Who would still start a business seriously after being reborn?

Chapter 614 Lianxiang's entry into the game intensifies the conflict.

Seeing Ma Huateng's increasingly bright eyes, Cheng Yi knew that he had understood.

He could only say these things to Ma Huateng and Wang Yan.

Even Kong Feng would be confused by Microsoft's sweet talk, but Ma Huateng and Wang Yan would not.

Because these two people have experienced this pain firsthand.

Moreover, the fewer people who know about a plan that is too core to be true, the better.

If the king is not secretive, his ministers will be lost; if the minister is not secretive, he will lose himself; if several things are not secretive, it will cause harm.

If you can't understand this statement when venturing into business, you're almost guaranteed a dismal end.

Cheng Yi looked at Ma Huateng and smiled, "Mr. Ma, if we help Microsoft promote itself, Microsoft will face another huge hidden danger besides funding. Can you think of what it is?"

“The number of users the server can handle,” Ma Huateng said seriously. “The integration of MSN and TS seems like a two-birds-with-one-stone move, but the server capacity is completely different. TS is a voice tool, and if the number of online users reaches a certain scale, the server resources consumed will increase exponentially.”

"The more people there are, the worse the experience!" Ma Huateng pointed out the crux of the matter.

This is why UT did not integrate QQ.

Cheng Yi nodded with satisfaction and smiled, "That's right. Compared with developed countries in Europe and America, our domestic servers are not strong enough and the bandwidth is insufficient. When millions or even tens of millions of users are crammed into MSN, normal users will find that TS is not as smooth as UT."

"At that time, a situation might arise where they AFK in TS to collect subsidies, and then return to UT to engage in team fights."

"We want to quickly turn Microsoft's generosity into a burden and torture. We want users to experience this gap even faster."

At this point, Cheng Yi looked out the window, as if he could already see the scene: "When the user experience collapses to a critical point, that will be the time for us to fight back. These hurt users will flow back to UTalk, which is purer and more focused on game communication, even faster!"

There was a long silence in the office.

Ma Huateng fell silent. He leaned back on the sofa, looking at Cheng Yi with a complicated expression. His previous anger and confusion had vanished, replaced by a deep shock and lingering fear.

He had to admit that Cheng Yi's judgment was far more astute than his own.

This is not a retreat, but a counter-strategy to lure the enemy deep into their territory, and even to poison them in their own supply wagons.

Wang Yan was stunned, his mouth slightly agape, as if he was realizing for the first time how terrifying this young boss was.

"Of course, there are risks involved," Cheng Yi said. "If Microsoft can withstand the capital drain and hold out for three to five months, then we have to accept reality."

“Hmm…” Ma Huateng nodded.

If Microsoft really decides to burn through hundreds of billions, then he'll accept his fate.

That amount of money is enough to buy dozens of Tencent companies.

Cheng Yi's plan is the safest plan at present, without exception.

Two days later, an uninvited guest arrived at the reception room of Huaxia Shangding Technology Company.

Located on the top floor of the Microsoft China United Group in Zhongguancun, Huaxia Shangding Technology Co., Ltd. has a completely different interior design style from the modern and technological feel of Microsoft's Asian headquarters, leaning more towards a calm and dignified Chinese style.

The collection includes rosewood furniture, landscape paintings, and antique display shelves, exuding a sense of luxuriousness that blends seamlessly with local customs.

Ding Sanshi, chairman of NetEase, sat on a large sofa with a warm smile, exchanging pleasantries with Chen Yongzheng, president of Huaxia Shangding, and Yang Yuanqing, president of Lianxiang Group, who was accompanying him.

The atmosphere seemed relaxed and harmonious, but a subtle sense of probing permeated the air.

"President Chen, President Yang, Microsoft's move this time has truly opened our eyes." Ding Sanshi adjusted his glasses, his tone carrying just the right amount of praise, and said, "Such a generous reward to players is a blessing for the industry. Several of our NetEase games have benefited greatly from this, and we really have to thank your company."

Upon hearing this, Chen Yongzheng laughed heartily and said, "President Ding, you flatter me! As a global technology leader, it is only right for Microsoft to give back to the market and cultivate users. We have been doing this all these years. As the person in charge of MSN's operation in Greater China, I also feel a great responsibility. It would be best if all of you could benefit together."

His words were well-chosen, both elevating Microsoft and subtly implying his own status, while also implying to Ding Sanshi: you all benefited, but I deserve much credit for it.

Yang Yuanqing, president of Lianxiang Group, who was accompanying them, also smiled and chimed in: "Yes, Microsoft's integration of the game ecosystem through TS voice is of great significance for promoting the development of the entire industry."

As a leading PC hardware company in China, Lianxiang has a deep OEM partnership with Microsoft. In addition, they are located in the same science park and see each other all the time, so it is natural for Lianxiang to side with Microsoft.

His presence here is also a display of his attitude.

Ding Sanshi sneered inwardly, but his face remained warm and friendly as he said, "I came here because I saw the vision and sincerity of Microsoft and Huaxia Shangding. I am here on behalf of NetEase and some like-minded friends, hoping to do my part in promoting MSN."

"Oh?" Chen Yongzheng showed an interested expression and said, "Please go on, Mr. Ding."

"Although our NetEase has transformed into a game company, our portal website is still in a leading position in China," Ding Sanshi said unhurriedly. "I can also help connect with Xinlang Sohu. We are willing to offer our best advertising resources and concentrate our efforts to promote MSN's 'Godsend' event in all aspects, so that more Chinese gamers will know about the convenience of MSN."

Chen Yongzheng and Yang Yuanqing exchanged a glance, a hint of barely perceptible joy and a knowing look flashing in their eyes.

They had long anticipated that no one would be unmoved by the prospect of real financial gain.

The Momo ecosystem is not a monolithic entity.

"That's great." Chen Yongzheng smiled and said, "President Ding is indeed a wise man. With the strong support of mainstream portal websites like yours, MSN will definitely be able to penetrate the user base more quickly. I just wonder what specific plans and requirements President Ding has for promotional resources?"

He deliberately paused on his demands, implying that money could be discussed.

Ding Sanshi waved his hand, adopting a posture that suggested discussing money would damage relationships, and said, "It's not about making demands; it's mainly about jointly promoting the game market. Of course, we can have our people discuss the specific advertising locations, schedules, and prices in detail according to market rules. I believe that Microsoft and Huaxia Shangding's budgets are certainly sufficient and professional."

He first flattered the other party, blocking any possibility of them trying to lower the price.

"Of course!" Chen Yongzheng readily agreed, secretly making plans in his mind.

As long as money can be used to quickly penetrate the market, this amount of advertising expenditure is just a drop in the ocean compared to the huge subsidy budget.

Moreover, this can also sow discord within the Momo ecosystem, making it a win-win situation.

The more he thought about it, the more he realized how brilliant Mr. Waters' strategy was. Choosing to use universal prepaid cards as the subsidy vehicle was definitely the right move.

This is tantamount to directly feeding sugar to these game companies.

You, Momo Group, are trying to stop us? That would be cutting off the financial lifeline of all game companies.

You're not going to stop us? Then just watch us pull your allies over step by step.

Seeing Chen Yongzheng's barely concealed smugness, Ding Sanshi chuckled inwardly, but said with even greater sincerity, "Mr. Chen, to be honest, we're also under a lot of pressure. After all, UTalk... sigh, but we genuinely believe that Microsoft's ecosystem is more open and more conducive to the long-term development of the industry."

Yang Yuanqing, who was standing to the side, chuckled and said, "President Ding is right, choice is more important than effort."

Chen Yongzheng was indeed even more pleased, feeling that Ding Sanshi was simply a model of abandoning darkness for light.

He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Ding! Microsoft and Huaxia Shangding will never forget your support. The price will be set at the highest market standard. As for the specifics, I will have the marketing director contact your people immediately to ensure that MSN's advertising covers all major portals as quickly as possible."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Chen. It will be a pleasure to cooperate with you!" Ding Sanshi immediately stood up, smiling and extending his hand.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you!" Chen Yongzheng gripped Ding Sanshi's hand tightly, feeling as if he had won another victory.

Yang Yuanqing smiled and offered her congratulations, secretly wondering whether she should also include PC sales in the deal, since you need computers to get subsidies, right?

During this period, they also had a tough time. Honor's two computer models sold very well in Asia, even though they were not sold in China. But the market is something that cannot be controlled by individual will.

Honor computers did not dump their products in China in accordance with the agreement with Lianxiang Group, but many computer distributors went to Southeast Asia to purchase goods and then sold them in China.

Even with shipping costs included, the price is very reasonable.

This impacted the market of Lianxiang Group.

Although Momo Group is also helping them crack down on these secondhand dealers, this kind of thing is impossible to stop.

In order to counter this wave of low-priced computers, their group also began to lower the price of computers in China and started developing computers priced below 3000 yuan.

Just as Chen Yongzheng and Ding Sanshi were having a pleasant conversation and were about to finalize the details of their advertising cooperation on the portal website, Yang Yuanqing, the president of Lianxiang Group who had been accompanying them with a refined smile, coughed lightly and interjected at the opportune moment.

"President Chen, President Ding, seeing your outstanding performances, I'm itching to join in as well," Yang Yuanqing said with a smile and a gentle tone. "As a long-time close partner of Microsoft and a leading enterprise in the domestic PC industry, wouldn't it be too disrespectful for Lianxiang Group to merely be a bystander in this grand event?"

Chen Yongzheng turned his gaze to him, with a questioning look in his eyes.

Ding Sanshi understood Yang Yuanqing's intention.

Their defection from NetEase made Yang Yuanqing realize that the Momo Group might be in grave danger.

Yang Yuanqing, who had been sitting on the sidelines watching the fight unfold, finally lost his patience.

In particular, Microsoft's massive subsidies demonstrate its determination to destroy Momo Group.

At this point, we need to learn from Ding Sanshi and quickly form a team.

Yang Yuanqing said calmly, "In order to cope with market changes, Lianxiang has just launched a brand new product line, the Whisper series of laptops. The main focus is on high cost performance, and the goal is to make high-quality computers available to more Chinese families and students. The version with basic office and learning software is priced at 2999 yuan, and the version with a dedicated graphics card that can run mainstream online games smoothly is priced at 3999 yuan."

He specifically mentioned mainstream online games, the implication of which is self-evident.

Yang Yuanqing looked at Chen Yongzheng and said sincerely, "Since MSN aims to benefit a wide range of gamers, can Lianxiang also join in? We can pre-install MSN software on newly manufactured 'Whisper' series computers and set it as the default startup item. At the same time, we are willing to allocate an additional budget to issue a 100 RMB Lianxiang Whisper series computer purchase subsidy voucher to every new user who successfully registers for MSN. This voucher can be used to deduct the purchase price at any Lianxiang store or authorized dealer nationwide."

"At the same time, our stores in various locations can also become MSN's on-the-ground sales representatives, promoting our subsidy coupons while also promoting MSN."

This suggestion made Chen Yongzheng's eyes light up instantly.

With MSN pre-installed and enabled by default, every user who buys a new Lianxiang computer will be immediately exposed to MSN, which is a terrifying advantage of offline channels.

Plus a 100 yuan voucher for purchasing a device! This directly extends MSN's registration benefits from virtual points cards to discounts on physical hardware.

This is incredibly appealing to students and families with tight budgets who genuinely need to purchase a device.

This will not only greatly boost MSN's user growth, but also directly help increase the sales of the Lianxiang Whisper series, countering potential competition from Honor computers.

That really kills two birds with one stone.

“Great! That’s a good idea.” Chen Yongzheng smiled and said, “President Yang’s suggestion is excellent; this is true ecological win-win.”

He hardly hesitated.

For Microsoft, this is a windfall.

They originally wanted to work with Samsung on this, utilizing Samsung's stores across China, but Samsung's Lee Jae-young rejected them with a "Get the hell out of here" remark.

Although Lianxiang Group's global influence is not as great as Samsung's, they have more offline stores in China than Samsung does.

Lianxiang's channels and subsidies will further accelerate his user acquisition plan. As for whether Lianxiang can defeat Honor Computer, that is not his main concern, and he is even happy to see it happen.

Ding Sanshi watched from the side, sighing inwardly.

Once these established manufacturers get moving, their methods and approaches are indeed different.

This is no longer just a competition for online traffic, but a deep integration of offline channels and the real economy.

Cheng Yi is right; the dimensions of this war will become increasingly complex.

The cooperation agreement expanded rapidly.

Soon, a massive joint promotion plan, encompassing advertising on portal websites such as NetEase, Sinlang, and Sohu, as well as pre-installation and purchase subsidies through Lianxiang Group's offline channels, was initially agreed upon in this Chinese-style reception room.

(End of this chapter)