Rebirth 08: Can a mobile game company also build a tech empire?

Moreover,

It's only 2009 now.

There is still some time before Google withdraws from China a year from now.

Inviting Lin Bing is not as difficult as inviting Lei Jun right now.

This is what led Lin Bing to voluntarily give up her high-paying job and position at Google China.

Just to work for a small company and pursue a tiny dream.

"I completely understand your concerns, Dean Lin."

Lu Chen said sincerely.

"Platform, resources, and compensation—these are all material things."

ZhengTu Technology is currently just a small company.

We can't offer Google a million-dollar annual salary.

It also cannot provide the comprehensive technical support that Google offers.

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharpening as he said:

"But we can offer something that Google can't currently offer."

Complete autonomy and a stage to realize dreams.

"At Google, your ideas about deep localization of the Android system usually require lengthy discussions and waiting periods."

At ZhengTu Technology, if you are willing to come,

You are the one in charge of the ZUI system and our new phones.

As long as the idea is reasonable, the technology is feasible, and it benefits the product.

This allows us to make quick decisions and move things forward rapidly.

We want to create an operating system that starts by considering the needs of Chinese users from the ground up.

"What you've said..."

"I could easily start my own company to do that."

Lin Bing crossed her legs and quietly watched Lu Chen.

"We have successful experience!"

Lu Chen was not discouraged, but instead increased the difficulty step by step.

"We didn't start from scratch."

The company has a successful product, the Conqueror Z1.

I wonder if you know this?

"Um?"

Lin Bing was slightly taken aback.

"Did you guys make the Conquer Online Z1?"

He asked in surprise.

Previously, he had focused all his energy on ZUI's project proposal.

I don't have time to learn about this company's past.

Unexpectedly, Lu Chen's company actually has some merit.

Lin Bing not only knew about the Conquer Online Z1 product.

And it's lying in his desk drawer right now.

Lin Bing always has more than ten mobile phones on hand, including Nokia, HTC, Blackberry, and Apple.

He personally experienced every single one of these phones.

And recently he has been preparing to build a mobile phone lab in Google China.

It is specifically designed to test the hardware structure of different mobile phones and evaluate the compatibility of different devices.

Although the Journey Z1 is not a mobile phone.

However, it also runs on the Android system.

The Z1 boasts excellent performance and a novel appearance.

It left a deep impression on Lin Bing.

He had also played all three games that came pre-installed on the device.

This also sparked his thinking.

Perhaps future smartphones will not be limited to just basic functions.

With the influx of a large number of developers, a situation of integration between software and hardware will inevitably emerge.

Lu Chen noticed a flicker in Lin Bing's eyes.

I know you've hit the nail on the head.

Lu Chen seized the opportunity and continued:

"The success of the Z1"

This demonstrates our capabilities in hardware design, supply chain management, and manufacturing.

The three games we included are popular worldwide.

This proves that we have excellent software development and content innovation capabilities;

We are not just talking about ideals.

We are pragmatic people with products, markets, and cash reserves!

Our determination to enter the mobile phone industry is unwavering.

A truly user-friendly system

It will be the soul of this phone.

This is also its core competitive advantage that distinguishes it from other products on the market!

Come on, Dean Lin.

You have an opportunity to change the world right in front of you!

This time, Lin Bing remained silent for a long time.

Outside the coffee shop window,

Traffic in Zhongguancun remains heavy.

Pedestrians wrapped their coats tightly around themselves and hurried past.

At this moment, Lin Bing was also experiencing a fierce internal struggle.

On one hand, there are Google's high salaries and international platform.

the other side,

It is a subject full of uncertainty.

But it was an invitation to start a business that was full of passion and imagination.

An opportunity to potentially define the smartphone yourself.

"Mr. Lu,"

After a long silence, Lin Bing spoke again, her voice somewhat hoarse.

"This is too sudden."

I need time to think it over carefully.

This is not just my personal career choice.

It also concerns my family.

And my assessment of overall industry trends.

"certainly!"

Lu Chen immediately expressed his understanding.

He didn't expect to finalize something so important in just one meeting.

Please consider this carefully.

This is my business card.

I will stay in Beijing for a few more days.

We look forward to hearing from you anytime;

Regardless of your final decision

It has been a pleasure to have such an in-depth conversation with you today.

I feel very honored.

The following topics were more relaxed.

The two then discussed mobile internet trends and the Android ecosystem.

But the invitation to start a business from before kept lingering in Lin Bing's mind.

More than an hour later.

They shook hands and said goodbye at the entrance of the coffee shop.

Lin Bing held the ZUI plan in her hand.

I walked heavily toward the Google office building.

Lu Chen stood in the biting cold wind of the capital.

I watched his back from afar.

Then he let out a long sigh of relief.

In any case, the first step has been successfully taken.

The seeds have been planted; now it's just a matter of patiently watering them and waiting for them to sprout.

……

The next two days.

Lu Chen did not bother Lin Bing again.

he knows,

Decisions at this level require time and space to be considered.

Lu Chen made use of this time.

We visited several potential component suppliers in Beijing.

We investigated several mobile phone design companies and solution providers in Zhongguancun.

This provided a more intuitive understanding of the state of China's mobile phone industry chain at the beginning of 2009.

Simultaneously,

Lu Chen was also constantly refining his explanation.

Dreams and autonomy alone are not enough.

We need to come up with something more convincing.

The afternoon of the third day.

Lu Chen received a call from Lin Bing.

Lin Bing's voice sounded tired on the phone, but very clear:

"Mr. Lu, are you free tonight?"

If it's convenient, let's have a simple meal together.

There are some issues I'd like to discuss with you further.

Lu Chen's spirits lifted, and he immediately said:

"Dean Lin, of course I'm free. You can choose the location."

They met at Xin Rong Ji that evening.

Lu Chen specially booked a private room with good privacy.

Lin Bing had clearly given this matter considerable thought; her questions were more specific and more pointed.

"Mr. Lu,

You repeatedly emphasize the unique needs of Chinese users.

But how do we ensure that the needs we define are real and universal?

Instead of our team's wishful thinking?

How to balance the conflict between personalized customization and system maintenance and upgrades?

and also,

Based on a deeply customized Android system

This will inevitably involve kernel-level modifications.

How can we ensure the stability and security of the system?

How can we keep up with the rapid iteration of Android versions in the future?

One problem after another.

It involves multiple aspects such as products, technology, teams, and ecosystems.

Lu Chen responded to each question one by one.

He combined his past life's insights with his present reflections.

Try your best to give a clear and logical answer.

He spoke about the importance of maintaining close ties with the user community.

Modular design was discussed to reduce maintenance costs.

The advantages and disadvantages of the Android and iOS systems were discussed.

This also illustrates the potential challenges ahead and the determination to continue investing.

This conversation was more like a rigorous review meeting.

The more detailed Lin Bing's questions were, the more confident Lu Chen became.

Because this shows that,

Lin Bing is seriously considering the possibility of joining ZhengTu Technology.

Instead of being politely perfunctory.