Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 146 Emergence... Leveraging the Capital Market
A smart person would certainly understand what Chen Xuebing meant.

Zhang Hao couldn't help but laugh.

He earns a salary and bonuses of nearly a million dollars at his company in the United States, and this young man actually wants to poach him?
Where is the confidence?
Even if he wanted to return to China to realize his dreams, he would need an enormous investment, which a small company like his couldn't afford.

You also need a team.

"Mr. Chen is joking. My expertise is in filter chips, which is a special field that can enhance communication. However, I have heard Wei Bing talk about your ideas. Your self-developed direction is mainly mobile phone interaction and SOC design. Filtering has a strong degree of independence and specialization, so your self-development should not be involved for the time being."

Chen Xuebing shook his head and smiled, but didn't reply.

He simply didn't know what specific patents Zhang Hao held, but as for what a filter chip was, he had studied it for so long, he certainly knew.

This is a chip that filters out unwanted signals and enhances signals. In the field of communications, it can filter out unwanted signals and noise. It also enhances and adjusts audio and video, improving audio and video quality.

Mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and GPS devices can all use these features, and they can even improve base station signals. These things directly affect the basic service quality of a mobile terminal.

Moreover, understanding filtering inevitably leads to understanding radio frequency (RF), which has a wider range of applications. It is the foundation of the field of radio communication, and future technologies such as the Internet of Things, smart cars, smart wearables, and industrial automation are all related to this field.

In matters of fundamental science, there is nothing useless.

Zhang Hao is also a master of chip design.

The problem is that they have a high-paying job in the US, and when they returned to China in their previous life, they had a teammate with them. If you want to invite them back, you have to invite both of them.

This can't be rushed; he's waiting for the right opportunity to make his move.

During that brief silence, Zhang Hao assumed Chen Xuebing was a little displeased. After all, he knew that anyone making system-on-a-chip (SoC) would inevitably be involved in filtering technology, and he meant that this technology could be bought.

"Hehe, now that Huang Xiaohai has joined your team, if there are any technical issues that I can help with, he can contact me via email or phone."

"Thank you so much, senior brother!" Lu Weibing immediately raised his glass in gratitude.

Upon hearing this, Chen Xuebing knew he had spoken out of turn, and seized the opportunity to wave his hand: "No, please don't!"

Everyone looked over in surprise.

This is a great opportunity for such an important figure to offer help. What is Mr. Chen up to?
Chen Xuebing coughed and said, "Dr. Zhang has worked for so many big companies in the US and has local patents. You mustn't harm him. If you send an email or make a phone call that involves the technology of a big company, the US monitors it very strictly. If our company grows big, they might investigate us. It doesn't matter to us in China, but don't harm Dr. Zhang."

Upon hearing this, everyone at the table was somewhat puzzled.

After all, the image of free America is still deeply ingrained in people's minds these days.

Even Zhang Hao was a little confused: "...It shouldn't be that bad, right? It's common to discuss technology via email."

Chen Xuebing's performance at this moment was filled with strong conviction; he shook his head solemnly and said:
“Dr. Zhang is a technical expert, but he doesn’t know much about these things. I work in private equity, and I have a major client overseas who has donated a lot of money to the Election Action Committee. I met with him recently, and he brought this up again…”

"A few years ago, the White House established an Office of the Director of Intelligence, right? And one of its leaders was forced to resign by various intelligence agencies."

"I heard that the White House got angry and launched a large-scale surveillance program, targeting government, business, military, science, and even ordinary people... well, I can't say much more, but foreign high-level technical personnel like you are definitely on the list. If Dr. Zhang's technology generates benefits in China, you'd better go back to China before those people come knocking on your door. No matter who comes looking for you, never come back to America."

As Chen Xuebing spoke, he raised his hand, extended his thumb and forefinger, made a "gun" shape, and shook it.

This isn't something he made up; the Prism program is real.

The Director of Intelligence's office he mentioned earlier is real; it's a special agency established by the current White House administration to enhance its power, and it's public knowledge, so Zhang Hao should know about it.

However, there is no necessary connection between the two events.

The truth is a mix of truth and falsehood; only when it's spoken can it be believed.

Even if they can't recruit Zhang Hao, the Prism scandal will be exposed long before he's tricked back to the US. When he sees the news in China and recalls his accurate prediction, he should be more wary of the invitation.

After Chen Xuebing finished speaking, he noticed the surprised looks on everyone's faces, coughed again, and chuckled dryly:
“The American system is different from ours. Money is above power. My investor is an insider. I can’t be sure if what he says is true or false, but we should still be careful, right?”

Of those present, only Hsu Wen-feng from Taiwan and Huang Hsiao-hai, Zhang Hao's assistant, had studied in the United States. However, they were just ordinary people in the US and, like everyone else, didn't quite understand it. This was the first time they had heard such a viewpoint.

But Zhang Hao had spent more than a decade in the United States and had met many big businessmen, so the more he heard this, the more believable it seemed.

"Mr. Chen also has overseas investors?"

Chen Xuebing's expression became mysterious: "The scale is not large, only a little over 100 million RMB. It can be considered a trial for investors. Once the operation achieves certain results, we will increase the investment, and the total scale will reach more than 1 billion RMB. However, the identity of the main investor... I am not at liberty to disclose. Dr. Zhang, if you have time, you can pay attention to the news of our Long March Fund."

At this very moment, a Mr. Hong, a businessman who started his business with a scrap metal recycling station and was located thousands of miles away, was presented as a mysterious American investor and sneezed heavily.

Before Zhang Hao arrived, he had heard Lu Weibing mention the new boss's fund, which was worth over 100 million RMB. Even by international standards, that's quite good; many investment funds that have recently entered China are roughly the same size.

A billion dollars would be an exaggeration. More than a hundred million US dollars. If someone can afford to invest that much in a young person in China, they must be a well-known figure in the United States.

Who's behind him?
It sounded even more shocking to others.

This number is outrageous in the country.

Lu Weibing clicked his tongue. Just a few days ago, he was wondering how such a young boss could raise 1.7 million yuan. He wondered if his family was rich.

If there are American investors, then this makes sense.

He seized the opportunity to raise his glass and said with a smile, "With the chairman's support, our company can go all out in future research and development. This is a great thing for us! Come, Chairman, let me toast you!"

Everyone smiled and raised their glasses.

Chen Xuebing had already gone this far in putting on airs, and he also spoke quite frankly:
"Don't worry, everyone. I will fully support you with the research and development environment! Please feel free to ask if you have any needs!"

"Chairman, our chip design shouldn't cost much upfront. The main equipment is the software... should we use genuine or pirated EDA software?"

Chen Xuebing's smile froze.

He already knew that EDA licenses were expensive.

But he only just found out how expensive it was.

This thing is calculated per person, and it's divided into different mature IP core (intellectual property) modules, manufacturers, and different manufacturing processes.

Based on the current advanced 90nm process and the IP they need to use, a complete set would cost an average of about 20 yuan per person per year.

Their design team, even if we only consider 30 people, costs 600 million a year.

The amount of money that a design engineering team of several thousand people would have to spend on software is unimaginable.

Therefore, major companies spend a lot of money to buy out the copyright, but after buying it out, they can no longer achieve synchronized updates with EDA vendors.

He and Lu Weibing had already discussed this issue.

Lu Weibing immediately waved his hand and said, "Just buy eight sets for now. For the rest, disconnect the external network and use pirated versions. We'll deal with the manufacturers when they come to us. We should save money wherever we can. There's no need to suffer in silence. When we have more people, we can set up a special procurement decision-making department to make budgets and allocate usage for various professional software."

Everyone nodded.

Eight sets is not bad; they initially thought they would only buy one or two sets to fool people.

Many startups use pirated software when the internet is off. As long as there is no internet, pirated EDA vendors cannot receive signals, and the three major EDA vendors turn a blind eye. But don't grow too big. Chips designed with genuine software are registered, while products designed with pirated software are easy to identify. Once you grow big, they will check your licensing purchase records, and if anything is wrong, a lawyer's letter will be sent to your door immediately. Those who used my software before will have to return the principal and interest.

If a flagship product is released, there will definitely be additional funding required, as a SoC cannot be developed by just eight people.

Chen Xuebing also felt a little embarrassed about this.

“I don’t understand chip design, but I’ve heard that genuine software is better and has more features. We’ll buy eight sets now, prioritizing key positions first. Don’t worry, once the fund is operational, we’ll make sure everyone has access to genuine software. By the way, Mr. Lu, equip them with the best computers, and the same goes for the system design. I’ll fully support the project team’s expenses. As long as we make substantial progress, the bonuses will be substantial.”

After he finished speaking, everyone smiled and raised their glasses to toast the chairman.

This kind of emphasis is exactly what technological research and development needs.

Lu Weibing's smile was enigmatic.

"Chairman, here's my Plan 2. Maybe we can take advantage of the project team's momentum? Otherwise, this competition won't be fair!"

"Ha, what are you talking about? I'm the majority shareholder of the company, would I stop you from making money? I'd rather you make popcorn the number one in the country, the number one in the world!" "Hahaha..."

"Respectfully, Chairman!"

"Respectfully, Chairman!"

……

Some things are better left unsaid in public.

After the drinks, Chen Xuebing took Zhang Hao to the roadside to hail a taxi. Lu Weibing, knowing his intention, tacitly dismissed everyone around him.

"Dr. Zhang... It's such a pity that someone as talented as you doesn't return to China to develop your career. If you're willing to come to my place, feel free to ask for anything! Money, a house, project investment—I'll have no objections! I... I'm a little drunk today, so please forgive me if I've been too forward."

Zhang Hao was also touched by the warmth during the meal, and said with some emotion, "It's been more than ten years... More than ten years ago, I left my hometown. Semiconductor projects were still patents of national ministries. I never expected that now there would be entrepreneurs like Mr. Chen in China who are at the forefront of the times, who understand and support chips. I am very gratified. However, we must admit that their technology is leading and we must humbly learn from them. As for returning to China, it is not the right time yet. I hope Mr. Chen can persevere and create a new world for China's private chip industry."

Chen Xuebing was unsure whether he was making excuses or not.

After all, he didn't even leave a word about "keeping in touch in the future," so he's probably planning to save up money to go back and start his own business.

"I understand! I understand! Dr. Zhang is looking down on our company because it's too small! But please pay attention to the development of Singularity Technology and Long March Capital. After you return to the US, there are some things I can't say directly, after all..."

Chen Xuebing then made an "eight" gesture and shook it.

He added, "From now on, I will have Wei Bing call you every quarter to check on you. This shows that my willingness to cooperate still exists! If you are willing to come, just go back to China for a face-to-face meeting. I believe that when you come next time, I can give you a condition to keep you here!"

He deliberately brought up the issue of safety in the United States to plant a seed in Zhang Hao's mind and inspire him to return to China.

Zhang Hao frowned: "President Chen, isn't what you're saying about wiretapping a bit too... alarming? The environment in the United States is relatively... open."

Chen Xuebing smiled and said, “I don’t assume the worst. I believe most Americans are kind, but political will and public opinion are two different things. With your abilities, the stronger our country becomes, the more attention you will receive. Moreover, with the Olympics just around the corner, China will soon present itself to the world with an open attitude, and the 3G era is coming soon. Our goal is to make a 3G phone that the Chinese people can be proud of in 08. Your technology is crucial, and I hope you can participate in this phone.”

Chen Xuebing doesn't usually talk about national righteousness, but when he talks about these things with such a sentimental stranger in a foreign land, it's especially touching.

After thinking for a long time, Zhang Hao nodded emphatically, raised his hand, and flagged down a taxi.

"I will keep an eye on your progress, and I wish you the best of luck!"

Chen Xuebing waved to him as he got into the car, sighing inwardly.

With his perspective gained from twenty years of rebirth, if he were in the United States, surpassing Apple would be incredibly easy. He could buy patents, recruit talent, and even develop into a top international giant using Xu Pi's fifteen-character motto.

The higher you stand, the deeper you feel the meaning of the phrase "national strength".

His future development will be limited by the country's strength.

Fortunately, our motherland is gradually becoming incredibly strong, and being in this country gives us a lot of hope.

He prefers this feeling: being part of an era where he doesn't have to reap all the benefits, but rather goes against the tide of the nation and develops together.

A light breeze made Chen Xuebing shiver, feeling refreshed and invigorated, like the satisfying feeling after urinating.

The world will change because of him.

Very cool.

……

……

At noon on October 4th, a row of mobile phone samples and graphic materials were placed on the long table of the meeting. Each person also held a rough picture of the mobile phone that was shown at the last meeting and made some notes.

"Nokia, N90, rotating flip design, Symbian OS 8.1a operating system, 30MB of memory, 200-megapixel Carl Zeiss lens. Nokia really loves front-facing cameras, direct front-facing, flip front-facing. They came up with a lot of ways to help users take selfies. I think we can learn from this advantage."

A woman with a capable tone held up a picture and introduced it to everyone.

This is Xu Lian, one of Lu Weibing's ten-person team members.

"Hmm, that's good, but we'd better make it a built-in camera," Chen Xuebing nodded.

Yang Yu, a newly hired hardware engineer, also picked up a Motorola e680i.

"This phone runs on Linux, costs 4000 yuan, has a 2.5-inch QVGA touchscreen, and comes with a stylus. As you can see, it has a lot of games, but the feel and interaction..."

He opened the music control interface, pressed a few buttons, but pressed the wrong ones each time.

"The screen is too small," Chen Xuebing said, arms crossed. "And the side frame seriously affects operation."

“Yes.” Yang Yu picked up another picture and held it up to everyone.

"Look at this one, the HTC Universal. It's a true smartphone now, supporting 3G networks, a QWERTY keyboard, and running Windows Mobile 5.0..."

"It's too big, thick, and heavy, weighing 285 grams. It's completely ergonomic; it's practically a handheld computer," one person commented.

“The system isn’t what we want either. Like I said, their system is designed for styluses. What we need is a real finger-interactive device, not a small laptop,” Chen Xuebing also offered his opinion.

Today is the start of the workday. Everyone gathered over a dozen smartphones released and launched by major manufacturers in 2005, looking for flaws and finding advantages.

Chen Xuebing has a clear picture in his mind, but these R&D personnel don't. Moreover, each person has a different position and has different things to consider. It would be better to have a meeting together and raise their opinions and difficulties.

Chen Xuebing also wanted to see how far the new technology was from his ideas into reality.

This meeting can last all morning.

The chairman remained frowning, offering his opinions repeatedly.

“I know, Chairman.” Yang Yu was very patient and took out another picture that was enlarged on the screen.

"I'm referring to its screen. You see, it's a 65536-color TFT screen, 640×480 pixels, 3.6 inches. Does this screen match your expectations?"

Chen Xuebing then sat up straight and looked at the picture.

"Hmm...which supplier is it?"

Seeing that he had finally shown interest, Yang Yu smiled and said, "It hasn't been announced, but I guess it's either LG or Samsung. We should be able to find out."

“It’s Samsung again…” Chen Xuebing touched his forehead.

These days, everyone knows that Samsung's screens are unique, but Samsung has also used its influence to hold other companies hostage more than once or twice, leaving almost no domestic mobile phone manufacturers unscathed.

Reports about Samsung cutting off Huawei's supply have all used the word "叕" (zhuó).

Xiaomi's first foray into the high-end smartphone market with the Note 2 was thwarted when a Samsung executive, dissatisfied with one of Xiaomi's executives, cut off the supply of curved screens that had been agreed upon. Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, had to travel to South Korea and drink five bottles of red wine to resolve the issue.

He deliberately avoided Samsung when choosing suppliers.

It's not that Samsung is unusable, but given their track record, if you rely on them too much, you'll inevitably end up on the victim list in the future.

Being a victim is one thing, but if you get betrayed at a crucial moment, like Xiaomi, and disappoint your fans, making them feel like you've become a scapegoat, then your reputation will be ruined.

These major Japanese and South Korean companies only act like dutiful children when facing American capital.

Some technologies cannot be solved internally in the short term, and we may have to rely on the power of the US capital market to deter them.

Chen Xuebing rubbed his eyes, feeling a little tired.

"Let's stop here for now, have lunch, and continue this afternoon."

At this moment, seeing that the meeting was over, Ren Ying ran over and said:

"Chairman, there's a girl waiting for you outside... for over an hour."

(End of this chapter)