Chapter 281: O2O Strategic Layout, Big Circulation Model! The Great O2O War Begins!

"Cheng Zong, I never expected that Baidu Maps' commercial operations center is even less impressive than Didi's planning department. Your proposal is brilliant—I'll take you to meet the boss."

Before Cheng Wei could react, Liang Zhixiang smiled and praised again.

Hearing this, Cheng Wei's face flushed red; he instinctively pushed up his glasses and said awkwardly, "Yesterday, AutoNavi updated its software, integrating Kuai's ride-hailing and KuaiPao food delivery services into its feature modules."

AutoNavi?

Liang Zhixiang paused slightly.

Baidu had many business lines; though he was Baidu's vice president, he wasn't responsible for Baidu Maps and naturally hadn't learned of this industry shift immediately.

After all, only twenty-four hours had passed since AutoNavi's update.

"Alright, I understand." Liang Zhixiang felt disappointed—he'd thought Cheng Wei had come up with this idea, but it turned out to be a competitor's strategy.

Privately, Junlian Capital and Jinri Capital had communicated with Li Yanhong, wanting to oust Cheng Wei.

The combined shareholding of these three investment firms totaled 58. %, far exceeding Cheng Wei's 34. %.

Moreover, when Didi was founded, it didn't adopt an AB share structure, and during every funding round, Cheng Wei never signed any action-alignment or voting-rights delegation agreements with Baidu, Junlian, Gaoling, or Hillhouse Asia.

Thus, Cheng Wei had effectively lost control of Didi.

In plain terms, Cheng Wei's skills were all focused on business development; leveraging his background in Huawei's iron army, he matched Cheng Weixing blow for blow in subsidy wars and market battles.

If Kuai hadn't had Senlian Capital backing it—providing money and traffic on demand—Didi might not have been so passive.

But in terms of management, organizational coordination, strategic insight, and decision-making, Cheng Wei fell short.

This was precisely why Junlian Capital and Jinri Capital wanted to replace him.

Cheng Wei had ability, but not much, and not enough breadth.

Li Yanhong was still considering whether to join forces with Junlian Capital and Jinri Capital to kick Cheng Wei off the Didi CEO position.

"Knock knock knock—" Liang Zhixiang knocked on the door.

"Come in!" A low male voice came from inside.

Liang Zhixiang led Cheng Wei inside and opened the door.

When Li Yanhong saw Cheng Wei, his heart sank—he thought: This guy didn't come here again to ask for money, did he?

"Mr. Li, hello." Cheng Wei leaned forward slightly and smiled in greeting.

"Cheng Zong, please sit." Li Yanhong smiled faintly.

Though he didn't particularly like Cheng Wei, he still had to maintain appearances.

"Mr. Li, yesterday AutoNavi updated its software version, adding ride-hailing, food delivery, and group-buying functions to its homepage. AutoNavi users in Hangcheng, Jin Ling, Lucheng, Yanjing, and other cities can now use online ride-hailing services."

Cheng Wei spoke bluntly.

After hearing this, Li Yanhong narrowed his eyes and rapidly thought, analyzing the deeper meaning behind Xiao Jun's move.

The core need of digital map users is transportation, but transportation often comes with ancillary demands like dining, entertainment, and leisure. By integrating food delivery, group-buying, and ride-hailing, users no longer need to switch apps—they can complete a full loop of "check route → view group-buying → order food → call a ride" on one platform.

While Baidu Maps had monetization services like map APIs and merchant tagging, compared to AutoNavi, it instantly looked inferior.

Li Yanhong was a top scorer in the 1980s college entrance exam and a Peking University elite—he wasn't stupid. After a moment's thought, he grasped the key insight.

He looked at Cheng Wei and said, "I understand your meaning. Product development takes time—I'll have Liang Zong notify you when ready."

His implication was clear: Baidu would copy AutoNavi's playbook!

Using map navigation as a traffic entry point, leveraging local life services to extend user dwell time and improve monetization efficiency, could enhance user stickiness, open new revenue models, and create a positive cycle of "traffic → scenario → monetization."

The more Li Yanhong thought about it, the more excited he became—he increasingly felt that investing in Didi had been the right move.

"Thank you for your support, Mr. Li." Seeing Li Yanhong agree so readily, Cheng Wei sighed in relief—the heavy stone in his chest finally dropped.

Kuai had AutoNavi; Didi had Baidu Maps—who would win remained uncertain.

After securing Li Yanhong's promise, Cheng Wei immediately regained confidence and rose to take his leave.

Liang Zhixiang saw Cheng Wei out of Baidu, then turned back to Li Yanhong's office.

Knowing his boss well, Liang Zhixiang was certain Li Yanhong had more to say.

"Victor, for group-buying and food delivery—should we operate in-house or integrate third-party services?"

Li Yanhong looked up as Liang Zhixiang entered and asked out of nowhere.

Liang Zhixiang understood his meaning; after frowning and thinking deeply for dozens of seconds, he dared to reply, "In-house!"

Baidu Maps was the group's core business—integrating third-party services would just be doing someone else's work for them.

"You think exactly like I do." Li Yanhong's lips curved slightly, a smile appearing on his face.

Under Chen Yansen's influence, Li Yanhong had developed a strong interest in local life services a year ahead of schedule, aiming to build a "location + consumption" super-scenario.

On the other side.

Chen Yizhou of Renren sat on the sofa, smiling as he quoted, "270 million U. . dollars."

"Cheng Zong, don't joke. Is Nuomi worth 270 million U. . dollars? A month ago, Lashou was valued at 300 million U. . dollars."

Chen Yansen's voice came from the speaker—his tone sounded amused, but brimmed with disdain.

In the group-buying industry, Meituan and Dianping led the first tier with monthly transaction volumes over one billion CNY; Lashou was second tier—neither outstanding nor weak—with monthly transactions of 500 to 600 million CNY.

Nuomi and WoWoTuan were third tier, with monthly transactions of 300 to 400 million CNY, still unprofitable, with quarterly losses reaching 6 million U. . dollars.

Wanting to dump the burden yet still demand a high price?

How could such a thing exist?

Chen Yizhou froze, offended by being openly mocked by a junior—he felt resentment, but to offload Nuomi, this "dead weight," he forced himself to patiently explain, "Lashou is declining, but Nuomi continues steady growth in order volume, revenue, and market share..."

"160 million U. . dollars." Chen Yansen cut him off, slashing 110 million U. . dollars off the price.

"Cheng Zong, this isn't how you negotiate fairly," Chen Yizhou frowned, speaking coldly.

This bastard Chen Yansen opened with a 40% discount—this price was an insult.

"Nuomi's true value isn't as high as you imagine. After I take it over, I'll need to restructure the organization, field team, and system architecture. 160 million U. . dollars is my highest offer."

Chen Yansen snorted and pushed back hard.

You're selling—yet you won't allow negotiation?

"If Cheng Zong has no sincerity, then forget it." Chen Yizhou angrily hung up.

Renren Games earned 7 to 8 million U. . dollars monthly; Nuomi's losses were still bearable for now. 160 million U. . dollars?

This was like throwing scraps to a beggar!

At this moment, Nuomi's mid- and senior-level managers had also heard the rumor: the group planned to sell Nuomi.

The buyer was likely Senlian Capital!

Zhang Xuhao, upon hearing this, looked bewildered—was he doomed to work for Chen Yansen after all?

"I heard KuaiPao's benefits are insane—each month, overtime pay alone can reach 60–70% of your salary. When's the boss selling? I can't wait!"

"Is this rumor accurate?"

"Of course! Drop the 'right?'—this came from Shen Zong's assistant. I'd say it's 90% certain."

The news spread quickly through Nuomi.

"Zhang Xuhao, come with me." At this moment, Nuomi's CEO Shen Boyang stood at the intersection, calling out to Zhang Xuhao.

"Boss Shen, you called for me?" Zhang Xuhao hurried over and approached Shen Boyang.

"You've heard about Cheng Zong's plan to sell Nuomi, right?" Shen Boyang asked.

Zhang Xuhao froze, forced a laugh, unsure how to respond.

It seemed the rumor of Senlian Capital acquiring Nuomi wasn't baseless. The thought of continuing to work alongside Wang Yuan, Kang Jia, and Deng Ye filled him with complex emotions.

"You know it already. Pack up—this afternoon, come with me to Baidu's headquarters."

"Boss Shen, shouldn't we go to Lucheng or Xucheng?" Zhang Xuhao asked curiously.

"The buyer is Baidu—why go to Lucheng or Xucheng?" Shen Boyang asked, puzzled.

"Oh, I misunderstood earlier. What time do we leave?" Zhang Xuhao didn't press further, smiling.

"Three this afternoon. You have two hours to prepare—don't let me down." Shen Boyang patted Zhang Xuhao's shoulder, his face serious.

Li Yanhong wanted to fully understand group-buying and food delivery—and Zhang Xuhao was the ideal person to accompany them.

As the founder of Ele. e, no one understood the operational rules of the food delivery industry better than him.

Only then did Zhang Xuhao realize—the buyer was Li Yanhong.

Did Baidu also want to enter group-buying and food delivery?

Two hours later, he sat in the passenger seat of Shen Boyang's car, following Chen Yizhou's Rolls-Royce into Baidu's headquarters.

Compared to Nuomi, Baidu's headquarters building was far more impressive—covering 91, 00 square meters, located in China's internet industry hub, next to Lenovo's R&D base, Shenzhoushuma, and Zhongguancun.

Remember, Baidu ranked first among the BAT trio—this showed Baidu's towering status in the internet industry in 2012.

Chen Yizhou, accompanied by his assistant, Shen Boyang, Zhang Xuhao, and others, followed Liang Zhixiang straight to Li Yanhong's office.

Seeing Chen Yizhou and the others, Li Yanhong immediately rose to greet them. Though Chen Yizhou's Renren Group had low market value, he was still a billionaire who had come personally to Baidu—clearly giving him great face.

"Cheng Zong, long time no see. Last time we met was at the Shenzhen Tech Exchange in March. Who are these people?" Li Yanhong asked.

"Shen Boyang, CEO of Nuomi. Zhang Xuhao, head of Nuomi's North China region—formerly founder of Ele. e food delivery."

Chen Yizhou introduced them honestly.

Zhang Xuhao sighed inwardly—defeat was defeat. Though the title "founder of Ele. e" stirred shame, in the workplace, one had to bow and smile politely at Li Yanhong.

Next, the group discussed group-buying, then food delivery—Li Yanhong said nothing about acquisition.

Listening to the veteran insights from Shen Boyang and Zhang Xuhao, Li Yanhong gradually formed a clearer strategic blueprint for Baidu's O2O ecosystem.

At the same time, from Chen Yizhou's words, he learned the true reason behind Nuomi's sale.

Though the group-buying war had entered its final phase, the five platforms—Meituan, Dianping, Lashou, Nuomi, and WoWoTuan—were still in the "five-to-four" final round, each spending 6 million U. . dollars monthly on subsidies to merchants and users to capture market share.

Only 6 million U. . dollars per month?

Hearing this, Li Yanhong remained utterly unmoved.

Perhaps the figure of Didi Chuxing losing $50 million monthly had long numbed him.

After some inquiry, Li Yanhong gave only vague, evasive replies.

Seeing this, Chen Yizhou quickly lowered his psychological price from $270 million to $240 million.

"Mr. Chen, I need time to consider. Whether $270 million or $240 million, it's no small sum—it requires board approval," Li Yanhong said, making a random excuse.

After seeing off Chen Yizhou and the others, Li Yanhong dialed Zhu Xiaohu's number again.

Last time, the other party had approached him, wanting to sell Lashou. om to Baidu for $320 million.

He had no interest then, but now he did.

Li Yanhong's thinking was similar to Chen Yansen's: Lashou. om had higher monthly transaction volume and market share, and the price was only tens of millions lower—better to buy Lashou than Nuomi.

Chen Yizhou, leaving Baidu's headquarters, kept a dark expression the whole time—he understood perfectly well that Li Yanhong was trying to pressure him on price.

Chen Yansen haggled ruthlessly; Li Yanhong played deep games.

Chen Yizhou took a deep breath, planning to drag it out a few more days, then drop the price to $220 million—if Li Yanhong still refused, he'd walk away.

He refused to believe that, with so many potential buyers in China, not one would pay a higher price.

…

…

The next morning, 360 Search quietly launched.

After achieving great success in the mobile industry, Zhou Hongyi expanded his business into the search engine field.

The default search engines previously set in 360 Browser and 360 Navigation—Google and Baidu—were now replaced with 360 Search.

"A monopoly giant controls eighty percent of the domestic market, robbing users of choice. Google frequently suffers network outages. With no alternatives, the monopoly dares to manipulate search results at will. I built 360 Search not to make money, but to break the monopoly, improve search quality, and make users the winners!"

Half an hour after the product launched, Zhou Hongyi posted a Weibo.

Though he didn't name names, netizens knew the "Teach Master" was targeting Baidu.

"Teach Master, awesome! Baidu Search is full of ads—support!"

But this comment was deleted by Zhou Hongyi instantly.

"Teach Master" wasn't a compliment—it borrowed Lei Zong's words to call him Eastern Heretic.

(End of Chapter)