Financial freedom starts with smiling at life

Liu Qiangdong's plan to cook via live stream is actually a marketing tactic to advertise JD.com's self-operated takeaway restaurant brand.

His skills are nowhere near as good as those in Jiangbei City.

Jiang Beicheng grew up in the kitchen of a Michelin-starred restaurant, starting with his mother Li Yun's founding of Li Ji. It was his love and passion for the food industry that led him to create the Beicheng Restaurant.

Liu Qiangdong knew in his heart that inviting Jiang Beicheng to do a live broadcast together was humiliating.

While the craftsmanship may not be as good as that of Jiangbei City, there isn't a significant difference when it comes to live streaming.

As long as it doesn't look bad, that's fine. Just put on a show and make it sound delicious, since the audience can't actually eat it.

The real embarrassment comes from the traffic generated by entrepreneurs.

Da Dongzi didn't build a personal brand, but his social reputation and online traffic are still astonishing.

The public persona he cultivated was quite good.

However, compared to Jiang Beicheng, a young entrepreneur chosen by the times, there is still a significant gap in terms of traffic.

It's no exaggeration to say that if Jiang Beicheng hadn't given up on building his personal brand as an entrepreneur, even top-tier entrepreneurs like Lei Jun would probably have had to step aside.

He's a bit like a superstar like Andy Lau, admired by generations.

Young entrepreneurs with incalculable net worth at thirty are living legends in the minds of teenagers. In the past, the most talked-about entrepreneurs on college campuses were basically Jack Ma and Pony Ma. Now, if you randomly pick a college student as a neighbor, they will definitely mention Jiangbei City.

Charity, acts of kindness, and a sense of brotherhood... he has established a noble persona among the working class and ordinary people.

In addition, given his reputation and image in political and business circles, he is already a national-level young entrepreneur.

The traffic will be terrifying.

Liu Qiangdong would rather be humiliated by Jiang Beicheng and have him show off in front of all the internet viewers than let Jiang Beicheng be dragged into it.

The reason is simple: both JD.com's new projects, JD.com Takeaway and JD.com Travel, need the traffic brought by the national-level IP Jiangbei City.

It's no exaggeration to say that a single live stream can save you a year's worth of marketing expenses.

Of course, if it were an ordinary internet celebrity, or an entrepreneur whose wealth and fame were not as great as his, Liu Qiangdong would definitely not accept them putting on airs in front of him, as it would damage his own image and reputation.

President Jiang can easily put on an act.

He felt that Jiang Beicheng would not refuse, because President Jiang was an important shareholder of JD.com, which was related to President Jiang's actual interests.

In addition, he was quite familiar with the personality of his friend, President Jiang. At the age of thirty, President Jiang had never missed a chance to show off or put on airs.

"As long as President Jiang agrees, I'll accept the humiliation."

Da Dongzi raises his glass to Jiangbei City.

Quickly done.

"You're not giving me any room to think," Jiang Beichen chuckled and downed a drink as well.

It means giving Da Dongzi face.

This also made his attitude clear to the JD.com delivery team.

Despite Taobao's sudden entry into the market, which has changed the original landscape and caused JD.com's food delivery service to experience a temporary bottleneck, JD.com's food delivery service will not back down.

Liu Qiangdong backed down, but Jiangbei City won't back down either.

If we can still reach an agreement now, then we'll discuss acquisition directly.

The food delivery market needs sustained regulation.

He came to explore the best possible outcome.

Regarding the coffee beans and the live stream, Liu Qiangdong is very grateful to Jiang Beicheng for doing him such a big favor.

There aren't many people in the industry who can get Jiang Beicheng to help.

Liu Qiangdong was happy and drank a few more glasses.

The two titans of the liquor industry, Mr. Ji and Mr. Song, did not drink much.

After finishing our drinks, we sat for a while at the Beicheng Hotel near the Imperial College, having tea with our young friend Jiang Beicheng.

Although they are not from the same circle, they are all the most representative figures in their respective circles, and they respect each other.

Most importantly, we share similar interests and can get along well.

Not only these two titans, but many other influential figures in various circles in China have good relationships with Jiang Beicheng.

Sometimes, when something happens, you don't need to use harsh or ruthless financial means. With his influence, the bigwigs in the industry will take the initiative to call and instruct their subordinates to help Jiang Xiaoye resolve his issues.

Don't make Young Master Jiang worry about this.

After finishing their tea, Jiang Beicheng saw the two elders off from the Beicheng Hotel.

He didn't go to Liu Yifei's mansion in Beijing to rest, but instead rested in a private room at the Beicheng Hotel.

"President Jiang, should we choose a partner tonight?"

After Jiang Beicheng finished showering, he came out naked, and Aunt Shen took a bath towel to wipe his back.

Upon hearing the words "flip the card," Jiang Beicheng smiled.

I understand what Aunt Shen means.

No matter where she goes on business trips, or whether celebrities or talented internet celebrities come to Jiangnan City for events, Aunt Shen will always take the initiative to invite them to have a late-night snack with her.

Once you're in the capital, you have so many options.

Most famous celebrities live in Beijing, so Aunt Shen used the term "flipping the card".

They really treated him like an "emperor."

Jiang Beichen turned around and put his arm around Shen Jun's waist, "Let's chat with Aunt Shen tonight."

Shen Jun smiled and said, "I'm going to take a bath too."

Their late-night chat ranged from the physical to the spiritual.

Although we don't chat for long, each conversation leaves a lasting impression on both of us.

……

Lei Jun's personal Douyin account posted a new video.

"Many netizens, like me, have a habit of drinking coffee in the morning. Whether I can have coffee this morning depends on my driving skills."

Lei Jun, holding a cup of coffee he had brewed himself, got into the Xiaomi SU7 ULTRA and drove straight onto the racetrack.

The footage, shot from both drone and in-car perspectives, captures Lei Jun's impressive performance on the racetrack.

However, after finishing the race at the track today, they didn't rush to introduce and boast about the performance of their Xiaomi car.

Instead, he hurriedly checked to see if the coffee in the cup holder in the car had spilled.

In the video, Mr. Lei looked relieved to see that the coffee he had brewed that morning hadn't spilled. He said, "If it had spilled, I would have let down Mr. Jiang's kindness."

Thank you, Mr. Jiang, for the Geisha coffee.

Finally, I'd like to add a comment about my driving skills and the performance of the Xiaomi car.

It has to be said that his title of "King of Marketing" is truly well-deserved.

By attracting netizens' attention with a cup of coffee, they will naturally search for and learn more, which will inevitably generate topics and discussions. Finally, the discussion can be brought back to the Xiaomi SU7 ULTRA car to continue the buzz.

A video of someone driving has become a typical example of "cross-industry collaboration" marketing.

There's no need to make "cross-industry collaboration" marketing tactics so complicated, flashy, and risky.

Lei Jun just drove a car and somehow connected coffee and racing.

As expected, that afternoon, the comment section of the video he posted saw a lot of discussion about Geisha coffee.

"Panama Geisha coffee, the world's top-tier coffee, the queen of the coffee world. This year, 20 kilograms sold for over 2000 million..."

First came a barrage of popular science information. Then came a flurry of praise.

"500,000 yuan per kilogram, and 1,000 yuan per gram. Mr. Lei's cup of coffee requires about 20 grams of coffee beans to extract. Holy crap, Mr. Lei's morning cup of coffee has cost me half a year's salary."

“[Staring blankly][Staring blankly], 8 for a cup of coffee, Mr. Lei thinks too highly of me. We are drinking black coffee that costs 8 yuan.”

"I've really made something of myself, to be used as an example by Mr. Lei and compared to Geisha Coffee."

"Dad, what does a cup of coffee that costs 2 yuan taste like?"

"Has everyone forgotten one thing? Mr. Lei said that Mr. Jiang gave him coffee beans."

"General Manager Jiang, which General Manager Jiang?"

"Of course it's Jiang Beicheng, the young tycoon! Someone of President Lei's stature wouldn't mention ordinary people as friends!"

"I really envy the friendships between the wealthy."

"It's clear that President Lei and President Jiang have a lot of goodwill, it's all about money."

"How about I have a friend like President Jiang?"

"The novel is too conservative. We can't even imagine the life of a tycoon like President Jiang."

...Jiang Beicheng also glanced at Lei Jun's video and the comments section.

At first, I didn't pay much attention, thinking that Lei Jun casually mentioned the coffee he had given him as a way of expressing his gratitude.

Looking at it now, damn, it feels a bit like marketing again.

Marketing is everywhere!

I feel like I could learn a thing or two about marketing techniques from Lei Jun.

Just as Jiangbei City was reacting, Da Dongzi immediately seized the opportunity to capitalize on the surge in coffee sales.

At the wine tasting event held by JD.com and Moutai that day, the coffee area displayed the slogan "Lei Jun's favorite coffee".

Liu Qiangdong was laughing so hard he was numb.

Lei Jun's marketing tactic gave him a boost.

Of course, their relationship with each other, as well as with Jiang Beicheng and the other two, is quite good in private.

People can joke around with each other in public and even use criticism as a form of marketing, so this little thing is even more common.
Jiangbei City was also impressed by these two old men.

I really didn't expect that the Panama Geisha coffee I bought this year would be of such high value.

It's no exaggeration to say that Lei Jun and Liu Qiangdong's "coffee marketing" is worth over 100 million yuan.

……

JD.com Moutai Wine Tasting Event.

A food blogger aiming for millions: "Brothers, I've finally made it big! I'm finally able to attend a cocktail party at the most mysterious branch of the Beicheng Hotel, the Guozijian branch in Beijing."

Thank you JD.com for the invitation, and thank you to our General Manager Liu.

Without Mr. Liu's influence, this video and live stream wouldn't be possible today.

Many people may not know that the inner courtyard of the Beicheng Hotel Guozijian branch is a symbol of status. Even as a food blogger, I have only ever dined in the second courtyard before, and that was when a famous second-generation rich kid from Beijing treated me.

Moreover, they don't do internet marketing. If you want to film a store visit video, they won't even give you the chance; it's unnecessary.

To put it simply, do you know about Chang'an Club? Do you know about Gangcheng Jockey Club? They were incredibly prestigious back then, and the current Beicheng Hotel Guozijian branch is even more impressive.

I'm so lucky to be able to get into the third courtyard today to drink at the vintage tea table. I heard the worst one is thirty years old. Our CEO Liu has such a grand vision.

I walked to the coffee area and suddenly stopped.

"Holy crap, guys, what did I just see? Is Mr. Liu really that generous?"

"Did you see the short video that Mr. Lei posted yesterday? Do you remember that 2 yuan Geisha coffee?"

"Look what I saw! The coffee area at the JD.com cocktail party uses the same Geisha coffee beans as CEO Lei Jun."

"Hi, miss, can I drink as much coffee as I want?"

The barista responsible for brewing the coffee on-site greeted you with a smile, "Yes, sir."

"Drink as much as you want, guys! This small cup, about 20 milliliters, is worth four or five thousand! That's too extravagant."

"Wait a minute, guys, this is the Beicheng Hotel, which is owned by President Jiang. President Lei said in the video that the coffee he was drinking was a gift from President Jiang. Could it be that the Geisha coffee beans used at today's JD.com cocktail party were also sponsored by President Jiang?"

"Miss, can I ask you a question? Have you ever used such good coffee beans before?"

Barista: "No, as a barista, I feel very honored to have access to the best beans in the world."

"Were the beans you used today provided by Beicheng Hotel?"

Barista: "It was provided by Mr. Jiang, a friend of Mr. Liu and also a director of JD.com."

"As I guessed, I have one last question for you. Are all the guests at the party today entitled to free drinks and unlimited refills?"

Barista: "Yes, we have prepared plenty of coffee beans today."

"My God, guys, do you know how many guests are at the party today? At least ten tables, a hundred or so people, and unlimited Geisha coffee. Just how many beans did President Jiang sponsor?"

No, wait, how many Geisha coffee beans did he actually bid for? It's said he was a top bidder. He must have spent millions on coffee alone today.

It’s so scary.”

……

Seeking socialites in the capital.

"Hello, sisters, I've been invited to a cocktail party jointly hosted by JD.com and Moutai today, and Mr. Liu will also be there in person."

We are currently at the most famous Beicheng Hotel Guozijian Branch in Beijing.

Holding a cocktail party here would be considered the pinnacle of cocktail party events in China.

I've eaten at the Guozijian branch before. Aside from the food, ambiance, and service—these basic elements are the industry standard—if you come here to eat, it's no exaggeration to say that you don't need to do anything; just sitting in your seat will elevate your status significantly.

For those who enjoy socializing, the social circle here is a ceiling that most people can't reach.

Mr. Liu really went all out this time, choosing the Guozijian branch to host the cocktail party.

However, I heard that General Manager Liu has a good relationship with Jiang Beicheng, the owner of Beicheng Hotel.

I was wondering if Mr. Jiang sponsored today's event venue for free? ...

Before he could finish speaking, his gaze froze for a moment. "What did I say?"
I guessed it!

Today, the coffee area at the cocktail party is serving Lei Jun's Geisha coffee for free, which must be sponsored by Jiang Jun.

Because only 40 kilograms of the top-tier Geisha coffee were sold this year, and it was snapped up by wealthy businessmen around the world, it is estimated that only Mr. Jiang in China has the top-tier beans.

I've had the privilege of drinking authentic Panama Geisha coffee, but I've never tried the top-selling Geisha.

There's simply no way to get that kind of connection; it's not about the money anymore.

Today I've had the honor of being associated with General Manager Liu, so I'd like to raise a glass to General Manager Jiang to thank him for making my dream come true.

...A loyal JD.com user of 20 years: "The choice of venue, setup, drinks and coffee for the cocktail party all demonstrate JD.com's dedication."

I never imagined that I, an ordinary person, would be invited by Mr. Liu to attend such a high-profile banquet in Beijing today.

I've learned a lot and broadened my horizons.

The entertainment industry is looking for a rising star: "Today's vlog is about attending a JD.com cocktail party. I was very honored to be invited by President Liu."

What I'm most looking forward to is meeting President Jiang, who is the most respected person in the hearts of us artists in the Chinese entertainment industry.

It's said he'll be attending the reception today, and will even be doing a live broadcast with President Liu. (End of Chapter)