Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 397 Throwing Money Hard
As night fell, at eight o'clock in the evening, the top floor of Tengda Technology Building was brightly lit.

In the office, Song Ci was working overtime, writing furiously at her desk, her fingertips rapidly flipping through documents.

The backlog of tasks caused by his participation in the World Internet Conference awaits his attention.

Secretary Jian Ning and Jiang Tiantian stood on either side, flexibly handling documents and offering explanations as needed to improve the chairman's work efficiency.

Across the desk, Jiang Yuwei, president of the mobile game division, sat upright, attentively reporting on the operation of Tengda Group's latest mobile game.

While reviewing documents, Song Ci asked, "It's been a month since 'Puzzle & Dragons' was launched. How's the revenue?"

Jiang Yuwei said excitedly, "Chairman Song, Puzzle & Dragons has been a huge success! In just one month since its launch, it has generated a revenue of 4600 million US dollars."

Upon hearing this, even Jian Ning and Jiang Tiantian, who were used to big events, couldn't help but look on in surprise. A mobile game could actually earn 4600 million US dollars a month, and its terrifying money-making ability was truly astonishing.

Song Ci nodded slightly. In its previous life, Puzzle & Dragons was already a benchmark in the mobile game industry, and the first phenomenal game in the history of the world's games to generate more than 10 billion US dollars in revenue.

Now, thanks to the meticulous development by Tengda Group, its quality has been further improved, so such achievements are to be expected.

"The key to the success of Puzzle & Dragons lies in its deep integration of match-3 mechanics with RPG progression. This novel design of 'casual gameplay + deep strategy' is very attractive to players, so innovation is the core of development."

"Understood." Jiang Yuwei quickly agreed, and then reported: "Temple Run is undergoing final bug testing and can be launched at any time."

"Your department can arrange the launch time yourself." Song Ci didn't even look up, her gaze fixed on the documents on the table, her brows slightly furrowed.

"TT Voice's report on incubating a game live streaming platform is not detailed enough; they should redo it."

At the beginning of next month, Mr. Zhang and I will be receiving a special report, which must cover detailed information such as market analysis and operating costs.

Jian Ning reacted quickly, immediately picking up the report that the chairman had rejected: "I will notify TT Voice and have them prepare carefully."

Looking at the thick stack of documents Jiang Tiantian was holding, Song Ci couldn't help but show a hint of weariness: "Director Jiang, has General Manager Wang said when he'll be back at work?"

After the COO went on maternity leave, some of the group's decision-making tasks fell to him and Zhang Yong, greatly increasing their workload.

"Mr. Wang said last time that he would go back to work after Labor Day."

Before she could finish speaking, a WeChat video call invitation popped up on her phone. Song Ci looked up and saw that it was her mother, Liu Xiaoxian, calling.

"mom."

Looking at the pile of documents on the table through the screen, Liu Xiaoxian said with concern, "You're still working overtime on New Year's Day? You need to remember to balance work and rest!"

"I had a meeting a couple of days ago, and some backlogged tasks were handled by working overtime."

"Don't overwork yourself." Liu Xiaoxian's tone shifted from concern to a slight reproach, "You brat, your company's people are trying to poach my employees!"

"What's going on?" Song Ci was completely bewildered.

"That director from your company, Ma Xin, has his eye on my student when casting for his movie!"

Faced with her mother's accusations, Song Ci remained noncommittal: "Let the person involved decide this matter themselves. A mentor cannot make life choices for their students."

"I certainly won't object to making a movie to leave a special memory of our youth. But I strongly oppose Du Ling entering the entertainment industry. Tell your subordinates to quickly give up this idea!"

"Mom, who did you just say Ma Xin has taken a fancy to?"

"Chen Duling is the campus belle of Beihang University. She's a very beautiful girl, and she's also a fan of your books. She's been longing to meet you."

"The most beautiful girl from Beihang University?!" Song Ci was slightly surprised, but quickly regained her composure. "As for making a movie, let's respect the girl's own wishes."

"So I didn't directly object!" Liu Xiaoxian sighed softly, her expression suddenly turning serious. "Regarding the matter you mentioned before on New Year's Day, I've discussed it with Principal Huai..."

Before he could finish speaking, Song Ci waved his hand, and Jiang Yuwei and the other two understood. They quickly got up and left the office, gently closing the door behind them.

"The principal agrees in principle to the industry-academia-research cooperation model you proposed, but the specific details still need to be discussed."

"That's great!" Song Ci was overjoyed. If he could get help from Beihang University, the business of manufacturing rockets and satellites would be just around the corner.

Her son looked delighted, but Liu Xiaoxian asked worriedly, "Are you really planning to build a rocket for New Year's Day?"
Domestically, this area is handled by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and there are policy restrictions. Private enterprises undertaking this task are destined to face numerous difficulties.

Song Ci's gaze was firm and full of confidence: "There's no need to worry about policies. In the aerospace field, the country will gradually open it up within one or two years, allowing private enterprises to get involved."

Seeing that her son was confident, Liu Xiaoxian stopped trying to persuade him: "It's good that you know what you're doing. When do you have time to come to Beihang University?"

"There's no time like the present. If it's convenient for Principal Huai, I'll go to Beihang University tomorrow."

"The principal will be at school these days. I'll arrange a meeting with him for you."

After hanging up WeChat, Song Ci put down his phone and let out a heavy sigh of relief. The affairs of Dewen's creation were numerous and complex, requiring his full attention and effort.

He rubbed his temples and called out towards the door, "Come in."

The following morning, a black sedan slowly drove toward Beiping University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

In the back of the carriage, besides Song Ci, sat a middle-aged man, a top talent whom Song Ci had poached from the Aviation Power Research Institute with a high salary.

"Director Zhang, have you taken care of everything at home?"

Zhang Xiaoping was moved: "Thank you for your concern, everything has been arranged."

He was originally a researcher at the Institute of Aeronautical Propulsion, with an annual income of less than 10 yuan. Because his father was sick and urgently needed money, he accepted the offer from Devon Manufacturing.

He has now been appointed by Song Ci as the director of the Aerospace Engineering Division of Devon Manufacturing, with an annual salary of one million.

Not only that, the boss also stepped in to help the father transfer to Peking Union Medical College Hospital, which has the best medical facilities in the country, and also resolved the issue of his daughter studying in Beiping.

This act of kindness and recognition inspired him to believe that a scholar would die for someone who understands him.

"Director Zhang, the company's research team will be focusing on rocket recovery technology next. As an expert in aerospace engineering, what suggestions do you have regarding the technical approach?"

Zhang Xiaoping was indeed a man of genuine talent and expertise. When discussing his professional knowledge, he spoke eloquently: "President Song, I have done research in this area before, and I believe that the most feasible technical route for rocket recovery is vertical propulsion!" Song Ci seemed thoughtful, comparing the technical route proposed by Zhang Xiaoping with the solution used by SpaceX in his previous life: "What about parachute landing and gliding solutions?"

Unsure of his boss's thoughts and what technical path he preferred, Zhang Xiaoping thought for a moment and cautiously replied:
"Based on my personal experience, parachute landing is not precise enough and gliding systems are too complex. Overall, neither is as practical as vertical takeoff and landing."

"Great!" Song Ci decisively approved: "We'll adopt your suggested vertical thrust reverse propulsion technology!"

"Thank you for your trust, Chairman Song." Zhang Xiaoping was invigorated and filled with pride when he saw that his boss had adopted his suggestion.

"Director Zhang, I don't understand aerospace technology, but whatever you need, I will fully support you!" Song Ci patted him on the shoulder, her tone firm.

"In terms of funding, I will invest 10 billion US dollars in the early stage, and the subsequent funding will be added at any time; I have already asked headhunters to poach talents in the aerospace field all over the world."

Therefore, you don't need to worry about funding or talent. Furthermore, Devon Manufacturing doesn't adhere to any rigid "zero-defect" processes; it allows for trial and error!

When the vehicle arrived at Beihang University, Zhang Xiaoping had already guessed the purpose of his boss's visit: "Chairman Song, do you want to cooperate with universities?"

Song Ci nodded: "Beihang University has a profound foundation in the aerospace field. University-enterprise cooperation is more conducive to breaking through technological barriers."

Song Ci led Zhang Xiaoping to the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics to see his mother first, and then followed her to visit Principal Huai.

Meeting room in the administration building of Beihang University.

Liu Xiaoxian introduced her son: "You've met Song Ci and Principal Huai before. This is Academician Xia, the dean of our School of Astronautics, an absolute authority in the field of national aerospace propulsion."

Song Ci was humble and polite, and respectfully greeted: "Principal Huai, hello! Academician Xia, I have long admired your name."

Academician Xia smiled kindly and waved his hand, saying, "Xiaoxian's children are all family. Don't be shy, sit down and let's talk."

After exchanging pleasantries, Song Ci got straight to the point: "President Huai, Academician Xia, I'm here today to represent Devon Manufacturing in our collaboration with Beihang University to jointly tackle rocket recovery technology."

Liu Xiaoxian has been working to connect her son with potential partners, and the two sides have reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation.

Therefore, Principal Huai was very straightforward and asked directly, "Which cooperation model does Chairman Song prefer?"

Song Ci blurted out: "Joint laboratory model."

Principal Huai and Dean Xia exchanged a knowing glance; Song Ci's choice was exactly as they had expected.

Industry-university cooperation models typically include various forms such as joint laboratories, technology research projects, and talent training programs.

To achieve a breakthrough in rocket recovery technology, Devon Manufacturing needs to leverage advanced facilities such as the aircraft design laboratory and navigation and control simulation platform at Beihang University during the early stages of research and development.

"Sure!" Dean Xia nodded slightly, then asked, "Rocket recovery technology presents many challenges. Which technologies does Chairman Song intend to collaborate with Beihang University on?"

Upon hearing this question, Song Ci was immediately speechless. He knew nothing about building large rockets, so how could he possibly understand the key technical difficulties involved!
Liu Xiaoxian wanted to help her son out of the predicament, but Zhang Xiaoping, who had been silent all along, spoke up first: "Chairman Song, rocket recovery involves not only the vertical propulsion technology, but also challenges such as multiple engine ignitions, high-precision guidance, and high-temperature resistant structural materials."

"Principal Huai, Dean Xia, this is Zhang Xiaoping, Director of the Aerospace Engineering Division of Devon Manufacturing."

After Song Ci finished her introduction, she immediately turned to ask, "Director Zhang, in what areas do you think the company should cooperate with Beihang University?"

Professional matters should be left to professionals. In subsequent cooperation negotiations, Song Ci directly handed over the leadership to Zhang Xiaoping.

Zhang Xiaoping paused for a moment and said, "Vertical recovery requires drawing on missile attitude control technology and reusing the combination of liquid nitrogen thrusters and grid wings from ballistic missiles to quickly achieve attitude stability of the rocket body."

The digital twin system at Beihang University's aerospace laboratory can simulate over 10 landing scenarios. Therefore, prioritizing collaborative research and development of vertical recovery technology and guidance and control systems is appropriate.

An expert's words immediately reveal their expertise. Dean Xia gave Zhang Xiaoping a deep look and praised, "Young man, your research approach is very clear."

Song Ci trusted Zhang Xiaoping implicitly, and with her own mother sitting right next to her, she immediately made the decision:

"Principal Huai, Dean Xia, I am a layman when it comes to aerospace technology, and I have entrusted Director Zhang with the entire matter of cooperation. Do you two think the proposal he just put forward is feasible?"

Dean Xia responded readily: "No problem! Then let's follow the usual practice: the company will be responsible for engineering verification and data collection; Beihang University will be responsible for theoretical models and simulation analysis."

Once the general direction of the research project was determined, the next step was to discuss the details of cooperation, such as ownership of property rights and allocation of funds.

"Chairman Song, how much research and development funding is your company prepared to allocate, and how will the intellectual property rights of the technological achievements be allocated?" Principal Huai asked with a serious expression.

Rocket recovery technology is a major research topic, and Beihang University's research funding is stretched thin. If Dewen Manufacturing cannot provide sufficient funding, the cooperation will be difficult to carry out.

Song Ci fell into deep thought. He had done his homework beforehand and had a general understanding that SpaceX had invested approximately $8 million in research and development since its inception.

Considering that Devon Manufacturing was starting from scratch, he had previously committed a $10 billion R&D budget to Zhang Xiaoping.

But the conversation he had just had made him realize that the complexity of rocket recovery technology was far beyond his imagination. After careful consideration, he decided to increase his stakes: "Principal Huai, Dean Xia, I have decided to invest 15 billion US dollars."

The conference room fell silent instantly. Even the two tech giants and academic experts, Principal Huai and Dean Xia, were stunned by the richest man's extravagant spending, their faces filled with disbelief.

Seeing the two remain silent, Song Ci mistakenly assumed that the funding was still insufficient and hurriedly asked, "Is 15 billion US dollars not enough?"

Seeing that her precious son had misunderstood, Liu Xiaoxian hurriedly said, "Song Ci, it's not that there isn't enough funding, it's that there's too much!"

Zhang Xiaoping immediately leaned in and whispered, "Chairman Song, usually when Beihang University applies for aerospace special projects, the higher authorities will first approve 500 million yuan in start-up funding, and the company will match the investment on a 1:1 basis. Then, the funds will be disbursed gradually depending on the progress of subsequent research."

The country has only invested two to three billion yuan in the civilian aerospace sector, such as the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and the lunar exploration program. Your figure of 15 billion US dollars is outrageous.

After regaining his composure, Principal Huai couldn't help but sigh, "Chairman Song is truly wealthy and powerful. I underestimated the vision and charisma of Asia's richest man."

Dean Xia could not hide his excitement: "Chairman Song, if you can really secure this funding, I am confident that we can achieve substantial results within 5 years."

Song Ci then realized that he had invested too much money, and his large sums had frightened the other party. He immediately declared, "Dean Xia, rest assured, 15 billion US dollars is no problem!"
As long as it yields results, investing more money is acceptable. Regarding technology patents, Devon and Beihang University can share them, but Devon retains the commercial application rights.

"That's only right!" Principal Huai nodded in approval. After all, it was reasonable for them to pay for the commercial development rights, while Beihang University only needed the research and development rights.

With the funds in place, the rest of the issues were easily resolved.

Both parties decided on the spot that Beihang University and Devon Manufacturing would jointly apply for a national major science and technology project to seek policy support and officially start the research and development process of reusable rocket technology.

(End of this chapter)