"Why does the platform only penalize the rider for this timeout issue? Sometimes it's clearly the restaurant's slow food preparation that's the problem..." Wang Gang was quite annoyed by his last food delivery experience, as he believed he was already riding fast enough.

"Furthermore, when I called to appeal, your customer service was all automated. They made me upload all sorts of complicated and nonsensical forms. After I filled them out, it said there was a lack of information, and they made me prove this and that. Do the riders do nothing all day but spend all their time on providing supporting documents?" Wang Gang said with a gloomy face.

After hearing this, everyone present couldn't help but think to themselves: "Isn't this all learned from you guys? Every department's application form is longer than ours."
Some even need to prove that their father is their father and that they are their father's son.

You're blaming me first.

Are you only allowed to set fires, but not to provide us with lamps?
However, these corporate executives were already masters of smoothing things over. They exchanged glances and said to Wang Gang, "Don't worry, we'll change it as soon as we get back."

Upon hearing this, Wang Gang nodded in satisfaction.

Little did he know that his act of doing a good deed would lead these food delivery companies to a highly profitable business opportunity.

A few days later, the three major food delivery giants jointly announced a 40% reduction in penalties for late orders, and Ele.me and Meituan planned to establish rider stations offline to provide services such as drinking water and medicine.

This move was applauded by delivery drivers across the country. After Wang Gang's delivery experience and the video of the rectification work were broadcast on television, the reactions were mixed.

Some people said he was just putting on a show, while others said he was better than those who just sit in air-conditioned offices. Still others felt that regardless of whether it was a show or not, at least this person was willing to step forward and get things done, which was a good thing.

But not long after, the riders started swearing again.

As the saying goes, "For every policy from above, there's a countermeasure from below." After the meeting with Wang Gang, major platforms introduced a new regulation: to ensure the riders' livelihood, the platform will deduct 3 yuan from each rider's daily login fee as an insurance premium.

This seems like a good thing at first glance, but according to one rider, after being injured twice and applying for insurance reimbursement, his account was permanently banned by the platform.

Each rider receives 3 yuan daily upon logging in. Currently, Ele.me and Meituan have nearly 2 million riders combined, which amounts to 6 million yuan. At this rate of growth, the number of riders will reach 6-8 million in 10 years, resulting in over 20 million yuan in insurance fees collected daily.

The platform only needs to focus on collecting insurance premiums and making loans to sit back and collect money steadily.

"Hahaha, this is really unexpected! Happiness came too suddenly!" Wang Xingren, who was wondering where he got the money, was sitting in his chair and laughing heartily.

"Who can argue with that? By doing this, we've been actively cooperating with the leadership. The employment problem is solved, the social security problem is solved, the funding problem is solved—perfect!" Several senior executives of the regiment said with smug satisfaction.

“In the future, the financial department of a certain group should pay more attention. After we receive the insurance premiums, we can launch some other services. Currently, the ‘use now, pay later’ model is very fashionable abroad. Trip.com recently launched a ‘travel now, pay later’ model, so we can also create a ‘eat now, pay later’ model. Think about it, a meal and a cup of milk tea only cost a little over ten yuan. We can give them interest-free use, and the platform’s orders will definitely skyrocket!” It has to be said that the ability of these bosses in China to replicate is quite strong. Wang Xingren quickly came up with an excellent money-making strategy.

"Eat first, pay later, that's brilliant!"

The executives' eyes lit up after hearing this.

Once the boss has pointed out the general direction, the rest—how to create some fancy tricks and extract money from users—is what these people excel at.

Wang Gang was later promoted because of this video, but there was no follow-up on whether the insurance deductions and compensation by the food delivery platform were compliant.

Some say that office leaders don't understand what their subordinates are thinking or what they need, and are just giving orders haphazardly. But in Chen Xi's view, these people understand better than anyone else.

There have been many big news stories lately, and the trending topics list is constantly being refreshed.

Another news story has come into view, but it did not cause a sensation in China; instead, it caused a huge uproar abroad.

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with a Chinese battery manufacturer to launch a new electric-assist bicycle.

What is an electric-assisted bicycle? It is a bicycle with a motor installed inside, which can run like an electric bicycle, or be driven by human power, and there is also an auxiliary mode that can combine the two.

This type of bicycle wasn't very popular in China in its early days because it was more expensive than electric bikes and didn't offer any advantages in terms of range or speed. However, electric-assist bicycles were very popular abroad, as Westerners have always enjoyed cycling. Furthermore, many countries have regulations prohibiting electric bikes on the road, making electric-assist bicycles a viable alternative for transportation.

Chen Xi still remembers that in his previous life, a DJI electric-assist bicycle sold for nearly 4 yuan, and even a regular electric-assist bicycle would cost several thousand yuan.

Why partner with Mercedes? Because their production line uses Huade's robotic arms. Huade has had a deep collaboration with Mercedes for a long time. This is also why Chen Yifeng and Chen Xi both drive Mercedes-Benz cars.

Another partner of Mercedes-Benz is GDB, a well-known German machine tool manufacturer. GDB once acquired VME, a machine tool manufacturer that was the first company to provide technology and capital to Huade.

Chen Xi and Leo went to Germany this time, and that's when he learned about some of the history of Huade.

Back then, Germany was divided into East and West Germany. The owner of VME in East Germany was saved by Chen Xi's maternal grandfather. Out of gratitude, he provided various forms of support to Chen Caiyue's husband, Chen Yifeng. Later, VME was acquired by GDB, and Chen Yifeng then discussed cooperation with VME.

GDB had been observing Huade's situation for the past few years and had long been dissatisfied with Chen Yifeng's actions. Furthermore, the son of the VME owner was currently a shareholder in GDB. Therefore, when Chen Xi approached them proposing a collaboration between Xinde and GDB, they didn't object much.

"Happiness came so suddenly. It turns out that my grandfather once saved Germans," Chen Xi said with a sip of tea.

"Of course, your grandfather was a doctor before he joined the army." Chen Caiyue spoke of her father with great admiration.

“I went to negotiate with my dad yesterday and asked him to hand over Huade to me,” Chen Xi said casually.

"Oh? So how did he reply?"

"He said I was too impatient, and that the factory would eventually belong to me. But that was obviously just a lie, so of course I didn't believe it."

"So how did you answer him?"

He said he would hand over the factory to me in ten years, and I replied that there are many decades in a lifetime!

Chen Xi imitated Chai Gau's actions from a TVB drama and shouted it out.

"Hahaha."

Chen Caiyue laughed so hard she bent over after hearing that.

“According to the regulations, even if GDB transfers its shares, my father can exercise his right of first refusal as a shareholder to prevent it. In other words, if we want to acquire Huade, Xinde will have to surpass Huade.”

"Chen Xi, Chen Xi, the things you asked me to do are almost done." At this moment, Chen Fu rushed into the office.

The two found a secluded spot, and Chen Fu took out his phone and pointed at the screen: "See this? In Jiangcheng, Jianghuai, Jiangsu Province, and other places, wherever there are many fish ponds, there are these gambling venues."

"What's the point of telling me all this? Even if the fishpond is shut down, someone else will just open another one. If you're going to do something, just take down this live streaming platform," Chen Xi said irritably. He didn't really want to talk to Dark; they had helped each other, and he didn't want to owe him a favor.

"I haven't finished yet. That used phone recycling business you asked me to investigate last time is also related to them. See those popular female streamers in the lobby? The people shouting for gifts aren't real people. Then I checked the comments on several popular forums and websites, and also mobile game studios..." Chen Fu rattled off a whole bunch of stuff. "And the result?"

"You can find this Audition Online video by following the second-hand recycling platform!"

Chen Fu snapped his fingers.

"Then go ahead and do it. Once you've gathered all the evidence, cooperate with the police to make the arrest," Chen Xi instructed.

"There were even some nude chat services inside. Isn't it a shame to shut it down? I haven't seen enough yet."

"Screw you."

Chen Xi kicked him in the butt.

In the afternoon, a signing ceremony was held at a large hotel next to the Xinlu Municipal Government.

Wu Wanrong personally attended and presided over the event, with reporters from various media outlets asking a series of questions into microphones.

"Both of you are top young entrepreneurs in China. How was your experience working together this time?" a female reporter asked.

"The Xinlu Big Data Center is definitely not the only project that Mr. Chen and I are working on together. There are many more projects waiting for us!" Ding Ningwen replied with a smile.

“I am honored to have this collaboration. Nowadays, major companies are building their own big data centers. Xinlu’s big data center may not be the largest in the future, but it will definitely be the best!” Chen Xi said confidently.

While Wu Wanrong was being interviewed, Chen Xi secretly winked at Ding Ningwen: "President Ding, do you really have any projects to collaborate on with me later?"

"Of course, I have a bunch of new projects waiting to be done right now."

"Ha, it's not like the Great Wall being tiled or Mount Everest being fitted with elevators, is it?"

"Mr. Chen, you're really joking! I'm planning to align with international standards and set up a business telephone network consulting company to connect domestic and international businesses and help more companies promote their products. Isn't this also in response to the Silk Road policy?"

"Mr. Ding, this reminds me of something. When I was studying in Australia, I often went to the supermarket to buy watermelons, and I had a habit of tapping each one a few times. This is a very common practice in China, but foreigners find it incredible. Some of them don't understand why I would hit the watermelons. Then one foreigner said to the others, 'I'm casting a spell on the watermelons to make them sweeter.' After that, all the foreigners asked me to help them hit the watermelons, and when they tasted them afterward, the watermelons were indeed very sweet! So I became a great magician in their eyes."

"Haha, Mr. Chen, as expected of someone who studied abroad, you're really humorous!" Ding Ningwen laughed awkwardly.

"Mr. Ding, the big data center is about to start construction. Don't focus your attention overseas. What if something goes wrong and you can't come back..."

"Don't worry, don't worry. The money is already prepared. Even if I can't come back, the company is still in China."

"Too."

Chen Xi nodded thoughtfully.

Just then, Ding Ningwen's phone rang. He looked at the screen and his expression turned rather unpleasant.

This scene was captured by Chen Xi, who was standing nearby, and a smile naturally appeared on his lips.

The signing ceremony had just ended when Ding Ningwen made an excuse and left in a hurry.

Chen Xi was stopped by Wu Wanrong, and the two went back to the office together.

"The higher authorities have now proposed to vigorously support high-tech enterprises, and your application has been approved. Tax reductions, loans, land acquisition, and other policies will all be implemented in due course." Wu Wanrong smiled and took a sip of tea.

"Thank you very much, sir."

"Ahem... You're involved in both agriculture, rural areas, and agriculture, as well as technology. You must be under a lot of pressure in terms of funding and management." Wu Wanrong coughed lightly, then thought for a moment and said, "The big data center is about to start construction. If you find that the project is slowing down or there are other issues, as a partner, you should remind Yucheng Group."

Chen Xi glanced at Wu Wanrong's expression; the other man looked very serious.

Leaders at their level are certainly able to receive information much faster than ordinary people like Chen Xi.

Wu Wanrong just said he was reminding Yucheng Group, not Ding Ningwen, which is clearly an implication.

"Yes, I know."

Chen Xi nodded.

I'm afraid this big data center project isn't so simple this time.

Based on the events of the previous life, Wu Wanrong and the other leaders of Xinlu were all tricked by Ding Ningwen. However, his arrival disrupted everything, and Ding Ningwen has yet to escape. Therefore, things will also change for Wu Wanrong…

Half an hour later, at the DJI New Lodge Research Base.

"This is an electric-assist bicycle made according to the specifications you proposed. But then again, this bike is priced at tens of thousands of yuan. Who would spend money to buy it? Don't you have a partnership with Mercedes-Benz? Why do you still need to make a domestically produced one? Which sucker would pay a high price for a domestically produced one instead of paying a low price for an imported one?" Wang Rentao pushed a high-tech bicycle over.

“Right now, only wealthy people can afford this bike in China. Even with the electric bikes costing 800,000 or 900,000 yuan in the future, people will still buy them. Besides, what happens if Mercedes' electric assist breaks down? Are they going to send it back to Germany? They don't plan to establish repair shops in China; the cost would be too high. DJI's configuration is far superior, so people will definitely be willing to pay for it. I want to make this a high-priced, rare item first. Once people have a certain understanding of electric-assist bicycles, I'll launch a more affordable model. Then they'll definitely scramble to buy it. It's a marketing strategy.” Chen Xi understands the mindset of the Chinese people very well.

Whenever a high-priced item goes on sale, they immediately swarm to grab it, as if they would be missing out if they didn't buy it.

"The built-in batteries come in 10A, 16A, and 24A versions, each with different ranges. In pure electric mode, it can travel up to 100 kilometers, and in assisted mode, it can travel up to 300 kilometers. However, I don't think it's necessary. Who would ride a bicycle that far? We're not a professional bicycle manufacturer; the chain and other components are all custom-made from Giant. I think mass production would be difficult!"

"It's alright, money can solve anything." Chen Xi waved his hand.

“JD.com has already exported to many countries, and many companies have tried to copy our aircraft, only to find that they simply cannot produce one with our low cost. I am worried that these guys will propose some sanctions to their countries in the future to curb our sales.” Wang Rentao said with a serious expression.

"Yes, so we need to seize the market quickly and make them unable to live without our products." Chen Xi also felt that this matter should be taken seriously.

A few days later, in the suburbs of Jiangcheng.

"Hello everyone, the Fish Pond Challenge is starting again today!" A girl in a low-cut top was acting cute in front of her phone. (End of Chapter)

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