My stepmother forced me to donate bone marrow, so I retaliated by slapping my scumbag father in the

When the news broke, the entire internet industry was stunned by this rate of growth.

In a conference room of an investment firm, a dozen executives looked at the data projected on the screen with varying expressions.

"With 25 million daily active users, this is no longer an ordinary short video platform."

"At this rate of growth, Douyin will soon become the largest short video portal in China."

The middle-aged man sitting in the main seat shook his head: "No matter how high the data is, we still have to consider the cost."

"They have already invested over a billion dollars to acquire these users."

"100 million downloads does not equate to 100 million daily users. 25 million daily active users does not mean that 25 million people are willing to pay."

Another executive nodded and said, "I had someone investigate, and Douxin's main source of revenue is still Google."

"But in order to maintain user growth, they dare not invest too much in commercial advertising."

"The platform's own Google revenue is not enough to cover server and bandwidth costs."

"This investment will not yield returns in the short term."

When the news reached Shanghai's business districts, the voices predicting a downturn only grew louder.

In a high-end club, several owners sat together drinking tea.

"I heard that Douyin's daily active users have exceeded 25 million."

"Yes, but we still aren't making money."

"What did you get besides a bunch of users after investing 1.5 billion?"

"Those businesses selling clothing, cosmetics, and food are the ones that are truly profiting. Douyin (TikTok) is giving them free traffic, and they don't even have to pay much in Google Ads fees."

A real estate tycoon put down his teacup and chuckled, "Which of Shen Ze's previous projects didn't yield returns in a short period of time?"

"They acquired land on Qingnian Road and made billions of yuan just by reselling it."

"Acquiring hotels, hospitals, and banks also provides a stable cash flow."

"Only this Douyin app is burning through money every day."

Someone nearby chimed in, "Young people just have it too easy."

"After a few successes, you think you can predict everything accurately."

"The title of 'investment genius' is too high, and it's not necessarily a good thing."

"Once the 1.5 billion is burned through, he'll realize that this isn't how you make money on the internet."

After a moment of silence, someone whispered, "But with 25 million daily active users, you can't say they're worthless, can you?"

The real estate tycoon scoffed, "What value is there?"

"Users leave after watching the videos, and Douyin doesn't earn a single penny from them."

"We can't expect 25 million people to send money to Shen Ze via mobile phone, can we?"

A burst of laughter immediately filled the private room.

Even though Douyin's data has far surpassed that of similar platforms, no one has changed their opinion.

In the eyes of businessmen, users who don't generate revenue are simply costs.

So what if it gets over 100 million downloads?

So what if there are 25 million daily active users?

The daily costs for servers, bandwidth, auditing, and maintenance that the platform has to bear have also risen to an astonishing figure.

There are no short-term returns; all growth is just a bubble built with real money.

Shen Ze, who was originally hailed as an "investment genius" by countless people, has faced collective questioning from the entire business community of Shanghai for the first time.

Yujia.

Yu Yehua sat on the sofa in the living room, his phone constantly receiving various messages.

A friend subtly reminded him to advise Shen Ze to cut his losses in time.

Some people even asked if Shen Ze was experiencing financial difficulties.

Even several business partners who hadn't been in contact for years called specifically to inquire about the true situation of Douxin.

"Old Yu, isn't Xiao Shen taking too big a step this time?"

"1.5 billion is no small sum."

"Although the platform has a high daily active user base, it has not been able to find a way to make a profit. If it continues to burn through cash, even 3 billion yuan may not be enough."

"Young people care about their image, so you, as their father-in-law, should try to persuade him."

After hanging up the phone, Yu Yehua's worry deepened.

He wasn't concerned about the 1.5 billion; even if the entire sum was lost, the Yu family could make up for it for Shen Ze.

What he was really worried about was that the rumors outside would affect Shen Ze.

During this period, the business community in Shanghai has been almost unanimously pessimistic and pessimistic.

Many people even started digging up Shen Ze's past investments, claiming that he was just lucky before.

Even the most composed young person might not be able to withstand so much criticism.

Just then, the door was pushed open.

Shen Ze walked in from outside: "Dad."

"You're back?"

Yu Yehua put down his phone and carefully observed his expression.

There was no sense of loss, irritability, or even a hint of pressure.

Shen Ze changed his shoes and sat down beside him: "Binglan hasn't returned yet?"

"I have a meeting at the company, so I'll be leaving get off work later."

Yu Yehua paused for a moment, then took the initiative to bring up Dou Xin: "Xiao Shen, have you seen the news outside?"

"I've seen some."

"Aren't you feeling uncomfortable?"

Shen Ze asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why do you feel unwell?"

"Many people are saying that your acquisition of Douxin was a failed investment."

Yu Yehua carefully chose his words: "Some people say that you were able to make money before just because you happened to catch an opportunity."

"Don't take these words to heart. Business people only care about the final result. Before a project is finalized, what outsiders say is meaningless."

Shen Ze nodded: "That's what I think too."

Yu Yehua had prepared a whole host of words of comfort, but now he couldn't use a single one.

He could tell that Shen Ze wasn't just pretending to be calm; this young man genuinely didn't care.

Hundreds of people outside questioned him, but his emotions were not affected in the slightest.

Even though 1.5 billion yuan had been invested in Douyin, and even though the platform was still in a loss-making state in the short term, he remained calm and composed.

This kind of mindset is far more valuable than a single successful investment.

Anyone who makes money from investing can be very proud and elated.

Only those who can remain clear-headed when facing doubt and pressure are qualified to do great things.

Yu Yehua looked at Shen Ze, and the worry on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by undisguised admiration.

He is exceptionally capable, has a keen eye for business, and controls a vast industry, yet he lacks the impetuousness often associated with young people.

When praised, remain humble; when criticized, maintain composure.

Such a person, as long as they don't make a fatal mistake, will never be confined to Shanghai in the future.

"Xiao Shen."

"What's wrong, Dad?"

"It's nothing."

Yu Yehua smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "You did a great job."

Shen Ze looked puzzled. He had only answered a few questions, so why was his father-in-law suddenly so pleased?

That look in his eyes was even more satisfied than when he made consecutive maximum breaks at the snooker table.

Shen Ze thought for a few seconds, but still couldn't understand, so he had to put the matter aside.

He truly never paid attention to the doubts and criticisms from the outside world.

The current losses of Douxin were already within the plan.

Even with 25 million daily active users, it still falls far short of his goal.

The real monetization model has not yet been officially launched.

That evening, at Douyin headquarters.

Wang Xiaolong walked into the office with the latest data.

"Chairman Shen, the number of downloads has exceeded 100 million."

"Daily active users are 25 million, and the average user time spent is still increasing."

"At the current rate, if we continue to invest in GG, our daily active users will soon exceed 30 million."

Several core executives in the office could not contain their excitement.

A few months ago, they were worried that the platform might go bankrupt at any time.

Douyin has now left all similar platforms behind.

However, after reviewing the data, Shen Ze remained calm: "The traffic base is already sufficient."

"Starting tomorrow, we will sign contracts with a large number of live streamers."