Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 479 Good Wife

On the evening of March 5th, the warm yellow lights in the faculty and staff dormitory building of Beihang University created a cozy atmosphere.

The nanny quietly cleared the dishes from the table, the porcelain clinking together with a soft, crisp sound.

Song Zhang and Liu Xiaoxian had already moved to the sofa in the living room.

On television, the host of CCTV-1's "Daily News" program was broadcasting a summary of the day's national conference agenda in a clear and articulate voice.

Suddenly, the scene changed, and the announcer's voice brought up a short message.

The next second, the two saw their son, Song Ci, appear prominently in the center of the screen, just like the scene that morning in the Great Hall of the People, where he calmly answered questions from Chinese and foreign reporters.

In front of the camera, Song Ci stood tall and straight, her sharp suit making her appear even more composed. Facing all sorts of tricky questions, she remained calm and composed, displaying remarkable charm.

"National People's Congress Representative Song Ci expressed full confidence in the country's economic development, believing that Chinese enterprises will seize opportunities and move towards a new stage of high-quality development in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation..."

"Yuandan looks so handsome." Liu Xiaoxian looked at her son talking eloquently on the screen, a proud smile spreading across her face. She couldn't help but lean forward slightly, as if she could see him more clearly that way.

Song Zhang was also filled with emotion, sighing, "Yes, more than twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Back then, she was so tiny, I was afraid of dropping her if I held her in my arms, and now..."

He paused, seemingly unable to find the right words to describe it, and finally said only, "...I really didn't expect that."

I never imagined that my son would reach such heights today, becoming a business tycoon and the richest man in Asia, making the Song family, a family of scholars, produce a golden phoenix that will shake the world.

This honor sometimes felt unreal, even to him as a father, as if it were a dream.

After the Daily News ended, Song Zhang picked up the remote control and switched to Beiping TV.

Not long after, the TV series "Silent Notebook," starring Liu Shishi, the daughter-in-law, appeared on the screen.

This drama caused a ratings frenzy when it was first broadcast on CCTV-8. Now it is being rebroadcast on Beiping Satellite TV and its popularity remains high, firmly holding the top spot in ratings for its time slot among all provincial satellite TV channels except CCTV.

In the scene, Liu Shishi, who plays the female lead Song Hongling, is passing on intelligence, her expression vivid and full of tension.

Song Zhang was engrossed in watching when he suddenly remembered something and said, "Hey, isn't Shishi's birthday in a few days? Should we invite our in-laws over for a get-together and a meal?"

Liu Xiaoxian glared at her husband, her tone implying, "Do you even need to tell me that?"

"New Year's Day is all planned out. I heard we booked the restaurant on the top floor of the China World Trade Center, just waiting to celebrate my wife's birthday."

"I just hope that Director Song doesn't get too busy with surgeries and working overtime and then stand me up."

Upon hearing this, Song Zhang chuckled and quickly assured him, "Don't worry, I'll arrange the shifts in advance." He then turned his gaze back to the television and offered a fair assessment, "Shi Shi's performance in this drama is indeed excellent and quite profound."

Watching the composed and dignified daughter-in-law in the drama gradually overlap with her gentle image in real life, I couldn't help but laugh and say, "At this rate, maybe our family will produce a People's Artist."

Liu Xiaoxian pursed her lips, ignoring her husband's words about "artists," but in her heart she felt that her daughter-in-law's acting was ultimately "showing her face in public," and not exactly the most respectable thing.

The son, Song Ci, now possesses trillions of dollars in assets and a vast business empire. His most important task right now is to produce an heir as soon as possible so that the family business can be passed down and thrive.

Shishi is already 26 years old (by Chinese reckoning), and having a child is, in her opinion, an extremely urgent and important matter. However, her son spoils his wife rotten.

Liu Xiaoxian considered herself a reasonable intellectual, not one of those ignorant gossipy women. She never revealed this idea to outsiders, only occasionally mentioning to her husband her desire to have a grandchild.

She and Song Zhang responded to the policy back then and only had one precious child, Song Ci. Now that their children are in such good condition, they should have more children. A large and prosperous family is a blessing.

Once the thought took hold, it was impossible to suppress. He couldn't help but say to Song Zhang, "When I meet my future mother-in-law this time, I have to bring up this matter and urge Shishi to have a baby. Career is important, but having a baby can't be delayed."

Although Song Zhang also longed to have a grandson, he felt that mentioning it on his birthday would be a downer.

He then advised, "Let's talk about happy things at the birthday party. As for urging us to have children, we can talk about it slowly after your birthday."

Liu Xiaoxian frowned, clearly disagreeing, but ultimately swallowed her words, only muttering with slight dissatisfaction, "I know."

Her gaze returned to the television screen, and she began to plan how to "casually" bring up this topic with her future mother-in-law.

At the same time, Jingyuan Private Residence presented a completely different scene.

Compared to the cozy, vintage feel of her parents' home, Song Ci and Liu Shishi's living room exudes modern luxury.

The television screen was also showing the Daily News.

Song Ci leaned back on the sofa, calmly watching the news clips about herself, her face expressionless.

Liu Shishi, like a lazy kitten, nestled in her husband's warm embrace, her slender fingers swiping the phone screen, intently scrolling through Weibo.

Unsurprisingly, topics such as #NationalRepresentativeSongCi# and #SongCiSpeech# appeared at the top of the trending search list.

Clicking in, I browsed through the comments with great interest, softly reading a few highly-rated messages, my voice filled with a sweet sense of pride:
“Yiyi, look at this one. ‘In his youth, he was dashing and spirited! Song Ci was really handsome, his aura was amazing, he was practically shining in that row of people!’...Netizens really know how to praise.”

"And this one, 'Huawei and Tenda, President Song and President Ren, this photo of them together is of profound significance, it feels like a collision and fusion of two eras.'"

"This is quite true. Song Ci has become increasingly low-key. Apart from Liu Shishi occasionally showing off her handsome husband, she hasn't appeared in the news for a long time."

Compared to the high-profile appearances and speeches of other bigwigs, this is quite different.

Liu Shishi's gaze swept across the screen, revealing even more heated discussions among netizens:
"His looks and intelligence are both off the charts; the novel's male protagonist has come to life, and he's even a People's Representative!"

"Am I the only one curious about what CEO Song's daily life looks like from my senior sister's perspective? Please show more of their affection!"

As Song Ci listened to his wife softly reading these comments, some praising and some teasing, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and held her tightly, his chin gently resting on the top of his wife's head, the familiar fragrance of her hair lingering around his nose.

He doesn't care much about outside opinions, but he particularly enjoys his wife's small acts of admiration and desire to share.

As the Daily News was nearing its end, Song Ci snapped out of her reverie, turned her head slightly, and said softly to Liu Shishi in her arms, "Shishi, please make arrangements for me at the Four Seasons Hotel tomorrow night. I'm hosting a banquet for Mr. Ren from Huawei."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi looked up, blinked her bright eyes, and immediately entered "good wife" mode, asking carefully, "Approximately how many guests are there?"
"Do you have any special food preferences or dietary restrictions that I need to discuss with the hotel in advance?" My husband solemnly entrusted me with this important banquet, and every detail had to be carefully considered.

Song Ci's expression turned serious: "Not many, just the two of you. President Ren and his subordinate Yu Chendong. Please keep the food light and the environment quiet. I have important matters to discuss with President Ren this time."

Liu Shishi nodded knowingly and then asked, "Do you need me to accompany you?"

Song Ci was amused by his wife's serious expression. He kissed her smooth cheek heavily and teased, "Of course! I'm actually socially awkward, but I can't do without you. I rely on you to keep things in order."

"That's right!" Liu Shishi was amused, a hint of pride appearing on her face. "When Mr. Song takes me out, I can hold my own and make sure Mr. Song doesn't lose face."

The couple chatted and laughed for a few more minutes. Looking at the beautiful woman in his arms with her radiant smile, Song Ci felt a surge of love in his heart and couldn't help but kiss her delicate face a few more times, which made Liu Shishi laugh and dodge.

After lingering for a moment, Song Ci got up and went upstairs to her study: "I need to prepare my speech for tomorrow's meeting."

"Okay, don't stay up too late," Liu Shishi said considerately, watching her husband's tall figure walk up the stairs.

Then she picked up her phone again, contacted the hotel manager, and meticulously arranged the banquet for the following evening. Under the lamplight, her profile was gentle yet focused.

The following evening, the sunset painted the sky ablaze with color, dazzling and magnificent.

Inside the VIP suite on the top floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, the lights cast a warm glow, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Liu Shishi, who had arrived earlier, was carefully examining the furnishings of the private room:

A round table made of huanghuali wood sits in the center, while a sofa and coffee table are placed by the window for people to take a break before meals; the ink paintings on the wall have a profound artistic conception, adding a touch of elegance to the space.

Beside her, the hotel manager bowed slightly, his attitude respectful, and his face plastered with a fawning smile: "Madam, please take a look and see if there's anything that's not arranged properly, and we'll make improvements right away."

The manager was so respectful not only because the woman in front of him was the wife of the richest man, but also because Liu Shishi herself was a major shareholder of the Four Seasons Hotel and held the power of life and death over the hotel's management.

"That's fine then, well done." Liu Shishi looked it over carefully and nodded slightly after confirming that there were no errors.

"I'm glad you're satisfied, Madam. I'll be waiting next door tonight. Please feel free to ask if you need anything."

The manager breathed a sigh of relief and was about to lead the staff behind him out of the private room quietly.

Just then, a waiter pushed open the heavy solid wood door, then stepped aside to make room for a guest.

Liu Shishi looked in the direction of the voice and saw a middle-aged man in a dark suit enter the private room. He was about forty years old, with a sharp face and a calm demeanor.

She immediately realized that this must be Yu Chendong, the Huawei terminal manager whom her husband had specifically mentioned in his noon call that he would arrive a little earlier.

Just as he was about to step forward to greet her, Yu Chendong at the door moved even faster. He immediately recognized the radiant and elegant woman in the private room as none other than Liu Shishi, the wife of Song Ci.

Yu Chendong dared not be negligent in the slightest, and immediately quickened his pace, putting on a warm and humble smile, and speaking in a strong voice: "Hello, Mrs. Song! I have long admired your name, and I am honored to finally meet you today."

Liu Shishi was elegant and poised: "Hello, President Yu. My husband and President Ren just finished their meeting and are on their way. Please have a seat here."

"Madam, you're too kind." Yu Chendong readily agreed and sat down on a mahogany chair nearby.

Liu Shishi also took a seat, and a quick-witted waitress immediately came forward and served two cups of tea, the aroma of which rose gently.

To avoid an awkward silence, Liu Shishi picked up her teacup, took a sip, and started a casual conversation: "Which business area is Mr. Yu in charge of at Huawei?"

Yu Chendong replied with a smile, "I am mainly responsible for the company's terminal business, which, to put it bluntly, is making mobile phones."

"Mr. Yu also manufactures mobile phones?" Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's eyebrows curved slightly, as if her interest had been piqued. "Then you and Mr. Lei can be considered colleagues."

"Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi? I didn't expect Madam to be acquainted with CEO Lei Jun." A glint flashed in Yu Chendong's eyes.

As the president of Huawei's terminal business, he has always paid close attention to this competitor who founded Xiaomi and disrupted the mobile phone market with the Internet model.

After its launch, Xiaomi phones, with their extremely high cost-performance ratio and unique fan culture, have almost completely disrupted the domestic counterfeit phone market, and their momentum is not to be underestimated.

Liu Shishi smiled slightly and said naturally, "My husband and Mr. Lei are friends, and they often exchange business insights together."

After a pause, as if suddenly remembering something, he continued in a slightly anecdotal tone, "Mr. Yu, since you're also making mobile phones, you'd better put in a little more effort."

Xiaomi is preparing to launch a major new phone this year, which is rumored to feature a smart voice assistant similar to that of the Apple iPhone 4S.

These words, seemingly unintentional and just like ordinary gossip among ladies, were nothing short of a thunderclap to Yu Chendong's ears!

When Apple's Siri feature was launched, it shocked the entire industry with its unprecedented human-computer interaction experience, greatly enhancing Apple's image as a technological leader and its premium pricing power.

I never expected that Xiaomi, which has always focused on the mid-to-low-end market and is known for its cost-effectiveness, could catch up with such cutting-edge features so quickly! It's unbelievable!

If this is true, it would undoubtedly be a very threatening signal for Huawei phones, which are striving to penetrate the mid-to-high-end market!

Yu Chendong was deeply shocked, but remained outwardly calm. He quickly picked up his teacup to conceal his momentary lapse in composure and took the opportunity to probe:

"Oh? Madam, this news is quite ahead of its time. I wonder where you heard it? Intelligent voice technology has a high barrier to entry."

Liu Shishi looked calm and collected, as if she were talking about something trivial: "I'm the spokesperson for Xiaomi phones!"

My husband told me that Xiaomi's smart voice assistant uses Tenda's core voice recognition and semantic understanding technology.

Yu Chendong suddenly realized!
I was just wondering how Xiaomi could suddenly achieve a breakthrough in cutting-edge features, and it turns out it's because of the technical support from Tenda!
At this moment, a sense of urgency and crisis lingers in my heart.

Just as Yu Chendong was rapidly processing this unexpected information, Liu Shishi's lips curled up into a barely perceptible smile.

A sly, relieved look flashed in her eyes. The little task her husband had given her at noon—to "casually" reveal the information to Yu Chendong—had been successfully completed. Perfect!
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(End of this chapter)