Reborn in 08, a heretical cultivator starting a business

Chapter 134 Jiang Fan Joins the Team, Android Version Available Now!
In addition, Google's domestic business is struggling and shrinking.

There had been internal rumors of a complete withdrawal.

Jiang Fan and other Google employees are also facing unemployment.

The economic crisis has made it much more difficult to find a job.

This is Wang Junshan's chance!
They could easily hijack Alibaba's deal and bring Jiang Fan under their wing!
If you can acquire either Jiang Fan or Huang Zheng, you can conquer the e-commerce world.

If we could bring them all under our control, that would be incredible.

One person is in charge of Vipshop, and the other is in charge of Ugroup Buying + Ugroup International!

Internal horse racing, perfect!
Unfortunately, this is somewhat unrealistic.

Wang Junshan wasn't that greedy.

Having recruited Jiang Fan is enough!

As for Huang Zheng...

In a few years, Jiang Fan will complete the PPD ahead of schedule, allowing Huang Zheng to continue his entrepreneurial endeavors!
In his previous life, PDD relied on WeChat for viral growth; in this life, Wang Junshan won't give him that chance.

Even if this piece of gold can shine, it will never be as dazzling as it was in its previous life.

The domestic market can accommodate multiple e-commerce platforms, but there are only a handful of giants.

As for Jiang Fan's matter... Wang Junshan didn't think it was a big problem.

Everyone has weaknesses; that's normal.

If a creature has no weaknesses, then it's terrifying.

"Also, how's the spokesperson situation going? Perfect timing, let's have the new executives discuss it together," Wang Junshan said.

Tang Jinghe opened the PPT: "These celebrities are currently very popular, and their endorsement fees can be discounted due to the economic crisis."

Jay Chou is number one; his endorsement fee is expected to drop to 1400 million for two years.

Hu Xiaoyao, endorsement fee 400 million for two years.

Andy Lau's endorsement fee is 1200 million for two years.

"Mr. Feng, what do you think?" Wang Junshan asked.

"Boss, Vipshop's user base is mainly young women, so it would be more appropriate to use young, high-quality male idols as spokespeople."

"In terms of influence, Jay Chou is the most suitable."

"In terms of cost-effectiveness, Hu Xiaoyao is the most suitable."

"You could sign Jay Chou for two years for 14 million, but you could sign Hu Xiaoyao for seven years during his slump!"

"Because of the car accident, Hu took a break from acting for more than two years, and his endorsement fees were severely reduced by half. He is currently at a low point; otherwise, he would have earned eight million for two years."

"But the first Chinese Paladin game has accumulated a large fan base and its influence is still there. The third Chinese Paladin game will be broadcast next year, which will also create a wave of popularity!"

"The only problem is that his influence will be insufficient for the next six months or so, far less than that of Jay Chou."

Wang Junshan strongly agreed.

The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3 will premiere next June. Before its release, Hu Ge's influence is far less than that of Jay Chou.

But once Chinese Paladin 3 was released, Hu's influence skyrocketed, directly challenging the top spot!

Even relatively unknown individuals like Tang and Liu became famous because of this.

The immense popularity of Chinese Paladin 3 is self-evident.

But how to choose between Hu and Zhou is the question.

"What do others think?" Wang Junshan asked.

Tang Jinghe said, "My personal suggestion is Hu Xiaoyao."

"Although Jay Chou is great and can maximize the user base, it doesn't align with our current strategy of keeping a low profile and expanding rapidly."

"What Vipshop is doing now is to develop in a low-key manner and hide its data to avoid being taken seriously by Alibaba and getting hammered."

"If we ask Jay Chou to be our spokesperson, that would be too high-profile and would easily attract the attention of Alibaba."

"The number of WeChat users will also surge as a result, and Tencent might even intervene at that time."

Wang Junshan's expression turned serious.

WeChat and Vipshop need to grow, but they can't be too high-profile.

By developing in a low-key manner, Alibaba will disregard the vertical e-commerce strategy.

Tencent will disregard its strategy of relying on personal networks.

But once they get Jay Chou to be their spokesperson, the number of WeChat users and Vipshop's revenue will increase dramatically!
It can’t be hidden!
Once the number of users reaches tens of millions, both Tencent and Alibaba will be uneasy and will take strong action to crush the competition.

Current future technology is not yet ready to accommodate AT's mixed doubles.

They also have to survive in the cracks.

Moreover, 1400 million can only sign Jay Chou for two years, but it can sign Hu Xiaoyao for 7 years when he was in a slump!
When "Chinese Paladin 3" airs next year, Hu Xiaoyao will soar to the top and become a top star, making this signing fee even more worthwhile.

Of course, Hu Xiaoyao also gains other benefits from endorsing WeChat.

As for whether Hu Xiaoyao will refuse?
of course not.

Hu Xiaoyao is currently in a difficult situation, at a low point, and no brands are seeking him as a spokesperson.

Future Technology's long-term endorsement contract is like sending charcoal in snowy weather!

“Alright, let’s sign Hu Xiaoyao then, a ten-year endorsement deal.” Wang Junshan had a plan.

Once they've fully developed their capabilities and have the foundation to compete with BAT (Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent), then they can continue to be high-profile.

For now, it's best to remain cautious and play it safe.

"In addition, with the establishment of the Future Technology E-commerce Business Unit, we also need to expand our staff, recruit more people, and conduct unified procurement for Vipshop, U-Tuan International, and U-Tuan Group Buying to create a unified warehousing and logistics system."

Wang Junshan looked at Tang Zhi: "What are your thoughts on entrusting this matter to you?"

Tang Zhi was prepared: "Boss, we can adopt a strategy of unified procurement + brand consignment."

"We will quickly establish a comprehensive warehouse management system to manage the three major platforms in a unified manner, and conduct centralized procurement based on the sales volume of the entire group to reduce procurement prices, increase turnover speed, achieve immediate procurement for sales, and reduce inventory backlog and the pressure of warehousing and capital occupation."

"At the same time, we take an open approach and proactively invite new brands and distributors to participate in consignment sales."

"If there are no problems with the products, they can be listed on Vipshop and Youtuan Group Buying!"

"Therefore, we can put our cooperation contact information on YouTuan.com, so that instead of us taking the initiative to contact brands and customers, customers will take the initiative to contact us, consign samples, we will test and inspect them, and if there are no problems, we will put them on the platform directly."

“This is good,” Wang Junshan agreed.

He had long wanted to build a comprehensive warehousing system.

This wasn't difficult in 2018; you just had to throw money at it.

But in 2008, it was extremely difficult, with considerable technical challenges.

Even if Wang Junshan led his team to handle it himself, it would still take several months.

He didn't have the time, but now it's all good, because we have Gao Yang:
"Are there any technical issues?"

Gao Yang nodded: "No problem, I'll lead the research and development team, and the warehousing system will be ready within three months."

"Okay, you guys coordinate."

Wang Junshan said, "We can also start preparing for the construction of ten super warehouses. We'll release some information next month, see what preferential policies the local governments offer, slowly make contacts, select suitable ones, and then gradually move forward."

"There's only one principle: make grand promises, but don't actually spend any money."

"The original plan of ten 50,000-square-meter warehouses has been changed to ten 100,000-square-meter warehouses, divided into two phases. The first phase will build 50,000 square meters, and the second phase will reserve another 50,000 square meters for expansion."

"The original budget was 7 million, but the public announcement was for a massive investment of 15 billion, no, 20 billion!"

"Land, provided free of charge to attract local investment!"

"Subsequent construction will be entirely steel-structured, saving costs and construction time."

"The funds are also paid in installments, with the developer making the advance payments."

"The initial funding at the time of signing and subsequent funding were guaranteed by the local government, with interest subsidies and interest-free loans provided to cover the costs."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Land delivery available!
The money came from bank loans and advance payments from the developer!

Even the interest is guaranteed and subsidized by the government.

With this operation, Future Technology can establish ten major warehouses without issuing any coins!

Absolutely.

"Boss, wouldn't this be a bit difficult?"

Feng Lu was completely dumbfounded; he'd never seen anything like it done before. Wang Junshan smiled faintly: "If it were before, it would indeed have been difficult. But now, it's easy."

"With the economic crisis erupting, I estimate that the village will provide some stimulus policies next month, including interest rate cuts, subsidies, and so on."

"But that's definitely not enough; there will be even bigger subsidies next year."

"As for how much? It all depends on how severe this global economic crisis is! The more severe the crisis, the greater the subsidies."

"We're not in a rush. We'll use the eight leased warehouses first, and then proceed slowly, taking full advantage of all the benefits of the financial crisis!"

"Yes!" everyone responded.

"Okay, that's settled. Technology department, develop a comprehensive warehouse management system. The logistics system will first be integrated with SF Express's API."

"Once we establish our own logistics network, we will then connect it to our own logistics system."

You can't get fat in one bite.

Wang Junshan could only start with simple warehousing, building his own warehouses and creating a comprehensive warehouse management system.

Next year or the year after, we will gradually build our own logistics system and create a comprehensive warehousing and logistics management system.

Warehousing is simple and can be done within a year, but building your own logistics is difficult.

JD.com in its previous life was initiated in 2007 but only launched in 2012, taking more than four years in total.

Currently, JD.com uses third-party logistics.

This is precisely why Alibaba chose to build Cainiao, directly integrating the four major express delivery companies (STO Express, YTO Express, ZTO Express, and Yunda Express).

There's no way around it, building your own logistics network is just too difficult!
It's expensive and time-consuming.

Future technologies can only address warehousing first; building their own logistics can only be done gradually.

Even with a huge investment, it would take three years to build the entire facility.

For the next few years, we can only use SF Express as a temporary solution.

As for investing in or acquiring SF Express... let's leave that aside.

SF Express is currently valued at over 300 billion RMB, which is equivalent to the entire U-Group Technology and Vipshop!

Moreover, Wang Jianlin, the founder of SF Express, is very individualistic. In the early stages, he was determined not to go public or seek financing.

It wasn't until 2013, the 20th anniversary of SF Express's founding, that it began its first round of financing.

It went public in 2017 and soared to new heights.

Subsequently, Feng Lu began to contact Hu Xiaoyao.

Gao Yang led a team to develop a unified warehouse management system.

Tang Zhi was the busiest, integrating resources and arranging for his team to continuously contact various brands...

Previously, companies like YouTuan Group Buying operated independently, purchasing from local distributors at relatively high prices.

Now, all contracts are signed directly with manufacturers, and as a major group customer, goods are shipped directly from the manufacturers at a lower price than from distributors, resulting in higher profits.

Wang Junshan had considered these things before, but manpower was limited and the YouTuan group buying department was busy expanding the market.

Wang Junshan had more important things to consider and couldn't do everything himself.

Now, with people like Tang Zhi, professionals are doing professional work.

All the plans were successfully implemented, and the efficiency of the entire group improved significantly.

This is why Wang Junshan recruited Tang Zhi and the other two.

These three were the core talents of Vipshop in its early development, besides the two founders!
Wang Junshan was not idle either; he went to a private room.

"Hello, Chairman Wang!"

Jiang Fan quickly stood up, looked Wang Junshan up and down, and was filled with admiration.

Younger than me, only a sophomore in college, yet he created a future technology with a valuation of over 300 billion!
It's simply a business legend!

Upon learning that Wang Junshan was going to treat him to dinner, Jiang Fan was so excited that he couldn't sleep all night.

Despite the computer crash, I canceled all my plans and arrived at the hotel ahead of schedule.

"Hello, please have a seat." Wang Junshan shook hands with him.

After some pleasantries, Wang Junshan got straight to the point:
"Google is in a bad situation lately, and it seems like it's going to withdraw from the domestic market completely."

Jiang Fan's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded: "There have always been such rumors."

Google withdrew from the mainland China market in 2010, but it had already undergone multiple reviews before that.

Some senior members of the organization had long advocated for a complete withdrawal.

Google employees in Xia Guo were also filled with anxiety.

Once they leave, almost everyone will have to be laid off, including Jiang Fan.

"A wise man does not stand under a crumbling wall. By the time we wait for Google to withdraw and try to find a way out, it will be too late."

"Chairman Wang, you mean..."

Jiang Fan's heart skipped a beat. Although he had guessed it, he was still somewhat surprised.

Is Wang Junshan trying to poach him?
What position will you be given?
A technical position won't do; he doesn't want to be a programmer anymore. He needs at least a management position.

I am, after all, a mid-level technical manager at Google in China. Although not a senior executive, I am still a mid-level technical staff!

My annual salary is 20!

At the very least, it should be a core middle management position!

"Join YouTuan Technology, become the CEO of YouTuan.com, and be responsible for the operation of YouTuan Group Buying and YouTuan International!"

"what!"

Jiang Fan was stunned, thinking he had misheard: "I am the CEO of YouTuan.com!"

If it were Jiang Fan a few years from now, he naturally wouldn't be shocked.

Jiang Fan, at present, has not started his own business and does not know how strong he is. He is just a mid-level technical staff member at Google, not even a senior executive.

It's like a top-notch programmer suddenly being invited to be the CEO of YouTuan Technology, a company valued at 200 billion!

That's scary.

Wang Junshan nodded: "Yes, annual salary of 40 yuan plus year-end bonus!"

"!!!" Jiang Fan was stunned. He picked up the tea beside him and drank it down in one gulp: "Chairman Wang, are you serious?"

Wang Junshan extended his hand: "Of course, let's work together to make YouTuan.com the next Taobao!"

"it is good!"

Jiang Fan grasped Wang Junshan's hand: "Thank you for your trust, boss. I, Jiang Fan, will definitely do my best to make YouTuan.com bigger and stronger!"

Welcome to U-Tuan Technology!

Wang Junshan smiled.

People who haven't started their own businesses are easily recruited.

A mere few hundred thousand in annual salary for the CEO position would excite Jiang Fan to no end, and he would be willing to do anything for it.

But once they start their own business and easily raise tens of millions in funding, their mindset changes. They no longer look down on salaries of hundreds of thousands or millions, and they will never work for someone else again.

This is why Wang Junshan couldn't win over Huang Zheng, the founder of Ouku.com.

But Jiang Fan, who was only a mid-level technical staff member at Google, couldn't get the job.

In the afternoon, Jiang Fan left Google and joined U-Tuan Technology.

Wang Junshan and Jiang Fan talked a lot. The next day, Jiang Fan packed his things and went to Binhai City.

The headquarters of YouTuan Technology is still in Binhai City, so Jiang Fan naturally has to go there to oversee and promote the development of YouTuan Technology.

Not appointing Jiang Fan as CEO of Vipshop directly is also a form of assessment and training.

On Vipshop's side, with Tang Zhi serving as the operations director, there shouldn't be any problems.

Jiang Fan is in charge of YouTuan Technology.

The two can be considered to be competing against each other internally.

Tang Zhi's outstanding performance led him to become the CEO of Vipshop.

If their performance is mediocre and far inferior to Jiang Fan's, then Jiang Fan should serve as both CEOs!

At the same time, a major event occurred.

On September 23, Android 1.0 was released, and the first Android phone, the HTC Dream, was born!

(End of this chapter)