Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 123 Tech "New Elites"

Chen Mo entrusted the daily operations of Orange Technology to Zhao Tiezhu and Gong Yun, and flew to Beijing alone.

The turmoil and clamor of Shenzhen were temporarily left behind, and what awaited him was a more solemn and glorious moment, but Chen Mo also felt an indescribable pressure.

In 2010, we were in a period of keeping a low profile and focusing on economic development, and we urgently needed the recognition of the international community. Therefore, the general social trend was to admire foreign countries.

You can't expect to make money off someone and then treat them badly at the same time!
Therefore, when the gaseous lithium battery technology invented in China defined a completely new battery technology paradigm, most Chinese people were skeptical of it.

On the day of the National Technological Invention Award ceremony.

The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the hotel curtains. Chen Mo had specially changed into a well-tailored dark suit. The young man in the mirror had lost some of his youthful arrogance and gained more composure and restraint.

This outfit was meant to be appropriate for the venue, which symbolized the pinnacle of technology.

Inside the Great Hall of the People, the dome is high and the lights are brilliant, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere that almost feels real.

Below the stage stood elites from all walks of life and academic giants, while on the stage, those who were about to receive the nation's highest praise for scientific and technological innovation stood quietly.

The 45 second-prize winners represent the brightest achievements in basic science and key technologies in my country over the past year.

Chen Mo was specially seated in the first row—right in the center of the energy category of awards.

This position itself conveys an unspoken signal: the country's emphasis on this disruptive technology and its exceptional recognition of him as a "queue jumper".

To his left is Ouyang Gaoming, a representative of outstanding young scholars from Tsinghua University. His award-winning project is "Multi-energy Integrated Hybrid Power System," which represents a bridge technology for the transformation from traditional energy to new energy.

On the right is Ling Ming, a senior researcher in petrochemicals, whose "hollow titanium-silicon molecular sieve" is of great significance in the field of petrochemical catalysis.

The three of them have mastered all aspects of learning, production, and research.

Chen Mo stood among them, his youth somewhat out of place, yet he was like a distinct coordinate of the times—the bridge from petrochemical energy to new energy had been built, and he was being pushed to the forefront of the era.

The Prime Minister personally presided over the event, his voice steady and powerful.

The senior leader slowly walked onto the stage and presented each winner with a certificate and a gleaming medal.

Every name and every project represents a piece of the puzzle of the nation's technological foundation.

It was Chen Mo's turn.
He stepped forward and bowed slightly.

The senior leader handed him the weighty certificate and medal, his gentle yet profound gaze lingering on his young face for a moment.

"Your name is Chen Mo?" The leader's voice, clear and friendly, traveled through the microphone throughout the entire meeting room.

"Yes, sir," Chen Mo replied calmly, with respect.

The high-ranking leader reached out and gently patted his shoulder; this subtle gesture was precisely captured by countless people.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried immense power, clearly reaching Chen Mo's ears and also stunning the audience through the microphone.

"You're young and promising! Gaseous lithium batteries are a disruptive breakthrough! The country needs this kind of innovation! Keep up the good work, we look forward to seeing even more and greater breakthroughs from you in the future!"

"Thank you, leader! I will definitely work hard!" Chen Mo's heart was burning with emotion as he solemnly promised.

This is not just encouragement, but also a weighty expectation and a silent endorsement.

The ceremony continues.

Finally, the two first-prize winners, standing at the very front, made their grand entrance.

One of them is "banknote printing technology," which is crucial to the financial system, while the other has not been named.

The elderly gentleman who went on stage to receive the award stood tall and straight like a pine tree, his steps were vigorous and powerful, and his every move exuded the disciplined and deeply ingrained military bearing of a soldier.

Needless to say, everyone understands that behind that gold medal lies the nation's strongest shield.

The news was broadcast on time at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

The solemn award ceremony scene occupied a significant portion of the article.

When the camera panned across the first row of second-prize winners, Chen Mo's figure was positioned at the edge of the frame, serving as a highly symbolic background behind the two first-prize winners, and did not receive a close-up of her face.

This seems to be a deliberate arrangement, which can grant him honor, but requires him to temporarily conceal his brilliance.

However, after the host finished introducing the first prize winner's glorious achievement in a deep voice, he didn't stop talking:
"Among the many outstanding award-winning achievements this year, 45 projects that won the second prize of the National Technological Invention Award, including 'gas-state lithium battery', also represent the vigorous vitality and solid foundation of my country's scientific and technological innovation."

These key technologies with significant application prospects will receive key support and be promoted and implemented at the national level after the awards ceremony!

This signifies that my country is accelerating breakthroughs in strategic fields crucial to the future national economy and people's livelihoods, such as new energy and new materials, seizing the commanding heights of global technological competition!

The name "gaseous lithium battery" was clearly and solemnly pronounced, and it was given a national commitment to "key promotion"!

Although Chen Mo's face was not shown in close-up, the technology he represents has already received the most powerful declaration and the most solid future in the news broadcast of the country's highest-level science and technology awards!
Sitting in his hotel room, Chen Mo watched the solemn images on the television screen, heard the familiar technical names being solemnly mentioned, and felt the lingering light pat on his shoulder, a gesture that symbolized trust and expectation.

He stroked the heavy gold medal in his hand, which was engraved with the national emblem.

The storm has not subsided, and doubts continue to rage overseas.

But at this moment, what he holds in his hands is the recognition and power from the highest will of this land.

This silent coronation carries far more weight than any business valuation or media headline.

This medal is not only an affirmation of my past achievements, but also the most powerful passport to the future.

He knew that the moment he stepped out of the Great Hall of the People, Orange Technology's new journey would truly begin.

The heavy sense of responsibility brought by the National Technological Invention Award had not yet dissipated when Chen Mo received a call from Lei Jun.

"President Chen! Congratulations! You've been awarded a national award, this is a cause for celebration! Since we're in Beijing, I must do my duty as a host. I have a small gathering tonight, all friends, please do me the honor of attending!" Lei Jun's voice was full of enthusiasm.

Chen Mo initially wanted to decline, but he couldn't resist Lei Jun's repeated invitations, and thinking that it would be a good opportunity to find out about the new wheat machine, he agreed.

However, when Lei Jun's driver dropped him off at a private club with an unassuming yet luxurious facade, and pushed open the heavy door to the top-tier KTV room, Chen Mo instantly understood.
This is hardly a "small gathering of friends".
This is clearly a gathering of the core members of the Daishan Society!
Seated on the enormous circular sofa were all renowned figures:

Mr. Liu, the CEO of Fantasy Group and the key figure of Daishan Club, has piercing eyes and an imposing presence.

Niu Gengshen, the founder of Mengniu Dairy, has a kind smile but shrewd eyes.

Shi Wangzhu of the Juren Group has a touch of legend and a江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) spirit.

Even the appearance of Mr. Wang, the CEO of Wanda Group, a real estate tycoon, surprised Chen Mo slightly.

Holy crap! I can't believe it, you're one of them too!
"Hey! Our national scholarship winner is here!"

Leibusi quickly stood up, warmly put his arm around Chen Mo's shoulder, and led him to the front of the crowd.

"Let me introduce you to Chen Mo, the founder of Yuancheng New Energy and Orange Technology! He's the young talent who just received the National Technological Invention Award at the Great Hall of the People!"

"President Chen, you're young and promising!" Liu, the CEO of Fantasy, spoke first, his tone carrying a scrutinizing tone and a hint of subtle attempts to win him over.

"Amazing! To have achieved so much at such a young age!" Niu Gengshen echoed with a smile.

Shi Wangzhu looked Chen Mo up and down with great interest: "A promising young man!"

Mr. Wang, the CEO of Wanda, nodded slightly, which can be considered as a greeting.

Chen Mo cursed Lei Jun for being a swindler in his heart, but he could only put on a humble smile and shake hands and exchange pleasantries with everyone.

"You flatter me, seniors. I'm just a tech guy. I've been lucky, thanks to the support of the country and its leaders."

His gaze swept over Lei Bus, with a clear questioning tone.

Lei Jun responded with an apologetic look that also conveyed the sentiment that "I was forced into this situation."

He imagined that President Liu would personally request to meet this newly minted "national award" winner and Lei Jun's "ally," and he simply couldn't refuse.

Just as the private room was filled with the big shots' "concern" for Chen Mo and their tentative attempts to win him over, the door was pushed open again.

An ordinary-looking but extremely powerful figure strode in, instantly attracting everyone's attention—Ali Ma!
Ignoring the charlatan Liu in the main seat, he fixed his gaze directly on Chen Mo, strode forward with a beaming smile, and warmly shook Chen Mo's hands, his voice booming. "This must be President Chen! I've heard so much about you! Your name is legendary! Gaseous lithium batteries, a national treasure! The National Technological Invention Award, well-deserved! The future of changing the world depends on young people like you!"

He showered him with compliments, his words flowing like a river, his intention to take the initiative was extremely clear.

Chen Mo finally witnessed Ah Li Ma's eloquence. If it weren't for bringing up the white-belted dance troupe, probably no one could have outwitted Ma in a verbal battle.

The thought of the white-belted dance troupe snapped Chen Mo back to reality. He knew he had to keep a close eye on Zhao Tiezhu from now on. If Zhao Tiezhu accidentally spilled 300 billion on him, he would have no choice but to make the difficult decision.

Zhao Tiezhu is irrelevant.

Seeing Ahri steal the show, Liu's face instantly darkened.

Ali the horse, who became the richest man in China in 2010, was at the height of his success and was at his most unruly:
AliPapa (63.5% market share) monopolizes B2B, while Taobao.com (85.4% market share) sweeps C2C. AliPapa forcibly separated from AliPapa on the grounds of "VIE structure risk," which angered the major shareholder, YaHu, but he was helpless.

The famous saying, "If banks don't change, we will change banks," resonated far and wide.

This is the peak of Ali Ma's life. He is the richest man in China, holding the cash flow lifeline of 3.7 million users and 2.1 small and medium-sized enterprises in his hands.

At this moment, it's truly a case of punching a tiger and kicking a bank; if I'm not arrogant, who is?

In his eyes, the Daishan Society and Lao Liu were nothing more than a group of "old guys" from the old era.

"Ali Ma, you're late without even giving us a heads-up. It's not right to keep everyone waiting for so long." Liu, the CEO of Fantasy, said in a low voice, but with a sense of pressure: "According to the rules, you have to punish yourself with three drinks."

Ahri released Chen Mo's hand, turned around, still wearing her signature smile, but her tone was sharp and veiled.

"Oh dear, Mr. Liu, I'm so sorry! I've had a slight cold these past few days and have been taking cephalosporin. The doctor repeatedly warned me that I can't drink a drop of alcohol! You see," he shrugged, looking like he was "helpless."

Liu, the CEO, sneered and glanced at the KTV equipment in the private room.

"Since you're not feeling well, we won't force you to drink, but you should at least do something to make up for being late, right? Ahri, you're such a good talker, why don't you sing a song for everyone to liven things up and make amends?"

He's deliberately trying to embarrass Ahri.

"You sing well! I respect my seniors. Mr. Liu, what would you like to hear?"

Ahrima wasn't intimidated at all; on the contrary, he became interested, adopting a "go ahead and ask me any questions" attitude.

The two exchanged pleasantries, seemingly laughing and joking as they requested songs, but their words were laced with hidden barbs. One wanted to outdo the other, while the other refused to take the bait and instead retorted. The undercurrents were intense, and the other people in the private room watched with varying expressions.

Seeing that the firepower was diverted, Chen Mo took the opportunity to pull Lei Bus to the sofa in the corner and sit down, complaining in a low voice.

"Mr. Lei, your 'hostly hospitality' is truly 'generous,' you didn't even tell me what was going on before you came?"

Lei Jun smiled wryly and repeatedly clasped his hands in apology, saying, "I'm so sorry, so sorry! I was also put on the hot seat!"

He leaned closer to Chen Mo, lowering his voice even further.

“I went to North America to discuss chip cooperation with Gao Tong, but in the end I couldn’t hide it from President Liu. He specifically asked to see you, and I really couldn’t refuse.”

Chen Mo instantly understood that the imagined CEO Liu wanted to use Lei Jun to bring him, a "newly rich" who possessed the core technology of "gas-state lithium batteries" and the halo of a national award, into the Daishan Club's system.

While enhancing the influence of Daishan Association in emerging technology fields, it also aims to counterbalance "troublemakers" like Ali Ma.

Today's troublemakers were once the internet's rising stars.

Chen Mo sighed helplessly: "Got it! Let's watch the show."

Meanwhile, the "battle of wits" between President Liu and Ali Ma finally came to an end. Both of them had smiles on their faces, but their eyes were cold, clearly indicating that they were both holding back their anger.

Ahri straightened his clothes, surveyed the entire room, his gaze lingering particularly on Chen Mo, and said loudly:
"Everyone! I have some great news to share! This September, I will be hosting the next 'West Lake Forum' in Hangzhou, inviting friends from the business and technology sectors across the country!"

He paused deliberately, then raised his voice: "The theme is—'New Economy, New Ecosystem, New Power'! Everyone who's interested is welcome to come and support us! Especially talented young people like Mr. Chen, we internet people welcome them the most!"

Wow! The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became awkward!
The West Lake Summit was originally a top-level internet summit created by Ali Ma.

Now, in front of the core members of the Daishan Society, he announced that he would "invite heroes from all over the country" with the theme of "new forces". His intention to target the traditional "mountain" of the Daishan Society is obvious!
Alright! Chen Mo suddenly realized, no wonder the scene today seemed so familiar. This was clearly a replica of Ahri Ma's rampage at the Daishan Gathering in his previous life, followed by her starting anew. He had somehow become a witness to it all.

Lei Jun and Chen Mo are two "small fry" who, judging by their net worth, are only fit to sit quietly in the corner and watch the show.

Today, Ahri Ma wasn't just late; he was clearly using his lateness to openly challenge Liu Zong, the "leader" of the Fantasy Alliance!

The image of President Liu's face darkened completely, his eyes sharp as knives.

Ahri's actions are tantamount to an open split!

His mind is now preoccupied with how to solidify the Daishan Society's base and deal with Ah Li Ma's challenge, so he can't afford to try to win over Chen Mo anytime soon.

This gathering of industry leaders ended abruptly in a tense and unpleasant atmosphere.

Stepping out of that suffocating club, the night breeze in Beijing carried a hint of coolness.

Lei Jun let out a long sigh of relief and patted Chen Mo on the shoulder.

"Come on, Mr. Chen, I'll take you to a down-to-earth place to calm your nerves and also as an apology!"

The car wound its way through the streets and finally stopped at the entrance of an inconspicuous alley near Zhongguan Village.

A small shop with a greasy sign and bright lights came into view, and the air was filled with the aroma of charcoal-grilled meat.

"This is it!" Lei Jun walked in familiarly, found a small table in the corner, and shouted to the owner, "Boss, twenty skewers of signature chicken wings! Extra spicy and numbing! And two bottles of ice-cold Beibingyang soda!"

Soon, crispy chicken wings with tender, juicy interiors and sizzling oil, along with chilled orange soda, were placed on the table.

Leibusi picked up a skewer, took a big bite, as if he wanted to chew up and swallow all the frustration he had just felt.

"Phew, it still tastes just right!" He took a swig of soda and sighed contentedly, "Back in Xinshan, I stayed up until the wee hours every night, and all I could rely on was this grilled chicken wing to keep me going! No delicacy could compare to this authentic, homey feeling!"

Chen Mo also picked up a skewer. The smoky aroma and spicy seasoning of the grilled chicken wings instantly washed away the discomfort brought on by the previous hypocritical social gathering.

He chuckled, raising an eyebrow and teasing, "Mr. Lei certainly knows how to pick a place!"

"Don't call me 'General Manager Lei' anymore, just call me Old Lei in private!" Lei Jun waved his hand and asked curiously, "First time in Beijing? How does it feel?"

Chen Mo thought for a moment and then told the truth.

"I didn't have time to look closely, but it felt like there weren't as many trees as in Shenzhen. I never thought Shenzhen had such good greenery before, but after this comparison, wow, Shenzhen is really green!"

"Hahaha!"

Lei Jun was amused by this simple yet accurate sarcasm and laughed, raising his soda bottle.

"Brilliant! Come on, let's have a toast! For the greening of Shenzhen, and also... Thank you, brother, for not storming off today, you saved me face!"

He was referring to the fact that although Chen Mo was clearly dissatisfied in the private room, he maintained a restrained manner in his social interactions.

Chen Mo smiled and clinked bottles with him: "I wouldn't go so far as to flip the table, but Lao Lei, remember to pay back the favors you owe us!"

Lei Jun was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter and patted Chen Mo's shoulder hard.

"Hahaha! Okay! I'll remember! I, Lei Jun, keep my word. You can come and collect this favor anytime!"

Amidst the swirling smoke of grilled chicken wings, two "outcasts" with vastly different values ​​yet equally perceptive find themselves developing an understanding and friendship that transcends mere self-interest at this humble street stall.

Who will rise and fall in the flower-growing business world?

Chen Mo didn't care about this issue. The richest man in China came and went, but he remembered that Lei Jun in his previous life could be described as "evergreen for three generations" - from making software to online shopping, from making mobile phones to making cars, he always stood at the forefront of the domestic business world.

The night in Beijing is unpredictable, but the two people in front of this small chicken wing stall exude a rare authenticity and carefree spirit.

Only at certain moments can people shed their pretenses and be themselves.

Hopefully, this isn't just his imagination—Chen Mo doesn't want to see Orange and Wheat become enemies in the future.

(End of this chapter)