Entertainment mogul: Starting his business with the internet

Chapter 355 Walking Together
On the morning of July 9th, in the multimedia conference room of the Donghai Tengda Group Cloud Computing Center.

Song Ci was multitasking, chatting with Liu Shishi on WeChat to check on his wife's discharge from the hospital, while listening to Zhang Heng, the head of Qianqian Music, report on his work on stage.

The phone vibrated slightly, and a new message appeared in the WeChat chat. Song Ci lowered her eyes to look at the phone screen.

Words fail me: Honey, Mom and Sister K have already helped me with the discharge procedures, and I'll be home soon.

Song Ci quickly swiped her fingertips and replied immediately: You still need to rest more when you get back. See you tonight, my dear.

With Liu Shishi successfully discharged from the hospital, Song Ci finally felt relieved, put her phone aside, and refocused her attention on the meeting.

On stage, Zhang Heng, president of Qianqian Music, was in high spirits: "The platform deeply integrates the advantages of the group's big data technology and successfully launched two major functions, 'Radio Channel' and 'You May Like,' in the first half of the year, further enhancing personalized recommendations for users."

Upon hearing this, Song Ci frowned slightly and interrupted, "With the release of these two new features, the app interface is very unstable. I've experienced several crashes while listening to music myself. Has the crash issue been resolved?"

Zhang Heng quickly assured him, "Chairman Song, we have already optimized the interface and improved stability in the latest version of the app, resolving most of the crash issues and significantly improving the user experience."

What is the current number of daily active users of Qianqian Music?

"With 320 million daily active users, it ranks first in the entire industry."

Zhang Heng waited a moment, and seeing that the chairman would not speak again, he flipped through the PPT and continued his report:
"...In Apple's official App Store Rewind rankings for the first half of 2011, Qianqian Music Player ranked 4th on the iPhone free app chart and 6th on the iPad chart!"
It's the only music app in the top 50, demonstrating the platform's great success on mobile devices.

"Chairman Song, distinguished leaders and colleagues, this concludes our department's work report for the first half of the year." Zhang Heng spoke passionately, detailing the outstanding achievements of Qianqian Music in the first half of the year, eagerly anticipating the chairman's praise.

"Does Mr. Zhang have anything to add?" Song Ci slowly picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Zhang Yong, sitting on the left, shook his head slightly: "I have nothing to say, please give your comments."

Song Ci put down her teacup, her words remaining calm, but they made Zhang Heng on the stage uneasy: "Throughout the entire presentation, you didn't say a single key point that I wanted to hear!"

Zhang Heng stood on the stage, his mouth slightly open, not quite understanding what the chairman wanted to hear.

Song Ci had no interest in playing games with his subordinates and bluntly stated: "The content on your PPT is all about the platform's achievements and how good the data is!"

Before the group acquired Qianqian Music, it was already the music streaming platform with the highest market share in the country. Now, with the group backing it, its market share hasn't increased much.

"Since you have a solid foundation, you can live off your past achievements and just keep drifting along. Haven't you considered how to break through and develop in the future?"

"I..." Zhang Heng stammered, unable to answer for a moment.

"Last year's focus was on the mobile application of our product, and now the download volume of the Qianqian Jingting app has stabilized. Do you really not have a long-term plan for how to proceed?"

Although the chairman's tone was relatively calm, his direct and to-the-point question made Zhang Heng break out in a cold sweat and start to panic.

Song Ci clearly wasn't going to let Zhang Heng off easily, and continued to interrogate him: "Qianqian Music is indeed number one in China, but most of the credit doesn't go to you."

What you should be thinking about is how to lead Qianqian Jingting to go global and compete with platforms like Soundwave and Pandora in Europe and America.

Instead of focusing solely on dealing with domestic players like NetEase and Kugou, internationalization should be your primary concern.

There's an even more important point! With the country launching the "Sword Action" in the film and television industry in the past two years to crack down on piracy and protect the rights of legitimate copyright holders, this storm will inevitably reach the digital music industry sooner or later.

My digital rights agreements with the world's three largest record companies are set to expire at the end of the year. Back then, due to rampant piracy in China, I got a five-year deal at a bargain price.

With the government cracking down on the copyright market, will renewing copyrights at the end of the year still be so easy? Have you considered how much it costs to purchase copyrights?

The chairman's stern questioning not only made Zhang Heng on the stage feel uneasy, but also made Zhang Yong take it seriously.

“Chairman Song!” Zhang Yong stated in a deep voice, “I will personally take charge of following up on the matter of renewing the copyright contracts with the three major record companies, Warner, Universal, and Sony.”

With CEO Zhang Yong volunteering, Song Ci didn't question him further. After a moment's thought, she instructed:
"Although the trend is towards genuine products, piracy is still rampant in the market, so I don't think this negotiation will be too difficult; it's just a matter of price. But there are a few things we must pay attention to."

Song Ci paused briefly, his tone grave: "First, the agreement should be for as long as possible. Second, the cooperation model must be 'exclusive but not monopolistic,' allowing Qianqian Music to establish industry barriers!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yong's face immediately fell. "Exclusive but not exclusive" meant that Tengda would exclusively represent the music copyrights of the three major record companies in Greater China, and then sublicense them to other platforms.

This request is quite challenging, but since the chairman has made the request, he can only contact Warner, Universal, and Sony first, and then decide based on the situation.

After explaining Zhang Yong's copyright matters, Song Ci's sharp gaze fell back on Zhang Heng: "Your work report is unsatisfactory. Take it back and redo it. Submit it again next week."

Zhang Heng felt as if he had been granted a pardon and had just breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the matter was temporarily over and he could step down and return to his seat, when Song Ci spoke again, which startled him so much that he quickly stood up straight.

"Qianqian Music will focus on four key aspects going forward:"

First, given the ever-increasing cost of copyrights, platforms should vigorously support independent musicians and build exclusive content libraries.

Second, consider acquiring small and medium-sized music platforms overseas to accelerate the internationalization process.

Third, we need to innovate in business models, such as launching different levels of subscription systems, such as free, standard, and VIP versions.

Fourth, we can collaborate with singers to release digital albums, encouraging users to pay for content.

While quickly jotting down Song Ci's words, Zhang Yong sternly addressed Zhang Heng, who was standing awkwardly on the stage: "The chairman has already pointed out the direction. After the meeting, you need to reflect on your actions and make your report more detailed!"

"Yes! Yes!" Zhang Heng nodded repeatedly, sweat beading on his forehead. "Please rest assured, Chairman Song and General Manager Zhang, I will definitely reorganize my work approach and do a good job on the work plan."

"You can go now! The next department to report is TT Voice. The next person to report, please pay attention: focus on the work plan for the second half of the year. If this part is not written in the PPT, please supplement it verbally."

Zhang Yong's words were like heavenly music to Zhang Heng's ears. He let out a long sigh of relief and walked off the stage in a disheveled state.

Song Ci glanced at Zhang Heng, whose face was flushed, and shook his head inwardly. He rarely embarrassed his subordinates in such situations.

But Zhang Heng went too far, making him lose his temper. He went on and on about his achievements, without saying a single word of substance.

Digital music copyright is crucial to the group's future strategic layout in the short video field, and is another important battleground after mobile payment.

If Zhang Heng's report next week still doesn't satisfy him, the selection of Qianqian Music's president will probably have to be reconsidered.

Learning from Zhang Heng's experience, subsequent department heads were extra cautious in their reports, focusing on future development plans and internationalization strategies, while glossing over achievements. Time flew by, and it was already the height of summer in July.

After being discharged from the hospital and recuperating in Beiping for a week, Liu Shishi has fully recovered and returned to the "Xuan-Yuan Sword" crew in Hengdian.

This is the peak period for issuing first-batch undergraduate admission notices to universities across the country, and letters carrying dreams are flying to all parts of the country through the postal system.

The prospective college students who received their acceptance letters finally put down their burdens and either worked to save money or traveled with friends, enjoying the most carefree summer vacation of their lives.

At noon on July 18, at the VIP passage of Donghai Airport.

Liu Yuqing and Li Lingyan walked out, chatting and laughing, dragging their suitcases. The two girls had just arrived in Donghai on Song Ci's private plane, ready to head to Hengdian for their long-awaited study tour.

"Yanzi! Yuqing! Over here!" Outside the terminal, Lü Zhong and his classmate Zhou Yuanchu, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly came to greet them.

Lu Zhong's face was filled with anxiety: "You've finally come out! A Yuan and I have been waiting anxiously for you!"

Liu Yuqing glanced at the shameless boy who insisted on traveling with her, and haughtily snorted, "Wait or don't, it's up to you!"

Caught off guard by the goddess's retort, Lü Zhong was at a loss for words and could only awkwardly scratch his head to change the subject: "Um, I chartered a bus, and the driver is already waiting for us."

Li Lingyan quietly tugged at her best friend's sleeve, signaling her to give her classmate some face: "Thank you, Lü Zhong."

"Thank you for your hard work!" Liu Yuqing understood and thanked her politely. "Let's go together on the return trip. Take my brother's plane back to Beiping."

Li Lingyan chuckled. Although Yuqing was a proud little princess, she was well-mannered and had good upbringing. She never took advantage of other boys because of her beauty.

Lu Zhong hired a car, and she immediately took him back with her to repay the favor.

When Lü Zhong heard that Liu Yuqing was willing to take him on his return trip, he was overjoyed and kept grinning foolishly.

Zhou Yuanchu shook his head helplessly. Princess Liu clearly wasn't interested in Lü Zhong. His deskmate would have to put in a lot of effort to win over the school's goddess.

The four of them walked towards the parking lot, chatting and laughing.

After settling his luggage into the car, Lü Zhong noticed the driver showed no sign of leaving and asked in confusion, "Sir, why aren't we leaving yet?"

"Wait a little longer, there are still a few passengers," the driver explained with a smile.

“But I chartered the car!” Lü Zhong exclaimed anxiously.

"Young man, please understand, business is tough," the driver pleaded. "We're four soon-to-be college students heading to Hengdian. I'll give you a discount once we get there."

The driver kept cajoling and pleading but refused to leave, so Lü Zhong looked at his three classmates to ask for their opinions.

The weather was hot, and Liu Yuqing was too lazy to bother anymore. There were plenty of empty seats in the car, and it could easily seat four more people.

"If the person who comes later is really a college student, then there will be no problem."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the driver quickly pointed out the window: "The bag's fine, it's here, it's here, let's go right away!"

Looking out the car window, everyone saw four young people who looked like students walking towards them. The driver quickly settled the four who arrived later, started the car, and drove towards Hengdian.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was a bit somber. A boy broke the silence first and spoke up: "Hello, my name is Wu Di, I'm from Xiamen No.1 High School, and these are my high school classmates!"

It turned out that the four people who arrived later were Chen Duling and Qiao Ya's group. They were also going to Hengdian for sightseeing and happened to be on the same bus as Liu Yuqing and the others.

“I am Lü Zhong, from Beiping No. 4 Middle School, and they are my classmates.”

They were all high school graduates about to enter college, and the young people, having much in common, quickly became friends and started chatting enthusiastically.

Wu Di exclaimed, "Dude, you're amazing! Beijing No. 4 High School is a nationally renowned key high school!"

Lü Zhong smiled modestly: "Menxia No.1 Middle School is not bad either; it is one of the top high schools in the region."

As everyone gradually became acquainted, the two groups sized each other up. When their gazes fell upon Chen Duling and Liu Yuqing, both sides showed expressions of amazement.

Chen Duling is elegant and refined, with a strong scholarly air and a touch of aloofness, like a classical lady, possessing an unapproachable and aloof beauty.

Liu Yuqing, on the other hand, is lively and agile, with a gentle appearance that exudes a friendly "neighborly" charm. She is full of energy, like "cherry blossom soda in spring," fresh, bright, and with a slightly sweet bubble.

Liu Yuqing watched Chen Duling with great interest, feeling that this young lady's appearance was somewhat similar to her sister-in-law Liu Shishi, but her temperament was similar to her brother Song Ci, that kind of aloofness was very attractive.

"Hello, my name is Liu Yuqing, I'm from Beiping!"

Chen Duling was slightly surprised, not expecting this extremely beautiful girl to take the initiative to greet her: "Hello, I am Chen Duling, and I am about to go to Beiping to start my university life."

Li Lingyan was astonished by what she saw. Her best friend came from a wealthy family, was beautiful and had a sweet voice, and was the center of attention at school.

He's usually very proud and rarely initiates conversations with others. What's wrong with him today? Is it because these beautiful women admire each other?
"Which university does Chen attend?" Lu Zhong couldn't help but ask. Being admitted in the first batch of university admissions and going to study in Beiping (Beijing) must mean it's a prestigious university.

His gaze was unconsciously drawn to the beautiful and academically gifted girl. Apart from celebrities on TV, this was the first time he had seen a girl whose appearance could rival Liu Yuqing's. He felt as if a new world had opened up for him.

The school beauty, Chen, was sparing with her words: "Beihang University".

Liu, the school beauty, brightened up: "What a coincidence! I know Beihang University well. My aunt teaches there, and I've been there many times."

Our schools are very close to each other. When we have some free time this weekend, Yanzi and I will come visit you.

Chen Duling was somewhat taken aback by the enthusiasm emanating from the girl in front of her, who looked like a girl from a modest family, but she still nodded in response: "Okay."

"Where did Liu get into? Which university?" Qiao Ya felt a pang of loss as she watched her best friend make new friends so quickly.

She was admitted to a prestigious university in Donghai. Once she goes to university, she will be scattered all over the country, and it will probably be difficult for her to see Chen Duling.

"Tsinghua University." Liu Yuqing feigned composure, but the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her inner pride. Although she had chosen the path of a gifted student, she couldn't hide her pride in gaining admission to one of the country's top universities.

(End of this chapter)