Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 237 President Yu Unleashes His Power

Singularity Technology's current technological advantage lies in its UI.

Zhang Hongbin is in charge of chip design, but it's still a long way from being produced. However, the system that Lin Bin is in charge of after he arrived will be usable very soon.

After seven months of development, they now have a mobile touch UI system that has never been seen before on the market.

This system is based on the Linux 2.6 open-source architecture. The components and operating modes were all personally inspected by Chen Xuebing. It contains a total of 26 lines of code. Some simplifications and modifications were made to the 400 million lines of code in the Linux kernel and the 50 lines of code in the driver hardware abstraction layer. The scheduling and power management capabilities were adjusted, and the driver capabilities of the dedicated hardware (Marvell chip) were optimized, all of which were improved.

The 10 lines of code in the toolchain and compilation system have hardly been changed.

It is essentially still a Linux system, but all the system applications and the interface have been replaced and optimized to be faster.

Chen Xuebing's idea is to use this UI to make gradual and in-depth modifications to the kernel and driver hardware, creating an initial system similar to Android 1.0, turning "X" UI into "X" OS.

This process is costly and time-consuming, but it is not an impossible task. His team works very hard and is very confident.

But once it's actually developed, there will be many issues to address.

You need to build your own service framework (Mobile services): app store, account system, maps, etc.

It requires a large maintenance team and a huge optimization team to upgrade the system generation after generation, which will require a lot of money to maintain the system.

So much that it needs to be measured in "hundreds of millions" and "dollars".

The key issue is that the toolchain and compilation system will inevitably undergo significant changes, and the SDK (Software Development Kit) available to software developers will require numerous and lengthy updates.

Each update requires software developers to redo the adaptation process.

There are two problems here.

1. Where does the money for maintenance come from?
2. Why do so many software developers want to adapt to your system?

In fact, there is only one answer to both questions: the strong will always get stronger, and the strong will get even stronger.

As long as there are many users, people will take the initiative to adapt to the system, and mobile phones will take the initiative to install your system.

Once a system dominates the market, you can start charging for system installation.

In its early days, Android was indeed open source and free, but it made money from advertising and app store revenue sharing. However, the money was collected from the app side, not from the consumer side, so customers didn't feel it. Later, it started charging licensing fees for GMS (Google Mobile Services). Phone manufacturers had to pay licensing fees to pre-install Google apps, with each phone costing as much as $2.5 to $40.

At that time, Xiaomi's MI.UI was excellent and received many positive reviews. It also made significant modifications to the underlying Android code. However, it hesitated to develop its own system because of the powerful ecosystem of 400 million Android software developers.

Huawei was sanctioned by Android's GMS, forcing it to rebuild from scratch. With nationwide support and a strong domestic app ecosystem, it was able to create its own HarmonyOS ecosystem.

At that time, everyone was forced to do so.

But right now, the Android system is still under development, and there's still plenty of time. Chen Xuebing has every opportunity to give it his all.

You have your brilliant strategies, but I have my countermeasures. You developed your system earlier, and I can't catch up, so I'll control a group of software companies first.

He pursued a "menu-style entrepreneurship" approach, establishing Shunwei Capital and having software companies develop their own applications. His goal was to make money while simultaneously controlling a batch of useful software applications, thereby influencing the entire ecosystem.

Since popcorn is determined to enter the mid-range market and is also making its debut as a UI system, it must not be seen as a low-quality product by consumers.

After much deliberation, Chen Xuebing decided to continue raising Qidian for a while longer, and temporarily put aside the purchase of equipment for the factory and the development of the popcorn generation.

These two things should be done simultaneously. The factory cannot run idle; the consumption of manpower and utilities is too great. Once it starts operating, it must immediately begin production to make money.

Chen Xuebing received a 1000 million yuan loan from the group and immediately transferred 700 million yuan to Lei Jun's account.

500 million was UC's investment, and 200 million was used to start the company.

Group cash balance: 1.25 million.

This 3.5 million seems to have gone too quickly. When the loan was first issued, there was concern that the money couldn't be used to make money in the secondary market, but now it's not enough to cover the distribution of funds between Qidian Technology and Gu'an Construction.

But Chen Xuebing didn't care at all.

It's just a small amount of money.

His era of opportunity is about to begin.

5 month 9 number.

A meeting, convened on short notice by the municipal government, was held in the municipal government's conference room.

The meeting was chaired by Leader Huang, and representatives from all 127 indebted small and medium-sized enterprises were present.

"Comrades, small and medium-sized enterprises are the capillaries of the local economy. We must recognize the importance of this debt collection work from a strategic perspective. This is a key measure to optimize the business environment and a necessity to maintain social stability. We must not assume that just because the debt is in the hands of local enterprises, we can ignore it, nor should we think about continuing to 'collect debts while incurring new ones,' repaying debts on the one hand and borrowing on the other."

"The municipal government will also participate in this comprehensive investigation. Led by the Municipal Economic Commission, it will work with the finance and audit departments to conduct a comprehensive investigation of indebted enterprises, establish ledgers, and clarify the responsible parties and repayment deadlines! All listed enterprises and their related enterprises are prohibited from taking out new loans from banks or borrowing new debts from other enterprises. Leaders of each district and county must also personally oversee the work, establish special teams, and ensure that the tasks are assigned to specific individuals!"

"Of course, we're not leaving you no way out. Changzheng Capital will provide phased loan support to promising and qualified companies, help you find ideas and channels, and Yufu Capital will also provide assistance if you have the ability to acquire other companies."

Leader Huang was helping Changzheng Capital establish its authority and cutting off some companies' "backdoor" of borrowing new money to repay old debts. Yu Donglai, who was in the first row of the meeting, looked at the full meeting room behind him and felt a headache coming on.

With so many companies, how can Pang Donglai possibly save them?

Chen Xuebing, standing next to him, had a smile on his face and looked relaxed.

Loans aren't granted to them on a whim; Pang Donglai only provides assistance to suppliers he deems worthy.

As for the others, wait and see, and figure out a solution yourself first.

On Chen Xuebing's other side, He Zhiya, chairman of Yufu Group, who was also attending the meeting, came over, his mind completely elsewhere.

"Chairman Chen, we have 500 million yuan, and we're only investing in these two companies? You have so many companies in your portfolio."

Chen Xuebing shook his head: "It's not two companies, it's one. Moutai is currently undergoing share reform and will resume trading at the end of the month. Right now, you can only invest in Hudong Heavy Machinery, invest half, and then invest the other half after Moutai resumes trading."

He Zhiya frowned deeply: "The funds have been sitting idle for a whole month? Your stocks are making money every day?"

Chen Xuebing smiled.

"Mr. He, if you can't even wait a month, it means you don't even have the basic qualities of a stock investor. You get itchy when you see others making money. Once you enter the stock market, you'll only be a leek to be harvested. Holding a large number of shares like we do requires extremely accurate market judgment and timely adjustments. I can't protect you all the time. If you want to make money, just trade these two stocks. They have very large market caps, which makes it easy for large funds to enter and exit in a timely manner. After that, if you want to trade stocks, just focus on these two."

He Zhiya practices value investing and has never traded stocks before, so hearing this made him a little uneasy.

"It's bound to go up?"

"Look, you've asked me another question you shouldn't have." Chen Xuebing's eyes were playful: "Would a doctor tell you that the disease can definitely be cured? If you believe me, then vote; if you don't, then don't vote."

"How long do you hold the shares before exiting?" "I'll hold them indefinitely."

"Keep taking it?"

"Yes, we'll keep taking the money you need until you need it. We'll throw away whatever amount you need. I'll notify you to withdraw when it's crucial. Before I notify you, there's always an opportunity."

Chen Xuebing promised Leader Huang that he would help Yu Fu make money, not that he would become Yu Fu's laborer.

It's impossible for me to keep an eye on the market for them all the time.

Moutai and China Shipbuilding (Hudong Heavy Machinery) are both expected to increase fivefold or even tenfold in the upcoming bull market. In addition to the price increase, their dividends are also particularly high, making them suitable for long-term holding. Moreover, hundreds of millions of yuan can be invested and withdrawn at any time, making them very suitable for Yufu.

By recommending these two phenomenal stocks, Chen Xuebing has already taught people how to fish.

As for when it will be five times or ten times, Chen Xuebing doesn't know. How much Yu Fu can gain depends on their patience and fortune.

The speech by Leader Huang on the stage was coming to an end soon.

"Enterprises included in the assistance list will receive corresponding support from our municipal government, including VAT reductions, administrative review fee reductions, invitations to large enterprises to conduct market promotion activities, efforts to help small businesses integrate into the industrial chain, flexible law enforcement, and the implementation of humane enforcement principles such as 'no penalty for first-time violations and no penalty for minor offenses,' reducing compliance pressure on enterprises. We will also adopt an integrated policy of financing, tax reduction, market access, and the rule of law to help them overcome difficulties."

After Huang finished speaking, the deputy secretary-general of the municipal government invited Chen Xuebing to come up on stage.

Leader Huang then left his seat, allowing him to sit in the middle and speak, before leaving the meeting room.

A deputy secretary-general was also left behind to keep things in order.

This is undoubtedly a strong endorsement.

After Chen Xuebing took the stage, he moved the chair in the middle to the side, making it symmetrical with the deputy secretary-general who remained on the stage along the center line.

Seeing this sensible behavior, Deputy Secretary-General Wu smiled and nodded at Chen Xuebing.

The business owners below began whispering among themselves about who this young man was.

"Please be quiet."

Chen Xuebing cleared his throat and said.

But the talking didn't completely stop.

Chen Xuebing's voice began to carry a hint of disdain amidst its indifference: "The next moment will determine everyone's fate. Leader Huang has asked Changzheng Capital to save 50% of the companies present here. We are under a lot of pressure, which is why we applied for today's meeting. If you cannot fully cooperate, this target can be reduced to 30%, or even 20%. The remaining companies will be handed over to the court for expedited execution. Within two months, your loan collateral will be seized and auctioned. Any assets that cannot be executed will be handed over to a debt collection company."

That was a very direct statement, and the crowd finally quieted down.

But within seconds, a troublemaker stood up: "Is this Mr. Chen? Isn't your Changzheng Capital acting too ruthlessly? A bunch of thugs came to my factory to collect debts, even shouting threats of violence. Is this how you help us? Is this the style of a government-partnered company? We have several old employees who have been frightened and have developed health problems. Can you take responsibility for this?"

When he said this, he looked at Secretary-General Wu next to him and questioned the government.

Secretary-General Wu didn't respond at all. After Leader Huang left, this was a closed-door meeting. He just kept an eye on whether anyone in the audience was carrying filming equipment.

Chen Xuebing chuckled, picked up two stacks of documents, and waved the right stack: "Since you asked this question, it means you are among these 48 companies. You can ask if everyone was treated this way? Did the lawyer come in advance? Did you accept the negotiation? In my opinion, these 48 companies shouldn't have come today. It's just that Leader Huang thought no one should be abandoned, which is why you have this place. If anyone is still willing to be abandoned, they can leave their company's name and leave now."

Secretary-General Wu finally coughed heavily and stared at this troublemaker.

The responsibility that Leader Huang entrusted to Changzheng Capital is one that he absolutely cannot allow any company to leave without permission today. He stayed here to complete this task.

Seeing that no one was there to support him, the troublemaker sat down dejectedly.

Chen Xuebing then looked at the documents in his hand and began to speak.

"Among the companies present, 72 belong to the comprehensive retail sector, including fresh produce, packaged food, toys, beverages, agricultural and sideline products, tea, daily necessities, small appliances, clothing and textiles, supermarkets and department stores. We will distribute the list shortly. Please bring your main products to the Pang Donglai Supermarket downstairs at the Three Gorges Square in Shapingba tomorrow morning. The General Manager will organize a team to screen your products. If the products are usable, we will negotiate prices on the spot to resolve your backlog of inventory. For those that cannot be used directly, but can be improved, Pang Donglai will conduct an inspection of your factories and stores. We, Changzheng Capital, will provide financial support to improve production lines or assist Pang Donglai in acquisition after assessing the remaining value of the enterprise."

"The remaining companies are broadly categorized into automobile manufacturing and supporting industries, advertising and film and television culture, catering, and building materials processing. Your problems are quite complex, and we will gradually clarify them and help you find other product sales channels."

"We are all business owners, and we can understand each other's difficulties. Our principle is that as long as you cooperate, we will not easily give up on any company. However, if you cannot let down your guard and sincerely embrace our help, then what you are giving up is your employees, the future of your company, and your own future."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone asked:

"With everyone's combined debt amounting to billions, can a single supermarket really save so many businesses?"

Chen Xuebing grinned.

What the hell are you dreaming of? If I can save a few hundred million, I'll break even.

One of the main reasons he sought out Pang Donglai was that Pang Donglai wanted to hold onto payments for goods. Knowing that these manufacturers' payments were tied up with Pang Donglai made it easier for him to ask them for their money back.

However, most of these companies already had other options and orders, otherwise they wouldn't have survived this long. With the help of Pang Donglai, idle capacity was revitalized, and the companies went from negative growth to positive growth, thus surviving.

"Believe is not absolute, but it means absolutely not believing. Give us a year and a half, not just in the retail industry, but in other industries as well. We will at least come up with a way to change your situation. No matter how bad things get, they won't get any worse."

After Chen Xuebing finished saying "a year and a half", some people couldn't sit still anymore.

"A year and a half has dragged on for ages! We might as well wait for the Bankruptcy Law to be enacted next year!"

A burst of laughter erupted.

Even Secretary-General Jiang on the stage laughed. These old Chongqing residents just like to say a few words of bad luck, in a sarcastic and unsettling way.

At that moment, a loud bang was heard from below the stage.

Yu Donglai, who had just gotten a buzz cut, stood up, turned around, pointed at the man who had spoken, and roared:

"You're all business owners, yet you speak so irresponsibly? How can you owe so much money? How many brothers and sisters rely on you for food? Are you always thinking about bankruptcy? We, Pang Donglai, are a Henan company. We came all this way to support you, and you're all so dejected, without a shred of optimism! Do you leaders deserve the trust we've placed in you?"

The sound was deafening.

But the man still chuckled: "Our production lines have all stopped, and we're losing money more and more each day. How are you going to save us?"

Yu Donglai immediately retorted, "What do you do?"

"Oil press! We sell soybean oil from Northeast China. Right now, the best-selling soybean oil in Chongqing is genetically modified soybean oil, which is 20% cheaper than ours. Can you save us?"

Yu Donglai, who runs a supermarket, naturally understood the situation. He slammed his hand on the table again: "What can't be saved? People still need to eat oil. If genetically modified soybeans are taking away your market, we'll open a non-GMO agricultural products section! People have their own choices; everyone sells what they need. What can't be saved? As long as the products are of good quality, they'll sell! Bring your products tomorrow, and I'll definitely help you find something."

When Chen Xuebing saw that Lao Yu was getting carried away and starting to take on too much responsibility, he thought to himself, "Oh no!" He immediately stood up, gestured for Lao Yu to stop, and said:

"The issue with soybeans isn't just about whether or not they're genetically modified. You also need to learn some financial hedging. So, for all raw materials involving copper, aluminum, rubber, fuel oil, soybeans, soybean meal, corn, cotton, and wheat, come to the 45th floor of the New York Building in Jiefangbei tomorrow afternoon. I'll arrange for an expert to give you a free crash course!"

(End of this chapter)