Chapter 98: 096 I Want to Be an Insider! (8k)

096 I Want to Be an Insider! (8k)

"That Ms. Xu hasn't responded, Xiao Ying. You tell me, what should I do? What does this mean?"

After waiting for a day and a night without a response, Yu Xing called Liu Wan Ying to ask for advice.

He had gotten Xu Xin's number from Liu Qiangdong, but his tentative text message had vanished like a stone into the sea.

Liu Wan Ying couldn't help but laugh: "It's not right that she didn't reply, but I think it would be normal for her to scold you."

Yu Xing deliberated: "Scolding me is fine too. At least it would give me a chance to communicate."

Getting scolded wouldn't make him lose any flesh; what was there to be afraid of?

Liu Wan Ying asked: "You just sent a text, you didn't call?"

"Yeah, I was afraid that if I called, I'd be blacklisted immediately," Yu Xing said, explaining his reasoning. "I wanted to use the text as a scout first, and then, it doesn't necessarily have to be introduced to her personally; talking to her subordinates in the company would work too."

Yesterday, he had actually hesitated between a text and a call, but he truly had no experience dealing with investors. The little information he had previously obtained through Liu Qiangdong indicated that Xu Xin was a very aggressive investor.

In the end, he had politely drafted a text, hoping for a chance to introduce his project.

Liu Wan Ying thought for a moment and said: "You're still missing a middleman. The form of the text or call isn't important; if you could have a middleman introduce you, at the very least, you'd get the chance to speak."

After saying this, she added: "I think that's the case under normal circumstances, but you aren't normal."

He was currently busy "hammering" someone's husband, and in the blink of an eye, he was going to them for financing. Not being ignored would be considered a good outcome.

Thinking of this, Liu Wan Ying laughed to herself.

Yu Xing was willing to listen to Xiao Ying laugh, but seeing her laugh non-stop, he had to interrupt: "Hey, hey, stop laughing. Help me think of an idea. Don't forget, you're a shareholder now too."

"I think the most effective idea right now is to succeed in short-selling. Having money yourself is better than anything," Liu Wan Ying collected her emotions and laughed. "If that doesn't work, you can just thicken your skin and ask Liu Qiangdong to introduce you again. Anyway, you got the number from him."

Yu Xing sighed: "Do you think my skin isn't thick enough?"

Liu Wan Ying: "..."

So he had already tried that!

She thought left and right, then said: "If that doesn't work, I'll ask some friends, but my friends and I are all small players. It's hard to find investors through so many connections, especially since the environment this year is very poor."

The impact of the financial crisis had everyone shrinking their battle lines. Although global central banks were taking action, no one knew when the economy would pick up, and venture capitalists would certainly be extremely cautious.

Liu Wan Ying pondered for a while and said: "Your project and your performance both need to be outstanding enough. Before the financial crisis, 70 points were enough, but now the difficulty definitely requires 90 points. Have you thought about how to convince the investors?"

"Introduce the project, introduce our user numbers—what else is needed?" Yu Xing was like a bride getting into the sedan chair for the first time, asking for advice very earnestly.

"Those are definitely needed," Liu Wan Ying gave her own thoughts. "But what are investors? Behind them are institutions, the money of wealthy backers; they represent capital, and capital is inevitably profit-seeking."

"Since it's profit-seeking, I think the highest priority question is: how will your company help their money make money?"

Liu Wan Ying finally said: "You have to give them, or fabricate, a money-making plan that looks reliable. If things don't go smoothly before the new year, can the website start by taking ads to test the waters? At the very least, start having revenue."

Yu Xing fell into thought and didn't speak for a long time.

What did his former bosses do?

Liu Wan Ying waited for a while and asked: "Boss Yu, are you still there? You haven't been dragged out of the office, have you?"

"I'm here, I'm here. I'm just thinking about what you said, how to help their money make money," Yu Xing mused. "Whether the company makes money or not, and whether the venture capitalists make money—these can actually be distinguished, right?"

Liu Wan Ying frowned, waiting for him to continue.

Yu Xing said slowly: "Even if the company doesn't make money, as long as it can go public, the venture capitalists have a channel for exit and profit. Isn't it enough that they can make money?"

Liu Wan Ying hesitated: "This..."

Yu Xing's speaking speed quickened slightly: "Social networking is actually a good story. Workplace social networking is a bit worse, more specialized, but if it can be done in China, it should also count as a pretty good story."

"What's more..."

Thoughts surged in his heart, and he gave another condition: "What's more, the times are changing."

The times are changing, and the pace of mobile internet is already accelerating.

Unlike the later MaiMai company that found it hard to go public, Bai Xiaosheng could have more possibilities now and in the future. By using mobile transformation to seize more market share, it could carve out a larger space.

This was imaginative.

And, it was something he could "paint a pie" with.

Liu Wan Ying asked: "How is the change favorable to the website?"

Yu Xing talked simply about the iPhone, which had been on the market for two years, and discussed his own thoughts. In fact, it was a view that wasn't particularly novel at the moment: the number of mobile phones had already surpassed computers.

An era with a faster rhythm had already raised its curtain.

Liu Wan Ying listened for a while and couldn't help but comment: "It sounds plausible. Have you practiced in front of a mirror in advance to communicate with investors?"

"No, I really think so. Xiao Ying, when you have time, go buy an iPhone," Yu Xing said earnestly. "If mobile phones can increasingly handle everyone's needs, then there's no reason it won't develop faster and faster. And various companies rooted in PCs will inevitably show gaps because of their attitudes toward mobile transformation."

This would be a challenge for many companies, and it would also give birth to many opportunities.

Liu Wan Ying reviewed it and laughed: "It sounds like there's no problem. Well, I don't know if investors can be as easy to talk to as I am. If Xu Xin really ignores you, forget it. I'll take you to short-sell together."

Yu Xing heard the comfort in Xiao Ying's words, sighed, and said: "Xiao Ying, it's not a solution for us to be in different places like this every day."

"Who's in different places with you..." Liu Wan Ying was helpless.

"You are," Yu Xing said earnestly. "It's really inconvenient for us to work in different places like this."

Liu Wan Ying was silent for two seconds: "Right, you need to show this kind of posture when facing investors."

Yu Xing asked: "What kind of posture? The posture that a good woman is afraid of a pestering man?"

Liu Wan Ying: "..."

She sighed: "If you go to provoke Xu Xin like this, it's easy to be convicted of picking quarrels and provoking trouble."

"I'm serious, really. You come to Shencheng, you set up a company, for example, providing advice to companies like ours—a small consulting firm, just like the rehearsal of chatting with investors just now," Yu Xing said. "I think it's quite useful for broadening ideas."

He really thought it was useful; it instantly pulled him out of being full of trivial company matters.

If one looks at the contact with investors from the perspective of "suffocating for a dream," things don't have to be that complicated.

Liu Wan Ying laughed: "If you're like this, your company can only go public in the US in the future. I'll prepare some relevant information and conditions for you before the new year."

The US allows companies without profits to go public; this point is more lenient than both Xiangjiang and the mainland.

"That's fine, I'll thank Xiao Ying first." This phone call had been fruitful for Yu Xing.

Liu Wan Ying pondered for two seconds and finally said: "Boss Yu, since Bai Xiaosheng is showing signs of improvement now, and you're going to contact investors, you don't need to care too much about other evaluations."

Yu Xing felt a bit baffled: "What evaluations?"

"Evaluations of Gui Ai Wang, internal employees evaluating you at Zhen Ai Wang. Those that popped up are obviously aimed specifically at you," Liu Wan Ying was talking about the part of the public opinion counterattack that had appeared in the last two days.

Under Bai Xiaosheng's posts, attacks on the Gui Ai Wang project had appeared, claiming that Yu Xing's start was a scam. Some even described, in the tone of Zhen Ai Wang employees, how Yu Xing pushed his work onto others during his time at the company.

Similar remarks appeared not only on Bai Xiaosheng but also on Xiaonei, Tieba, and even online media.

Liu Wan Ying noticed these and was still a bit worried about Yu Xing's mental state.

She knew the previous situation and felt a bit depressed for Yu Xing when she saw people evaluating it as "dogs biting dogs, a mouthful of hair."

Yu Xing, however, just laughed when he heard these: "What do I have to care about? If I cared, I would have had to do some work at Zhen Ai Wang. If they want to use public opinion to melt gold, let's see who melts more. They should solve more user feedback first."

Liu Wan Ying felt relieved. Pointed at by a thousand people, point back at a thousand people!

However, Yu Xing wasn't completely without a response. He directly posted a thread stating three points.

First, Gui Ai Wang's business is legal. If Gui Ai Wang is classified as a scam, what does Zhen Ai Wang, which acquired it, want to do?

Second, up to the moment Gui Ai Wang was sold, Yu Xing provided a final layer of protection for those users who signed love contracts in his personal name. If Zhen Ai Wang doesn't fulfill its obligations when they expire, he can personally send the agreed-upon blessings to couples who have achieved a happy ending.

Third, according to his previous agreement with Zhen Ai Wang, he was only joining transitionally and would not perform substantive work.

Such a response still couldn't quell the targeted remarks.

No one mentioned the scam issue anymore, but the latter two points stirred up quite a few voices.

"In his personal name, sounds nice. Are normal people that stupid? Who are you trying to fool?"

"What agreement? Take out the contract and let's see!"

Yu Xing still gave a patient answer: "Logically speaking, I don't need to bear responsibility, nor do I need to do this, but this isn't a burden for me. In fact, I view every couple's marriage as a promotion for myself. Don't worry about the funds. If you find any case I haven't fulfilled, I will immediately sell my Bai Xiaosheng shares and withdraw from the management team. I will never delete this statement."

"As for my agreement with Zhen Ai Wang, it wasn't put into the contract, but I have a recording-style meeting record with the boss of Zhen Ai Wang. I don't think it's necessary to release it, because the other side knows it in their heart. If they publicly claim they don't know, then everyone is welcome to witness it then."

At this point, Yu Xing stopped responding to comments and just put the link to this thread in his account's personal profile.

The website layout needs maintenance, and posts can't be pinned for too long, but it will never be deleted. If someone wants to see it, they can click directly from the profile link.

But even so, Yu Xing's approach remained controversial.

Like Ctrip Vice President Jiao Shiqian, who only browsed without commenting, he was very disdainful of Yu Xing's so-called "recording-style meeting record."

Sounds nice, isn't it just secretly recording?

Jiao Shiqian didn't believe that a grassroots entrepreneur like Yu Xing could make a proper recording when negotiating with the big boss of the acquiring party.

Therefore, this kind of action was nothing more than that of a rat!

It was a pity he looked handsome; there were really so many sneaky little actions behind his back!

Jiao Shiqian felt disgusted whenever he thought about his own conversations with employees being secretly recorded!

Eating in the cafeteria at noon, he heard colleagues behind him talking about this matter and joined in the criticism of Yu Xing.

What kind of person records while chatting?

Wouldn't such a person be scary to have around?

Jiao Shiqian was very disdainful.

However, with two days left before the end of 2008, Jiao Shiqian was approached by the HR Director.

"Director Jiao, I want to thank you for your work and contributions to the company over these years. Your performance has always been a very important part of the company, and everyone sees all your efforts and dedication."

When Jiao Shiqian heard the first sentence, his brain "buzzed," and he felt a strong sense of dizziness.

Time seemed to have passed for a long time, but coming back to his senses, it was only an instant.

"The company's overall performance in the fourth quarter hasn't been good enough, and the stock price has been greatly affected by the financial crisis. No one knows when the global economy will recover, so the board of directors has decided to make some necessary adjustments to the company's organizational structure."

"After careful evaluation and prudent consideration, the company has had to make a difficult decision..." 【100】 "Director Jiao, some positions, including yours, need to be adjusted. This is out of consideration for the company's overall development, not a denial of your past performance." 【101】 Jiao Shiqian only felt his mouth dry and tongue scorched, and said stutteringly: "Th-this is so sudden? I... I am... I am an old employee of the company. You, you guys, this..." 【102】 The HR Director said patiently: "Director Jiao, the company will provide a reasonable compensation plan for your situation, and we hope to reduce the impact on your life. We will pay an extra month's salary on top of the statutory compensation of N as support for you." 【103】 "I know this is indeed a difficult time, but Director Jiao, we have to look forward. These are the details of the company's compensation plan." 【104】 Jiao Shiqian listened to the other party's detailed and fluent introduction, only feeling exceptionally dazed in his heart. 【105】 He was stunned for a long time and didn't hear any details, but he suddenly remembered something and asked: "My options will be convertible into stocks in a year. How will those be compensated?" 【106】 The HR Director was silent for a while and had to regretfully remind him: "Director Jiao, you might not have read the contract you signed in detail. There are some detailed clauses regarding this kind of situation. I suggest you flip through it again. Although it's all in English, the specific clauses aren't very complicated." 【107】 A bad premonition emerged in Jiao Shiqian's heart, and he almost shouted: "Speak human language!" 【108】 The HR Director spoke human language, but it didn't sound like human language: "According to the contract you signed, these options will be recovered without compensation." 【109】 Jiao Shiqian was completely stunned. 【110】 There is an "Employee Handbook" in the company, and Article 5, Clause 6 stipulates that stock option rewards will be given to management personnel at a certain level, annual outstanding employees, and grassroots employees with more than 8 years of service. 【111】 The options in his hand would be worth at least 150,000 if converted into stocks!! 【112】 He gasped twice and shouted: "How is that possible! Why should they be recovered without compensation? This is a bully clause!!" 【113】 "That English contract is actually written very clearly, and it is absolutely legal," the HR Director shook his head. "Director Jiao, we are notifying you 30 days in advance for this layoff. Logically, we could just give N. Now that we've given an extra month's salary, the company has done its part." 【114】 www? ttkan? ￠o 【115】 Jiao Shiqian was both shocked and angry: "Impossible! I don't accept it! If you want to do this, don't blame me for seeking arbitration!" 【116】 The HR Director spread his hands: "Whether it's the contract or the process, it's legal. Director Jiao, do you think arbitration is omnipotent? Arbitration is to protect the rights and interests of both of us. Calm down. You are also an old employee of the company for many years. I understand it's not easy for you to accept such a decision, but this is also a necessary choice for the company in the current environment." 【117】 He put down the document, walked toward the door, and finally said: "Director Jiao, the company will do its best to provide you with support. Thank you again for your contributions to the company over these years, and I hope everything goes well for you in the future." 【118】 Jiao Shiqian wanted to grab his arm but felt this was the company's decision. He suddenly had a flash of inspiration and asked: "Is the reason for laying me off just because I'm one year away from getting the stocks?!" 【119】 The HR Director looked back at this colleague and sighed: "Director Jiao, don't make it difficult for me. I'm just following orders. The option stocks are in the contract you signed yourself. In all honesty, I also think it's not very good for the company to do this, sigh." 【120】 Jiao Shiqian's throat moved up and down, and his right hand hurriedly reached for his phone, wanting to record such words. He found an excuse: "You, you, you, that, sit down and say the compensation details again. I, I didn't hear clearly just now." 【121】 The HR Director noticed this rather obvious action of taking the phone, frowned, his expression turned cold, and he refused: "You calm down first. The compensation plan is on the table. Look at it yourself." 【122】 He opened the door and walked out of the office. 【123】 Jiao Shiqian shouted weakly from behind: "You guys have no conscience!" 【124】 The office door was politely closed. 【125】 Jiao Shiqian sat in the chair, dazed and slowly accepting everything that had happened suddenly. 【126】 But he couldn't accept it! 【127】 It was just one year away from the stocks! They were all things he deserved! 【128】 This was obviously an excuse found by the company! 【129】 Jiao Shiqian looked at the recording interface on his phone screen and suddenly discovered that the facts were completely reversed! 【130】 Damn it, what kind of person needs to record? 【131】 People who protect themselves need to record! 【132】 I'm not the boss; I'm the one who needs to find ways to protect my own rights and interests... 【133】 Jiao Shiqian felt exceptionally uncomfortable whenever he thought about not recording the key sentence from the HR Director, and he felt a chill whenever he thought about his alert expression at the end! 【134】 His hands and feet were cold, and suddenly he felt his blood flow accelerate. He quickly used the mouse to open the Bai Xiaosheng website, clicked into the personal center, and looked for the anonymous function he was invited to yesterday. 【135】 Internal message, internal message, I can be an insider, I damn well want to be an insider! 【136】 Oh my god, where is my internal message?? 【137】 Jiao Shiqian clicked around messily for a long time before remembering that he had deleted the internal message himself. 【138】 He searched for a while longer and despairingly discovered that there was no button to join anonymity in the backend. It seemed that internal messages were the only channel for internal testing. 【139】 Jiao Shiqian was truly desperate. 【140】 He finished his day's work in a daze, returned home in a muddle, and didn't know what to say when facing his wife's questions. 【141】 What to say? 【142】 Say he knew about the financial crisis, say he thought it was far away, say it had nothing to do with him? 【143】 Say he didn't know about protective recording, didn't know how to maintain his rights, say his mind was a blank? 【144】 Jiao Shiqian couldn't say it. 【145】 That night, he tossed and turned and couldn't sleep. 【146】 On the last day of 2008, Jiao Shiqian washed up numbly and left home early to take the subway to work, but he lingered downstairs at the company and didn't go up. 【147】 He wandered around in circles and suddenly remembered that he had the phone number of that Yu Xing from Bai Xiaosheng in his phone address book. 【148】 Jiao Shiqian didn't think too much, but with a nervous mood, he called Yu Xing, hoping to get the insider internal test. 【149】 The call went through quickly. 【150】 Jiao Shiqian explained the reason with a bit of stuttering. 【151】 "Uh, I was thinking about developing your management team's account registration. If you make such a scene, I won't be able to do that." Yu Xing's voice came through the phone. 【152】 Jiao Shiqian's heart sank to the bottom. Yu Xing had his own interests to consider and wouldn't let him speak out. 【153】 Immediately after, he heard the second sentence. 【154】 "Forget it, you can post it tomorrow." Yu Xing said lightly. 【155】 Jiao Shiqian felt like he had been hit by a bullet. He asked in astonishment: "Why?" 【156】 Yu Xing replied: "For good luck. Tomorrow is the 1st, the first day of 2009. A great start." 【157】 Jiao Shiqian took a deep breath and asked: "Boss Yu, I'm asking... I'm asking, why are you willing to let me post..." 【158】 Yu Xing laughed: "Because this matter is unfair, and your company's handling is dishonest. If I don't let you post, where can you post? If you go to the media, it will probably vanish like a stone into the sea." 【159】 He continued: "Bai Xiaosheng is just for this. We don't serve big companies. Do you know what an independent third party is?" 【160】 Jiao Shiqian's tears were about to come out. 【161】 Seeing that there was no sound on the other side, Yu Xing comforted him in turn: "Just do your thing. Bai Xiaosheng won't compromise. I'm a damn college student; who would I compromise with?" 【162】 Jiao Shiqian's voice was a bit choked: "Boss Yu, you... you dropped out, right." 【163】 Yu Xing laughed: "That's right, I dropped out. Don't talk to me about compromise!" 【164】 Jiao Shiqian's tears really came down. 【165】 "Alright, Director Jiao, don't be too fragile. You must dare to fight for your legitimate rights and interests." Yu Xing didn't comfort him further and said, "Since it's a layoff, it shouldn't just be you. Ask around to see who else there is and what other traps there are. You can expose them together and see if you can fight for your rights back." 【166】 He pondered for a moment and continued: "Director Jiao, I welcome you to post, but it doesn't mean you will succeed just like this. Your company is listed, after all. Hmm, you still need to hurry up and prepare to find your next job." 【167】 "Yes, I know, Boss Yu, thank you." Jiao Shiqian took a breath and said at this time: "In addition, there was another thing in the company last month that was suppressed. I think I can get the media interested if I say it. It was on November 17th..." 【168】 Yu Xing didn't expect an unexpected joy and interrupted: "Director Jiao, can you be responsible for what you say?" 【169】 Jiao Shiqian replied decisively: "I can be responsible! It's true!" 【170】 "Good, then you don't need to tell me. You can post it directly to the platform tomorrow," Yu Xing said. "I can browse it with everyone. Hmm, it just so happens to give you another day of buffer time. Don't be impulsive, calm down." 【171】 Jiao Shiqian didn't expect Boss Yu to advise him to calm down. 【172】 He had something to say but felt that saying too much would be very pretentious. 【173】 In the end, Jiao Shiqian only said to the phone: "Boss Yu, I'm very calm now. There's nothing that needs buffering. See you tomorrow!" 【174】 Yu Xing also only replied: "Good, see you tomorrow." 【175】 He put down his phone, feeling surprised by the situation from Jiao Shiqian, but not feeling very surprised. 【176】 This is the mechanism that Bai Xiaosheng has initially built. 【177】 Similar situations will be born on top of this mechanism. If it's not Jiao Shiqian, it will be Meng Shiqian. 【178】 As long as there are various interest games in the workplace—between people, between people and departments, between people and companies—then workplace topics will have long-lasting vitality, and workplace materials will be as numerous as crucian carp crossing the river! 【179】 Jiao Shiqian can just happen to take over the topic of the internet matchmaking industry this time. 【180】 Insider, see you tomorrow. 【181】 Insider, see you every day. 【182】... 【183】 2008 passed quietly. 【184】 The world welcomed 2009. 【185】 Yu Xing didn't have too many feelings about this, just looking forward to the excitement of this day continuing to appear. 【186】 Of course, entering January 2009 meant that the countdown to short-selling Focus Media had begun, and he also needed to push the work of contacting investors further. 【187】 But on the first day, there were mainly two things. 【188】 One was Jiao Shiqian's insider act, and the other was NetEase Dating's press conference. 【189】 Yu Xing received a call from Zhuo Shiming, the director of "NetEase Dating," last night, which completely clarified the other party's intentions. 【190】 No surprise, real-name authentication. 【191】 Because their interests were intertwined, Zhuo Shiming's attitude in this call was very plain, earnestly asking for Yu Xing's opinion on this matter. 【192】 "You're all going to do it, so it doesn't matter what I say," Yu Xing said, but still gave his judgment: "An industry must inevitably move from disorder to order." 【193】 This is a question of industry development. 【194】 He gave a second sentence: "This turning point from disorder to order is indeed a good opportunity for NetEase Dating." 【195】 This is a question of impacting the market landscape. 【196】 In the originally disordered stage, the market landscape was stable, and if it completely entered orderly development, the market landscape would be equally stable. Only in the stage where the two alternate do latecomers have the opportunity to impact more shares. 【197】 Zhuo Shiming exclaimed: "Boss Yu, my opinion is exactly the same as yours! Why don't you come to NetEase? This market can still be done. As long as the results come out, the bonuses and performance will be very high. It might be more comfortable than your painstaking entrepreneurship." 【198】 "No, I like making others uncomfortable," Yu Xing declined. 【199】 "Alright," Zhuo Shiming felt that this sentence was a bit uncomfortable, and finally said: "We are holding a press conference in Shencheng at 10:00 tomorrow morning to officially announce full-site real-name authentication. Boss Yu, are you coming?" 【200】 Yu Xing was a bit surprised: "The action is so fast? Your offline strength seems a bit weak." 【201】 Zhuo Shiming laughed: "We poached quite a few people this week, and the headquarters gave support." 【202】 "Amazing, NetEase is the winner this time," Yu Xing congratulated first, then refused: "I won't go, so as not to cause trouble. I wish NetEase success in promoting the progress of the industry." 【203】 Zhuo Shiming replied with a smile: "I'll take your good words, Boss Yu." 【204】 On January 1, 2009, NetEase announced the establishment of the Dating Business Unit, and its "NetEase Dating" held a "Real-Name Matchmaking" press conference in Shencheng, raising the banner of "Matchmaking starts from real-name, love is simple and real." 【205】 Is a big internet factory like NetEase really going to do matchmaking business? 【206】 This was a press conference that surprised many media outlets. 【207】 What surprised everyone even more was that NetEase had actually been doing such business for a long time, and this time it was just planning to make it bigger and stronger. 【208】 Regardless, as the first website in the internet matchmaking industry to implement real-name authentication, it had the positive significance of promoting industry progress and quickly gained quite a bit of user expectation and praise under the news reports. 【209】 In addition to announcing real-name authentication at the press conference, NetEase Dating also announced a city plan, which would open business in 15 offline cities simultaneously today. 【210】 NetEase is serious. 【211】 And, the industry is going to be reshuffled. 【212】 Almost at the same time the press conference was held, Li Song, the boss of Zhen Ai Wang, spent almost the most painful moment of his life in the conference room. 【213】 "Li Zong, let's postpone it," the investor sitting across the conference table suddenly spoke, negating their negotiation process. 【214】 Li Song was astonished: "Why?" 【215】 Over the past week, he had been running around for new financing. This time, the institution he found was already one where he had made many concessions. 【216】 "That website of NetEase has announced full-site real-name authentication. The changes in the entire industry still need to be observed," the investor stood up regretfully. "Let's wait and see." 【217】 Li Song stood up: "Hey, Wei Zong, Wei Zong..." 【218】 The investor only politely indicated goodbye and firmly ended this negotiation. 【219】 Li Song stood dazed in the conference room and slammed his fist on the table. 【220】 This wasn't his first venture after returning to China. The previous failure made him more than usually obsessed with pushing the company to success and going public. Of course, he also hoped to achieve career achievements no less than his wife's. 【221】 Now, his career had suffered a setback. 【222】 The industry was suddenly going to be reshuffled for no reason! 【223】 Vice Wei Zong Jialan sent the investor away and saw the boss's ugly face when she returned to the conference room. 【224】 She suggested cautiously: "Li Zong, why don't we ask Xu Zong?" 【225】 Li Song frowned and shook his head without speaking. 【226】 "We can still make concessions. Since we're making concessions anyway, why not make them to Xu Zong," Wei Jialan analyzed the situation. "This real-name authentication... might not necessarily pose much of a threat. NetEase's business in this area is very weak, and Wei Zong was just scared by NetEase's name." 【227】 Zhen Ai Wang naturally knew whether NetEase was strong in the matchmaking industry. 【228】 Li Song's brow relaxed slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said: "Xu Xin went to Shencheng these past few days. When she comes back, I'll have a serious chat with her again." 【229】 Wei Jialan nodded gently. As long as Li Zong and Xu Zong talked seriously, the situation would get better. 【230】 Husband and wife are one; this is just helping out, how could she not agree? 【231】... 【232】 A passenger plane from Pengcheng landed in Shencheng. 【233】 Xu Xin sat in the car and heard the secretary talk about the latest news: NetEase Dating had held a press conference. 【234】 This had nothing to do with Xu Xin's work, but those around her naturally knew about Li Song's company, so it was inevitable that they would pay more attention to relevant situations. 【235】 "The internet matchmaking industry is making quite a big move this time," the secretary commented. "NetEase is the oriole behind." 【236】 Xu Xin smiled slightly and didn't speak. 【237】 This was probably a big winner and a small winner. NetEase had public opinion, resources, and funds, needless to say, but that Yu Xing from Bai Xiaosheng had indeed benefited from it. 【238】 It could be considered a small win. 【239】 Such a thought flashed through Xu Xin's mind. She closed her eyes to rest and thought about the goal of this trip—the rising star company in online travel, "Qunar." 【240】 This was a financing negotiation led by peers. "Qunar" wanted to aggressively challenge Ctrip's market and was trying to get support from investment institutions. ===== CHAPTER 99 =====

"Director Jiao, a number of positions, including yours, need to be adjusted. This is out of consideration for the company's overall development, not a denial of your past performance."

Jiao Shiqian only felt his mouth go dry, and he said with a slight stutter: "Th-this is so sudden? I, I am... I am a veteran employee of the company, you, you this..."

The HR Director said patiently: "Director Jiao, the company will provide a reasonable compensation plan for your situation, and we hope to reduce the impact on your life. We will pay an additional month's salary on top of the statutory compensation as support for you."

"I know this is indeed a difficult time, but, Director Jiao, we must look forward. These are the details of the company's compensation plan."

Listening to the other party's detailed and fluent introduction, Jiao Shiqian only felt exceptionally bewildered inside.

He was stunned for a good while and didn't take in any of the details, but he suddenly remembered one thing and opened his mouth to ask: "I can get my stock options in just one year! How will those be compensated?"

The HR Director was silent for a moment and had to remind him with regret: "Director Jiao, you may not have read the contract you signed in detail. There are some detailed clauses in it regarding this kind of situation. I suggest you flip through it again. Although it is entirely in English, the specific clauses are not very complicated."

A bad premonition surged in Jiao Shiqian's heart, and he almost shouted: "Speak like a human!"

The HR Director spoke like a human, yet it didn't sound like human words: "According to the contract you signed, these stock options will be reclaimed without compensation."

Jiao Shiqian was completely stunned.

There is an "Employee Handbook" in the company, and the sixth clause of Article 5 stipulates that stock option rewards will be given to management personnel of a certain level, annual outstanding employees, and grassroots employees with more than 8 years of service.

The stock options in his own hands would be worth at least 150,000 if converted into stock!!

He gasped twice and shouted: "How is that possible! On what grounds are they reclaimed without compensation? This is an unfair clause!!"

"That English contract is actually written very clearly, and it is absolutely legal." The HR Director shook his head, "Director Jiao, our layoff this time is also notifying you 30 days in advance. Logically, we could have just given the statutory amount. Now that we have given an extra month's salary, the company has already done its part."

www? ttkan? ￠o

Jiao Shiqian was both shocked and angry: "Impossible! I don't accept it! If you are going to do this, don't blame me for seeking arbitration!"

The HR Director spread his hands and said: "Whether it's the contract or the process, everything is legal. Director Jiao, do you think arbitration is a panacea? Arbitration is to protect the rights and interests of both of us. Calm down. You are also a veteran employee of the company for many years. I understand that it is not easy for you to accept such a decision, but this is also a necessary choice for the company in the current environment."

He put down the documents, walked toward the door, and finally said: "Director Jiao, the company will do its best to provide you with support. Thank you again for the contributions you have made to the company over the past years. I hope everything goes well for you in the future."

Jiao Shiqian wanted to grab his arm but felt this was the company's decision. He suddenly had a flash of inspiration and asked: "Is laying me off just because I'm only one year away from getting the stock?!"

The HR Director turned back to look at this colleague and sighed: "Director Jiao, don't make it difficult for me. I'm just following orders. The stock options were in the contract you signed yourself. Honestly speaking, I also think it's not very good for the company to do this, sigh."

Jiao Shiqian's throat moved up and down. His right hand hurriedly reached for his phone, wanting to record such words. He found an excuse: "You, you, you, that, sit down and say the compensation details again. I, I didn't hear clearly just now."

The HR Director noticed this rather obvious action of taking out the phone, frowned, and his expression turned cold. He refused: "Calm down first. The compensation plan is on the table; look at it yourself."

He opened the door and walked out of the office.

Jiao Shiqian shouted weakly from behind: "You have no conscience!"

The office door was politely closed.

Jiao Shiqian sat in the chair, blankly and slowly accepting everything that had happened so suddenly.

But he couldn't accept it!

It was just one year away from the stock! It was all rightfully his!

This was clearly an excuse the company had found!

Jiao Shiqian looked at the recording interface on his phone screen and suddenly realized that the facts were completely reversed!

Damn it, what kind of person needs to record?

Only those who protect themselves need to record!

I am not the boss; I am the one who needs to find ways to protect my own rights and interests...

Jiao Shiqian felt exceptionally miserable at the thought that he hadn't recorded the key sentence from the HR Director, and he shuddered at the thought of his alert expression at the end!

His hands and feet were cold, and suddenly he felt his blood flow accelerate. He quickly used the mouse to open the Bai Xiaosheng website, clicked into the personal center, and looked for the anonymous function he had been invited to yesterday.

Internal message, internal message, I can be an insider, I damn well want to be an insider!

Oh damn, where is that internal message of mine??

Jiao Shiqian clicked around messily, and it took a good while before he remembered that he had deleted the internal message with his own hands.

He searched for a while longer and despairingly discovered that there was no button to join the anonymous feature in the backend. It seemed that the internal message was the only channel for the beta test.

Jiao Shiqian was truly desperate.

He finished his day's work in a daze, returned home in a muddle, and didn't know what to say when facing his wife's questions.

What to say?

Say that he knew about the financial crisis, say that he felt it was very far away, say that it had nothing to do with him?

Say that he didn't know about protective recording, say that he didn't know how to maintain his rights, say that his mind was a blank?

Jiao Shiqian couldn't say it.

That night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

On the last day of 2008, Jiao Shiqian numbly washed up, left home early, and took the subway to work, but he lingered downstairs at the company and didn't go up.

He paced around in circles and suddenly remembered that he had the phone number of that Yu Xing from Bai Xiaosheng in his phone contacts.

Jiao Shiqian didn't think too much, but with a nervous heart, he called Yu Xing, hoping to get the insider beta test.

The call went through quickly.

Jiao Shiqian explained the situation with a bit of a stutter.

"Uh, I was thinking about developing account registrations for your management layer. If you cause this kind of scene, my plan won't work." Yu Xing's voice came through the phone.

Jiao Shiqian's heart sank to the bottom. Yu Xing had his own interests to consider and wouldn't let him speak out.

Immediately after, he heard the second sentence.

"Forget it, you can post it tomorrow." Yu Xing said lightly.

Jiao Shiqian felt as if he had been hit by a bullet. He asked in astonishment: "Why?"

Yu Xing replied: "For good luck. Tomorrow is the 1st, the first day of 2009. A great start to the year."

Jiao Shiqian took a deep breath and asked: "Mr. Yu, I was asking... I was asking, why are you willing to let me post..."

Yu Xing laughed: "Because this matter is unfair. Your company's handling of it is underhanded. If I don't let you post, where can you post? If you go to the media, it will probably be like a stone sinking into the ocean."

He continued: "Bai Xiaosheng exists for this. We don't serve big companies. Do you know what an independent third party is?"

Jiao Shiqian's tears were about to come out.

Seeing that there was no sound on the other end, Yu Xing comforted him in turn: "Just do your thing. Bai Xiaosheng will not compromise. I'm a damn college student; who would I compromise with?"

Jiao Shiqian's voice was a bit choked: "Mr. Yu, you... you dropped out, right?"

Yu Xing laughed: "That's right, I'm a damn dropout. Don't talk to me about compromise!"

Jiao Shiqian's tears really fell.

"Alright, Director Jiao, don't be too fragile. You must dare to fight for your legitimate rights and interests." Yu Xing didn't offer much more comfort and said, "Since it's a layoff, it shouldn't just be you. Find out who else is involved and what other traps there are. You can expose them together and see if you can win back your rights."

He pondered for a moment and continued: "Director Jiao, I welcome you to post, but that doesn't mean you will succeed just like this. After all, your company is listed. Hmm, you still need to hurry up and prepare to find your next job."

"Yes, I know, Mr. Yu, thank you." Jiao Shiqian took a breath and said at this moment, "Also, there was another matter at the company last month that was suppressed. If I say it, it should be able to gain media interest. That was on November 17th..."

Yu Xing didn't expect an unexpected joy and interrupted: "Director Jiao, can you be responsible for what you say?"

Jiao Shiqian answered decisively: "I can be responsible! It's true!"

"Good, then you don't need to tell me. You can post it directly to the platform tomorrow." Yu Xing said, "I can browse it with everyone. Hmm, it just so happens to give you another day of buffer time. Don't be impulsive, calm down."

Jiao Shiqian didn't expect Mr. Yu to advise him to calm down.

He had something he wanted to say, but felt that saying too much would be very sentimental.

Finally, Jiao Shiqian only said to the phone: "Mr. Yu, I am very calm now. There is nothing that needs buffering. See you tomorrow!"

Yu Xing also only replied: "Good, see you tomorrow."

He put down his phone, feeling both surprised and not very surprised by the situation coming from Jiao Shiqian.

This was the mechanism that Bai Xiaosheng had already initially built.

Similar situations would be born on top of this kind of mechanism; if it wasn't Jiao Shiqian, it would be Meng Shiqian.

As long as there are various interest games in the workplace—between people, between people and departments, between people and companies—then workplace topics will have lasting vitality, and workplace material will be as abundant as crucian carp crossing the river!

Jiao Shiqian can just happen to take over the topic of the internet dating industry this time.

Insider, see you tomorrow.

Insider, see you every day.

2008 passed quietly.

The world welcomed 2009.

Yu Xing didn't have much sentiment about this, only looking forward to the excitement of this day continuing to unfold.

Of course, entering January 2009 also meant that shorting Focus Media had entered a countdown, and that he still needed to push the work of contacting investors further.

But on this day, the first, there were mainly two things.

One was Jiao Shiqian's insider act, and the second was the NetEase Dating press conference.

Yu Xing had received a call from Zhuo Shiming, the director of "NetEase Dating," last night, and thus completely clarified the other party's intentions.

No surprise, real-name verification.

Because their interests were intertwined, Zhuo Shiming's attitude in this call was very plain, and he earnestly asked for Yu Xing's opinion on this matter.

"Since you are all going to do it, it doesn't matter what I say." Yu Xing said this, but still gave his judgment: "An industry must inevitably move from disorder to order."

This is a question of industry development.

He gave a second sentence: "This kind of transition from disorder to order is indeed a good opportunity for NetEase Dating."

This is a question of impacting the market landscape.

In the originally disordered stage, the market landscape is stable, and if it completely enters orderly development, the market landscape is equally stable. Only in the stage where the two alternate do latecomers have the opportunity to capture more share.

Zhuo Shiming exclaimed: "Mr. Yu, my opinion is exactly the same as yours! Why don't you come to NetEase? This market can still be done. As long as results can be produced, bonuses and performance will be very high. It might be more comfortable than your painstaking entrepreneurship."

"No thanks, I like making others uncomfortable." Yu Xing politely declined.

"Alright." Zhuo Shiming felt that this sentence was a bit uncomfortable, and finally said, "We are holding a press conference in Shencheng tomorrow morning at ten o'clock to officially announce full-site real-name verification. Mr. Yu, are you coming?"

Yu Xing was a bit surprised: "Moving so fast? Your offline strength seems a bit weak."

Zhuo Shiming laughed: "We poached quite a few people this week, and the headquarters gave support."

"Impressive, NetEase is the winner this time." Yu Xing first congratulated him, then refused, "I won't go, so as not to cause trouble. I wish NetEase success in promoting industry progress."

Zhuo Shiming replied with a smile: "I'll take your kind words, Mr. Yu."

On January 1, 2009, NetEase announced the establishment of a dating business unit, and its subsidiary "NetEase Dating" held a "Real-Name Matchmaking" press conference in Shencheng, launching the slogan "Matchmaking starts with real names; love is simple and real."

Is a major internet factory like NetEase really going to do matchmaking business?

This was a press conference that surprised many media outlets.

What surprised everyone even more was that NetEase had actually been doing this kind of business for a long time, and this time they just planned to make it bigger and stronger.

Regardless, as the first real-name website in the internet dating industry, it had the positive significance of promoting industry progress and quickly gained a lot of user anticipation and praise under the news reports.

In addition to announcing the real-name system at the press conference, NetEase Dating also announced a city plan, which would simultaneously open business in 15 offline cities today.

NetEase is serious.

And, the industry is going to be reshuffled.

Almost at the same time the press conference was held, Li Song, the boss of Zhenai. com, spent a moment in the conference room that was almost painful for him.

"Mr. Li, let's postpone it." The investor sitting across the conference table suddenly spoke up, negating their negotiation progress.

Li Song was astonished: "Why?"

Over the past week, he had been running around for new financing, and the institution he found this time was already one where he had made many concessions.

"That website of NetEase has announced full-site real-name verification. The changes in the entire industry still need to be observed." The investor stood up with regret, "Let's wait and see."

Li Song stood up: "Hey, Mr. Wei, Mr. Wei..."

The investor only politely expressed goodbye and firmly ended this negotiation.

Li Song stood blankly in the conference room and slammed his fist on the table.

This was not his first venture after returning to China. The previous failure made him have an extraordinary obsession with pushing the company to success and listing. Of course, he also hoped to achieve career results that were not inferior to his wife's.

Now, his career had suffered a setback.

The industry was suddenly and inexplicably going to be reshuffled!

Vice Wei Zong Jialan sent the investor away and returned to the conference room to see the boss's ugly expression.

She suggested cautiously: "Mr. Li, why don't we ask Ms. Xu?"

Li Song frowned and shook his head without speaking.

"We can still make concessions. Since we are making concessions anyway, we might as well make them to Ms. Xu." Wei Jialan analyzed the situation, "This real-name system... may not necessarily pose much of a threat. NetEase's business in this area is very weak, and Mr. Wei was just scared by NetEase's reputation."

Zhenai. com naturally knows whether NetEase is strong in the dating industry.

Li Song's brow relaxed slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said: "Xu Xin went to Shencheng these past few days. When she comes back, I will have a serious talk with her again."

Wei Jialan nodded gently. As long as Mr. Li and Ms. Xu talked seriously, the situation would improve.

Husband and wife are one; since this is just helping out, how could she not agree?

A passenger plane from Pengcheng landed in Shencheng.

Xu Xin sat in the car and heard her secretary mention the latest news: NetEase Dating held a press conference.

This had nothing to do with Xu Xin's work, but people around her naturally knew about Li Song's company, and it was inevitable that they would pay more attention to relevant situations.

"The movement in the internet dating industry this time is a bit big." The secretary commented, "NetEase is the oriole behind."

Xu Xin smiled slightly and didn't speak.

This was probably a big winner and a small winner. NetEase had public opinion, resources, and funds, needless to say, but that Yu Xing from Bai Xiaosheng had indeed benefited from it.

Consider it a small win.

Xu Xin had this thought flash through her mind. She closed her eyes to rest and thought about the goal of this trip—the rising star company in online travel, "Qunar."

This was a financing negotiation led by peers. "Qunar" wanted to aggressively challenge Ctrip's market and was trying to get support from investment institutions.