Chapter 370: My Princess

After Fang Hong talked with Zhang Lidong and made him a Partner, Zhang Lidong's mindset toward Chang'e Technology changed, and he developed a sense of ownership.

What the two discussed was known only to them; no one else knew.

But Zhang Lidong gained one important right: strategic operating authority—the power to choose how the company operated and invested.

He began drafting internal strategies, making user experience and fulfilling user needs the top strategic goal for all of the company's products.

To make money, you must retain users and attract traffic; to survive in a fiercely competitive environment, you must nail user experience.

Only by delivering excellent service can you gain competitiveness.

Video platforms aren't innovative products—they're all things already being done domestically and abroad; to achieve something and claim a share, you need platform advantages.

This placed heavy burdens on all departments and engineers, including Zhang Nan, who now had to cooperate with his operating strategy.

This right could infinitely elevate the Partner's status; when others mentioned him, they'd say, "He's a Partner of Chang'e Technology."

This was a rise in status; if status, profit, and spirit couldn't be infinitely elevated, the Partner role would be meaningless.

Of course, his decisions were supervised by Fang Hong—he generally approved them as long as they didn't interfere with Fang Hong's strategy.

After becoming a Partner, Zhang Lidong's position was adjusted: he no longer served as Operations Officer but became Partner and Senior Vice President of Chang'e Technology.

He still oversaw the commercialization of Chang'e Technology's brands, reporting only to Fang Hong.

Zhang Nan was no longer his subordinate but a colleague and partner, also reporting only to Fang Hong.

She no longer managed gaming matters but became head of Bilibili, Chang'e Video, and other brands.

She was responsible for brand positioning and market promotion—in other words, leading her team to compete, surpass, and crush rivals in the market.

She also oversaw UGC operations—user-generated content.

With Bilibili already in place, she aimed to launch more UGC video platforms; short videos were her development goal.

With this division of roles, both senior leaders reported only to Fang Hong—he was the sole founder.

This also concentrated Zhang Nan's power and expanded her room to operate, freeing her from constraints, which deepened her sense of belonging to Chang'e Technology.

With her current education and experience, no other company would offer her such freedom and room to grow.

It could be said Fang Hong trusted her deeply.

As for gaming matters, leadership would handle them; they weren't major decisions, just operational issues—solve problems when they arose.

Let the gaming department leadership solve them themselves; if they couldn't, criticize them; if they still couldn't, replace them.

Hero Glory's foundation was solid, and it was slowly maturing—it wasn't impossible to replace its operators.

As for Xiaohongshu, let it develop freely.

Zhang Lidong becoming a Partner sparked considerable discussion within Chang'e Technology.

This was a major signal: the Principal was beginning to distribute equity, meaning anyone had a chance to acquire Chang'e Technology equity and become a Partner.

This was a temptation to senior leaders like Operations Officer Zhang Nan, Finance Officer Gao Zhun, HR Hua Wei, Technical Vice President Yang Zhenyuan, Hong Dingkun, and Service-side R&D Vice President Yin Xin.

It meant they could still climb higher.

Partners differed from directors: Partners were responsible to the company, equivalent to co-owners earning for themselves; directors were responsible to Shareholders, earning for them.

The exact benefits and equity of Partners weren't known, but the rise in status was real.

In the future, as the company grew, people would refer to them as "Partners of Chang'e Technology"—equivalent to co-owners—with real social prestige.

Remember, Chang'e Technology now had 6.3 billion in funds, plus gaming monetization—funding no internet company had at its early stage.

But after making Zhang Lidong a Partner and adjusting senior positions, Fang Hong fell silent.

The reason: he was still pondering whether to abolish the Board of Directors entirely, stepping down as Chairman and adopting a full Partner System.

In his vision, Chang'e Technology would have no investors and no fundraising.

The money they had now was enough to last until he sold his Tesla stock next year; what he wanted was talent—high-level talent, Partners who would decisively shape Chang'e Technology.

If adopting the Partner System, he needed to design a unique system for Chang'e Technology.

Corporate systems have no absolute standard: Huawei has Huawei's system, Alibaba has Alibaba's, Tencent has Tencent's—each differs.

Moreover, the Partner System has a bad reputation; many companies use the term "Partner" to claim they're seeking like-minded visionaries to grow together.

In reality, it means no salary, still bound by company rules, paid dividends based on performance—essentially free Partners.

Some offer high titles like CEO or President, let you pick your office, but give no funds or team—you must be self-sufficient; if you succeed, the gains are theirs first, yours later.

Worse still, you build the foundation, then they kick you out.

Such things happen often—but Fang Hong wouldn't do this; he knew who was truly talented.

He gave real benefits and real authority.

So it stood—for now, it needed gradual refinement. On the evening of August 25, Fang Hong drove a Porsche with his mother Xu Liyun to Liu Tianxian's Villa.

This was Xu Liyun's first visit to Liu Tianxian's home, her first time celebrating Liu Tianxian's birthday; no one else was present besides Liu Xiaoli—just four people.

It was also the second time the two families met.

The car stopped. Fang Hong stepped out, holding a large cake in his right hand and a bouquet of violets in his left.

"Wow, so beautiful," Liu Tianxian said, beaming.

Liu Xiaoli stood beside her, smiling.

"For you, my princess," Fang Hong stepped forward and placed the flowers in her hands.

"Thank you, my prince," Liu Tianxian accepted happily, her face filled with joy.

"Xixi, I didn't know what to give you—this is something I bought at the mall; I don't know if you'll like it," Xu Liyun pulled out a neatly wrapped square gift box.

"Of course I like anything you give me," Liu Tianxian accepted the gift.

The gift wasn't important—it was the thought that mattered; the thought moved her.

"You showing up is enough; gifts are too formal. Xixi already has everything she needs," Liu Xiaoli politely said.

"It's rare to celebrate Xixi's birthday with her—proper etiquette still matters," Xu Liyun smiled.

Liu Tianxian often gave her many gifts in return.

"Come inside, it's hot out here." Liu Xiaoli gestured for the group to go in, rather than standing around out there.

The weather was sweltering now; standing for a moment was enough to work up a sweat.

The four of them walked in chatting and laughing. Fang Hong set the cake on a table and opened the packaging box.

The cake had three tiers; it wasn't very big, but it was made especially delicate and beautiful, the cream on top gleaming like the sun.

And right in the middle of the top tier was the character "Fei"—very thoughtful. Liu Tianxian couldn't help giving Fang Hong a touched glance.

Fang Hong took out a handful of small candles, and the group stuck them in together, forming a circle.

"One, two, three—" Liu Tianxian counted on her fingers, then said, "Oops, there's one extra, take one out."

"No, it's twenty-seven, just right." Fang Hong counted briefly as well and found it correct.

"How is it twenty-seven? I'm clearly twenty-six, alright." Liu Tianxian refused, having inexplicably been aged up a year.

"After today, aren't you entering twenty-seven?" Fang Hong said it as if it were perfectly reasonable.

"Twenty-six!" Liu Tianxian's tone brooked no argument.

"By your nominal age, you are twenty-seven already." Liu Xiaoli added.

"What nominal age? I'm clearly twenty-six. 2013 minus 1987, isn't that twenty-six? Your way of calculating is all wrong—you have to be practical and seek truth from facts." Liu Tianxian counted on her fingers as she argued her case, refusing to acknowledge being a year older. The others could only smile helplessly. Xu Liyun said gently, "It's twenty-six; my calculation also comes out to twenty-six, that's right."

"See? Auntie Xu is the only one who understands reason." Liu Tianxian beamed.

That remark implied Fang Hong and her mother didn't understand reason. The two of them put on looks of being utterly helpless with her and let her be—after all, today was her birthday, and as long as she was happy, that was fine.

Liu Tianxian pulled out one candle, only then satisfied: "Alright, light the candles and turn off the lights!"

Fang Hong used a lighter to light the candles on the cake one by one, and Liu Xiaoli turned off the lights.

The room's light instantly dimmed; only the candlelight flickered in the darkness, lending the whole space a mood both romantic and mysterious.

The three of them gathered Liu Tianxian in front of the cake. Fang Hong clapped his hands and led the singing: "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you."

Then Liu Xiaoli and Xu Liyun joined in singing the birthday song for Liu Tianxian as well.

The scene was warm and loving. Listening to the birthday song, Liu Tianxian smiled so much her lips couldn't close—her heart both moved and joyful.

These could be considered the people closest to her in this world; nothing was happier than a family being together.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to Yifei. Clap clap clap!"

Once the song ended, the three clapped and applauded amid laughter and cheerful voices.

Liu Xiaoli kissed her daughter on the cheek; Fang Hong also kissed her on the cheek. Only Xu Liyun was a bit unused to such etiquette and felt it was somewhat open.

It was Liu Tianxian who took the initiative and kissed Xu Liyun on the cheek, acting very natural about it.

Only then did Xu Liyun feel herself blending into this atmosphere, a stirring in her heart.

A kiss from an elder is affection; a kiss from a lover is love.

"Make a wish!" Fang Hong picked up a camera and walked to a suitable spot.

To record this warm and romantic moment for her.

"Mm, wait a moment!"

Liu Tianxian was in great spirits. Hooking one arm through Liu Xiaoli's and the other through Xu Liyun's, she said to Fang Hong, "Take a group photo of us together."

"Alright, stand ready." Fang Hong walked a short distance ahead and aimed at them.

The two mothers stood on Liu Tianxian's left and right, facing forward with smiles on their faces; on the table before them sat the cake with its candles lit.

Several "clicks!" sounded as Fang Hong pressed the shutter a few times in a row, capturing the scene.

"Fang, you come too, let's take a group photo together." Liu Xiaoli beckoned.

Fang Hong set the camera's timer, then after mounting it properly, ran to behind Liu Tianxian and made a "peace" sign above her head.

The frame froze once more, capturing all four of them inside.

After the photo was taken, just as the group was about to disperse, Fang Hong said, "Wait, there's more."

Hearing this, the others scrambled to stand in position, but before they were really set, a "click" captured all four of them again.

Only this time the poses were different from the previous shot—a bit messy.

That kind of mess was just right, down-to-earth, with a casual feel.

Then Liu Tianxian closed her eyes and made a prayer-like gesture toward the cake, making her wish with a devout expression.

Fang Hong stood beside her with the camera, recording her once more. This thing could both take photos and shoot video, and very clearly at that—after all, it was a professional one!

The two mothers didn't interrupt either, quietly watching Liu Tianxian make her wish.

Liu Tianxian opened her eyes, drew in a breath, and blew out all the candles in one go—her lung capacity was plenty strong.

"Snap!" Just then Liu Xiaoli turned the lights back on, though she only switched on a few, so the lighting was still dim.

The candles were out; without turning on the lights it would be too dark to see.

Fang Hong finished recording and walked to Liu Tianxian's side, asking, "What did you wish for?"

"Can't tell you—if I tell you, it won't come true." Liu Tianxian looked a touch playful.

"Even if you don't say, I can guess." Fang Hong said.

"Then guess." Liu Tianxian tilted her little head up.

"You must have wished for Auntie Liu and my mom to be healthy and live to a hundred." Fang Hong guessed.

"Hahaha!"

Both mothers couldn't help laughing—that was obviously just words to placate them.

Liu Tianxian gave a cute smile, put her hand beside her, and whispered something quietly into Fang Hong's ear.

The two looked at each other, and Fang Hong looked dumbfounded.

Seeing his expression, Liu Tianxian dipped a finger in some cake cream and dabbed it on Fang Hong's nose, leaving a white dot on the tip—rather funny, like a clown.

This couldn't help drawing a "heh-heh" laugh from Liu Tianxian.

Liu Xiaoli and Xu Liyun watched the two's intimate behavior, exchanged a glance, and couldn't help feeling gratified. The two of them having good feelings for each other was the greatest comfort to their elders.

As for what the two of them were whispering about, he didn't know — it was probably some private topic between them.

"Alright, time to eat cake!"

Liu Tianxian held a little plastic knife in her hand and cut a piece from the cake: "Here, Honghong."

Then she cut two more pieces: "Auntie Xu, this one's for you. Mom, this one's for you."

Eating cake was just for show; neither of the two moms ate any — they went off to cook. Fang Hong and Xu Liyun had come over without having eaten in the first place; the plan was to have their meal here.

The two moms cooking together was a good chance to build some familiarity.

That left just Fang Hong and Liu Tianxian here. Neither of them messed around throwing cake or anything — it would be too messy and someone would have to clean it up.

Liu Tianxian opened the gift Xu Liyun had given her. Inside the box lay a glittering gold bracelet, lovely and delicate in design.

"Look at the gift your mom gave me — way more practical than yours." Liu Tianxian picked up the bracelet and held it in front of Fang Hong to show it off.

This man, apart from that, didn't seem to know how to give anything else.

"What I bought you was the thought behind it — the gift is small but the sentiment is heavy, haven't you heard that before?" Fang Hong argued back.

"Hey, all the nice words are coming from you."

Liu Tianxian placed the bracelet in his hand: "Put it on for me."

Fang Hong took her fair, soft hand, looped the bracelet around her wrist, and fastened the clasp.

Liu Tianxian looked at him standing there in front of her, at the cake still smeared on his nose: "You look like a clown like that."

"Isn't that because of you?" Fang Hong said, then leaned his nose in close, about to rub it on her face.

"Eek!" Liu Tianxian laughed and dodged away.

"If I'm a clown, then you're a clown too." Fang Hong held the back of her soft little neck, told her to stay still, then rubbed the tip of his nose against hers.

Liu Tianxian didn't move either, and rubbed her nose back against his.

Though the gesture was affectionate, it felt more like playing house — a little childish.

(End of chapter)