Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 477 Haisi

In the warm spring of March, new buds adorn the branches of Shenzhen.

Early in the morning, Yu Chendong, president of Huawei Terminal, swiped his finger across his tablet and stopped at the Weibo post published by the "China Mobile Phone Alliance".

The black lettering on a white background made his eyes twitch slightly.

The media's ability to fabricate rumors is always beyond imagination. Rumors such as "Yu Chendong may be transferred to Huawei Cloud Services, and Liang Hua, head of Huawei's supply chain, will take over the terminal business" are rampant, as if it were a done deal.

I put down the tablet and rubbed my tense temples. The heavy pressure that had been pressing in from all sides lately was almost suffocating.

The scene of a group of emotionally charged executives blocking the office door and demanding an explanation after the announcement that the terminal business had failed to meet the target and the year-end bonus was zero before the Lunar New Year is still vivid in my mind.

Since taking on the daunting task of managing Huawei's mobile phones last year, he has devoted himself to trying to turn things around, but has failed to produce any outstanding results.

The harshness of the market and the internal doubts weighed heavily on my shoulders, often leaving me feeling exhausted.

What's next? How will Mr. Ren make his decision? These doubts and uncertainties are gradually eroding his confidence.

Just then, the internal phone on the table rang suddenly. After answering, the CEO's secretary's voice came through: "Mr. Yu, Mr. Ren requests that you come up here now."

He's here! Yu Chendong took a deep breath, straightened his slightly wrinkled suit jacket, and hurriedly left.

The top-floor office is spacious and simply furnished.

Ren Zhengfei was writing furiously at his desk. The 69-year-old was in high spirits, with a clear mind, and processed documents at an astonishing speed, with the efficiency and decisiveness unique to soldiers.

Hearing Yu Chendong enter, she merely raised her eyes slightly, gesturing for him to sit down first.

Yu Chendong knew the old man's habits well, so he didn't dare to make a sound and quietly sat down in the chair in front of the large desk, waiting patiently.

About ten minutes later, Ren Zhengfei finally put down his pen, raised his hand to push up his reading glasses, and looked calmly at his subordinates.

“Chen Dong,” the voice was gentle yet firm, “I’ve been wanting to talk to you in detail, but I’ve been too busy before the New Year. Today is the perfect time.”

Leaning slightly forward, he said, "Tell me, what are your plans for this year?"

Yu Chendong took a deep breath, cleared his mind of all distractions, and laid out the plan he had pondered countless times.

"Mr. Ren, I believe that the terminal business, especially mobile phones, must adhere to the mid-to-high-end route. This is the only way to survive and the way out for the future."

Noticing Ren Zhengfei's almost imperceptible slight nod, she felt a little relieved, her speech quickened, and her logic became clearer: "The low-end mobile phone market is now a bloodbath."

Xiaomi has perfected the price-performance ratio. If we try to compete on price and cost, we will have no advantage and will only get stuck in a quagmire, struggling to survive, let alone make a profit and develop.

Eighty percent of the profits in the smartphone market come from the mid-to-high-end segment. We must push in that direction!

Yu Chendong's eyes were burning, and his voice carried a do-or-die determination: "President Ren, it will definitely be very difficult at the beginning!"
But as long as we grit our teeth and persevere, once Huawei phones have established themselves in the mid-to-high-end market, a bright future awaits them.

If Huawei's consumer business wants to become a pillar of the company's operations, rather than a drag on them, it must take this path!

Ren Zhengfei listened quietly, his deep gaze revealing no emotion, but Yu Chendong could sense that he was listening attentively and weighing the underlying strategic logic.

Having weathered many storms in his life, the old man possessed keen insight and could naturally discern the immense risks involved, but he could also see the enormous rewards that might follow.

Seeing that the old man's expression had softened and he hadn't voiced any objection, Yu Chengdong considered the matter carefully before cautiously probing in a serious tone:

"Mr. Ren, if we really want to establish ourselves in the high-end market and compete head-on with international giants like Apple and Samsung, there is one thing that is crucial, or even indispensable."

He paused, met Ren Zhengfei's gaze, and said, word by word, "I hope that the company can persist and increase investment to make our own chips, so that HiSilicon can truly become the heart of Huawei mobile phones."

After speaking, he held his breath, his gaze fixed on the old man opposite him, anticipation and trepidation mingling in his eyes.

This idea had been brewing in his mind for a long time, but this was a matter of great importance.

Developing chips in-house means investing billions or even tens of billions of dollars every year. According to Moore's Law, this is a never-ending competition that requires long-term, strategic, and continuous financial support from the company.

The office fell silent. Ren Zhengfei did not immediately express his opinion, but stared at Yu Chendong with his eyes that had seen it all.

After a long while, he slowly leaned back in his chair, a complex and difficult-to-discern emotion flashing across his eyes. There was scrutiny, weighing of options, and also a very faint trace of approval for the courage of the person in front of him who had gone all out.

At a time when the terminal business is in such dire straits, to dare to propose such a plan that requires continuous "burning money" at the level of tens of billions and whose future is uncertain requires the courage and determination to take a gamble.

"Chip!" He uttered these two words slowly, as if weighing their immense weight. "Chen Dong, you have foresight and great courage. But let me think about this for a few days before giving you an answer."

The Huawei leader spoke with great caution: "I have always advocated taking the technology route and being willing to invest in research and development. This is the fundamental reason why Huawei has been able to grow step by step to where it is today."

But chips are different! They're a bottomless pit; once you step into it, there's no turning back, you can only fight to the bitter end.

If we give up halfway, all the tens of billions of dollars invested in the early stages will be wasted. As the head of the company, I must be extremely cautious with every step I take.

How to allocate the company's resources, when the terminal business will see improvement, and when chip R&D will produce results... all these aspects require comprehensive consideration and cannot be decided on a whim.

Yu Chendong felt a little relieved; at least his application hadn't been rejected outright, which gave him hope.

He nodded immediately, his tone sincere: "President Ren, I understand your difficulties and the company's overall considerations. No matter the outcome, I will do my best to develop the terminal business."

"Hmm." Ren Zhengfei's expression softened somewhat. "Don't carry too much of a psychological burden. Whether you make chips or not, you are still the president of Huawei's terminal business."

These words acted as a reassurance, calming Yu Chendong's wavering emotions.

The old man changed the subject: "I'm going to Beijing the day after tomorrow to attend the National People's Congress. Pack your things and come north with me."

Yu Chendong was taken aback upon hearing this, wondering why the old man was going to the meeting as a representative, which was a serious matter. He was completely baffled.

Ren Zhengfei stated frankly: "That guy from Tengda Technology asked to meet with me, saying he had something important to discuss. He even specifically mentioned your name, hoping I would bring you along."

Yu Chendong was even more confused: "Tengda Technology? The richest man?"

Seeing his subordinates' bewildered expressions, Ren Zhengfei waved his hand and said, "Don't overthink it. Everything will become clear once you meet him in Beijing."

Then he added, "I'll try to streamline the HiSilicon chip plan these next few days, the more detailed the better. Once I get back from Beijing, I'll formally discuss this at a meeting."

The four words "to be discussed at the meeting" were like a sharp ray of light, instantly piercing through the fog and anxiety in Yu Chendong's heart.

The road ahead is still fraught with difficulties, and Ren Zhengfei's attitude remains cautious, but this statement means that his proposal, which he is risking everything for, has truly been placed on the table of Huawei's highest decision-making level.

"Yes, Mr. Ren! I'll go back and prepare immediately!" Yu Chendong nodded vigorously, as if all his previous fatigue and anxiety had been swept away.

At the same time, the morning sun shone even brighter. In the private room of the coffee shop opposite the Tengda Technology Building, the light was soft, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of coffee.

Liu Shishi picked up her bone china cup, took a small sip, and her gaze fell on Liang Jianzhang, the CEO of Ctrip, sitting across from her.

Since their wedding that caused a sensation across the internet on New Year's Day, the richest couple has become the focus of attention for major high-end travel agencies in Beijing.

The couple's honeymoon trip is undoubtedly a golden brand that can leverage the high-end market.

CYTS, Caissa, and Ctrip – whoever wins this order will become a household name in the high-end customized travel market.

Although Liang Jianzhang is also a prominent figure in the business world, he did not dare to be arrogant in front of the richest man's wife, and spoke in a humble tone:
"Thank you for taking the time to meet me, Ms. Liu. We heard you are very interested in the aurora borealis, so Ctrip has prepared a detailed plan for you to review."

Liu Shishi smiled and nodded, understanding in her heart.

Liang Jianzhang was a professor at Peking University's Guanghua School of Management. He was able to make this meeting possible thanks to his connections at Peking University.

Her husband had to prepare for the representative meeting and handle company affairs these past few days, so he entrusted her with all the arrangements for their honeymoon.

Liu Shishi was gentle and polite, smiling sweetly: "I'm sorry to trouble Mr. Liang to make a special trip from Shanghai."

The woman who came with Liang Jianzhang handed over her business card at the right time, her voice crisp and efficient: "Hello, Ms. Liu, I am Hou Yue, the head of the high-end customization department of Ctrip."

Hou Yue was dressed in a well-tailored custom-made suit and had a neat and efficient demeanor. It was clear at a glance that she was a capable assistant under Liang Jianzhang.

Liu Shishi took the business card and nodded in acknowledgment.

Hou Yue immediately opened her tablet and began to explain in detail: "The Iceland trip we designed for you and Mr. Song uses a service model of private butler plus an external expert team."

Although April is not the best time to view the aurora, we have contacted the Astronomical Institute at the University of Iceland, and experts will provide real-time aurora forecasts and suggestions for the best viewing locations.

Liu Shishi listened attentively, and Hou Yue's explanation was professional and detailed.

From planning private jet routes to providing helicopter transfers in Thingvellir National Park, and a complete set of emergency plans to deal with Iceland’s unpredictable weather, every detail has been carefully considered.

“We will arrange for two people to stay in an aurora-themed deluxe suite. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air hot spring, so you can enjoy the aurora even indoors.”

Slide the screen to display hotel images. "In addition, there are unique experiences such as glacier hiking and geothermal hot springs. If you have enough time, you can also arrange a puffin watching tour of the Westman Islands."

Liu Shishi's eyes lit up, and she became interested, so she couldn't help but chat with Hou Yue about a few details.

After a moment's hesitation, he turned to Liang Jianzhang: "Mr. Liang, I am very satisfied with Ctrip's proposal. I will confirm with my husband tonight, and if he has no objections, please have Manager Hou directly contact my assistant to discuss the specifics."

Liang Jianzhang remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

At the beginning of the year, he launched the "Premium Travel" series against all odds, and finally found the most ideal spokesperson.

If Ctrip can secure the honeymoon bookings of the richest couple, it will undoubtedly open up a new chapter in the high-end tourism market.

With the honeymoon trip finalized, Liu Shishi saw Liang Jianzhang off and returned to the private room. It was nearly noon by then.

I opened my laptop, logged onto the Poly Auction House website, and carefully browsed the recent antique and jade auctions.

As the page lights and shadows shifted, a dazzling array of treasures flashed before her eyes. Liu Shishi's gaze was focused, and her fingers occasionally slid across the touchpad to zoom in and examine the details closely.

With her father-in-law Song Zhang's fiftieth birthday approaching, she, as his daughter-in-law, needed to prepare a birthday gift that was both thoughtful and appropriate for his status.

As they were browsing, the door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Lei Jun's wife, Zhang Tong, walked in with a smile.

"Shishi, have I kept you waiting?"

"Sister Tong is here." Liu Shishi smiled sweetly, closed her laptop, stood up to greet her, and instructed the waiter to serve the dishes.

The food was ordered in advance: roasted New Zealand langoustines and Australian steak, accompanied by freshly shaved white truffles, whose refreshing aroma instantly filled the room.

The two ate and chatted.

Zhang Tong mentioned the recent progress of the poetry charity foundation he helps manage, noting that it has already built 86 primary and secondary schools across the country.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's expression turned serious, and she sincerely thanked her: "Thank you for your hard work, Sister Tong. You have truly done a great thing."

Zhang Tong waved his hand and said with a smile, "I feel at ease knowing I can actually contribute to charity."

As she spoke, she noticed that Liu Shishi kept glancing at the computer, so she asked with a smile what was making her so distracted.

Liu Shishi sighed softly and began to recount her troubles in choosing a birthday gift.

Zhang Tong pondered for a moment and suggested, "I remember your father-in-law is a chief physician at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, right?"
Considering his profession, perhaps we could take a different approach and send him some rare ancient medical texts, which would be more to his liking?

Liu Shishi suddenly felt her mind clear. She had just seen on the website that a rare printed edition of the "Huangdi Neijing" would be auctioned next month.

"Great, thank you for reminding me, Sister Tong!" She felt much more at ease and decided to focus on this set of books while also selecting a few other antiques as backups.

With one worry resolved, Liu Shishi looked much more relaxed. She closed her laptop, took a document from her bag, and handed it to Zhang Tong.

Zhang Tong smiled knowingly. Liu Shishi had previously mentioned to her that she planned to establish a venture capital fund focusing on angel and Series A investments in companies, and had even invited her to serve as CEO.

Upon receiving the document, I was secretly amazed to see that the company, Huiwen Asset Management, had a paid-in capital of 500 million yuan. It was truly a company with deep pockets.

Suddenly remembering something, Zhang Tong raised an eyebrow and asked, "Shishi, didn't you say before that you gave President Song an elemental wall that cost over a billion yuan and that you were short on cash? How come you've changed your mind so quickly..."

Liu Shishi blinked and smiled slightly: "It was deducted from my husband's salary card."

Zhang Tong couldn't help but laugh and asked curiously, "How much does the richest man earn in a year? Don't be like some big shots who only take a one-yuan annual salary, just for show."

“He is the highest-ranking manager in Tengda’s management hierarchy, level eighteen,” Liu Shishi said with a smile. “His net income is 120 million, which is 10 million per month.”

I transferred some money from his account, plus my own secret stash, and together we made 5 million. That should be enough for us to get by for a while.

Zhang Tong smiled after hearing this: "You two are truly the envy of everyone. Using your husband's salary card to start a company, President Song's 'household expenses' are really quite generous."

Liu Shishi smiled, a hint of feminine smugness in her eyes: "He doesn't really have a concept of daily expenses."

This money's been sitting in my account for ages, I should use it to make a small investment. Sister Tong, let's do it together!

Zhang Tong nodded and readily accepted the CEO position. She also wanted to try and see if she could truly make a name for herself in the investment world.

(End of this chapter)