Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 73: Believing in "Love" Again
February 14th, Beijing.

As a traditional Western Valentine's Day, this day is being widely accepted by young people in China, and its popularity has even surpassed that of the traditional Qixi Festival.

On the same day, Didi and Kuaidi, China's two largest online ride-hailing companies, will announce their official merger in front of more than 20 media outlets, becoming a new company.

Originally, Cheng Wei and Lü Chuanwei had planned to sign the contract between the two companies several days ago and simply announce the finalization process online.

But Chen Xiu insisted on making a big fuss about it, saying that he wanted "online users" to witness the birth of this newly emerging giant company.

Therefore, the merger ceremony was held in a format similar to a press conference, and Didi even rented a venue specifically to witness this moment.

Half an hour before the press conference, Chen Xiu, dressed in a formal suit, arrived at the venue early and met one of the main figures of the event, Lü Chuanwei, backstage.

"Mr. Lü, it's been a long time."

"Long time no see, Mr. Chen, you still have the same charm as before!"

The two shook hands politely and exchanged pleasantries.

As they looked at each other, Chen Xiu exuded confidence and high spirits, while Lü Chuanwei, who was about to reach the pinnacle of his life, seemed somewhat uninterested.

Seeing the other person's expression, Chen Xiu couldn't help but ask curiously, "Mr. Lü, is something on your mind?"

"Hehe, that's true to some extent. I'm quite envious of you. You're so young, handsome, and energetic. Even if you sell the company, you can still happily go off to act."

Lu Chuanwei's words were full of sarcasm, and his eyes were undisguisedly mocking.

Last month, when Chen Xiu visited Meng Ziyi on set, she used Lü Chuanwei's connections, and he naturally learned about Chen Xiu's "new direction" in life.

As an entrepreneur in the internet industry, Lü Chuanwei doesn't look down on celebrities and singers in the entertainment industry, but he doesn't think they can be compared to himself.

Back when Didi and Kuaidi were locked in a direct confrontation, he also regarded Chen Xiu as a major rival.

As a result, now that the two companies are merging, former rivals have a chance to shake hands and make peace, but Chen Xiu has gone off to act.

Lu Chuanwei could not understand and was surprised by this self-degrading behavior, and even felt a little contempt for it.

However, Chen Xiu ignored his sarcastic remarks, saying, "Everyone makes different choices! Instead of worrying about me, President Lü should make plans for himself!"

"What do you mean?"

"Hehe, the merger of Didi and Kuaidi means that a giant with a market value of one of the top ten is about to be born in the Internet industry. With our business developed to this point, do you think we can be considered to have achieved great success?"

Lu Chuanwei frowned and thought for two seconds, then silently nodded.

"Forget it."

I don't think so!

"Doesn't it count?"

"Yes, we are now one step away from achieving success. This is often the most dangerous time. A mature company only needs one manager. When there are two managers, a situation of mutual 'shooting' that is beyond human control will begin."

Chen Xiu looked at Lü Chuanwei with a strange expression, appearing completely like an outsider.

When Didi completed its Series D funding round, it had already signed a supplementary agreement with Tencent, exchanging 10% of its shares for 0.55% of Tencent's shares at a premium.

He successfully escaped unscathed from the management turmoil within Didi, and even managed to increase the value of his remaining 6% stake.

Chen Xiu started his business for profit, and he has achieved that goal.

Cheng Wei, under the guise of starting his own business, has completed the consolidation of the company's management rights. There is bound to be another battle, though it may be invisible, between him and Lü Chuanwei.

Chen Xiu had anticipated this situation, and Lü Chuanwei, who was involved in it, was also mentally prepared.

"So, you left Didi because you didn't want to participate in this final step?"

"You could say that. Anyway, I'm practically retired now. Once the contract is signed and the Spring Festival is over, I'll be able to step down from my position." Chen Xiu suddenly stopped, glanced at what was behind Lü Chuanwei, and a smile crept onto her lips.

"Brother Wei, am I not late?"

"No, no, I just came to remind you that there will be a reporter interview later. Oh, Mr. Lü is here too, what a coincidence!"

Cheng Wei, wearing glasses, walked towards them with a smile.

When he arrived, Chen Xiu and Lü Chuanwei put on the same smile as Cheng Wei.

The three mannequins exchanged pleasantries and put on a spectacular performance for the remaining 20 minutes.

Everyone shakes hands, takes a group photo, and smiles at each other, all sharing the same thought: You guys really understand me!
Chen Xiu couldn't help but marvel at their acting skills more than once during the performance, saying that they were even better than him, a professionally trained actor...
……

"Kakakaka!!"

Standing on the stage, looking at the dense array of flashing lights in front of her, Chen Xiu found this commercial form of interview quite novel.

However, similar to the entertainment industry, the focus of the interviews was still on the main characters, with very little attention given to the supporting actors.

When the interview began, the reporters in the audience immediately threw questions at Cheng Wei, hoping to pry some sensational news out of him.

However, Cheng Wei's answers were mostly prepared in advance, which were not only formulaic but also a bit cheesy.

"We've partnered with Kuaidi, and even brought Penguin and Ali together. Anyone who witnessed this will exclaim that they believe in love again!"

"Hahaha!"

"Clap clap clap!"

Who says internet people can't tell jokes?

See how well you've explained it?

Compared to Cheng Wei's teasing tone, Lü Chuanwei's response was much more frank and formal.

“Vicious competition is unsustainable. After the merger, we will have a more consistent development path and can avoid wasting time and opportunity costs.”

"Clap clap clap!"

Without laughter, applause becomes much more serious.

The merger between Didi and the express delivery company can be considered the largest merger and acquisition case in the history of China's internet industry, and it has attracted much attention.

When the Sina Weibo reporters received the invitation, they had prepared several questions, but before they could even get a turn, other reporters had already asked them.

Left with no other option, Sina's reporters had to resort to their pre-prepared Plan B.

When it was their turn to ask questions, they didn't focus on Cheng Wei or Lü Chuanwei like the others did. Instead, they asked the question to Chen Xiu, who was standing next to Cheng Wei.

"Mr. Chen, as the founder of Didi, what are your thoughts on this company merger?"

"The merger was for better development, and it also met the strategic needs of both companies, so we came together."

"Hahaha!"

Chen Xiu's words elicited a burst of laughter from the audience.

Once the laughter subsided, the Sina reporter, who had just asked a routine question, suddenly threw out a question that surprised everyone present.

"Mr. Chen, as the founder and senior executive of an internet company, I would like to ask why you chose to participate in the film and television work 'My Sunshine' at such an important moment in the company's development last year?"

(End of this chapter)