Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 445 is on the news
As dusk settled and twilight spilled through the windowpanes, bright lights illuminated the living room of the garden.

Song Ci sank into the sofa, a weary look on her face.

The leaders came to inspect the group in the morning, and he accompanied them on high alert the whole time. Coupled with the pile of miscellaneous tasks, he was exhausted both physically and mentally by the end of the day, and at this moment he felt that his bones were heavy.

He loosened his delicate tie with his fingertips, unbuttoned two buttons at the collar of his shirt, and let out a long sigh, tinged with weariness: "Finally finished, I'm exhausted."

Liu Shishi looked at him with heartache, her soft hand covering the back of her husband's hand, the warmth of her palm soothing his weariness. She looked up and instructed the housekeeper, "Sister Li, bring dinner over. My husband and I will eat in the living room."

"Yes, Madam." Sister Li responded and turned around, quickly leading the maids to set the meal on the mahogany coffee table in the living room.

The exquisite blue and white porcelain plate held steaming hot dishes, and the fragrant aroma mixed with warmth spread, dispelling some of the weariness.

"Let's eat, Yi Yi, these are all your favorites," Liu Shishi said softly, placing a crystal shrimp dumpling on her husband's plate.

Song Ci straightened up, perking up: "Turn on the TV."

Sister Li knew the head of the household's habits well; at this time, he should be watching the "Daily News Flash." She skillfully turned on the TV and switched to the news channel.

As Song Ci picked up a piece of squirrel-shaped mandarin fish with her silver chopsticks, the sweet and sour taste spread across her tongue, and her eyes lit up: "The new chef, Master Jiang, is really good at cooking."

"Of course." Liu Shishi scooped up a spoonful of American ginseng and black chicken soup and handed it to him. "Chef Jiang studied with a chef who also teaches at state banquets. Yiyi, have a sip of the soup while it's hot to warm your stomach."

The soup in the celadon bowl was clear and bright, but a sip revealed a mellow and sweet aftertaste. Song Ci smacked his lips and praised it highly: "This soup is well-made and very good."

"Sister Jiang simmered it in a clay pot over a low flame for six hours," Sister Li said with a smile. "I knew you'd love it."

As they were talking, the Daily News was about to start playing on the television, and the opening theme music began to play.

The male anchor appeared on camera, his voice steady as a bell: "Good evening, everyone."

The camera smoothly transitions to the female host, who greets the camera with a warm smile and a friendly yet measured tone: "Good evening."

"Today is December 7th, the 24th day of the tenth lunar month. Welcome to the Daily News program."

"When the leaders visited Tengda Technology Group, they emphasized that independent innovation in science and technology should lead the way in development."

Song Ci's spirits lifted, and he quickly put down his chopsticks, his eyes glued to the screen, feeling both surprised and excited.

As the morning inspection was drawing to a close, Director Li told him about the news from the leaders' inspection meeting that day. To his surprise, it was the first news item to be broadcast, which was truly inspiring.

When Liu Shishi heard Tengda mentioned in the Daily Express, she also put down her chopsticks and turned her attention to the screen.

At the same time, countless households and viewers, including government officials and business leaders, were watching "Daily News" to deduce market dynamics, market trends, and even national development plans.

The scene begins with an exterior view of the Tengda Technology Group headquarters, where the national flag flutters in the wind.

The next moment, the scene shifts to a bright and modern R&D center, where leaders, accompanied by Song Ci, the founder and chairman of Tengda Technology Group, enter the exhibition hall.

The announcer simultaneously broadcasts: "...Our leaders are visiting Tengda Technology Group today for a work survey."

The group's founder and chairman, Song Ci, accompanied the delegation throughout the inspection and provided a detailed report to the leaders on the company's development history and core technological innovation achievements.

Scenes unfolded before a national audience: Leaders, guided by Song Ci, paused to view a large screen displaying real-time data on the growth of WeChat and Weibo users, with Song Ci providing focused explanations. The camera then switched to a cloud computing data center model demonstration.

"At the group's innovation achievements exhibition hall, Song Ci demonstrated the WeChat instant messaging platform, which boasts a world-leading user base, to the leaders and reported on its important role in promoting the efficient flow of social information and serving people's livelihoods."

The leaders carefully observed Tenda's groundbreaking progress in key core technologies such as cloud computing infrastructure and big data precision analysis.

Song Ci highlighted Tenda's achievements in independent innovation in basic software and core algorithms, thanks to its consistent high level of R&D investment.

The camera then zooms in: the leader and Song Ci are having an in-depth exchange on technical issues, the atmosphere is friendly and focused. The shot captures six seconds of Song Ci speaking eloquently and clearly explaining the key points of internet technology.

The announcer's voice came on at the right time: "During the research, the leaders had in-depth exchanges with technical and management personnel from companies such as Songci."

He pays close attention to the company's practices and planning in tackling core technologies, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring network information security.

The scene shifts again: the leader addresses the Tengda team, and Song Ci and the core team listen attentively.

The announcer continued: "After listening to the report, the leader delivered an important speech. He emphasized that the new generation of information technologies, represented by the Internet, big data, and cloud computing, are advancing rapidly and profoundly changing the global economic landscape and development model."

The leader pointed out that Tenda Technology Group, as a leading enterprise in my country's digital economy, must firmly grasp the historical opportunities presented by the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, bravely shoulder responsibilities, and dare to be a pioneer.

Looking at the Song Dynasty poems on the screen, Liu Shishi nodded seriously, like a diligent and obedient primary school student. She couldn't help but smile, a strong sense of pride welling up in her heart: He is my husband!
The announcer spoke with great emotion: "As required by the leadership, the company will place technological innovation at the core of its overall development and continue to increase its investment in research and development."

We must concentrate our efforts on overcoming the "bottleneck" technological challenges in key areas, and continuously strengthen our technological foundation and forge core competitive advantages.

We must actively promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy, injecting strong new momentum into building a modern industrial system and achieving high-quality development.

At the same time, we must attach great importance to cyberspace governance and data security protection, and earnestly fulfill our important responsibility to safeguard national security and social stability.

The scene changes again: Song Ci, representing the Tengda team, makes a solemn statement.

Simultaneous broadcast: "On behalf of all employees of Tengda Technology Group, Song Ci expressed that the leaders' inspection and guidance are a great encouragement and impetus to all Tengda employees."

Tenda Technology will resolutely implement the spirit of the important instructions from the leadership, take serving the national strategic needs as its mission, and unswervingly follow the path of independent innovation.

We are committed to scaling new heights in science and technology, safeguarding national information security, and striving to build Tenda into a globally influential technology engine, contributing even more to the construction of a cyber power and a digital China.

As the words were spoken, the screen froze, and the logo of Tenda Technology Group and the grand blueprint of national development were gradually superimposed in the light and shadow.

"The roc rises with the wind in a single day, soaring straight up ninety thousand miles!" Song Ci's eyes blazed with starlight, his spirit soaring with a magnificent momentum.

While watching the Daily News, he kept silently counting his on-screen time, which totaled 12 seconds, including 6 seconds of close-up shots.

This is not only the highest level of trust endorsement, but also a complete breaking of the unspoken rule that "the richest man is a risk." He clearly knows that he has been upgraded from a simple "businessman" to a "technology strategist" and has officially joined the ranks of "national technology" leaders.

"Honey, let's eat while we watch." Liu Shishi picked up the bowl and chopsticks again and handed them to her husband, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Were you nervous standing next to the leader?"

Song Ci chuckled: "I was indeed a little reserved at first."

Liu Shishi's eyes sparkled, and she smiled charmingly: "My husband looks incredibly handsome in the close-up shot on CCTV. I'm going to take a screenshot and use it as my screensaver."

At the same time, in a high-end villa in Beiping, Zhang Yong, CEO of Tengda Group, was also reading the Daily Express at home.

He also appeared on camera in the broadcast just now, although it was only a brief one-second group shot, but it was enough to satisfy him. Madam Zhang, standing beside him, looked incredulous and murmured, "I never imagined that in just a few years, Tengda Group would have developed to this extent."

Zhang Yong glanced at his wife sideways, secretly rejoicing that the best decision he had ever made was following Song Ci in starting a business: "Now you know how wise my choice was back then, right? Still arguing with me?"

Mrs. Zhang chuckled awkwardly. Back then, Zhang Yong gave up his position as CFO of a listed company to follow a young upstart in starting a business.

She thought her husband had gone mad and cried and shouted to stop him. Now it seems that her husband was farsighted, recognizing early on that Song Ci was an outstanding person with unlimited potential.

Zhang Yong was in high spirits, his eyes full of expectation: "With this visit from the leaders, Tengda Group will have a smooth road ahead and no more obstacles to its development."

Mrs. Zhang's heart warmed instantly, and she asked with delight, "Honey, can Tengda Group's valuation still rise?"

In her view, her husband holds 2.4% of the shares in Tengda Group, and the family already has more than 30 billion yuan in assets, which is already exaggerated enough. It is unimaginable that such a giant can still move up the value chain.

Zhang Yong nodded firmly: "That's for sure."

The leader's visit to Tengda today is of great significance. The core message conveyed by the camera cannot be clearer:

The leadership's approval signifies that Tengda Group has been incorporated into the national strategic scientific system, and its technological approach has received top-level recognition. Core businesses such as cloud computing and WeChat have become pillars of the country's digital construction.

Previously, the internet industry was plagued by controversy over the "virtual economy impacting real industries." Since then, policy uncertainties have completely dissipated, and the conclusion that "technology is the new real industry" has been finalized.

Zhang Yong was filled with excitement as he envisioned the future of the group.

"Honey, Mr. Song is getting married soon. What kind of wedding gift should we give him?" Mrs. Zhang was at a loss. She thought about it for a long time but still couldn't make up her mind. The Song and Zhang families were closely related, and this wedding gift must not be lacking in prestige.

Zhang Yong chimed in, "We definitely need to prepare a generous gift. As for what to give, let me think about it."

Mrs. Zhang pressed further, "What are Chairman Song's hobbies?"

Zhang Yong pondered for a long time, but couldn't recall any particular quirks about Song Ci, so he could only reply, "It seems there really aren't any."

"Wouldn't that be pretty boring?"

Zhang Yong glanced at his wife and said, "I'll take care of the wedding gift; you don't need to worry about it."

As night deepened, the dim yellow light in the bedroom of Jingyuan created an ambiguous glow.

Song Ci was taking a bath, while Liu Shishi lay lazily on the edge of the bed, her whole body aching and weak, not wanting to move a single finger.

Song Ci was in an exceptionally good mood today. She ate an extra bowl of rice at dinner and was full of energy, managing to keep her occupied for an extra hour compared to usual.

The sudden ringing of a cell phone shattered the silence. Liu Shishi reluctantly struggled to get up and picked up the phone from the bedside table to answer it.

"Dad, what's the matter so late?"

Liu's father's excited voice came through the receiver: "Shishi, did the leader really go to Tengda for an inspection?"

Liu Shishi pursed her lips and replied helplessly, "It's already been broadcast on the Daily News, how could it be fake?"

Mr. Liu immediately burst out laughing, beaming with pride: "I missed watching the news, so I called to confirm with you!"

He's truly my good son-in-law! Hahaha, now when I go out to do business, all my business partners know I'm Song Ci's father-in-law, and they all give me face.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi frowned slightly: "Dad, just focus on your own business and don't use Yi Yi's name."

Mr. Liu quickly assured her, "Don't worry, daughter, I've never mentioned my son-in-law's name. I know what I'm doing."

"That's good." Liu Shishi nodded gently.

It wasn't that she was a girl who was outgoing and devoted to her husband; it was simply that the Song family had long been a prominent and influential family, and every move they made attracted attention.

Her father's social standing and abilities could never compare to her husband's, and she feared that someone might try to help her by setting a trap.

"By the way, Dad, how's your Wang Maternal and Infant Products Company doing?" Liu Shishi asked casually, as she held 28.8% of the shares given to her by her husband.

When the topic of business came up, Mr. Liu became very enthusiastic and started talking non-stop: "Kidswant currently has 212 directly operated stores and 217 franchised and managed stores."

With direct connections to over 6000 suppliers, inventory turnover has been reduced to 25 days, three days faster than Amazon.

"Kidswant has more than 400 stores?" Liu Shishi was taken aback.

In her mind, the scene of her father opening the first store in Beiping was still vivid. She never expected that Kidswant would become so successful.

Mr. Liu continued, “Yes. Next year, I plan to launch my third round of financing, build my own logistics team, and achieve same-city 12-hour delivery.”

Delivery drivers can handle magazine publishing and research on their own, saving significant customer acquisition costs. Going forward, the strategy will focus on "flagship experience stores + instant delivery" in first-tier cities, while second- and third-tier cities will rely on franchised stores.

What is the current valuation of KidKing?

"40 billion!" Mr. Liu exclaimed with pride. He held 52.65% of the shares in KidKing, and with another year of development, he might be able to touch the tail end of the list of richest people in mainland China.

The valuation of 40 billion yuan surprised Liu Shishi, but upon reflection, she realized that Kidswant's rapid development was not unreasonable.

As far as she knew, her father had taken out a loan at ICBC, and her husband's uncle had provided him with a lot of assistance.

In addition, Wang Sicong is a shareholder of Kidswant, which has given him a significant advantage in opening stores in Wanda Plaza. These factors contribute to Kidswant's robust growth.

"Are the new shareholders still planning to find a real estate company?"

"I'm still figuring it out. I've consulted market experts, and Kidswant has already done a good job in integrating its asset-light business."

"I want to try a transformation, taking into account both the control of heavy assets and the realization of independent production of key product categories." Mr. Liu clearly had greater ambitions.

Kidswant secured funding from Wanda Group and Longfor Properties for its first two rounds of financing, which helped it open stores smoothly.

However, he was not content with Kidswant being just a simple platform for maternal and infant products and wanted to build his own supply chain for some products.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi gently advised, "Dad, don't be too hasty. Business development can't be achieved overnight."

(End of this chapter)