Chapter 703 If the Bank Doesn’t Change, Change the Bank
"Not doing so will lead to trouble!"
Lu Yiming said seriously: "Ordinary players who follow the rules will not do such things, but those who stir up trouble are harming the interests of other players, so they must be banned. You don't want to be cheated by others when playing games, right? While the people who are cheated hate the cheaters, aren't they also destroying their good impression of the game?"
Jiang Rongfa thought for a moment and said, "That's exactly what happened. I'll draft a game announcement right away to crack down on cheating."
But Lu Yi knew that this was only a temporary solution and not a fundamental solution. After all, there are many ways to cheat. If someone cheats you of a top-quality equipment, as long as you sell it in time, what can you do even if your account is blocked?
The solution is to standardize the transaction process of virtual equipment, provide official guarantees, and make transactions safe and reliable.
Lu Yiming told Jiang Rongfa about this. Jiang Rongfa was just about to leave when he suddenly felt a little embarrassed: "Yes, blocking the account is only a temporary solution, the key is to establish a standardized transaction process."
Lu Yiming said: "You can have someone develop a website. You can learn from the current Ali and build a platform for trading online game items. Not only our Junzi Interactive Entertainment games, but any game can be traded on this platform. The core principle is that the buyer and seller list the items on our website, and the website acts as a transit station. After one party pays, the money is frozen on the platform until the other party completes the transaction. And vice versa."
Only by having the platform provide guarantee can fraud be effectively prevented.
And most importantly, this trading platform can be used as a pilot project, initially only conducting transactions of virtual items in the game, continuously accumulating experience, and solving technical problems. It can then be expanded in scale and integrated into the Luming Mall, with a separate virtual trading section listed.
In fact, what Lu Yiming wants to do is the future generation's 5173, but 5173 was launched in November 2003, and there is still more than a year for Junzi Interactive Entertainment to intercept it.
To put it bluntly, the principle is very simple. Isn't this the same as online shopping now? It's just that the goods are game items. Jiang Rongfa was extremely impressed by the endless ideas in Lu Yiming's mind.
However, he still had some questions: "Then how can we ensure the safety of both parties' property?"
Nowadays, even credit cards can be stolen, and online shopping is even more troublesome. For users, account security is the top priority.
Lu Yiming said: "We can add a verification code system."
"CAPTCHA system?"
Jiang Rongfa was a little confused and didn't know what Lu Yiming was talking about.
The term CAPTCHA was first proposed in 2002 by Louis von Ahn and others from Carnegie Mellon University.
Now, there is no such concept in the world.
Lu Yiming said: "Yes, the so-called verification code system means that after registering an account on our platform, a system formula will generate a string each time you log in, and it will be automatically sent to the mobile phone bound when the account was registered. Users must fill in the string we sent in a specific dialog box to successfully log in to the website. As for the intermediary, I plan to enable Alipay. This is a payment control developed by Yixun Technology and should be completed soon. Integrating this thing into the backend of the web page, a two-pronged approach, with current technology, can basically eliminate the risk of theft."
Alipay was a task that Lu Yiming had assigned to Zhang Xiaolong long ago. Lu Yiming had clearly written down the principles and functional implementation in the product book. When Lu Yiming asked Zhang Xiaolong some time ago, Zhang Xiaolong said that it had already taken shape. It just so happened that the functions and reliability of the Alipay system were verified and improved through the two major platforms of the virtual trading platform and Luming Mall.
Anyway, Pony Ma is still busy building his Alibaba. Even Taobao was not launched until 2003, and the Alipay system was even later. Lu Yiming believed that if he developed the Alipay system now, Jack Ma would definitely not have any objection - and then he could use the improved Alipay system to cooperate with Alibaba, which would be perfect.
In addition to software development, the virtual mall also needs to establish banking relationships. After all, the circulation of money must go through bank accounts.
"Do we need to enable payment controls? There's no need. Isn't the previous point card recharge system quite useful?"
Jiang Rongfa was a little confused. In his opinion, the two seemed to have some overlapping functions.
Lu Yiming said firmly: "We must develop payment software. The previous recharge system had too many shortcomings and was very troublesome to use. It was not convenient at all. Moreover, this software is very useful and can change banks."
As he was talking, Lu Yiming had already written a preliminary concept document for the verification code system and sent it to Jiang Rongfa.
At the same time, Lu Yiming was thinking that he could apply for a patent for this thing, and when it was used in smartphones, he could make a lot of money from it.
Lu Yiming had no intention of applying for patents for some things that were useless or did not bring in much profit. He just used them. However, for those things that could change the industry structure or even the world rules, Lu Yiming applied for patents without hesitation. Not to mention whether he would make money from these things in the future, at least he could not let others apply for patents and then come to strangle him.
After Lu Yiming finished talking with Jiang Rongfa, he called Xu Wentao.
"Secretary Xu, how are you these days?"
Xu Wentao said politely: "Thanks to you, it's fine."
Lu Yiming smiled and said, "Let me tell you something."
"Well, go ahead."
"I'm planning to get a financial license. Do you have any concerns?"
“You want to get a financial license?”
The expression on Xu Wentao's face disappeared, and his tone was full of surprise.
The financial industry occupies a unique position in the national economy, and any national regime will attach great importance to the establishment and supervision of financial institutions.
In our country, the issuance of financial licenses is based on corresponding laws and regulations.
Generally speaking, laws and regulations will clearly specify the requirements or conditions for the naming characteristics, capital, shareholder background, corporate governance and operating structure of financial institutions.
The establishment, change or termination of financial institutions in my country are reviewed, approved and supervised on an interim basis by several competent departments, including the People's Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission and the Ministry of Commerce.
Therefore, the entity that has been granted a license has actually obtained the ability and strength to operate or engage in certain business activities with official recognition, which is also the so-called entry threshold brought by the license.
Money is easy to come by, but licenses are hard to come by. Financial licenses have always been strictly controlled and are the focus of competition among various institutions.
Lu Yiming did not shy away from telling Xu Wentao directly about how "Legend of Mir 2" players were easily cheated when trading, and also talked about the idea of building a trading platform. If you want this trading platform to be legal, you must have a financial license.
This is also the reason why many websites in later generations directly connected to the Alipay system. Because they did not have their own payment licenses, they could only borrow Alipay.
If someone else mentioned this matter to Xu Wentao, he would definitely hang up without saying a word.
What can you do with a payment license?
To exaggerate a little, you can open a bank!
Open a bank!
Think about it, what will happen if a capitalist opens a bank?
As long as it works well, it will be a perpetual motion machine that makes money out of nothing!
"Mr. Lu, I have to say that you have made such a big fuss just to prevent an online game player from being deceived, and even asked for a payment license. Isn't this a bit of an exaggeration? There has never been a precedent like this before."
Lu Yiming smiled and said, "It's right that there is no precedent. I like to do things that others have not done. Games are just the most insignificant part of it. You know, I am now engaged in e-commerce, Luming Mall. I envision that this thing will drive employment for millions of people in the future. Without this financial payment license, I can't do it."
“Promote employment for millions of people?”
When Xu Wentao heard this, his first reaction was disbelief.
What size company can accommodate one million employees?
Of course, there are companies in the world with more than one million employees, but without exception, they are all well-known in the world.
As a local official, employment rate is a very important indicator. So Lu Yiming's words made Xu Wentao a little moved.
"Are you telling the truth?"
Lu Yiming said without hesitation: "Of course it's true, when have I ever lied?"
"All right."
After a brief thought, Xu Wentao decided to stand on Lu Yiming's side: "I can fight for you and assist you in applying for a financial license. But whether you can get it or not depends mainly on you. Also, this payment software must be absolutely safe, otherwise if something goes wrong, no one can handle it."
Lu Yiming promised, "Don't worry about this. There will be absolutely no problem with safety. If anything goes wrong, I will pay for it!"
With the strong support of Xu Wentao and Lu Yiming's identity as the richest man in Asia, the application for the financial license was very smooth. The applicant was "Alipay Network Technology Co., Ltd."
With a ready-made template here, Lu Yiming certainly wouldn't change it. Alipay is an independent operating entity and holds a payment license. Luming Mall and future virtual trading platforms or other corporate entities all exist as Alipay's partners.
Back then, Jack Ma really suffered "humiliation" in order to obtain a financial license, which was far from as smooth as Lu Yiming's.
It’s probably because there’s no endorsement from Lu Yiming, Asia’s richest man.
But none of this matters.
Now that Lu Yiming has obtained the financial license for Alipay, Jack Ma will no longer have to suffer humiliation.
After obtaining the financial license, the next step is to connect with the bank.
But in this process, Lu Yiming hit a wall.
In the entire Zhonghai, no bank is willing to cooperate with him!
Although we have a financial license, the money is still in the bank. The key is that no one dares to take this responsibility now, as they are afraid that if something goes wrong, they will be unlucky.
After going around in circles, Lu Yiming was disappointed.
He has had a preliminary taste of the humiliation that Jack Ma suffered back then. No wonder this guy shouted, “If the banks don’t change, I will change the banks.”
After thinking about it, Lu Yiming thought of someone.
He took out his cell phone and called Lin Shuyi.
"Miss Lin, how are you these days?"
Suddenly receiving a call from Lu Yiming, Lin Shuyi couldn't help but smile and said jokingly, "Hey, isn't this Mr. Lu? Mr. Lu is very busy, how come he has time to call me today?"
"Hey, you're just busy with nothing."
Lu Yiming said helplessly: "I want you to do me a favor."
"You are the richest man in Asia, and you still need my help? I don't believe it."
Lu Yiming said: "Every man has his own merits and demerits. The richest man in Asia is nothing. I can only think of you to help me with this matter."
After hearing what Lu Yiming said, Lin Shuyi suddenly felt a little proud and said, "Oh? When did I become so important? Tell me, what is it?"
Lu Yiming said, "This is a long story. Some time ago, someone told me that my game "Legend of Mir 2" was full of fraud, which had a very bad impact on the reputation of the game, so I developed a game trading platform and payment system, and obtained a financial license issued by the relevant department. I contacted the banks in Zhonghai, but they refused to cooperate with me. I just want to see if you can help me find a bank in Baiyun City that is willing to cooperate."
After hearing the whole story, Lin Shuyi couldn't help but exclaimed: "You are making a fuss about nothing. Just because of a small incident like gold coin fraud in the game, you set up a financial system?"
Lu Yiming didn't explain much, he just said: "Who made me idle? Just tell me if you are willing to help me."
Nowadays, the interests of Lu Yiming and Lin Shuyi can be said to be deeply intertwined. Lu Yiming invested in the Lin family's industry, and Lin Shuyi also made a profit from the cooperation with Lu Yiming. Although Lin Shuyi said that Lu Yiming was making a fuss, she knew Lu Yiming's character very well. He was willing to work hard to do so many things, and there must be huge benefits behind it.
Thinking of this, Lin Shuyi said, "It's not impossible for me to help you. How are you going to thank me?"
Lu Yiming said: "I'll treat you to a meal when I return to Baiyun City?"
Lin Shuyi curled her lips and spat, "You are dreaming. You want to get rid of me with just a meal? Aren't you working on that Luming Mall? I am very optimistic about it. Our Lin family wants to invest in it."
Lu Yiming was surprised and said, "I asked you to invest in Jack Ma before, but you didn't, and you even said he was a liar. The Luming Mall model is exactly the same as what he said."
Lin Shuyi was very direct and said, "I don't believe him, but I believe you."
"Okay, as long as you're happy."
Lu Yiming thought about it and agreed. Anyway, Luming Mall’s heavy asset investment model meant the more start-up capital the better.
A few days later, Lin Shuyi, who was highly expected by Lu Yiming, made no progress despite her efforts.
It can be said that she tried her best but failed to close a deal with any bank.
Everyone was very anxious, especially Lin Shuyi, the main person involved in this matter. Her competitive personality made it impossible for her to accept such a failure.
She even went directly to Lu Yiming's office during a business trip to Zhonghai.
But when he arrived at the office, he saw Lu Yiming reading "Records of the Grand Historian" with great interest, and he immediately became furious.
"Hey, you guy, I'm busy with you here, and you still have the leisure to read a book?"
Lu Yiming and Lin Shuyi came over, slowly closed the book, and said confidently: "You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. It doesn't matter whether you read the book or not."
Lin Shuyi saw that Lu Yiming was not in a hurry at all, so she frowned slightly and asked, "Looking at you, have you thought of a solution?"
Lu Yiming handed the book in his hand to Lin Shuyi and said, "Read more history books when you have time. Over the past five thousand years, how many heroes' brilliant ideas and plans are recorded in them?"
"What's the meaning?"
Lin Shuyi was puzzled. Although she was a top student who returned from overseas, she had never been able to sit down and read classical masterpieces such as Records of the Grand Historian.
Lu Yiming smiled and said, "In the Chronicles of Qin and the Biographies of Shang Yang, there is a very interesting story, 'Moving a Wood to Establish Trust', you know it? It is said that when Shang Yang was carrying out the reform, Wei Yang was afraid that the people would not believe that his laws could be implemented, so he set up a three-meter-long wooden pole at the south gate of the capital market and recruited people to move it to the north gate. He would reward ten taels of gold. The people were surprised by this and no one dared to move the pole. Wei Yang then issued another order, saying that anyone who could move it would be rewarded with fifty taels of gold. Someone moved the pole to the north gate, and he was immediately rewarded with fifty taels of gold to show that there was no fraud."
After listening to this, Lin Shuyi asked, "So what? How can this help solve our current problems?"
Lu Yiming sighed, "Alas, he is still a top student. The story of moving a tree to establish trust tells us that if you want to establish authority and gain recognition, the fastest way is to spend money."
Lin Shuyi: “…”
Lu Yiming explained: "I plan to offer a reward. I will put one million yuan in my Alipay account. Whoever can transfer this one million yuan will receive the money as a bonus. And I can also let him work as a senior engineer at Alipay."
Lin Shuyi said: "What if there is a fatal loophole in Alipay? Wouldn't the 1 million be taken away?"
"It's just one million. If I can get a senior engineer with strong technical skills, I will make a lot of money, okay? Don't be so short-sighted. Even if the defense mechanism we designed has been breached, we can improve it and then offer another million as a reward. We must show confidence and courage, only in this way can we win people's trust. If we breach it again, we will get another million. Don't I know how many computer experts there are in the world? Then I will recruit all of them to the company. Isn't this better than looking for a needle in a haystack? I'm already short of highly skilled talents."
"Is this possible?"
Lin Shuyi was stunned by Lu Yiming's train of thought.
It only costs a few million, but everyone is counted so carefully, there is really no loss at all.
No wonder some people call Lu Yiming a “big profiteer” in private.
