. Dong Mingzhu," betting that one yuan would surpass Gree's within five years.

Ms. Dong: "I don't want a single dollar, I want to gamble a billion!"

Chen Guiliang was just waiting for this momentous occasion, so he immediately clapped his hands to finalize the bet for them.

Not only did Chen Guiliang applaud, but the audience also erupted in cheers and shouts, as everyone seemed to enjoy the spectacle.

Miss Dong got more and more excited as she spoke, and what followed was like a battle manifesto.

Lei Jun was completely put on the spot, and asked the audience, "Mr. Dong wants to make a 10 billion yuan bet with me, what do you think, should I take it?"

"beat!"

The whole crowd cheered.

Ma Jieke couldn't help but laugh and turned his back on her.

Old Wang also enjoyed watching the spectacle.

Chen Guiliang held up his phone and walked over to the two of them: "I've recorded it. I'll be the witness and the referee."

"it is good!"

The crowd cheered again, making the atmosphere even more joyful.

Miss Dong smiled and raised her little fist, her expression almost like she was being coquettish, and punched Chen Guiliang's arm.

Chen Guiliang's hair stood on end, and he quickly took a step back; he didn't have the ability to move freely.

The show's director was overjoyed; this scene was sure to generate a huge ratings boost and create several trending topics.

(End of this chapter)