Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 474 Song Yun and Song Yu
Li Jianxi's eyes were half-closed, and as he listened quietly, it was difficult to discern much emotion on his wrinkled face.

It was as if he was weighing the true weight and long-term impact behind every word and every promise with utmost calmness.

After a moment, the South Korean business leader slowly spoke: "Mr. Song, the framework for technology cooperation, cross-licensing of patents, and priority market supply... can be further promoted by the Fu Jin and Gui teams."

As soon as he finished speaking, his tone suddenly shifted, and a sharp light flashed in his deep eyes: "But these are by no means the core of Samsung's future."

Samsung's true competitive advantage lies in building a mobile ecosystem, exploring the next generation of human-computer interaction, and in disruptive innovation that integrates artificial intelligence into hardware.

Tenda's strength in the internet ecosystem of your country and even globally, especially in the research and application of big data and artificial intelligence, is evident to all.

Song Ci was slightly moved. He never expected that this business tycoon, who was over seventy years old, could still keep such a keen eye on the forefront of world science and technology.

They even have a thorough understanding of Tenda's plans in the field of artificial intelligence; they are truly formidable figures.

His eyes flickered almost imperceptibly before returning to calm as he replied composedly, "President Li, please feel free to speak your mind. I am all ears."

"Apple's Siri is truly amazing!" Li Jianxi leaned forward, his tone suddenly becoming more forceful.

"While it is not perfect, it is already reshaping the experience of smart terminals. Samsung cannot fall behind and must have the ability to fully compete with it and even strategically surpass it."

After a brief pause, the ultimate goal was revealed.

"My condition is that Tenda must share its R&D experience in the fields of artificial intelligence, natural language processing, deep learning, and user behavior prediction with Samsung."

They will jointly develop an AI voice assistant specifically for Samsung phones.

Li Jianxi's eyes were sharp as he continued, "Mr. Song, Samsung needs Tenda's technical support to quickly close the gap with Apple and seize the technological high ground in the next generation of high-end smart devices."

A brief silence fell over the study, as if the air had frozen.

The city lights outside the window swept across Song Ci's face, reflecting in his unfathomable eyes; he knew all too well the weight of this condition.

This goes far beyond the scope of material recycling technology transactions; the other party is directly targeting Tenda's future technological moat.

Exchanging one's strength in artificial intelligence for the other's auxiliary materials and hardware seems unequal on the surface.
Moreover, although Tenda Technology and Devon Manufacturing belong to the same company, they are ultimately two different companies.

In the blink of an eye, a grander blueprint unfolded in Song Ci's mind.

In fact, he is not opposed to in-depth cooperation with Samsung in the field of AI, because artificial intelligence is not something that can be monopolized by one company, and open source collaboration is the only way forward.

Although Tenda is currently in the lead, it still needs real, massive, and diverse user interaction data to refine its large-scale models and verify its capabilities. If it continues to develop in isolation, it will eventually be abandoned by the times.

Partnering with Samsung presents an excellent opportunity to put Tenda AI into practical use on a top-tier global hardware platform.

Especially in complex multilingual and multicultural scenarios, Samsung's annual sales of hundreds of millions of units will become an irreplaceable ocean of data.

These vibrant and continuous user behaviors are precious fuel for training stronger AI, a treasure that no laboratory can simulate.

In the short term, Samsung will leverage Tenda's resources to rapidly improve its voice assistant, competing with Apple and seizing the high-end market.

In the long run, however, Tenda will use this to access the global data deluge, building a solid data advantage for training truly general artificial intelligence models in the future.

After a moment of silence, Song Ci raised her eyes, her gaze clear and bright, meeting Li Jianxi's eyes, which were both imposing and filled with a hint of expectation.

"Yes. Artificial intelligence is the key to the future; it's better to create it together than to keep it to ourselves. Tenda AI Lab is willing to open its algorithm and data processing pipelines to collaborative projects."

Our top algorithm engineers and application scientists will work closely with Samsung's leading software and hardware teams to create a world-class mobile voice interaction experience.

However, Chairman Li, there is still a difference between Tengda Technology and Devon Manufacturing.

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Li Jianxi's aged face, and he quickly and solemnly promised: "Chairman Song's vision and courage are truly admirable."

Rest assured, Samsung will exchange AI applications for technology of equal value. Samsung, Tenda, and Devon are now joining hands to usher in a new era.

Song Ci nodded slightly, her tone becoming more cheerful: "President Li is a man of few words! I wish for a pleasant cooperation!"

Two hands clasped tightly at this moment; one hand bore the marks of time, yet still held immense strength; the other was in its prime, full of unwavering resolve.

And the ripples have only just begun.

The negotiations ended late at night.

Song Ci returned to the presidential suite on the top floor of the Shilla Hotel. Pushing open the door shut out the clinking of glasses at the banquet and also relieved him of the undercurrents in the study.

The suite was warm and quiet, like another world.

He casually draped his custom-made suit jacket over the sofa armrest, his brows furrowed with the weariness of negotiations, but even more so with the calm of a settled matter.

A faint sound came from the direction of the bathroom, and a pleasant fragrance mixed with steam wafted over.

A moment later, Liu Shishi emerged wearing a silk nightgown. Her unadorned face shone with a delicate beauty in the soft light from the window, and her long, damp hair cascaded casually over her shoulders.

As she gently dried her hair with a towel, she saw her husband return, and her eyes instantly softened with tenderness: "You're back? Did the talks go well?"

"Hmm." Song Ci stepped forward and naturally took the towel, gently wiping his wife's hair. "Old ginger is spicier. She paid a price, but I didn't lose out."

Liu Shishi leaned closer to her husband, enjoying this moment of tenderness.

Gazing at the halo of light streaming into the room from outside the window, her eyes shone slightly: "Look, the view of Seoul's night scene from here has a unique charm, a sense of distance amidst the hustle and bustle."

Song Ci held her close as they looked out the window. In the distance, the light of the Nanshan Pagoda flickered, while below, the streets were still bustling with traffic.

"How was the banquet tonight? I saw you chatting with those presidents and club leaders for a long time," Liu Shishi changed the subject, her voice languid.

"It's nothing more than a showdown and a test of strength," Song Ci explained. "The current vice president is very interested in Devon's new energy battery strategy."

SK's special assistant also subtly inquired about Tenda's next investment intentions in the semiconductor design software field.

He paused, then lowered his head and rubbed his chin against the fragrance of his wife's hair, chuckling lightly as he teased, "But the most dazzling person here is still my wife. Several Mrs. Ju complimented your dress and your elegance."

Liu Shishi's eyebrows curved into crescent moons as she turned her head to look at her husband's handsome face: "Really? Then I've made the richest man proud?"

"Of course." Song Ci lowered his head and planted a light kiss on her smooth forehead. "Not just for your good looks, you are my virtuous wife."

The couple smiled at each other, and the room was filled with an unspoken understanding and warmth.

Song Ci pulled his wife to sit down on the sofa by the window: "How about you? How did your chat with those socialites and ladies go?"

Liu Shishi suddenly laughed, as if she had remembered something amusing: "I know a Ms. Jin, whose husband is a mayor. Guess what she said her husband's special skill was?" Before Song Ci could speak, she couldn't help but say, "He can endure hunger! She said her husband can endure hunger very well."

Song Ci was taken aback, and inexplicably thought of the "King of Endurance for Hunger on the Peninsula," but he did not see him at the banquet.

I didn't dwell on this little incident. It's only 2013, and it's still a long way from that person stepping onto the East Asian stage. Besides, with myself as a variable, the future of the world is inherently full of unknowns.

After quietly gazing at the night view for a while, Liu Shishi suddenly sighed softly, "Speaking of which, Miss Fu Zhen is truly admirable."

She always had a certain drive; she shouldered family responsibilities while managing her own career, navigating so many male-dominated settings with ease—that's something most people couldn't do.

He paused, a hint of wistful longing in his voice: "When our children grow up, I wonder if they will have the same ability and spirit to support such a large enterprise as Tengda?"

Song Ci tightened his grip on her shoulder, his gaze still fixed on the sea of ​​lights outside the window, his tone calm and clear: "Shishi, we don't need to be so obsessed with children."

He turned to gaze at his wife's beautiful profile and said, "The domestic environment is different from the South Korean chaebol model. It will not allow the existence of 'hereditary monopoly' conglomerates."

What a child will grow up to be depends primarily on their own choices and talents.

He took a deep breath and spoke in a calm and open voice: "If you are qualified, willing, capable, and interested in taking on the responsibility, that would be best. We will provide you with the best education and experience."

But if someone has ordinary talent, or whose ambitions lie elsewhere and who simply wants to be a happy, ordinary person, we should still support them.

Let him live a comfortable life as a wealthy man, hand over the group to a professional team, enjoy the benefits of technology, and live a peaceful and happy life. There's nothing wrong with that.

The continuation of wealth and business empire should not be a cross he must bear.

As Liu Shishi listened, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, revealing a maternal instinct and a desire to prepare for the future: "That's true, but Tengda is your life's work."

I still hope our child will be like you, even more outstanding, at least capable of maintaining the family business, right? Elite education needs to start from a young age; otherwise, how will they cope with complex situations later on?

Looking at his wife's earnest expression, Song Ci chuckled softly, his eyes full of understanding.

He gently smoothed her furrowed brows, his gesture filled with tenderness: "Okay, whatever you say. Elite education is fine, but don't push him too hard. Most importantly, he needs a happy childhood."

There was no further argument. This was merely his wife's beautiful anticipation for the future, tinged with a gentle anxiety. There was still plenty of time; everything could be taken slowly.

Liu Shishi realized she had been a bit too hasty, and with a laugh, she leaned her head back on her beloved's shoulder, muttering softly, "I was just thinking about it..."

Song Ci suddenly noticed that his wife was acting strangely tonight. Why was she suddenly so concerned about the children's education?
In that instant, a thought flashed through her mind, and she asked urgently, "Shishi, are you pregnant?"

Liu Shishi was taken aback, subconsciously touched her flat stomach, and shook her head: "No."

Song Ci didn't say anything more, afraid that she would overthink it, and just tightened his arms to hug her even tighter.

Liu Shishi sighed softly, secretly blaming herself for being so weak, and her mood immediately plummeted.

Seeing her like this, Song Ci quickly changed the subject: "I've already thought of a name for our future child."

Liu Shishi's interest was piqued, and she asked curiously, "What's your name?"

A fatherly tenderness spread across Song Ci's face: "If it's a boy, we'll name him Song Yun; if it's a girl, we'll name her Song Yu."

"Yun and Yu, is there any special significance to it?" Liu Shishi asked with interest, like a curious child.

“Yun means to conceal wisdom within; Yu means to shine brightly in the world,” Song Ci explained softly.

Liu Shishi suddenly realized, a warm feeling and understanding welling up in her heart. These two words were the most accurate reflection of the two of them.
Her husband is introverted and low-key, and acts with the wisdom of "a gentleman keeps his talents hidden until the right time to act"; moreover, she is a top female star, dazzling in her own right.

With a sudden realization, Liu Shishi's eyes softened, and she murmured, "Song Yun, Song Yu, they sound so nice. I like both names and hope I can use them."

A look of eagerness flashed in Song Ci's eyes. Her fingertips gently caressed her delicate skin, and her breathing gradually quickened: "We need to use everything we can. We have to work really hard."

The two fell silent, their figures gradually overlapping on the sofa. Outside the window, the Seoul night sky remained dazzling and deep as ink.

The following day, Seoul's sky was clear and the sunlight cast a warm glow on this city where modernity and tradition intertwined.

Song Ci and Liu Shishi, having finally managed to steal a moment of leisure, shed their identities as business tycoons and superstars and traveled together like ordinary tourists.

The two walked past the vermilion walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace and through the cobblestone streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, causing a small commotion wherever they went.

Liu Shishi gained immense popularity in South Korea for her role as "Ruoxi" in "Scarlet Heart," and her elegant and gentle image has deeply resonated with audiences.

When many fans recognized her, their eyes flashed with surprise and admiration. Some called out "Ruoxi" softly in broken Chinese, while others politely stepped forward to ask for a photo.

In the afternoon, the two rested at a traditional teahouse in Insadong, slowly savoring the rich aroma of Korean ginseng tea.

Suddenly, Song Ci's phone vibrated; the caller ID showed it was her subordinate, Liu Rong.

"Chairman Song, I'm sorry to bother you." Liu Rong's voice was clear and tinged with excitement. "I just received a cooperation offer from the headquarters of SBS Television in South Korea."

“SBS? One of the three major broadcasting networks in South Korea.” Song Ci raised an eyebrow, asking curiously, “What exactly are they planning to collaborate on?”

"It's about 'My Love from the Star'." Liu Rong's words couldn't hide her surprise and joy. "SBS said that this drama has caused a phenomenal craze in South Korea and even Asia, with its reputation and influence far exceeding expectations."

After internal evaluation, they hope to obtain overseas remake rights to produce a Korean version of "My Love from the Star."

"My Love from the Star" was a hit in China and other parts of Asia when it was starring Fan Bingbing and Qiao Zhengyu, but several years have passed since then.

It was quite unexpected that Song Ci was suddenly noticed by a mainstream South Korean television station, which actively sought to remake the film.

However, he immediately understood why Liu Rong had specifically asked for instructions. As the screenwriter of this drama, and since it involved him personally, his subordinates naturally dared not make decisions on their own.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Song Ci had already grasped the meaning.

The remake of "My Love from the Star" is a good thing. It can be considered a cultural export and can greatly enhance the status and influence of Tengda Group in the Asian cultural market.

"Reply to SBS that cooperation is possible." He immediately and decisively instructed, "Have them prepare a detailed cooperation plan and evaluation report first. The subsequent specific negotiations will be handled by Tengda Culture."

"Understood, Chairman! I'll take care of it right away." Liu Rong replied readily.

After hanging up the phone, Song Ci told Liu Shishi the news, jokingly asking, "How come an old drama from a few years ago is suddenly popular again?"

Liu Shishi quickly came up with a solution after a moment's thought. Her husband never paid attention to the minutiae of the entertainment industry, but she had heard a little about it, and immediately explained:
"Recently, Paramount officially announced that Fan Bingbing will star in 'Transformers 4,' and this once-popular Asian series has been brought up again for hype."

"I see." Song Ci suddenly realized, then smiled and waved her hand, "Never mind that. Shishi, have you rested enough? Let's go to the next attraction."

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(End of this chapter)