I'm in the county town, and you say I'm a big shot?

Chapter 800 799 People should always do something meaningful in their lives, shouldn't they?

The next morning, after Fang Qingye had breakfast, Yue Kai drove him to Hangzhou in a brand-new Maybach S500 L 4MATIC.

He bought this car not long ago. Now that he has reached a certain status and frequently meets with celebrities from all walks of life, it is indeed somewhat inappropriate for him to still be driving a car worth hundreds of thousands.

The original Mercedes ML350 will be kept for daily use, especially for fishing trips, where the spacious interior of the SUV is just right.

Upon arriving in Hangzhou, they checked directly into the Fuchun Resort Golf Course. Surrounded by mountains and water, the resort boasts architecture with a distinctly Jiangnan (southern China) charm, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

After settling into the suite and washing up briefly, Fang Qingye noticed it was just past eleven o'clock. She took out her phone and, instead of contacting Ma Yun first, dialed Shen Nanpeng's number.

"Mr. Shen, have you arrived in Hangzhou yet?"

"We've arrived, so we'll stay at the resort."

"I just arrived too, how about we have lunch together?"

"OK!"

Lunch was arranged at Huda Chi Restaurant within the resort, specializing in exquisite Jiangzhe cuisine. Several seasonal dishes were served one after another, including braised duck with wild bamboo shoots from Fuchun, steamed wild white perch from the Spring River with secret-recipe chili sauce, and shredded eel with hot oil.

The two chatted and ate at a lakeside table, while Yue Kai and Shen Nanpeng's entourage dined at a neighboring table.

"Mr. Fang, it's rare that you have such a refined taste, making a special trip to Hangzhou to play golf instead of going fishing—that's not really like you," Shen Nanpeng joked with a smile.

"It's mainly because you, Mr. Shen, don't like fishing," Fang Qingye replied with a smile.

"Hehe, it's my honor."

"I heard you've been busy preparing for Ele.me's IPO in Hong Kong lately?" Shen Nanpeng asked in turn.

“Yes, Wang Chenyang is in charge of the specifics.” Fang Qingye picked up a piece of tender sea bass with her chopsticks and continued, “There is another important matter, which is to summarize our experience in the social security pilot program for food delivery riders in Jinghai and prepare to expand the scope further—this time we have chosen Shanghai.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Nanpeng paused slightly in his chopsticks and looked up at Fang Qingye: "Shanghai? That's a first-tier metropolis with a population of 20 million. The situation there is much more complicated than in Jinghai."

"Yes. But Shanghai is also where Ele.me started, so we are more familiar with this city. If we can do a solid pilot here, it will be of great significance for subsequent promotion."

Shen Nanpeng smiled after hearing this, ladled out a bowl of old duck soup, and added another bowl for Fang Qingye, saying, "It seems that President Fang is determined to carry this matter through."

"Yes, that's why we need your strong support, Mr. Shen," Fang Qingye said sincerely.

"Hehe... Mr. Fang," Shen Nanpeng laughed as well, "Isn't this the very reason you specially invited me and Mr. Ma to play golf?"

“That’s right.” Fang Qingye admitted frankly, “Sequoia China and Alibaba are both important shareholders of Ele.me. With your support, I have more confidence to do it.”

"Haha. Even though Mr. Ma and I both object, you're still full of energy! You and Mr. Ma are so similar in that respect. What's the name of the poem Zheng Banqiao wrote?"

Shen Nanpeng looked out the window at a bamboo grove and recited with ease:
Clinging firmly to the green hills, its roots firmly planted in the broken rocks.

千磨万击还坚劲，任尔东西南北风

"Hehe," Fang Qingye laughed as well, "You're right. In this life, one should always insist on doing things that one believes are meaningful, shouldn't one?"

“Okay, then let me state my position.” Shen Nanpeng’s expression turned serious. “I don’t object to you continuing to push forward with the pilot program, but I hope you will also fully consider its potential impact on Ele.me’s IPO, especially the pricing… Everyone wants their stock to open at a good price, right?”

“I understand.” Fang Qingye said solemnly, “I have said before that Ele.me’s future profit growth will not come from food delivery itself—we do not make money from riders. The essence of the food delivery business is a traffic portal, and its strategic value lies in driving traffic and paving the way for high-margin businesses.”

“I agree with this point, and it is the main reason why I do not object to you continuing the pilot program. I think Mr. Ma should have the same view.”

"Thank you." Fang Qingye also warmly added a bowl of soup for Shen Nanpeng.

"By the way, Mr. Fang, when does ByteDance plan to launch its IPO?" Shen Nanpeng suddenly changed the subject.

"ByteDance? It's still in the startup phase, no rush."

"Still starting a business? Toutiao already has 5.8 million users and advertising revenue exceeding 100 billion RMB. Isn't that enough?"

"What is Toutiao?" Fang Qingye said with a smile. "ByteDance's real value lies in Douyin, which was launched not long ago, and its overseas version!"

"An overseas version? TikTok is going global?"

"That's for sure. With Pony Ma not around right now, I'll make a bold prediction—TikTok's influence overseas may very well surpass WeChat's in the future!"

……

At 2 p.m., Ma Yun arrived on time. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three of them headed to the tee box together.

Fuchun Resort Golf Course is built amidst the terraced fields of Longjing tea plantations. Even in winter, the tea gardens remain lush and green, creating a picturesque scene with the neatly trimmed fairways. The distant mountains are like dark eyebrows, offering a wide and open view that is truly refreshing.

Ma Yun, dressed in sportswear, looked radiant. Without much small talk, he cut straight to the point on his way to the first serving point: "Qingye, Jiawei talked to me yesterday about expanding the social security pilot program for delivery riders in Shanghai… This step you've taken is very significant."

“We’ve already started, so we have to keep going, right?” Fang Qingye said with a smile.

Ma Yun nodded slightly: "Have you thought through everything regarding the potential impact on the IPO?"

"I've thought it through." Fang Qingye's answer was without the slightest hesitation. "Short-term pain is the foundation for long-term stability. The platform's stability is more important than its short-term valuation."

At this moment, Shen Nanpeng elegantly swung his club, and the white ball flew steadily to the center of the fairway. He then spoke, his tone tinged with amusement: "It seems that Qingye is determined to lay a solid foundation, even if the project will take some effort for the time being."

“Nanpeng, you’re right,” Ma Yun laughed loudly. “Qingye is that kind of person. Once he’s made up his mind, not even nine oxen could pull him back!”

"Haha, aren't you one too?" Shen Nanpeng retorted.

All three of them laughed.

Ma Yun paused for a moment, then continued, "Qingye, you don't need to feel too much pressure about Ali. I will communicate with Chongxin, and he will get Jiawei to support your decision."

"Thank you," Fang Qingye said solemnly.

Ma Yun's statement is crucial, especially at this critical stage of Ele.me's subsequent IPO.

“Oh, by the way,” Ma Yun’s gaze followed another tee shot into the distance, then she suddenly changed the subject, “Your ByteDance, especially Douyin, seems to be gaining momentum. Who can predict the future? But remember one thing, no matter where things go, Alibaba appreciates visionary partners.”

“Alibaba has always been an important partner of ours,” Fang Qingye also solemnly responded, “I will always remember this friendship of walking side by side.”

"Alright, alright, you two," Shen Nanpeng interjected at the right moment, bringing the atmosphere back to a relaxed state. "The outcome of the game on the course is still undecided. Qingye, you'd better be careful on this hole. Coach Ma's shot just now landed in a very tricky spot."

Ma Yun laughed heartily, instantly regaining her usual carefree demeanor: "Nan Peng is right. Business is for the future, but the outcome on the field is something to be decided right now. Aoba, please?"

Fang Qingye smiled and nodded, then stepped to his tee. He took a deep breath, focused, and swung his club. The white ball traced a beautiful arc in the air, precisely clearing the water hazard and landing in the desired area.

Yes, Not Bad.

He was very satisfied with his shot.
You're having a good day.

(End of this chapter)