Who would still start a business seriously after being reborn?

Chapter 488 Kick the Door Open
"Have you checked this patch?" Cheng Yi asked Li Weiwei.

Li Weiwei immediately nodded and said, "I checked, KB434523453 is not on their original monthly update list. It was rushed out at the last minute, probably to cause WPS to crash unexpectedly on Windows."

Lei Jun held the statement in his hand and glanced at Li Weiwei with some surprise.

This guy truly lives up to his title as the president's assistant at a multi-billion dollar corporation. He's already figured out all the related issues before the president even gave the order.

However, Microsoft's counterattack this time is full of the three elements of speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness! It not only aims to knock down the icebreaker, but also to completely destroy the foundation of WPS in the Windows environment.

They, Jinshan, cannot afford a protracted legal battle, nor can they bear the consequences of a massive loss of users!
Lei Jun suddenly looked at Cheng Yi, hesitating to speak.

Cheng Yi showed no surprise whatsoever. He leisurely strolled behind his desk and picked up a silver USB drive.

The USB drive has a minimalist design, with only a low-key Moc-os logo etched on the side.

He nimbly twirled the USB drive between his fingers, his gaze sweeping over Lei Jun, whose expression seemed somewhat unnatural.

Then, he took out his phone and dialed Yu Sen's number.

He put the phone on speakerphone and said, "Mr. Yu, how are the background download data and user feedback for the Moc-OS Home Edition?"

"Explosive growth, but our download servers are under a lot of pressure, though still within acceptable limits," Yu Sen reported quickly, his voice carrying a hint of excitement from a technologist witnessing a miracle.

Cheng Yi nodded, and that knowing smile reappeared on his lips.

He gently placed the silver USB drive on the large mahogany desk and pushed it toward Lei Jun.

The USB drive glided a short distance across the smooth desktop and came to a steady stop in front of Lei Jun.

“President Lei,” Cheng Yi’s voice was not loud, but it carried an irresistible power.

"Microsoft wants to shut WPS out with Windows patches."

He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp, looking directly into Lei Jun's somewhat wavering eyes.

"So, you and Jinshan, are you choosing to continue eking out a living in that house that could collapse at any moment..."

He pointed his finger at the USB drive.

"Or should we push open this door and redefine the rules together in the world of Moc-os?"

Inside the office, it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only the faint sound of the central air conditioning whirring.

The small silver USB drive lay quietly on the solid wood table, like a cold watershed.

Lei Jun's gaze was fixed on the USB drive, and his breathing became heavy.

Microsoft's statement was like a mountain pressing down, while Cheng Yi's choice was like a bottomless vortex.

On one side is a visible cliff, and on the other side is the unknown deep sea.

Betting the future of Violet Mountain?
His hands, resting on his knees, unconsciously clenched the expensive fabric of his suit trousers.

Li Weiwei's gaze lingered for a moment on Lei Jun's face as he struggled violently, then turned to Cheng Yi.

Cheng Yi remained leaning back in his large chair, relaxed, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

She knew that Cheng Yi was waiting.

Time ticked by in a suffocating silence.

After a full minute, he reached out and, with a desperate resolve, grabbed the cold, silver USB drive on the table.

“We…” Lei Jun’s voice seemed to be forced out from the depths of his throat, extremely hoarse, yet carrying the weight of cutting off all escape routes: “We’ll go with you.”

He raised his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on Cheng Yi, like a wolf that had been cornered and finally had to bare its fangs.

Cheng Yi's fingers, which had been tapping on the table, finally stopped.

“A wise choice, Mr. Lei.” A smile appeared on Cheng Yi’s lips. He stood up, walked around the huge desk, extended his hand to Lei Jun, and said with a smile, “Welcome to the new world.”

Their two hands clasped tightly together.

Just as Cheng Yi was about to say a few polite words, his phone rang.

It was Qian Buqun, president of IBM China Region, calling.

As soon as Cheng Yi answered the phone, Qian Buqun laughed and said, "President Cheng, congratulations! Our headquarters has just approved your application for access to the industrial software library. You can choose the industrial software you need from our software library. If you have a large quantity, we can also give you a discount."

Cheng Yi held his phone, his smile deepening.

He turned to look at Lei Jun, who had also heard the voice on speakerphone. Lei Jun's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed a little, and a new hope ignited in his eyes.

Industrial software library!
This is precisely the key to Moc-os's ability to gain a foothold in the government and enterprise market.

"Mr. Qian, you're a real lifesaver!" Cheng Yi said with a sincere smile. "Everyone says that IBM's vision and efficiency are number one in the world, and now it's clear that it's well-deserved. With your software library, we'll have to teach Microsoft a lesson."

"Haha, Mr. Cheng, you flatter me." Qian Buqun laughed heartily and said, "It's time for someone to challenge Microsoft's hegemony in operating systems and office software. I must say, your icebreaker and the release of the home version of the system are excellent. Headquarters has taken notice and highly praises your courage and technical strength. This permission is our way of showing our sincerity to our allies."

Although Qian Buqun spoke in a high-sounding manner, Cheng Yi knew very well that the biggest reason IBM opened up its software library was that they needed Momo Group to act as cannon fodder.

IBM knew very well that even if they opened up their software library, they would never be able to compete with Microsoft.

“Thank you for IBM’s trust.” Cheng Yi said smoothly, “We will certainly live up to your expectations. Mr. Qian, when is it convenient for you? We can send someone to coordinate the specific access process and software list. Time is of the essence now, and Microsoft’s counterattack could begin at any time.”

“Anytime is fine.” Qian Buqun readily agreed. “I’ll have the head of the technical department contact you directly. Also, headquarters is very optimistic about the potential of your Moc-os in the government and enterprise market. If you need more in-depth technical support or market resources, you can let us know. We can discuss the price.”

"Understood." Cheng Yi immediately replied, smiling knowingly, "We at Momo Group will always remember IBM's help. In the future, we have many areas where we can work together in the Chinese and even Asian markets."

Listening to Cheng Yi's endless stream of nonsensical ramblings, Lei Jun almost burst out laughing.

If IBM actually believed this guy's nonsense, they'd end up like him now, completely tied to this crazy ship, with no chance to get off. After a few more polite words, Cheng Yi hung up the phone.

The heavy atmosphere in the office had been dispelled by the good news brought by Qian Buqun.

“An industrial software library.” Lei Jun sighed, his grip on the silver USB drive tightening. He looked at Cheng Yi and said, “With this, you’ve opened a crack in the door to government and enterprise procurement.”

“It’s not just a crack.” Cheng Yi walked back to his desk and sat down, chuckling, “This time, we’re going to join forces and kick the door open completely!”

Before Lei Jun could say anything more, Cheng Yi said in a commanding tone, "President Lei, immediately transfer your most elite WPS development team from Jinshan to the Moc-os R&D center. Yu Sen will fully cooperate with you to carry out in-depth adaptation and optimization."

"Okay," Lei Jun replied instinctively.

Cheng Yi added, “Remember, what we need is not just usability, but something that is faster, more stable, and more in line with the habits of Chinese users than Microsoft Office on Windows. This is your only chance for WPS to rise from the ashes. As long as you achieve this, you can work with us to kick open the door to government and enterprise procurement.”

"Don't worry." Lei Jun no longer hesitated. He nodded emphatically, his eyes filled with a do-or-die determination, and said, "I'll lead the team myself! We'll fight Microsoft to the death!"

After saying that, Lei Jun hurriedly left with the USB drive and his fighting spirit, leaving only Cheng Yi and Li Weiwei in the office.

“President Cheng, once Microsoft releases the patch, the WPS experience will likely become extremely poor,” Li Weiwei said.

“As expected.” Cheng Yi sneered. “Microsoft’s tactics haven’t changed in decades. They’re just using the same three tricks: financial suppression, compatibility traps, and system-level bundling.”

Cheng Yi stood up and said, "Inform Yu Sen to keep a close eye on the detailed technical aspects of this patch. Once Microsoft officially releases it, reverse engineer it immediately to find out the specific methods they used against WPS."

“Okay.” Li Weiwei nodded immediately.

"At the same time, our Moc-os system security team will immediately issue a security alert, reminding all Windows users to be cautious when installing this security update from Microsoft, and clearly pointing out its potential instability impact on non-Microsoft software such as WPS."

"Understood!" Li Weiwei quickly finished writing it down.

"What's the current stock price situation for those giants?" Cheng Yi asked again.

Li Weiwei thought for a moment and said, "I checked it half an hour ago. Affected by our announcement of the Moc-OS Home Edition, Microsoft's stock price fluctuated slightly, while IBM and Intel's stock prices rose slightly. This time, Wall Street seems to be more optimistic about IBM."

"Hmm." A smile appeared on Cheng Yi's lips.

Li Weiwei was unaware of Enze Capital's situation, so she mistakenly predicted that Wall Street was bullish on IBM. If an elite like Li Weiwei made such a prediction, then retail investors all over the world must think the same way.

As long as Mike and his team continue to operate according to plan and keep a close eye on the stock price fluctuations of Microsoft, IBM, and Intel, none of these three companies will be able to easily cease hostilities.

This battle among industry giants has spread from a technology war and a market war to a capital war.

At that moment, fine snowflakes began to fall outside the window.

Cheng Yi glanced out the window and said slowly, "Microsoft won't give us much breathing room. The industrial software library that Qian Buqun provided is a timely help, but it's also a double-edged sword. IBM won't give us free help. They need us to stand in front and draw Microsoft's fire. At the same time, they also want to use us to establish a deeper foothold in the Chinese market."

He turned around, looking intently at Li Weiwei, and said, "Weiwei, go to Yanjing yourself and first connect with the IBM people to discuss the industrial software library. If the negotiations don't go smoothly, I'll step in."

"Remember our bottom line."

"First, the software list must be complete, including core components such as CAD/CAM/CAE and EDA, none of which can be missing."

"Second, the price must be drastically reduced. We are strategic partners, not fat sheep to be slaughtered. Now it is IBM that is begging us, not us begging them."

"Third, the licensing model should be flexible. It can be negotiated on an annual basis or based on the number of cores, but perpetual licensing is the preferred option."

"Even if we have to pay more upfront, Moc-os' future cannot be tied to someone else's licensing fees."

"Yes, I understand." Li Weiwei felt the weight of the task and nodded solemnly.

Cheng Yi added, "While you're here, you should also sound out IBM's stance and see how much support they can provide for us in the government and enterprise market to replace Microsoft systems. Is it limited to selling software licenses, or can they offer joint bidding, technical endorsement, or even price subsidies for certain benchmark projects?"

A glint flashed in Li Weiwei's eyes as she said, "I understand, President Cheng. I will act according to the circumstances."

After Li Weiwei left, Cheng Yi slowly sat down on the sofa.

While other fields may not be his strengths, he possesses a natural advantage in the field of operating systems. Not to mention that he has modified more than a dozen versions of the XP system, he is also very familiar with the core vulnerabilities of Win7 and Win10.

Cheng Yi had long ago figured out how to seize Microsoft's operating system market share in China.

Li Weiwei is a decisive and efficient businesswoman. She quickly bought a plane ticket and rushed to Yanjing City.

Upon arriving at IBM's China headquarters, Li Weiwei was immediately warmly received by Qian Buqun.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, access to the industrial software library was granted without any difficulty.

The technical liaison officer sent by IBM headquarters was of Chinese descent, named Chen Li.

Like Li Weiwei, Chen Li was a top student from a top overseas university. Without any unnecessary words, the two went straight to discussing the software list and tiered licensing in detail.

The list is long and covers almost all core industrial fields, including mechanical design CAD, engineering simulation CAE, electronic design automation EDA, manufacturing CAM, and product lifecycle management PLM.

As a global IT services giant, IBM's software library can be described as an arsenal of industrial software.

But the price is equally attractive.

When Li Weiwei saw the annual licensing fees calculated based on the number of processor cores and the perpetual license buyout price that often started at hundreds of thousands of US dollars, she couldn't help but gasp.

Capital can never truly escape its profit-seeking nature.

“Mr. Chen, this price is perhaps not quite in line with the strategic cooperation between our two parties.” Li Weiwei gently pushed the quotation back onto the table, a professional smile on her face, and said, “I need you to reconsider.”

“What we need is not a few software packages, but to lay the foundation for the entire Moc-OS ecosystem. This scale and this price will seriously slow down our joint efforts to fight against Microsoft.”

Chen Li adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his smile unchanged: "President Li, IBM's software represents the highest global industrial standards and quality. This price is already the maximum discount we can offer, taking into account our strategic partnership and your huge potential usage."

(End of this chapter)