Chapter 397 Spending a lot of money

As night fell, at eight o'clock in the evening, the top floor of the Tenda Technology Building was brightly lit.

In the office, Song Ci was working overtime, writing furiously at his desk and flipping through documents quickly with his fingertips.

The backlog of matters arising from his participation in the Global Internet Conference are waiting for him to deal with one by one.

Secretaries Jian Ning and Jiang Tiantian stood on both sides of the station, flexibly collecting and releasing documents and giving appropriate explanations in order to improve the chairman's work efficiency.

Across the desk, Jiang Yuwei, president of the mobile game department, sat upright, concentrating on reporting on the operation of Tenda Group's latest mobile game.

Song Ci was multitasking. While reviewing the documents, he asked, "It's been a month since Puzzle & Dragons was launched. How's the revenue?"

Jiang Yuwei said excitedly, "Mr. Song, Puzzle & Dragons is a huge success! It has made $46 million in revenue in just one month since its launch."

When these words were spoken, even Jian Ning and Jiang Tiantian, who were used to big scenes, couldn't help but look sideways. A small mobile game could actually earn 46 million US dollars a month. The terrifying money-making ability was truly astonishing.

Song Ci nodded slightly. In its previous life, "Puzzle & Dragons" was already a benchmark in the mobile game industry. It was the first phenomenal game in the history of world games to have revenue exceeding 1 billion US dollars.

Now that it has been carefully developed by Tengda Group, the quality has been improved to a higher level, so it is reasonable to achieve such results.

“The key to the success of Puzzle & Dragons is the deep integration of the match-3 mechanics with RPG development. This novel design of “casual + deep strategy” is very attractive to players, so innovation is the core of development.”

"Understood." Jiang Yuwei quickly agreed, and then reported: "Temple Run is already undergoing final BUG testing and can be launched at any time."

"Your department will arrange the online time." Song Ci didn't even raise his head, his eyes fell on the documents on the desk, his brows slightly furrowed.

“TT Voice’s report on incubating a game live streaming platform is not detailed enough, so let them redo it.

At the beginning of next month, Mr. Zhang and I will listen to a special report, which must cover details such as market analysis and operating costs. "

Jian Ning was quick to pick up the report that was rejected by the chairman and said, "I will notify TT and ask them to prepare carefully."

Looking at the thick stack of documents in Jiang Tiantian's arms, Song Ci couldn't help but reveal a trace of fatigue: "Director Jiang, has President Wang said when he will come to work?"

After the COO went on maternity leave, some of the group's decision-making matters fell on him and Zhang Yong, greatly increasing their workload.

"Boss Wang said last time that he would return to work after Labor Day."

Before he finished speaking, a WeChat video invitation suddenly popped up on the phone on the table. Song Ci looked up and saw that it was his mother Liu Xiaoxian calling.

"mom."

Liu Xiaoxian looked through the screen at the table full of documents and said distressedly: "You are still working overtime on New Year's Day. You should pay attention to the balance between work and rest!"

"I had a meeting two days ago, and I have some backlogged matters to deal with overtime."

"Don't tire yourself out." Liu Xiaoxian's tone changed from concerned to slightly reproachful, "You little bastard, someone from your company has poached my employees!"

"What's going on?" Song Ci was confused.

"The director named Ma Xin from your company has chosen my students for the film casting!"

Facing his mother's accusation, Song Ci remained noncommittal: "Let the parties involved make their own decisions. A mentor cannot make life choices for their students."

"I certainly have no objection to making a movie and leaving special memories for our youth. But I strongly oppose Du Ling entering the entertainment industry. Ask your subordinates to quickly give up this idea!"

"Mom, who did you just say Ma Xin has his eyes on?"

"Chen Duling is the school beauty of our Beihang University. She is very pretty and is a fan of your books. She has been wanting to meet you."

"Beihang University beauty?!" Song Ci was slightly surprised, but then he calmed down and said, "When it comes to filming a movie, we should respect the girl's wishes."

"So I didn't object directly!" Liu Xiaoxian sighed and her expression suddenly became serious. "Yuandan, I have discussed the matter you mentioned before with Principal Huai..."

Before he finished speaking, Song Ci waved his hand. Jiang Yuwei and the other two understood and hurriedly got up and left the office, closing the door gently.

"The president agrees in principle with the industry-university-research cooperation model you proposed, but the specific details still need to be negotiated."

"That's great!" Song Ci was delighted. If he could get help from Beihang University, Dewen's rocket and satellite manufacturing business would be just around the corner.

Her son looked delighted, but Liu Xiaoxian said worriedly, “Yuandan, are you really planning to build a rocket?

This is a field that is managed by the aerospace industry in China, and there are also policy restrictions. If private enterprises engage in this, the road ahead is bound to be full of difficulties.”

Song Ci looked determined and confident: "Don't worry about the policy. In the field of aerospace, the country will gradually open up in one or two years and allow private enterprises to get involved."

Seeing that her son was confident, Liu Xiaoxian stopped trying to persuade him: "It's good that you know what's going on. When you are free, come to Beihang University?"

"It's better to do it today than to wait for a better day. If it's convenient for President Huai, I will go to Beihang tomorrow."

"The principal is in school these days. I'll help you make an appointment with him."

After hanging up WeChat, Song Ci put down his phone and breathed a sigh of relief. Dewen had to deal with a lot of complicated things, all of which required him to work hard.

He rubbed his brows and shouted to the door, "Come in."

The next morning, a black car slowly drove towards Peking University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

In the back seat of the carriage, besides Song Ci, there was also a middle-aged man sitting there. He was a top talent that Song Ci had recruited from the Institute of Aeronautical Propulsion at a high salary.

"Director Zhang, have you arranged everything at home?"

Zhang Xiaoping's expression was moved: "Thank you for your concern. Everything has been arranged."

He was originally a researcher at the Institute of Aeronautical Propulsion with an annual income of less than 100,000 yuan. However, because his father was ill and in urgent need of money, he accepted the olive branch thrown by Dewen Manufacturing.

Now he has been appointed by Song Ci as the director of Dewen Manufacturing's aerospace engineering division, with an annual salary of one million.

Not only that, the boss also helped the father transfer to the Union Hospital, which has the best medical conditions in the country, and also arranged for his daughter to study in Peking.

This kindness made him feel that a gentleman would die for his friend.

"Director Zhang, the company's research team will focus on rocket recovery technology. You are an expert in aerospace engineering. Do you have any suggestions on the technical route?"

Zhang Xiaoping is indeed a man of real talent and knowledge. When it comes to professional knowledge, he speaks eloquently: "Mr. Song, I have done research in this area before, and I think the most feasible technical route for rocket recovery is vertical power reverse thrust!"

Song Ci thought thoughtfully, comparing the technical route proposed by Zhang Xiaoping with the solution used by SpaceX in the past: "What about the parachute and gliding solutions?"

Zhang Xiaoping was unsure of his boss's thoughts and what technical route he preferred. After a brief thought, he answered cautiously:

"Based on my personal experience, parachuting is not accurate enough and the gliding system is complicated. Overall, they are not as practical as vertical take-off and landing."

"Okay!" Song Ci decisively decided: "The technical route will be the vertical power reverse thrust you suggested!"

"Thank you Mr. Song for your trust." Zhang Xiaoping was cheered up and filled with great pride when he saw that his boss adopted his suggestion.

"Director Zhang, I don't understand aerospace technology, but if you need anything, I will fully support you!" Song Ci patted his shoulder with a firm tone.

“In terms of funding, I will invest US$1 billion in the early stage, and the subsequent funds can be added at any time; I have already hired headhunters to recruit talents in the aerospace field from all over the world.

So you don’t need to worry about funding or talent. And Dewen Manufacturing does not have any “zero defect” rigid processes, and allows trial and error! ”

When the car drove to Beihang University, Zhang Xiaoping had already guessed the purpose of his boss's visit: "Mr. Song, do you want to cooperate with universities?"

Song Ci nodded: "Beihang University has a profound foundation in the field of aerospace. Cooperation between the university and the enterprise will be more conducive to breaking through technological barriers."

Song Ci took Zhang Xiaoping to the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics to meet her mother first, and then followed her to visit Principal Huai.

Beihang Administration Building, conference room.

Liu Xiaoxian introduced her son: "Song Ci, you have met Principal Huai. This is Academician Xia, the dean of our School of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He is an absolute authority in the field of national aviation power."

Song Ci was humble and polite, and greeted respectfully: "Hello, President Huai! Academician Xia, I have long heard of your great name."

Academician Xia smiled kindly and waved his hand, "Xiaoxian's children are all family members. Don't be polite. Sit down and talk."

After everyone exchanged greetings, Song Ci got straight to the point: "President Huai, Academician Xia, I am here this time to represent Dewen Manufacturing and Beihang University to work together to overcome rocket recovery technology."

Liu Xiaoxian has been acting as a matchmaker for her son's career, and the two sides have reached a preliminary cooperation intention.

Therefore, Principal Huai was very straightforward and asked directly, "Which cooperation model does Director Song want to adopt?"

Song Ci blurted out: "Joint laboratory model."

Principal Huai and Dean Xia exchanged a tacit look. Song Ci's choice was exactly what they expected.

The school-enterprise cooperation model usually includes various forms such as joint laboratories, technical research projects, and talent training programs.

Dewen Manufacturing wants to make a breakthrough in rocket recovery technology. During the early research and development process, it needs to rely on advanced facilities such as Beihang University's aircraft design laboratory, navigation and control simulation platform, etc.

"Sure!" Dean Xia nodded slightly, and then asked, "Rocket recovery technology has many difficulties. What technologies does Director Song plan to cooperate with Beihang University on?"

Song Ci was suddenly speechless when asked this question. He knew nothing about building large rockets, so how could he understand the key technical difficulties involved!

Liu Xiaoxian wanted to help her son out, but Zhang Xiaoping, who had been silent, spoke first: "Mr. Song, in addition to the vertical power reverse thrust technology, rocket recovery also involves multiple engine ignitions, high-precision guidance, and high-temperature resistant structural materials."

"President Huai, Dean Xia, this is Zhang Xiaoping, Director of the Aerospace Engineering Division of Dewen Manufacturing."

After Song Ci finished his introduction, he immediately turned around and asked, "Director Zhang, in what areas do you think the company should cooperate with Beihang University?"

Professional matters should be left to professionals. In the subsequent cooperation negotiations, Song Ci directly handed over the leading role to Zhang Xiaoping.

Zhang Xiaoping paused for a moment and said: "Vertical recovery requires learning from missile attitude control technology, reusing the liquid nitrogen thruster and grid fin combination of ballistic missiles, so as to quickly achieve the stability of the rocket body attitude.

The digital twin system of Beihang Aerospace Laboratory can simulate more than 100,000 landing scenarios. Therefore, it is more appropriate to give priority to the research and development of vertical recovery technology and guidance control system. "

As soon as the expert spoke, his level was immediately apparent. Dean Xia looked at Zhang Xiaoping with a deep gaze and praised him, "Young man, your research ideas are very clear."

Song Ci trusted Zhang Xiaoping very much, and his mother was sitting next to him, so he immediately made the decision:

"President Huai, Dean Xia, I am a layman in aerospace technology. I have fully authorized Director Zhang to handle the cooperation. Do you think the plan he just proposed is feasible?"

Dean Xia also responded very straightforwardly: "No problem! Then we will follow the usual practice. The enterprise will be responsible for engineering verification and data recovery, and Beihang will be responsible for theoretical models and simulation analysis."

After the general direction of the project is determined, the next step is to discuss the details of the cooperation, such as ownership and funding allocation.

"Mr. Song, how much research and development funding is your company prepared to provide, and how will the intellectual property rights of the technological achievements be owned?" Principal Huai said in a serious tone.

Rocket recovery technology is a huge topic, and Beihang University’s research funding is stretched. If Dewen Manufacturing cannot provide sufficient funding, the cooperation will be difficult to carry out.

Song Ci fell into deep thought. He had done his homework before and had a general understanding that the American company SpaceX has invested a total of about 800 million US dollars in research and development since its establishment.

Considering that Dewen Manufacturing was starting from scratch, he had previously promised Zhang Xiaoping a research and development budget of US$1 billion.

But the conversation just now made him realize that the complexity of rocket recovery technology was far beyond his imagination. After careful consideration, he decided to increase the stakes: "President Huai, Dean Xia, I have decided to invest 1.5 billion US dollars."

The conference room fell silent in an instant. Even President Huai and Dean Xia, two technology giants and academic experts, were stunned by the lavish spending of the richest man, and their faces were filled with disbelief.

Seeing the two of them remain silent, Song Ci mistakenly thought that the funding was still insufficient, and hurriedly asked: "Is 1.5 billion US dollars not enough?"

Seeing that her beloved son had misunderstood, Liu Xiaoxian hurriedly said, "Song Ci, it's not that there is not enough money, it's that there is too much!"

Zhang Xiaoping also immediately leaned over to explain, "Mr. Song, usually when Beihang applies for aerospace projects, the higher authorities will first approve 5 million yuan in start-up funds, and the company will make matching investments at a 1:1 ratio, and then gradually allocate funds depending on the progress of subsequent research.

In the field of civil aerospace, the country has invested only 20 to 30 billion in the Beidou system and the lunar exploration project. You are going to offer 1.5 billion US dollars right away, which is too much."

Principal Huai recovered and couldn't help but sigh: "Mr. Song is really rich and powerful. I underestimated the vision and courage of the richest man in Asia."

Dean Xia could not hide his excitement: "Director Song, if you can really secure this funding, I am confident that we will achieve substantial results within five years."

Song Ci then realized that he had invested too much money and scared the other party. He immediately said, "Don't worry, President Xia, 1.5 billion US dollars is not a problem!

As long as we can produce results, it doesn’t matter if we invest more money. As for the technical patents, Dewen and Beihang University can share them, but the commercial application rights belong to Dewen. "

"As they should!" President Huai nodded in approval. After all, since they paid the money, it was reasonable for them to obtain the commercial development rights. Beihang University only needed the research and development rights.

With the funds in place, subsequent issues can be easily resolved.

The two parties decided on the spot that Beihang University and Dewen Manufacturing would jointly apply for a major national science and technology project, strive for policy support, and officially start the research and development process of reusable rocket technology.

(End of this chapter)