Who would still start a business seriously after being reborn?

Chapter 674 A Big Gamble

At that moment, Waters' words echoed clearly in his mind again: "In the long run, BBA companies pose a huge threat to Samsung's core business. At that time, it will not just be a matter of the 30 billion deposit, but a matter of Samsung's position in the global technology industry chain."

"I can't hesitate any longer..." Lee Jae-yong took a deep breath, and the last trace of hesitation in his eyes was finally dispelled, replaced by a resolute determination.

The rejections from Nokia and Motorola only strengthened his resolve.

The road ahead can only be fought for by himself, and Microsoft is currently the only ally that can form a strategic synergy with him.

He picked up the internal phone, his voice regaining its usual calm, and said, "Have Chief Lee, Minister Kim, and President Park come over again."

When the three core executives reunited, they could clearly sense a change in Li Zairong's aura; his previous weighing of options and hesitations had vanished.

“I have already contacted Nokia and Motorola,” Lee Jae-yong said bluntly. “Their attitude, just as Waters predicted, is short-sighted and arrogant; we can’t count on them.”

Minister Kim sighed slightly, knowing that the situation was beyond repair.

“So,” Lee Jae-yong said, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, “our previous discussion can end here. Now, it’s time for the execution phase.”

“Chief Lee,” Lee Jae-young said quickly, “You should reply to Waters that Samsung agrees to cooperate in principle, but we have three preconditions, and these preconditions are non-negotiable.”

"First, Microsoft must use its influence in Washington to set clear barriers to entry for semiconductors and related products from the Enze Capital system in the event of any targeted trade and technology frictions that may occur in the future. I want to see concrete actions, not empty promises, and this condition must be in effect in the long term."

"Secondly, the direct suppression of Momo's system must be led by Microsoft, with Samsung mainly coordinating in terms of hardware supply and channel cooperation. Microsoft needs to provide implicit compensation for the $30 billion loss through other means, such as offering us better prices in joint procurement of core components for the next-generation Xbox or other products."

“Third, and this is crucial,” Li Zairong said in a deep voice, “Regarding the BBA mobile phone project, we need to share their core component supplier list, cost structure, and technical specifications. We need to know exactly where our competitors are at. Microsoft should be able to find a way to get this information.”

"Understood!" Director Li perked up and immediately wrote it down.

“President Park.” Lee Jae-young turned to the head of the semiconductor business unit.

"Yes, Vice President."

"Set up a response team as soon as possible, mainly targeting the European semiconductor market. Do your research and gather as much information as possible, and produce a detailed report for me in the short term." He paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes: "Automotive-grade parts are definitely more expensive than ours. Develop a response plan promptly."

"Yes!"

"Minister Kim," Lee Jae-yong said, turning to the legal representative, "be prepared for all possible legal repercussions from Momo Group. At the same time, prepare a full report explaining this strategic decision to the board and the chairman. I will take full responsibility for this."

Upon receiving the order, the three senior executives solemnly accepted it and left.

Lee Jae-yong remained alone in his office. The immense pressure left him feeling somewhat exhausted, but more than anything, he felt a sense of relief after making a decision.

He knew it was a high-stakes gamble.

He gambled $30 billion, along with his personal authority and future.

There has been no news of a partnership between Microsoft and Samsung, and the development of Momo Group has gradually stabilized. Now, when the media mentions Momo Group, they are starting to describe it as an Asian IT giant.

In early August, Jingzhou still had the scorching heat of summer in the evenings.

At this moment, the lights were on in a villa in the upscale villa district of Ziwei Residence.

This villa belongs to Zhang Lingyu's father, Zhang Gang.

The villa's decor leans towards a simple and comfortable style, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows, warm-toned soft furnishings, and greenery everywhere, revealing the owner's inner longing for tranquility.

But tonight, that tranquility was shattered by the commotion.

The villa has been meticulously decorated inside and out, with strings of warm yellow fairy lights wrapped around the garden shrubs and pillars in the courtyard, like a scattered galaxy.

The pool water reflected the lights, shimmering and sparkling.

A long buffet table covered with a clean white tablecloth was laden with delicate pastries, fruits, and various drinks, while waiters in uniforms moved quietly among them.

In the center of the table, a three-tiered pink castle-themed birthday cake stood out.

Today, Zhang Lingyu, the birthday girl, unusually did not wear her signature business suit. Instead, she wore a light pink knee-length dress. The simple and elegant style and soft color softened the somewhat heroic look between her brows, adding a touch of gentleness rarely seen on her usual face.

She and her father, Zhang Gang, stood at the door, personally greeting each guest with genuine smiles on their faces.

The first to arrive were Du Yusheng and Huang Wenrong.

Du Yusheng still had that honest yet shrewd look, carrying a gift box that looked quite valuable.

Huang Wenrong came with his daughter, Huang Xiaotong.

Huang Xiaotong has grown a lot taller now and is a graceful young woman.

"Happy birthday, Sister Yu." Du Yusheng smiled as he handed over the gift, and said with a smile, "You've grown another year older. You can't be so hot-tempered when managing the internet cafe in the future."

"Chairman Du, are you saying I've aged a year?" Zhang Lingyu smiled as she took the paper, then deliberately put on a stern face.

"No way, my sister Yu will always be eighteen years old," Du Yusheng quickly corrected his slip of the tongue.

Zhang Lingyu smiled with satisfaction. She patted Huang Xiaotong's head and said with a smile, "I feel like Xiaotong has grown taller again."

Huang Xiaotong immediately handed over the prepared gift and said, "Sister Lingyu, this is a gift I made for you myself."

"Then I'll have to keep it safe." Zhang Lingyu said with a smile, "Uncle Huang, please come in and have a seat."

Zhang Lingyu turned to Zhang Gang and said, "Dad, why don't you go sit with Uncle Huang?"

“Okay.” Although Zhang Gang was taciturn, he had a very good relationship with Huang Wenrong.

It could be because they both have a daughter, or it could be because they both have served time in prison.

"Xiaotong, stay here with me." Zhang Lingyu pulled Huang Xiaotong back.

"Okay." Huang Xiaotong immediately smiled and took Zhang Lingyu's arm.

Within the Momo Group, Huang Xiaotong and Zhang Lingyu are the closest, after all, Zhang Lingyu was one of the few people who personally went to Sichuan to find her.

Before long, Yu Sen and Huang Ganping arrived together.

Both tech gurus were dressed casually; Yu Sen was even wearing a plaid shirt and jeans, and carrying what looked like a homemade, mysterious device.

Huang Ganping was holding a pot of carefully tended orchids. "Happy birthday, Mr. Zhang." Yu Sen handed over the device and said, "This little gadget we just developed can automatically adjust the light and humidity in the office. It's very helpful for someone like you who forgets about the environment when you're busy."

Zhang Lingyu accepted it with a smile and said, "Uncle Yu is the most considerate."

Huang Ganping was a pure technician and didn't care much about social niceties. He handed the orchid to Zhang Lingyu and then went into the villa with Yu Sen.

This time, Zhang Lingyu invited the original team that built the Momo Group, so they were already very familiar with each other and there was no need for much formality.

Just as Zhang Lingyu handed the orchid to Huang Xiaotong, Li Xiang arrived in his newly bought Bugatti sports car. He was dressed in trendy clothes and looked very confident.

Behind the Bugatti sports car was a truck. As soon as the truck stopped, several workers unloaded a top-of-the-line Bose home theater system.

"Happy birthday, Sister Lingyu."

"Li Xiang, you're getting more and more spirited these days," Zhang Lingyu teased.

Li Xiang scratched his head a little embarrassedly and laughed, "No matter how dashing I am, I'm still a little brother in front of Sister Yu."

Just then, Jiang Yuxi drove a BMW Mini to the villa entrance.

She wore a pale yellow floral dress today, which made her look youthful and beautiful.

As soon as she saw Zhang Lingyu, she greeted her warmly, "Happy birthday, Sister Lingyu! May you stay eighteen forever!"

"You're so sweet-talking." Zhang Lingyu smiled and pinched her cheek.

"Haven't Cheng Yi and Qing Yin arrived yet?" Jiang Yuxi peeked into the villa and asked curiously.

Zhang Lingyu said, "They should be here soon."

"Cheng Yi has absolutely no sense of time." Jiang Yuxi wrinkled her nose and subconsciously glanced back the way they came, only to see a nanny van driving towards them.

"You even invited them?" Jiang Yuxi said in surprise. "These women are very busy. I asked them to help me go on TV shopping and sell goods, but they couldn't make it to my schedule."

Zhang Lingyu couldn't help but roll her eyes at Jiang Yuxi and said, "They're superstars now, why would they go on TV shopping? You might as well invite Jay Chou instead."

“Jay Chou has also been on TV shopping channels,” Jiang Yuxi said. “They’re the only ones who didn’t agree to my request. I’ll ask them again later.”

Soon, Rao Yuan, Tang Guo, and Lou Shishi, three members of the hottest girl group in China, MOMO Girls, came downstairs accompanied by their assistants.

Their appearance seemed to dim the lights of the entire villa area.

"Sister Lingyu! Happy birthday!" The three of them said in unison, and the gift they presented was also very thoughtful, a set of high-end jewelry that they had specially customized.

"You three have gone to too much trouble." Zhang Lingyu looked at the three radiant girls in front of her, hugged them one by one, and said with a smile, "Come on in, it's hot outside."

"Hello, Ms. Jiang." Rao Yuan and the other two greeted Jiang Yuxi again.

"Don't add 'small'! Where am I small?" Jiang Yuxi was unhappy as soon as she heard the word "small".

"Okay, Mr. Jiang, we misspoke." Rao Yuan and the other two quickly apologized.

Jiang Yuxi snorted, "If apologies were enough, what would we need the police for? If you really want to apologize, come on my show and help me sell some goods."

Rao Yuan and the other two exchanged helpless glances and could only agree.

It has to be said that Jiang Yuxi bears a faint resemblance to Cheng Yi, even though neither of them admits it.

Upon seeing that Rao Yuan and the other two agreed, Jiang Yuxi immediately beamed with joy. She took their arms and walked into the villa.

Finally, Zhenzhen, Ai'ai, and Lianlian arrived.

These three veteran female network administrators, whose names are quite characteristic of their era, have long since shed their youthful naiveté. Dressed in appropriate and capable skirts, they exude a calm and composed demeanor and are already capable regional managers.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Zhang."

"Don't call me General Manager Zhang, call me Sister Lingyu today!" Zhang Lingyu warmly took their hands and said with a smile, "Let's go, we've been waiting for you!"

Apart from Cheng Yi and Lin Qingyin, everyone else was present.

The men gathered in the poolside lounge area, discussing industry trends and the international situation.

The girls gathered around the table, enjoying snacks and chattering about cosmetics, clothes, and gossip.

Although Rao Yuan, Tang Guo, and Lou Shishi are already celebrities, they completely relaxed in this home-like atmosphere, as if they had returned to the time when they secretly listened to music in the entertainment room of an internet cafe.

"Hey, do you guys still remember the day our first internet cafe opened?" Du Yusheng took a sip of red wine, his face flushed, and said, "Back then, a few thugs from the textile factory came to imitate Chen Haonan, and Sister Yu beat them so badly their teeth almost fell out."

“How could I not remember!” Zhenzhen interjected, “Sister Lingyu was really fierce back then. There was one time when someone came to the internet cafe drunk and caused trouble. Sister Lingyu threw him to the ground with an over-the-shoulder throw, which stunned us.”

Zhang Lingyu was a little embarrassed by what was said, and feigned anger, saying, "Hey, hey, hey, is today my birthday or a denunciation meeting?"

"This is to celebrate your glorious history, Sister Lingyu," Li Xiang said, munching on some snacks.

Seeing that she had become the focus of the conversation, Zhang Lingyu immediately steered the topic to Rao Yuan and the other two, and said with a smile, "I still remember that during the summer vacation, Rao Yuan and the other two worked part-time as internet cafe managers, and secretly used the computers to listen to Jay Chou's songs every day."

Rao Yuan, unusually shy, said, "Sister Lingyu, please don't mention this embarrassing thing..."

“And Tang Guo,” Zhang Lingyu added with a laugh, “every time a handsome guy comes to the internet cafe, you blush and stutter.”

Tang Guo immediately screamed, "Sister Lingyu, stop talking!"

Lou Shishi generously said, "What I miss most is when Sister Lingyu took us to eat barbecue at a roadside stall after get off work in the evening. At that time, it felt like the most delicious food in the world."

Memories of the past were recounted one by one, including hardships, laughter, and tears.

Those years we spent together are like a bottle of super glue, binding everyone's hearts tightly together.

Although their identities and statuses are different now—some have become chairmen, some have become technical directors, some have become big stars, and some have become local officials—at this moment, they seem to have returned to that small but passionate startup internet cafe, and are still that group of young people striving for a common goal.

Just as everyone was reminiscing about those wonderful times, Zhang Lingyu's phone suddenly rang urgently.

She glanced down and saw that it was Wen Yongqiang, the marketing director of Momo Internet Cafe Management Company, calling.

(End of this chapter)