Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 166 A Friend's Friend
The restaurant on the second floor of the west gate of Shenzhen University.

Outside the window is the familiar view of the west gate of the campus, while inside, the aroma of tea and the warmth of home-cooked meals fill the air.

Chen Mo deliberately chose this old spot where he had many "secret talks" with Dean Lin.

After a few cups of tea and a taste of several signature dishes, the atmosphere relaxed, and Chen Mo put down his chopsticks and got down to business.

"Teacher Lin, I really have a favor to ask this time!"

Chen Mo spoke sincerely: "I own Orange Technology, a precision manufacturing company. Right now, a major project has stalled. We need a top-notch alignment system to participate in the bidding. We have the core components, but we are missing the most crucial link—the precision environmental control module."

Dean Lin slowly picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, took a small sip, and smiled knowingly.

"Oh? Alignment system? That sounds incredibly sophisticated. I didn't realize you'd expanded your operations so much. Environmental control modules aren't something just any company can handle!"

"Yes!" Chen Mo nodded: "So I would like to ask you for a favor, to act as a go-between."

At this year's China International Industry Fair, the School of Mechanical Engineering at Peking University showcased environmental control technology used in their "CNC Bridge-Type Gantry Five-Axis Linkage Milling and Turning Composite Machine Tool," which is said to be of world-class standard.

I'd like to contact their manager to see if there's any possibility of cooperation!

Dean Lin put down his teacup, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and a hint of teasing appeared in his smile.

"Little Chen, what can I say about you?"

Do you remember last year when Peking University asked me to invite you to give a special report on 'gaseous lithium batteries'?
At that time, Orange Technology was just starting out and you were so busy that you declined the offer directly.

They were very sincere back then, thinking you were a promising young talent and wanting to exchange ideas and learn from you!

Chen Mo's face immediately showed an awkward wry smile: "Teacher Lin, please don't bring this up. At that time, I was so focused on my own work that I didn't think that far ahead and narrowed my path."

"You're really good at navigating social situations. This time, I really need your help to pave the way for me again!"

Seeing Chen Mo's rare embarrassment, Dean Lin laughed and said, "Alright, I know you didn't mean it. In the world of martial arts, it's all about personal relationships and connections. Leave the matchmaking to me!"

He changed the subject, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

"However, this bridge is not so easy to build. Now that Professor Lu from Princeton has developed 'hydrogen-based gaseous lithium,' the entire academic community is eyeing this lucrative opportunity of 'gaseous lithium.'"

Perfectly, your expertise in 'Chen's gaseous lithium batteries' is a ready-made stepping stone.

Go to Peking University and give a special presentation to their School of Mechanical Engineering or School of Materials Science and Engineering, talking about your "Chen's Gaseous Lithium" technology roadmap and application prospects.

I'll send this over as a favor, and I guarantee their School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering will keep their doors open for you. That will make negotiating the environmental control module much easier. What do you think?

Chen Mo knew this was the safest option and immediately agreed.

"No problem! Professor Lin, you can arrange the time and place, and I will fully cooperate. I will definitely prepare the report thoroughly, ensuring it is full of valuable information and will not let you or Shenzhen University down!"

"Good! That's a great idea!" Dean Lin nodded in satisfaction. "I'll convey your sincerity to you. Just wait for news!"

The following day, I returned to the Orange Technology office.

Just as Chen Mo finished processing a few documents, Director Li from the district personally came to his door, bringing a gold-embossed invitation.

"Mr. Chen, you are a distinguished guest at the inaugural meeting and forum of the 'China Entrepreneurs Club' to be held in Beijing early next month! This is an invitation; please do us the honor of attending!"

This entrepreneurs' club was originally a grassroots, spontaneous organization, but it was officially established this year under the leadership of the China Enterprise Confederation, with the aim of strengthening direct communication among domestic entrepreneurs.

This is mainly because in 2010, the domestic business community was in turmoil. In the past, the older generation valued appearances and would not bring things up in public. Even mortal enemies would treat each other with respect in public!

The internal strife at Guomei has set the stage for an unseemly chapter in the history of Chinese entrepreneurs, with Wanda's Wang and Fuyao's Cao engaging in a heated online spat over philanthropy.

Gradually, the situation escalated from arguments to a business war.

Just as the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" between Fantasy Liu, Ali Ma, and Orange Chen came to an end, the "3Q War" between Penguin Ma and Red-Clothed Zhou has been making headlines again.

Gradually, the situation shifted from a business war to a real-world battle.

At the end of the year, the sight of Jiuyang and Meidi fighting fiercely in offline channels across the country was truly astonishing.

Faced with this series of chaotic phenomena in the business world, the authorities finally decided to intervene. Led by the Enterprise Association, this Entrepreneurs Club was established to provide a mediation platform, promote communication, and resolve conflicts.

Director Li smiled warmly, but his tone carried an undeniable emphasis: "President Chen! The higher-ups have specifically mentioned you and Orange Technology, showing great interest in your development and looking forward to your voice being heard in the club!"

Chen Mo accepted the exquisitely crafted invitation, blinked, and his mind raced.

I'm going to give a presentation at Peking University. The inaugural forum of the Entrepreneurs Club is also in Beijing. The timing is perfect!
"Don't worry, Director Li. With the leadership attaching so much importance to this, I will definitely attend on time!" Chen Mo replied with a smile.

After seeing Director Li off, Chen Mo immediately dialed Lei Jun's number, who was his only acquaintance in Beijing.

"Mr. Lei, did you receive the invitation to the Entrepreneurs Club? I know it doesn't start until next week, but I have something to do! I need to get to Beijing a few days in advance!"

On the other end of the phone came Lei Jun's hearty laughter.

"Received! Mr. Chen, you're coming too? That's great! Perfect timing, I'm having a small gathering of fellow townsmen the day after tomorrow. They're all people from my hometown who are working in Beijing. The atmosphere is quite relaxed. How about you come and join us? I'll introduce you to some of my friends."

Chen Mo recalled his previous experience of being tricked by Lei Jun into "carrying a sedan chair" and teased him half-jokingly.

"Mr. Lei, you're not going to ask me to be some big shot's straight man again this time, are you? I'm notoriously bad with words, I'm afraid I won't be able to handle them well!"

"Hahaha!" Lei Bus laughed: "President Chen, you're overthinking it! This time it's different! I'm the host, you're the guest, and they're the guests! You and I are the main characters! Don't worry, they're all down-to-earth friends. Let's have a chat, there won't be any complicated details."

Last September, Chen Mo inexplicably got into a fight with Liu, the CEO of Fantasy, which turned into a "surrounding orange to save wheat" situation, allowing Lei Jun to avoid directly facing the pressure from Liu.

In a way, Lei Jun should thank Chen Mo for his selflessness. Because Liu Zong was busy dealing with the "troublemaker" Chengzi, he stopped targeting Xiaomai.

To put it simply, in Liu Zong's eyes, Lei Jun was just a disloyal underling, while Chen Mo was a troublemaker who wanted to seize power.

So I imagined all my firepower being focused on Orange.

Chen Mo understood the subtext: at this gathering, he and Lei Jun were the two most important people present, which made him feel much more at ease.

"Alright! With you saying that, Mr. Lei, I'm relieved. See you the day after tomorrow!"

At this moment, in Beijing, downstairs at the China World Trade Center.

A programmer with glasses, a fairly thick fringe, and a slightly childish baby face was following somewhat awkwardly behind a young man in a sharp suit who exuded an elite air.

He clutched a printed business plan tightly in his hand, his knuckles turning white.

"Funding... Should I go back and prepare some more?" The baby-faced programmer stopped, his voice hesitant and uneasy. "I'm a little unsure. Is Mr. Lin sure he can handle this?"

The young man walking in front is Zhou Shouzi, a star investor in DST Investment Fund.

He turned around and looked at this technical genius he had known since he invested in KuXun.com in 06.

The baby-faced programmer was the technical director of KuXun at the time. The two gradually became close friends because of their passion for technology and their vision for the future.

Several years later, the baby-faced programmer's entrepreneurial journey after leaving his job has been exceptionally bumpy.

His first attempt to establish "Jiujiufang.com" (similar to Anjuke) involved all his savings, resulting in a complete loss.

The second time, he learned his lesson and joined an internet project run by a rich second-generation heir of a cement factory by contributing his technical expertise as equity. However, the project failed again.

These days, he even has to hesitate for a long time before buying a 399 RMB Apple Companion. In the end, he only managed to win one through a lucky draw on Orange Technology's official Weibo account, thus avoiding the embarrassment of having to ask his wife for money again.

This is his third attempt at starting a business.

The baby-faced programmer, after much painful reflection, decided to start his own business using other people's money!

So he found his good friend Zhou Shouzi, who worked as an investment decision specialist (executive director) at the top investment fund DST.

Zhou Shouzi naturally offered his full support, but DST's VP (a powerful executive) rejected the project.

Although Zhou Shouzi holds the title of "Executive Director," within DST's vast investment machine, he is ultimately just a senior manager with advisory authority.

Not wanting to disappoint his good friend, he specially brought him to meet another friend of his today—Lin Xiaohu, a well-known individual angel investor at Jinshajiang Investment.

"Don't panic!" Zhou Shouzi patted his shoulder, his tone steady: "President Lin is a straightforward person with a sharp eye. He can tell whether a project is good or bad at a glance!"

"Let's prepare the materials and explain our ideas clearly. Whether it works out or not is another matter, but at least we'll give it a chance!"

Zhou Shouzi paused, looking at the hidden hope in the other man's eyes—a desire to invite him to join the company—and pursed his lips before finally uttering a brief, "Let's go! Don't keep President Lin waiting!" The baby-faced programmer knew that now was not the time to bring this up.

When you lack the strength, any promise is just empty talk.

The two entered room 5620 on the 56th floor of the China World Trade Center, Lin Xiaohu's office, where his pretty secretary served him fragrant tea.

Lin Xiaohu quickly flipped through the project plan, which was the culmination of the baby-faced programmer's hard work, his brows furrowing slightly.

After a moment, he put down the plan and shook his head.

"Mr. Zhang, your project idea is good, and the mobile transformation of internet content is a major trend."

But the model is too simple, the barriers to entry are low, the competitive landscape is too chaotic, and the future is unpredictable. Entering now would mean burning through too much cash, and the profit model isn't clear enough. I personally probably wouldn't invest!

The baby-faced programmer's heart sank to the bottom, and his face showed no sign of disappointment.

Zhou Shouzi also frowned slightly.

Lin Xiaohu's gaze swept over Zhou Shouzi, the eldest son of the Xing'erpo family, and then he changed the subject, his tone softening somewhat.

"However, I can't refuse to give him the face of funding. How about this, the day after tomorrow night, Lei Jun is organizing a small gathering for fellow townsmen in Beijing, and I will be there."

Everyone in the industry knows that Mr. Lei is a public-spirited person who will support any project introduced by an acquaintance if it seems interesting.

I'll introduce you; whether it works out or not depends on how your talks go!

What a twist!

The two good brothers exchanged a passionate glance, each seeing the light of hope in the other's eyes.

"Thank you so much, Mr. Lin!" The baby-faced programmer quickly stood up and bowed deeply.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Lin!" Zhou Shouzi also expressed his sincere gratitude.

Although we didn't get direct investment, being able to meet Lei Jun, a veteran of the internet industry, and have the opportunity to personally explain the project to him was already a pleasant surprise.

The two left Lin Xiaohu's office with a slight disappointment, but more so with anticipation for the day after tomorrow.

The baby-faced programmer clutched the business plan tightly, his palms slightly sweaty. The day after tomorrow would be a crucial gamble that would determine the fate of his third entrepreneurial venture.

Meanwhile, Chen Mo and Lei Jun's appointment in Beijing will also bring together the fates of two strangers for the second time in the same time and space.

The office of the general manager of Orange Technology.

Sunlight streamed in through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, making the dark desk shine.

Chen Mo stood by the window, looking down at the city skyline under the setting sun, and turned to Zhao Tiezhu and Gong Yun who were sitting on the sofa, saying: "Tiezhu, Sister Gong, I have to go to Beijing next week, for about a week. I'll leave the company matters to you two to discuss!"

Gong Yun put down the small celadon cup in her hand, crossed her legs gracefully, and nodded decisively with a reassuringly gentle smile on her face.

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, I'll keep an eye on things at home, nothing will go wrong!" Her words were concise and powerful, like a pillar of strength.

"Capital?"

Zhao Tiezhu, who had been lounging lazily on the sofa, was instantly energized by the words. His eyes lit up and his back straightened involuntarily.

"Brother Chen! Take me with you!" He leaned forward, a fawning smile spreading across his face. "I know the whole western part of Beijing like the back of my hand! Logistics, errands, booking hotels and finding restaurants—I know it all! I guarantee I'll take care of you comfortably and won't let you get away with anything!"

Chen Mo didn't reply, but just gave him a half-smile, turned around and walked back behind his large desk, reaching out to press the "9" key on the internal phone to make a call.
Less than ten seconds later, there was a gentle knock on the office door, and the secretary, Zhou Yumeng, walked in wearing a well-fitting business suit and carrying a notebook.

"Mr. Chen, you wanted to see me?" Zhou Yumeng's voice was clear and crisp, and her posture was "upright".

Chen Mo didn't speak, but pointed to Zhao Tiezhu, who suddenly seemed a little guilty and whose smile froze on his face, and then pointed to Zhou Yumeng, who looked bewildered.

"What? You little brat, are you trying to steal Xiaomeng's job?"

"Hehe." Zhao Tiezhu chuckled twice, scratched the back of his head, showing no embarrassment whatsoever, and seamlessly switched his excuse.

"Um... Brother Chen, you have Xiao Meng to handle the logistics this time, of course no problem! But I can also be your bodyguard! Beijing is a place with lots of people and eyes, and it's not safe for a big boss like you to not have a strong bodyguard by your side!"

As he spoke, he straightened his body, which wasn't particularly burly, but at least had some flesh.

Chen Mo was amused by his shamelessness, raised an eyebrow, and teased, "Hey kid, do you have a nail growing under your butt? All you think about is running around all day? The marketing manager's office can't stand you anymore, can it?"

"Hey, Brother Chen!"

Zhao Tiezhu immediately launched into a complaining mode, his old face, which had a touch of gangsterism, forced a look of grievance.

"Being a leader is pretty cool; I'm the only one yelling at people, nobody yells at me."
The problem is, sitting in the office all day, besides playing games and reading novels, is just listening to Lin Xiaxia and Baiwan report on the market and supply chain. It's so boring!

My bones are practically rusting and moldy! Please, have mercy and take me out for some fresh air!

He stared at Chen Mo expectantly, practically wagging his tail.

Chen Mo looked at his "not appreciating his good fortune" and "maliciously acting cute" appearance, feeling both annoyed and amused, and shook her head helplessly.

"You rascal, you're such a jerk! What kind of senior executive in a company can't sit still in the office like you?"

In the end, Chen Mo couldn't resist Zhao Tiezhu's "pitiful" gaze; it was too disgusting.

He turned to Gong Yun: "Sister Gong, then you'll have to work hard this week!"

Gong Yun was already used to Zhao Tiezhu's eccentricities and Chen Mo's "indulgence." Upon hearing this, she simply smiled, her smile carrying a hint of tolerance and a subtle, almost imperceptible teasing.

"No problem, Mr. Chen! With Xiao Zhao gone, I can finally have some peace and quiet for a few days!"

"Sister Gong! Look at what you're saying!" Zhao Tiezhu immediately "protested," but his face lit up with a smile, knowing that Chen Mo had agreed.

Chen Mo ignored him and waved to Zhou Yumeng, who was waiting quietly at the door.

"Xiao Meng, for the next week, Mr. Zhao, you, and I are all going to Beijing tomorrow. Please make sure to prepare the itinerary, flights, hotels, documents, and other necessary information as soon as possible to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Zhou Yumeng immediately straightened her back, her expression as serious as if she were receiving a military order.

"Understood, Mr. Chen! Please rest assured, I will ensure your and Mr. Zhao's logistical support during your business trip to Beijing!"

"Okay, go ahead, everyone get ready!" Chen Mo waved his hand, then turned his gaze back to the window.

My itinerary in Beijing includes technical cooperation, an entrepreneur club meeting, and a gathering with Lei Jun (CEO of Xiaomi). I hope this week-long business trip will be fruitful!
Unlike Zhao Tiezhu, who is always on the go, Chen Mo prefers a more stable lifestyle.

Zhao Tiezhu immediately stood up with renewed vigor, winked at Gong Yun and mouthed "thank you for your hard work," then cheerfully followed Zhou Yumeng outside.

He was already talking to his half-fellow villager, planning ahead: "Xiao Meng, book first-class tickets! The hotel needs to have a gym and a swimming pool! Oh, and that hot pot place in Beijing is amazing, I'll take you and Brother Chen to try it sometime."

Zhou Yumeng quickly took notes of Zhao Tiezhu's requirements while maintaining a professional smile.

"Yes, Mr. Zhao, I will give your request my priority!"

Only Chen Mo and Gong Yun remained in the office.

Gong Yun picked up the report she had brought and stood up gracefully: "President Chen, there's still some time, so I'll go and handle a few urgent financial documents!"

"Yes, thank you for your hard work!" Chen Mo nodded.

Gong Yun walked to the door, then stopped and looked back at Chen Mo with a hint of teasing smile in her eyes.

"Mr. Chen, it would actually be good to let Tiezhu go out for some fresh air and burn off some excess energy. He spends at least half of his time at the company visiting other people upstairs every day."

Chen Mo was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Gong Yun's words accurately summarized Zhao Tiezhu's "true nature".

It seems that taking him out is, in a way, "doing a service to the people"?

Chen Mo smiled and shook his head. With Zhao Tiezhu around, this trip to Beijing was bound to be "exciting".

Does this kid have an old flame in Beijing too?
But he only stayed in the capital for about a week last September during the storm!

(End of this chapter)