Chapter 803 Internet Frenzy
Wang Xing put his arm around Wang Huiwen's shoulders and said with a smile, "Good brother, we will live and die together and share weal and woe together in the future."
It’s great to have a friend who is willing to share your shame!
Wang Huiwen didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Your words don't sound auspicious. I still want to be rich and powerful."
"There will be bread, and there will be great wealth and honor. Let's go, buy two bottles of good wine, and have a few drinks with Professor Zhu, he likes this kind of wine."
Wang Xing gritted his teeth and bought two bottles of Moutai, then called Zhu Jun.
"Professor Zhu, this is Wang Xing. Are you free tonight? I haven't eaten the food cooked by Master's wife for a long time. I'll take Huiwen with me to have a meal tonight."
When Wang Xing was studying, he was also Zhu Jun's favorite student. Zhu Jun heard the call and immediately smiled and said , "Come on, come on, it's been a long time since I last saw you guys. I'll ask your wife to prepare some of her signature dishes, and we'll have a few drinks."
At six o'clock in the evening, Wang Xing brought Maotai and Wang Huiwen brought a bag of fruit to Zhu Jun's house.
"Professor Zhu."
Zhu Jun took Wang Xing's Maotai and Wang Huiwen's fruit, and immediately smiled: "You two guys, just come if you want to, why bring anything? It's cold outside, come in and have some tea. Your mistress is cooking, and we'll have dinner soon."
Wang Huiwen rolled up his sleeves and walked towards the kitchen, saying, "Master's wife, I'll help you."
"No, no, just sit outside, it will be ready in a moment."
Zhu Jun said with a smile: "Come here, you two boys. Don't you know that your mistress doesn't like others to interfere with her cooking?"
The three of them sat in the living room, watching TV and eating fruit. After chatting for a while, Wang Xing got to the point and said, "Professor Zhu, I heard that Shuimu University asked all the female students in Shuimu University to withdraw from the campus beauty contest?"
Wang Huiwen asked, "Oh, right? Wasn't the competition going well? Many junior girls were showing off their confidence on the campus website. It's great for the new era and new youth. Why are they suddenly not allowed to participate?"
Zhu Jun has admired many pretty girls in the campus online classes recently, and he really likes this competition on the campus network, but after all, he is a teacher, so he cannot say what he really thinks.
"It's a long story, and it all starts with Dean Ma from the Academy of Fine Arts. I heard that a few female students carefully selected by the Academy of Fine Arts didn't even make it to the preliminary round, and the campus network directly blocked them. Dean Ma was so angry that he denounced the campus network competition at the school assembly as vulgar and profit-oriented, which would corrupt the fighting spirit of young people. Principal Wang didn't understand this, so he handed the matter over to Dean Ma, and Dean Ma asked all participating students from Shuimu University to withdraw."
"I also heard that Dean Ma had a talk with the most popular contestants, threatening them that if they didn't withdraw from the competition, they would not be given graduation certificates and would be given a serious disciplinary punishment."
Wang Huiwen couldn't help but curse when he heard this: "Isn't this nonsense? They can't get anyone from their own art academy, so they ask others not to participate? They know they can't afford to lose this person, right?"
Speaking of the Academy of Fine Arts, Wang Xing did have an impression that all the works submitted were disgusting and deliberately weird, so he rejected them all.
I didn't expect something like this to happen.
Zhu Jun asked curiously: "Wang Huiwen, why are you so angry?"
Wang Xing smiled bitterly and said, “This campus network is our entrepreneurial project, and we also organized the competition.”
"ah?"
This time, Zhu Jun was surprised.
Although he knew about the campus network and had registered for it early on, he did not know that this campus network was also a startup project of Wang Xing and Wang Huiwen.
Nowadays, as the director of the Entrepreneurship and Employment Guidance Center, Zhu Jun is still very concerned about this kind of thing, and hurriedly asked: "Is what you said true?"
Wang Huiwen said: "Of course it's true. Not long ago, our last project just failed, and suddenly we received a call from Lu Yiming, the richest man in the country. He invested 5 million in us and we worked together on this project. At the beginning, we thought that Shuimu University is our alma mater, so it is natural to promote it at Shuimu University. We didn't expect to encounter such a thing."
"Oh, yes, Mr. Lu also said that he has his eyes on the better contestants in the campus beauty contest, and that they can be given priority to sign contracts with his companies after graduation to help them find jobs. But now, they are not allowed to participate in the contest, so there will be no future for them."
After hearing what the two said, Zhu Jun was immediately filled with righteous indignation. He slammed the table and shouted, "This is outrageous! This is really outrageous! This competition must go on. I will go and talk to Principal Wang tomorrow!"
Although Lu Yiming had demoted him, the incident had already passed, and it was unreasonable to hold on to it. Although he still disliked Lu Yiming, this competition could promote employment for Shuimu University graduates, which was within his job scope.
The next morning, Zhu Jun did not go directly to the Academy of Fine Arts, but instead found the principal Wang Xiqing.
"Principal Wang."
Wang Xiqing was wearing reading glasses and reading a newspaper. He looked up when he heard the noise and squinted his eyes. After seeing clearly that it was Zhu Jun, he smiled and said, "Director Zhu, you are here so early. What is it that you want to see me about?"
Zhu Jun said, "There is one thing about the campus network. I did some in-depth research last night and found out that the operating company of the campus network is a startup project of several outstanding graduates from Shuimu University, and it has received investment from Asia's richest man, Lu Yiming."
"oh?"
Wang Xiqing couldn't help but sit up straight.
Zhu Jun continued, "Not only that, the more outstanding contestants in the school beauty contest can be given priority to sign with Mr. Lu's company after graduation. So I think Shuimu University must continue to participate in this school beauty contest. Now other universities across the country have participated in this competition. If Shuimu University does not participate, it will definitely be laughed at by our brother schools. And this is related to the employment of many graduates."
When Wang Xiqing heard that it was related to the employment of graduates and the ridicule of sister schools, he immediately took it seriously: "This is indeed a problem. According to what you said, participating in this competition is beneficial and has no harm. Why doesn't Dean Ma agree?"
Zhu Jun blurted out, "Because no one from their Academy of Fine Arts was selected, and they became the only department in Shuimu University that had no contestants. Do you think they would be happy to see such a competition?"
This reason made Wang Xiqing laugh and cry. Then his impression of Ma Sai was greatly reduced. He couldn't help but say, "It seems that this is not a problem of the competition. There are so many departments in the school, but they don't have a single participant. This is a bit abnormal. Logically speaking, there should be no shortage of beauties studying art."
"Hey, I don't know about that."
Thinking that Marseille might be in trouble, Zhu Jun couldn't help laughing out loud.
Wang Xiqing said to Zhu Jun, "Then go and tell him that this is my order. I will personally send a notice to the school office to allow Shuimu University to continue participating in the competition."
"OK."
After Zhu Jun left Wang Xiqing's office, he immediately found Ma Sai and said seriously, "Dean Ma, please stop all actions targeting the campus network immediately!"
In principle, Zhu Jun belongs to our school, while Ma Sai belongs to the Academy of Fine Arts, and he is also the dean. His rank is higher than Zhu Jun, and they are not from the same system, so Ma Sai did not treat Zhu Jun well and shouted, "Why? They are clearly destroying the reputation of our Shuimu University!"
Zhu Jun has always been disdainful of Ma Sai's behavior, so this time with the school's support, he didn't give Ma Sai any face: "This is the school's decision. Among the three founders of the campus network, two are well-known alumni of our Shuimu University. They are our own people."
Masai said unhappily, "What famous alumni? How come I don't know him?"
Zhu Jun had a rare opportunity to confront his superiors, and he felt very happy. He immediately said with a smile: "They are not yet, but maybe in a few years, they will be. The school still attaches great importance to this aspect, so I hope that Dean Ma will not make a mistake."
This is tantamount to a warning. The reputation of a school is often related to the achievements that its graduates can make, and the campus network is a project that is comparable to Facebook. No one can tell how far it can grow in the future.
But no matter what, this tiny seedling must be protected.
Maybe one day in the future it will grow into a towering tree?
In recent years, Lu Yiming has spent a lot of money, but Shuimu University has not gained any benefits. Now that students from his own school are starting a business and he supports them, won’t they return the favor in the future?
All I can say is that there are interests everywhere in this world. It just depends on whose interests are greater.
In 2005, the long-dormant capital circle began to stir, and the Internet industry also began to show a vibrant and competitive scene.
There is no doubt that 2005 was the most critical year for Xia's Internet, because it was in this year that Xia's Internet giants began to gain a foothold and develop vigorously, thus laying the foundation for the future world Internet hegemony between the East and the West.
After the bubble of the Internet 1.0 era was squeezed, many companies that are still alive today have basically achieved profitability.
With the steady development of traditional businesses such as e-mail, online advertising, and e-commerce, coupled with the rapid growth of new businesses such as online games, search engines, instant messaging, blogs, and digital music, China's Internet industry is growing at a high rate of 30%.
Such achievements naturally attracted worldwide attention and attracted a large amount of foreign hot money. Investors flocked in and a fierce battle was about to begin.
In the conference room of Qianxiang Interactive's headquarters in Beijing, Chen Yizhou was receiving Shi Deyue, the head of the Xiaguo region sent by Accel Venture Capital.
Chen Yizhou put the company's information in front of Shi Deyue and said expectantly, "Boss Shi, don't worry. Qianxiang Interactive is definitely a mature Internet company. My past successful experience is enough to prove that I am a reliable founder and entrepreneur."
Shi Deyue was also very enthusiastic and said, "We at Accel are very optimistic about the future of Qianxiang Interactive. Mr. Chen, please take good care of us in the future."
The Internet sector in Xia Country at this time is so passionate.
Chen Yizhou was very excited when he saw Shi Deyue agreed, and he immediately said politely: "No, no, I should be the one to say thank you. Thank you for Accel's trust in me. Please believe me, Qianxiang Interactive will not let any investor down."
The conversation was very enjoyable for both the host and the guests.
Oak Pacific Interactive received a $10 million investment from Accel, and Accel, as a venture capitalist from the United States, also successfully entered the Xiaguo market. It should be noted that this investment company had just invested $12.7 million in Facebook not long ago.
After seeing Shi Deyue off, Chief Financial Officer Chen Xiaoxin excitedly said to Chen Yizhou: "The financing was successful, and we can finally make a big move."
Chen Xiaoxin, who was standing next to Chen Yizhou, was wearing a professional suit. He was not good-looking, but he had a strong aura. He graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in science, and then went to Stanford University School of Business to study for an MBA. After graduation, he worked in the Salomon Smith Barney branch of Citigroup in Hong Kong for a while, and he had some connections in the capital circle.
Chen Xiaoxin made great contributions to Qianxiang Interactive's acquisition of venture capital from Accel.
Of course, as the founder of Qianxiang Interactive, Chen Yizhou himself is not a simple person. In fact, this is not his first time to start a business.
In 1987, he was admitted to the Department of Physics of Wuhan University, and then went to the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to obtain a master's degree from MIT. After graduation , he worked at Altec Corporation in the United States and was directly promoted to a supervisory position, responsible for North Asian affairs.
After working for several years, Chen Yizhou seemed to feel his own shortcomings, so he returned to Stanford University to pursue a double master's degree in MBA and electrical engineering.
It was also at Stanford University that he met alumni Zhou Yunfan and Yang Ning. The three of them co-founded ChinaRen, with Chen Yizhou as chairman and CEO.
It is obvious that Chen Yizhou and Wang Xing are the same type of people, smart, highly educated, and very enterprising.
And coincidentally, both of them were hit by capital at the beginning of their business.
Chen Yizhou's Chinaren failed to survive the Internet winter in 2000 and was acquired by SoHu. Chen Yizhou fell from a founder and chairman of the company to the vice president of SOHU.
But as the vice president, he has no power in the company and can only follow orders from others like an employee.
So after working for more than a year, he couldn't stand it anymore and resigned directly. In November 2002, he founded Qianxiang Interactive Group and appointed himself as the chairman and CEO. With the funds obtained by defrauding others, he took over DuDu.com, dudu accelerator, Mop.com, World of Warcraft, 5Q Campus Zone and other websites.
Chen Yizhou transformed himself from an entrepreneur to a venture capitalist.
After Wang Xing was hit by capital, he didn't wake up and continued to work hard on products.
Chen Yizhou is different. He adheres to the principle of joining if you can't beat them. With the $10 million in funding from Accel, Chen Yizhou regained his original ambitions. He asked Chen Xiaoxin: "Yes, we can make a big move. What do you think about acquiring Uume?"
"Uume?"
Chen Xiaoxin was surprised: "Mr. Chen, are you planning to engage in online social networking?"
Chen Yizhou had nothing to hide from his own people, so he nodded and said, "The most important thing for Facebook's success is that it allows users to share photos on the Internet. If that's the case, then how about we share videos directly? What do you think the effect will be?"
I have to say that Chen Yizhou has a good vision. Video websites are indeed the largest traffic entrance for the Internet in the future.
In 2005, thanks to the popularization of broadband technology, the cost and difficulty of video transmission were greatly reduced. Therefore, this year is also known as the first year of Xiaguo's online video industry. Video websites such as Youku, Tudou, and WoLe.com emerged one after another, ushering in a new era of fierce competition.
Chen Yizhou did not hide his ambition at all: "I want to make a video version of Facebook in Xiaguo!"
However, Chen Xiaoxin is much more cautious. She said: "I think the risk is too high. MSN and QQ had a big fight not long ago. Mr. Lu was able to defeat Microsoft. If we want to enter the social field, it will undoubtedly affect QQ's cheese, and then there will be another fight."
Chen Yizhou said confidently: "The market is like a battlefield. Markets and users have to be snatched. I admit that Mr. Lu is very powerful and QQ has a high market share, but we are not without opportunities."
Chen Yizhou immediately went to Uume to find Liu Jian.
Liu Jian also studied at Stanford and was Chen Yizhou's junior.
After a heart-to-heart talk, Chen Yizhou said to Liu Jian sincerely, "Come and help me. Let's join forces and conquer the world together."
Although Chen Yizhou's big pie was very round and big, Liu Jian was not very tempted. He said hesitantly: "To be honest, senior, Uume is developing very well now."
Chen Yizhou was not polite at all and said directly: "It doesn't matter if you cheat me, but don't cheat yourself. Don't you think I don't know how much money video websites burn? Listen to my advice, we have a chance only if we join forces. Otherwise, when other giants enter the market, our first-mover advantage will be gone."
uume is a short video sharing community, which is simply called "video social networking". From a technical point of view, it is more advanced than Facebook's "photo social networking".
Liu Jian naturally had high hopes for this and felt that he would be able to make a name for himself sooner or later.
But Chen Yizhou obviously understood capital better than Liu Jian, and persuaded him: "In the current Internet 2.0 era, leading companies are beginning to emerge both abroad and at home. For example, QQ is the dominant player in the social field. What if QQ also develops a short video community and competes with you? Can you withstand it? Or do you have the confidence that you can beat the richest man in Lu on your own?"
Liu Jian fell silent. No matter how confident he was, he didn't think he could win over Lu Yiming, the richest man in Asia.
Seeing that his persuasion had produced results, Chen Yizhou immediately struck while the iron was hot and invited Liu Jian: "Come and help me. The position of Chief Operating Officer of Qianxiang United is reserved for you. It's vacant and waiting for you. Isn't that good enough?"
After all, Liu Jian has been in the industry for a long time, and he is not a rookie who knows nothing. Although he is very confident in his product, what Chen Yizhou said is also true. Uume got up early, but if there is no follow-up action, it will inevitably end up being late.
After thinking for a long time, Liu Jian finally made up his mind and said to Chen Yizhou: "Okay, let's unite."
If we sell it to Qianxiang Interactive now, we can still get a good price. But when we lose our leading position in the future, we will be nothing.
