Chapter 1672
Dialogue
Whether a cooperation can't be reached or not, not only can you avoid spending money, but you can also make some money.
Most entrepreneurs would know the answer to which of the two to choose without even thinking about it.
Zhang Yuan has now presented these two options.
However, compared to ordinary entrepreneurs, these two are more experienced and capable, and are not greenhorns.
I was initially overjoyed when I heard what he said.
But he quickly calmed down.
So, what is the cost?
They had thought about this problem.
"Future board seats."
"The company's quarterly financial reports must be delivered on time, and I need to have oversight authority."
“Investment contracts with anti-dilution agreements.”
"The right to freely trade shares."
"Voting rights on major company matters and strategic goals."
"Furthermore, all materials and information will be made available to me, giving me the highest level of right to know."
Zhang Yuan stated his requirements one by one.
Unlike when I first got into investing years ago.
Back then, he was of "low status" and had no connections in many industries, especially in "high-end" industries like the internet.
If you want to get in, you have to relinquish power.
Otherwise, since you're not in this industry, who's going to guide you?
These people with science and engineering backgrounds are so proud of themselves. Looking at you people in the entertainment industry is like looking at a bunch of idiots.
Some celebrities are indeed mentally challenged...
Things are different now; I have ample investment experience.
I know what I want and what I can give you.
He said the same thing to the other person as miHoYo.
You currently only have the iOS version of the software, although Apple phones highly overlap with the mid-to-high-end female consumer market, especially in terms of their tendency to admire foreign things.
But ultimately, they are a minority. A phone costing four or five thousand yuan is something that many people can only afford by cutting back on their kidneys these days.
A construction worker can't afford an Apple phone even after a month of hard work, and he doesn't even have work every day.
Even though the income of college graduates is much higher, few of them can afford to buy an Apple product.
Therefore, launching an Android version of the software is imperative.
Because a software company's value is determined not only by its revenue, but also by factors such as market share, installation rate, and number of registered users.
Developing an Android version would undoubtedly greatly improve these metrics.
Zhang Yuan revealed his identity as a shareholder of Xiaomi phones and stated that he could act as an intermediary to try pre-installing the app on some mobile phone products.
Pre-installed software is a problem that has persisted for a long time, let alone now.
The market is even more chaotic, with many domestically produced phones having more pop-up apps than if 360 were installed when they are turned on.
This is all I can do for you!
The two were very interested after hearing this.
Being pre-installed on mobile phone brands can instantly increase the number of installations by millions!
Using this data will greatly benefit the company, no matter what you do with it!
"It seems you have a very high opinion of our company," Mao Wenchao said with some delight.
"Of course, I think there's nothing wrong with the path of cross-border e-commerce."
"But you will encounter many opponents, seniors."
"JD.com and Alibaba, those two alone are enough to give you trouble."
"And as far as I know, they are also exploring this market," Zhang Yuan said bluntly.
There are actually dozens of companies in this market. Besides the two giants, there's also Pindaodao, NetEase launched Kaola International, and ByteDance is also involved through Douyin and Yangdou.
But what makes Xiaohongshu so amazing is that its strategic goal from the very beginning has been the female market, and it has always dominated this market.
JD.com and Alibaba also want to grab this market share, and have even created a number of publicity crises in the process.
For example, JD.com hired a female stand-up comedian as its spokesperson, which led to criticism from male users...
But Xiaohongshu is different; it has always been the stronghold of certain groups, so what it can do, other platforms cannot.
Zhang Yuan mentioned the large platform to put pressure on the two of them.
“You not only need funding, but you need to do it quickly, because if you lag behind, you will be left far behind by these platforms.”
Mao Wenchao wholeheartedly agreed and nodded repeatedly.
How did they come up with the idea of doing cross-border e-commerce?
Because of his private equity background and his MBA, Mao Wenchao was able to attend a summer entrepreneurship camp sponsored by Tencent.
Without some status or connections, you wouldn't even be qualified to know about this kind of small class.
There he met Zhang Xiaolong, the one who helped Tencent create WeChat.
He is also the person Jun'er hates the most.
Because MiTalk actually predates WeChat.
When Jun'er was invited to give a speech at Tencent's forum, he even talked about his ideas on new-era communication software in front of Pony Ma.
You said this in front of Kakashi from Huaxia Internet?
Jun'er felt quite confident at the time because the development was completed six months in advance.
He predicted that even if the penguins moved quickly, they would still be more than three months slower than him.
As a result, Pony Ma saw this opportunity, which was also a crisis for the entire company's survival. He personally ordered that all resources be invested in its development, working day and night.
Ultimately, they made up for the time difference and easily defeated Jun'er by taking advantage of their size.
The matter is complicated, but it's clear that Pony Ma has a keen eye for talent, and Zhang Xiaolong is also incredibly capable.
Zhang Xiaolong told Mao Wenchao that cross-border e-commerce is a major future trend.
I also discussed this matter with him in detail from the perspectives of policy and market. After listening to him, I was greatly impressed and decided to start my own business based on this.
How important it is to have a sensible guide!
A single pointer from such a brilliant person can save you from taking half a lifetime of detours.
When it comes to networking, you have to associate with capable people, not with those old guys who just brag and reminisce all the time.
Zhang Xiaolong said this mainly because he understands the situation, as the competition between Tencent and Alibaba has become extremely fierce in recent years.
Of the three major German luxury brands (BBA), Baidu had already been excluded by the remaining two. Both the big and small Mas looked down on Li, thinking he was too low-class and had a narrow perspective.
Although Alibaba and Tencent have different main businesses, they are fiercely competing in the investment market.
Alibaba has invested in a bunch of gaming companies, and Tencent has invested in a bunch of internet platforms, both hoping to use their investments to take down the other.
Many companies that "oppose" Alibaba have received investment and support from Tencent.
The two people on Xiaomoushu were not entirely satisfied with the conditions he proposed; they felt some of them were too much.
For example, freely traded shares and the ability to freely access all information.
Zhang Yuan didn't expect them to agree to everything. He only put forward some conditions to make them deny them, so as to cover up the other conditions.
"You guys should hurry up and figure out how to raise funds... Which round is this?"
"Series A funding".
"Okay, you need to figure out your financing goals and the terms for financing, and submit them to me as soon as possible."
"There are also endorsement and publicity plans."
Zhang Yuan made the arrangements very efficiently, as if this were his home turf.
"We still need to talk to our shareholders about financing."
"Besides the two of you, there are only shareholders from the angel round, right?" Zhang Yuan asked.
"Yes."
“Alright, I’ll handle the communication with the shareholders,” Zhang Yuan said with a smile. “I know them better than you do.”
Before leaving the company, both parties finalized their intentions.
Zhang Yuan estimated that last time it was in the millions, and this time it would be at least two or three times that amount.
The financing cost is at least 10% of the equity.
He made it clear that the shares invested are for investment purposes, while the shares held as an endorsement are separate and should not be confused.
Lao Tzu eats fish two ways.
They soon returned to the capital.
Director Chen Kexin called him, saying that the filming of "American Dreams in China" was imminent and asked him to reconcile the schedule.
Zhang Yuan had already cleared enough time in his schedule for this film, indicating that there was no problem.
only……
If I'm filming, I can't go to school.
He had spoken with the school and department about this before he enrolled, and they provided him with a fast track for taking leave.
The process has been simplified; he only needs to provide a certificate from the film crew and submit it all before the end of the semester, without having to make multiple trips.
All you need to do is call your homeroom teacher, Liu Tianchi, in advance to let him know.
Liu Tianchi is easy to manage; her acting class even has a collaboration with her own company.
Even if there's no chance, and I just want to skip class, my older sister will cooperate.
But not everyone is so easy to deal with.
For example, having a "good" in the name makes things a bit tricky.
Zhang Yuan doubted whether he dared not go, and whether Cheng Hao would dare to make him fail the course.
He also took the opportunity to settle personal scores.
It would be so embarrassing to tell anyone!
I failed my acting class for the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor... I still have some self-respect.
All the trophies at home are going to crack.
If this really happens, it'll probably be on the top of Weibo's headlines for days, and my colleagues will call me one by one to laugh at me.
Certainly not.
In particular, they can no longer remain silent and tense like before, ignoring each other.
Someone always has to take the first step.
He used to think that whoever took that step had already lost and was weak.
But in the past few days, he's noticed that Lazy Sheep's decision to travel all the way from Hengdian back to the capital to see him hasn't made her weaker or weaker. In fact, Zhang Yuan feels that her image in his heart has become even stronger.
I can't be inferior to a young girl.
Even if I need to take leave, I have to go in person.
He arrived at school on time the next day, or even early, to attend his acting class.
There are traces of his battles here.
"Damn, bro!"
The boys from several classes arrived together.
He was the oldest, and after getting to know him, these people called him "Big Brother".
It's better than calling me "uncle".
"You're here so early."
“Of course, you have to pay attention in class.” Zhang Yuan adopted an older brother’s tone: “Especially since I don’t have time to be at school all day.”
"We should cherish every opportunity to attend class."
"Are you going to film a movie?" Qu Chuxiao was quick-witted and reacted immediately, picking up on the clue in his words.
"Can we come along too?"
Calling someone "big brother" is just a way to get closer to them and gain benefits.
"According to school regulations, are you allowed to leave campus to film now?" Zhang Yuan didn't answer, but instead cited the school rules.
Don't ask me why I can leave school. You have to follow the school rules, but I can change them.
What play is it?
"With whom?"
"The Story of the Three Founders of New Oriental Education Group"
"Directed by Chen Kexin, invested by China Film Group, and starring me, Deng Chao, and Tong Dawei."
Zhang Yuan said it casually.
"To be able to work with such a great director!"
"Deng Chao is my idol."
"I love watching Tong Dawei's 'Struggle'."
Several boys were talking excitedly.
These industry bigwigs in their eyes were just ordinary friends of Zhang Yuan.
They didn't even realize that their collaboration with Zhang Yuan was actually more noteworthy than their collaboration with them.
It's just that Zhang Yuan's status as a "classmate" lowered their opinion of him.
To maintain authority, you must keep a slight distance.
If you get too close, others will realize that you are just a "person".
These young men not only failed to realize that Zhang Yuan was the biggest star in the crew, but they also failed to notice that as class time approached, this star was becoming increasingly nervous.
Zhang Yuan felt as if he had developed an illness.
The combination of Cheng Hao and the teacher made him nervous.
"Class is starting!" Not long after, the good teacher, as always, entered the classroom carrying a bag, textbooks, and a large thermos.
However, unlike before, before she started speaking, she glanced at Zhang Yuan's usual seat and, upon noticing someone there, gave him an annoyed look.
"Roll call has been made."
After everyone reported in, class began.
Zhang Yuan was still nervous, and his hands were trembling slightly.
And then the most terrifying thing in the classroom happened immediately.
"Zhang Yuan, you answer this!"
The teacher called his name.
Cheng Hao leaned on the podium with both hands and looked at him.
Today we'll be discussing lines from the play "Thunderstorm" by the renowned playwright Cao Yu, a senior figure at the Central Academy of Drama.
Call on him to stand up and read.
They were reciting the final lines from "Thunderstorm," which created the strongest dramatic tension.
Zhang Yuan glanced at the words.
"Tell me, you can't read, can you?" Cheng Hao joked.
He had no choice but to speak.
"I'm not a good husband, I'm not a good father, I'm sorry, I've ruined everyone, God, please take me with you!"
Zhang Yuan really wanted to ask, "Was it intentional or accidental, or intentional but accidental?"
I always feel like you're using words written by a senior writer to insult me...
“No!” Cheng Hao shook his head as soon as he finished speaking.
"Your emphasis is off."
"The predicate in a sentence should generally be stressed, while the adverbial phrase before the verb should be slightly stressed and lengthened."
"The lines are not our everyday speech; while conveying emotion, we must also pay attention to technique."
"These skills are what we rely on to make a living."
"Everyone pay attention, Zhang Yuan, repeat after me again," Zhang Yuan instructed.
A group of students watched the scene with laughter.
The Best Actress is teaching the Best Actor his lines!
That's interesting!
“Come on, read after me,” Cheng Hao said with a smile.
However, besides the teacher's gentleness, that smile also carried a hint of malice, as if it were a personal vendetta.
I'm so sorry!
"read."
“I’m sorry to you all,” Zhang Yuan read aloud.
"Pay attention to the combination of stress and intonation. I'm sorry."
"I'm so sorry."
"Pay attention to the spacing between each word."
"I'm so sorry..."
Zhang Yuan probably said this sentence in public about twenty times before Teacher Chen nodded in satisfaction.
"Okay, that's about it."
"Always remember this sentence," Cheng Hao said with a smile.
Zhang Yuan: ...
"Everyone, please remember to be strict with yourselves."
He scratched his head and sat down.
No director has ever said that my lines are bad.
It has been said that the voice is loud, easy to record, and expresses rich emotions.
I had a basic lesson today, and I still can't understand it...
And now I'm not just doubting, I'm certain that Cheng Hao is messing with me.
Because Zhang Yuan saw the delighted expression on her face on the podium.
"Everyone should take the Putonghua Proficiency Test if they have the opportunity, and aim for the highest level (Level A)."
As class was about to end, Teacher Chen made a suggestion.
"No matter where you are from, a good command of Mandarin is a basic requirement for actors, especially for those aiming for the Beijing People's Art Theatre or other theater troupes. This is a hard requirement."
“People can connect by watching videos of Beijing People’s Art Theatre’s plays online.”
"I will personally assess you at the end of the semester."
"get out of class dismissed!" she shouted, and then began to pack her things.
Zhang Yuan continued to dawdle, waiting until no one was around before stepping forward.
"Teacher Chen," he addressed her by her title.
"I need to take leave to film a movie."
"You didn't discuss this with the school beforehand, what are you telling me?" She said, packing her gear with her head down.
Zhang Yuan knew what was going on.
If they had treated me like an ordinary person before, that would have meant they were truly ignoring me.
Actually, this strange and ambiguous behavior isn't a big problem.
"Others can just follow the school's procedures."
“You’re different, I have to tell you myself.”
"I'll have to trouble Teacher Chen to tutor me privately when he has time, so that I can catch up with everyone's learning progress."
"Oh, even a great actor like you needs extra lessons?"
“How much bigger can I be in front of you?” he said “humbly.”
"I am keenly aware of my shortcomings and need your guidance."
"I implore you to condescend to help me, a student."
Cheng Hao glanced at him sideways.
"It depends on my mood."
Then, with a flick of her ponytail, she strode away gracefully.
Zhang Yuan watched her receding figure from beside the podium.
I feel like my status outside is getting higher and higher, but my status at home is getting more and more stagnant.
Could this be part of growing up? (End of Chapter)