Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 478 The Highlight of Life
March 5, 2013, Beiping (Beijing).

In the early morning, the sky was still gray, and the dawn had not yet broken.

Song Ci had finished washing up and was dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, which made him look even more handsome and dashing.

As a newly elected people's representative, I am about to go to that sacred hall to attend the opening ceremony of the National Congress.

Even though he is Asia's richest man and an internet giant who has weathered many storms, he still couldn't help but feel a little excited and nervous at this moment.

Liu Shishi came over with a classic dark-colored tie, her eyes full of tenderness and pride.

Her slender fingers deftly wrapped the tie around her husband's neck and carefully tied a Windsor knot.

"My husband is so handsome!" She smiled and looked at him with adoring eyes. "Mr. Song, you must be the most handsome guy in the Great Hall of the People today."

Upon hearing this, Song Ci's tense expression eased, and he couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle, gently squeezing his wife's soft hand.

"Today I am just one of more than two thousand representatives, here to learn and perform my duties. The main characters are others, so there's no need for me to show off today." His tone was gentle, with his usual composure and clarity.

“I understand! Be humble, cautious, and remember your mission.” Liu Shishi replied playfully, then tiptoed and quickly planted a fragrant kiss on her husband’s cheek.

Then, she suppressed her smile, her expression becoming serious and solemn, and carefully pinned the bright red badge above the left breast pocket of her husband's suit, gently smoothing it out.

That dazzling red, like a leaping flame, symbolizes honor and carries responsibility.

Song Ci looked down at his wife's focused expression, his eyes filled with tenderness, and held her hand tightly: "I'm going."

"Okay, good luck." Liu Shishi nodded and watched her husband turn and leave.

At that moment, Song Ci walked steadily, his back view exuding an unprecedented sense of mission and high spirits.

Around 7 a.m., at the Great Hall of the People.

After undergoing a rigorous security check, Song Ci entered the solemn and magnificent Great Hall of the People.

The dome was high and wide, and the lights were brilliant. A solemn and sublime atmosphere permeated the air, causing him to unconsciously slow his pace and feel a sense of awe.

I walked slowly forward and stopped in front of the famous large-scale traditional Chinese painting "Spring Herald" and gazed at it for a long time.

The painting depicts red plum blossoms blooming proudly in the snow, displaying resilience and vitality. This scene stirred a deep and unsettling emotion within him.

Nine years of entrepreneurial journey seem like yesterday. From the start of the business to the world-renowned Tengda Technology, from obscurity to becoming the richest man in Asia... personal struggles and the tides of the times are closely intertwined.

Today, being able to enter the highest parliament of the country as a people's representative is not only a personal honor, but also a full affirmation and emphasis placed on the entire internet industry, the private economy, and the power of technological innovation by the country.

As a leading figure in China's internet era, his election symbolizes that representatives of the new economy are officially stepping onto the forefront of national life, participating in national affairs, and offering suggestions and advice.

A surge of pride welled up within me: "Life is a journey through adversity, and we are fortunate to have participated in it in this way."

"Isn't this plum blossom painting beautiful? I was deeply moved when I first saw it." A steady and powerful voice with a slight accent rang out from the side.

Upon hearing the sound, Song Ci turned to the side and saw a sprightly old man with a kind face but sharp eyes smiling at him.

He was slightly startled and immediately recognized the person as Ren Zhengfei, the founder of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

This entrepreneur, who has always insisted on technological research and development and led Huawei to carve out a path in the international communications market, is a senior and role model whom he deeply respects.

Song Ci quickly bowed slightly, extended her hands, and said humbly, "President Ren, hello! I've long admired your name."

Ren Zhengfei smiled and shook hands with Song Ci, then looked the young, yet already remarkably successful, billionaire up and down, his eyes filled with admiration and emotion.

"President Song, we're in the same boat. I've long admired your reputation. Today, this old man is finally able to meet you, such a young and outstanding person."

The old man spoke in a very gentle tone, looking at this radiant young tycoon, as if he saw his own past self who dared to think, act, and forge ahead.

But the student surpasses the teacher; the heights and influence achieved by the young man before him have far exceeded those of his contemporaries.

Although it was their first meeting, Song Ci and Ren Zhengfei felt an instant connection.

The two exchanged views on technological development, industry trends, and even the international competitive environment, and seemed to regret not having met sooner.

As entrepreneurs representing the cutting-edge power of China's internet and hard technology, respectively, they share many similar ideas.

However, this is the solemn Great Hall of the People, and at this important moment of the opening of the National People's Congress, it is not an occasion for in-depth discussions on business cooperation.

Fortunately, the two had already made initial contact, so they exchanged a knowing smile and agreed to discuss it in detail at another time later.

With 8 a.m. approaching, the conference was about to open.

Song Ci and Ren Zhengfei exchanged a solemn nod and quickly walked into the meeting room.

Today, the two not only shoulder the mission of offering suggestions and advice, but also have an important task: to step together onto the newly opened "Representatives' Passage".

At 8 o'clock sharp, Song Ci and Ren Zhengfei stood side by side at the starting point of the "Representatives' Passage".

A massive crowd had gathered ahead, and the cameras and microphones of major media outlets from around the world were already on high alert, filling the air with anticipation and anxiety.

The host's voice solemnly rang out through the microphone: "Now, please welcome the first group of representatives to enter the venue."

Song Ci took a deep breath, calming her excitement and thoughts, and then, with her head held high and chest out, walked steadily into the center of the interview area alongside Ren Zhengfei, who was more experienced.

In an instant, flashes of light appeared all around, as if it were daytime, and the sound of shutters clicking incessantly.

A murmur rippled through the group of reporters, not only because of the massive corporations represented by the two representatives.

What's more, Song Ci, as Asia's richest man, possesses an astonishingly youthful and handsome appearance. His effortless, confident, and charismatic demeanor made him the undisputed focus of the entire event.

Ren Zhengfei and Song Ci walked to the microphone and humbly bowed slightly to the media present.

The host then introduced the two representatives: "The two representatives are Song Ci, founder and chairman of Tenda Technology Group."

Song Ci took a step forward in response, and calmly greeted the numerous cameras with a clear and steady voice: "Good morning, everyone."

"Representative of Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd."

Ren Zhengfei then stepped forward, spoke into the microphone in a calm yet powerful tone: "Hello everyone."

The host then initiated the interview segment: "Now, please begin asking your questions."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chinese and foreign reporters in the audience raised their arms, creating an exceptionally enthusiastic atmosphere.

"Please ask your question, CCTV reporter in the first row." The host selected the reporter.

A CCTV female reporter took the microphone and said clearly and distinctly, "Thank you, host. A reporter from CCTV asked a question, and I would like to ask the representative of Song Ci."

His gaze then fell on Song Ci, and he continued:

"Hello, Mr. Song Ci. As a leading entrepreneur in the internet industry, how do you think we should leverage innovation to deeply integrate the internet with traditional manufacturing to better contribute to the country's economic development?" Facing the CCTV camera and the attention of the entire audience, Song Ci remained remarkably calm, nodded slightly, and spoke eloquently, offering a forward-looking response.

"Thank you for your question. I believe the key to the future lies in vigorously promoting the 'Internet Plus' strategy."

Specifically, in terms of integration with traditional manufacturing, the core is to leverage internet technology, thinking, and models to deeply transform and upgrade the entire industry chain, including R&D, production, manufacturing, marketing, and services.

He paused briefly before continuing, his gaze intelligent and focused: "For example, through an industrial internet platform, we can achieve data interconnection and intelligent analysis of production equipment, optimize processes, and improve production efficiency and quality."

Leveraging big data and artificial intelligence, we can accurately understand market demand, promote flexible manufacturing and personalized customization, and reduce inventory waste…

"In conclusion," Song Ci concluded, her voice filled with a sense of responsibility, "'Internet+' is not simply a combination of the two."

Instead, we should empower traditional industries through technological innovation and drive their transformation towards digitalization, networking, and intelligence.

Song Ci's speech was logically clear and insightful, demonstrating both profound understanding and practical application. It not only addressed the issues but also clearly outlined a new direction for China's internet to empower the real economy in the future.

As soon as he finished speaking, a flurry of camera shutters and thunderous applause erupted once again.

The interview session continued.

Subsequently, a reporter from People's Daily was given the opportunity to ask a question to Ren Zhengfei, inquiring about how Chinese high-tech enterprises should uphold innovation and break through bottlenecks in the current global technological competition landscape.

Ren Zhengfei spoke calmly and profoundly, using his uniquely simple yet insightful language to explain the importance of adhering to basic research and development and open cooperation.

His answers were clear and logical, insightful and profound, full of wisdom gained through trials and tribulations. His calm and dignified demeanor complemented the pioneering spirit and innovative ideas of Song Ci poetry, and his style was in no way inferior.

This scene, transmitted to the world through the camera, is of great significance.

Song Ci and Ren Zhengfei, one a newcomer and the other a veteran entrepreneur, are a vivid microcosm of the continuation and development of China's science and technology industry.

Tenda and Huawei, two tech giants, one focusing on software and internet ecosystem, and the other deeply cultivating hardware and communication technology, represent the two core engines for the take-off of the digital economy.

As the opening guests of the first "Representatives' Corridor" session of this National Congress, the fact that the two of them jointly accepted the review of Chinese and foreign media is itself a strong signal.

This symbolizes the immense power of China's scientific and technological innovation being fully integrated into the national governance system, and also represents China's firm choice of "leading high-quality development with scientific and technological innovation" as the future path.

At 9:00 a.m., the atmosphere inside the auditorium was one of utmost sanctity and focus, allowing no one to lose focus even for a moment. Everyone was compelled to immerse themselves in the moment, feeling the pulse of the nation's development and experiencing the heavy responsibility on their shoulders.

The morning meeting concluded in a solemn atmosphere. Representatives from various regions left in an orderly manner and proceeded to the designated Xizhimen Hotel for lunch and a short rest.

Lunch was served buffet-style, which facilitated networking among the delegates. Song Ci had just finished getting her lunch when she encountered several familiar business representatives.

Lei Jun of Xiaomi waved enthusiastically, Dong Mingzhu of Gree greeted him with a smile, and Li Yanhong of Baidu was talking to someone else... all of them are leading figures in their respective fields.

Meeting in this kind of meeting setting now, there is less of the business rivalry and more of a sense of camaraderie as fellow representatives discussing national affairs.

Everyone naturally gathered together, and the atmosphere was very harmonious.

In the afternoon, in a corner of Beiping (Beijing).

Inside a private tea room in a tastefully decorated and highly private establishment, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Superstar Li Bingbing and Ren Quan sat facing each other, sipping tea and chatting idly with smiles on their faces.

A short while later, the door to the private room was gently pushed open, and Huang Xiaoming rushed in: "Sorry, there was a bit of traffic on the way, I'm late."

Li Bingbing greeted him with a smile, unable to resist teasing, "Congratulations, Xiaoming! Your girlfriend has really stolen the show this time, earning a place among the 'Four Little Flowers'!" His tone was clearly playful.

Upon hearing this, Huang Xiaoming's face showed a hint of helplessness and a bitter smile.

I had repeatedly warned Yang Ying to be careful in this selection process and not to surpass Yang Mi and the rising star Zhao Liying in the number of votes, so as not to become the target of public criticism.

To his surprise, his girlfriend ignored his advice and even pushed the vote to the top of the list, causing a stir in the industry.

Later, Liu Shishi couldn't stand it anymore and personally stepped in to campaign for Yang Mi and Zhao Liying, which allowed Yang Ying to finish in third place.

Li Bingbing actually looked down on Yang Ying, thinking she had no acting skills or works, and relied entirely on hype and topics to gain traffic. He believed that it was easy to fall hard when you climb high.

However, since her friend Huang Xiaoming genuinely liked it, she, as an outsider, couldn't say much and could only make lighthearted jokes.

Huang Xiaoming took a few sips of tea and changed the subject: "Sister Bingbing, how have you been lately? I heard that the role in Transformers 4 was a bit of a pity?"

Li Bingbing sighed, her expression slightly gloomy: "Yes, we didn't get it."

Reflecting on the changes in the current "four actresses and two soldiers" structure, one can't help but sigh:
"Let's not even talk about Xu Jinglei, she's practically semi-retired. Zhao Yanzi focuses most of her attention on business, and acting has become a side job."

Zhang Ziyi's performance in "The Grandmaster," despite its positive reviews, was hampered by the box office failure of "Lost in Thailand," resulting in a string of box office flops and a significant blow to her career. Zhou Xun, on the other hand, surprised me by returning to television dramas.

"Now it seems that Fan Bingbing is the most promising. She has boarded the big ship of Tengda Culture and obtained the resources of 'Transformers 4'. Her international status is steadily rising."

She paused, then sighed softly, "In the blink of an eye, I'm almost 40!"

The setbacks in her career, coupled with the rapid rise of the new generation of actresses born in the 85s, suddenly made her consider giving up.

But she immediately shook her head, as if trying to shake off this negative thought. Li Bingbing was not one to give up easily.

Seeing that his friend was losing interest, Huang Xiaoming wisely stopped asking and instead brought up the important matter of their meeting: "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Let's get serious. You've heard about this, right?

Liu Shishi just established a venture capital fund, Huiwen Asset Management, a couple of days ago. Its paid-in capital is 500 million yuan, and it focuses on investing in early-stage internet projects.

Looking at Ren Quan, he said in a serious tone: "Ah Quan, you've retired from the front lines of the entertainment industry and focused on the investment industry for several years now. You're one of the first people in our circle to get the hang of things."

With the internet wave so powerful these days, even Liu Shishi has personally jumped in. Shouldn't we join forces and really make a splash?

Ren Quan put away his casual smile and nodded in response: "The time is indeed ripe! I have accumulated some experience and connections over the past few years, and this is a good opportunity to enter the market."

Li Bingbing readily agreed, increasingly trusting Ren Quan's business acumen. He had previously invested in LeEco, and the stock price had soared, making him a fortune.

After some discussion, the three quickly reached a consensus:

They jointly established an investment company, investing a total of 1.2 million RMB, and named it "Big Shot Alliance Investment Management Co., Ltd."

Huang Xiaoming, who has the strongest financial resources, invested 6000 million yuan as a founding partner; Li Bingbing and Ren Quan each invested 3000 million yuan as general partners.

The actual operation and management of the company were handed over to Ren Quan for full responsibility.

With the matter largely settled, Ren Quan immediately took out a pre-prepared project plan from his briefcase and placed it on the table.

"Now that the direction has been set, here is a ready-made project: Hot and Spicy No. 1 Spicy Hot Pot."

I've examined the brand concept, location, and team; they have great potential. This can be our first investment project in our alliance of industry leaders, a great start.

(End of this chapter)