Chapter 523 Sweeping the World
Chen Deming looked helpless. In the banking industry, the thing he feared most was seeing his clients' investments suffer losses.
Liu Shishi suddenly became depressed, leaning against the back of her chair, feeling as if her heart was bleeding.
She sold her courtyard house to buy gold, hoping to preserve and increase its value, but unexpectedly suffered a loss of 50 million in a year and a half. This made her wonder if she was too wasteful.
Seeing that Liu Shishi looked listless and listless, Chen Deming was afraid that the acquisition of ATV would be stranded, so he quickly lowered his voice and tried to comfort her:
"Mr. Liu, gold price fluctuations are a normal market phenomenon! Last year, the nationwide rush for gold by "Chinese aunties" led to a short-term surge of 58.68% in domestic gold demand, severely overdrawing the potential for future growth.
In addition, the changes in market supply and demand this year and the Federal Reserve's signal of reducing quantitative easing have combined to lead to a pullback in gold prices.
However, from the perspective of long-term asset allocation and value preservation, gold remains a reliable option for hedging against inflation. The gold you hold will surely regain its value in the future."
After hearing this analysis, Liu Shishi pulled herself together and asked with an open mind:
"President Chen, you are a professional in the financial field. In your opinion, is the current gold price low?"
"This..." Chen Deming felt Liu Shishi's earnest gaze and his heart tightened.
After weighing the pros and cons for a moment, he finally gritted his teeth and made a rather risky personal judgment:
"In my humble opinion, the current gold price is indeed at a relatively low level, and there is limited room for further decline!"
"Okay!" Liu Shishi made up her mind, her gambling nature taking over. "Since that's the case, I've decided to invest heavily in gold and buy a large batch!"
Chen Deming coughed lightly and cleverly brought the topic back on track: "Mr. Liu, if you are interested in increasing your gold holdings, Standard Chartered is ready to provide you with convenience at any time.
However, regarding the acquisition loan mentioned earlier, you see…"
Liu Shishi finally came to her senses and smiled shyly, "Sorry, President Chen, I got carried away on a whim.
Regarding the loan, let's just follow what we just said and use the future acquisition of ATV shares as collateral."
She originally wanted to use gold as collateral, but when she saw the gold price shrink and the valuation dropped significantly, she simply saved herself the trouble and directly pledged ATV shares, which also allowed Standard Chartered Bank to be more attentive in handling the debt restructuring.
"Okay, I understand." Chen Deming straightened his expression and returned to a serious and professional look, "Boss Liu, since you just proposed to reduce the debt, we can try to make it work.
Usually, for this type of debt restructuring coordination service, our bank will charge a success fee based on the future results achieved. The specific plan is as follows:
If the debt relief is successful at HK$50 million, our bank will charge 4% of the amount saved as a success fee; if the relief reaches HK$100 million, the success fee will be 8%;
If the reduction is 200 million or more, then 12% will be charged. What do you think?"
After a brief thought, Liu Shishi felt that this plan was well-structured and provided sufficient incentives, so she nodded in agreement: "It makes sense. Let's proceed accordingly."
"In addition," Chen Deming continued, "Standard Chartered Bank plays a triple role in this transaction: M&A financial advisor, financing provider, and debt restructuring coordinator.
Based on this comprehensive service, we will also charge you 3% of the total transaction amount as a comprehensive service fee.
"Sure!" Liu Shishi agreed readily, but then she changed the subject and her eyes became sharp, "Charging is of course not a problem!
However, since Standard Chartered Bank is the intermediary for the acquisition, it must assume the corresponding responsibility and complete a comprehensive and prudent legal due diligence!
Her voice was firm and unquestionable, "This includes but is not limited to: confirming the validity and transferability of ATV's television broadcasting license;
Verify whether the ownership of the main assets under its name, such as real estate, film and television copyrights, artist contracts, etc., is clear and whether there are any mortgages or rights restrictions.
If any problems or losses are caused by negligence in due diligence, Standard Chartered Bank will be liable for compensation!
Chen Deming knew this was a key clause and responded cautiously: "Mr. Liu, please rest assured!
Standard Chartered will definitely hire top law firms and accounting firms to participate in the audit, striving to ensure that nothing goes wrong and no mistakes are made."
After a brief pause, I quickly added another point to clarify the boundaries of responsibility:
"Your acquisition of Asia Television involves a cross-border transaction and requires approval from regulatory authorities such as the Hong Kong Communications Bureau. It also requires approval or filing with the Mainland Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce.
The results of such regulatory approvals are affected by policies and many external factors, which are beyond our control. Standard Chartered Bank cannot provide guarantees for this risk."
Liu Shishi was silent for a moment, knowing full well that what he said was true, and then she said, "I understand. Regarding the regulatory approval issue, we will proceed according to the normal process first."
If we do encounter obstacles or get stuck at a certain stage, I will then find another way to clear it.”
"Okay!" Chen Deming felt relieved when he saw that Liu Shishi was reasonable and did not dwell too much on the difficult points.
"If you have no other requirements, I will complete the formal contract terms as soon as I return and coordinate with your team."
Liu Shishi stood up gracefully, extended her right hand, and smiled: "I look forward to a successful cooperation with Standard Chartered!"
Chen Deming also hurriedly stood up and politely shook Liu Shishi's hand, breaking off the moment they touched. "It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Liu! I will definitely live up to your trust!"
Liu Shishi had just sent Chen Deming to the door of the lounge. The two exchanged a few more words before saying goodbye.
Just as he was about to turn around and rush to the set, he saw his assistant Su Xiaoxiao running towards him from not far away in a panic, with beads of sweat on her forehead and even her breathing was rapid.
"Senior Sister, it's bad, something big has happened!" Su Xiaoxiao panted and shouted loudly, grabbing Sister Yi's sleeve, her voice trembling obviously.
Seeing this, Liu Shishi felt a flicker of surprise, but remained calm: "What's so frightening?"
"Sister, check Weibo!" Su Xiaoxiao said breathlessly, "It's a world-shaking event, and... and it might involve President Song!"
When Liu Shishi heard that it was about her husband, her heart sank suddenly, and her calmness disappeared in an instant.
Without saying a word, she lifted her skirt and quickly returned to the lounge, picking up the phone on the table.
As my fingertips swiped across the screen, the three terms "PRISM Project", "US Eavesdropping on the World" and "No Privacy in the Digital Age" were ranked at the top three on Weibo's hot search list, each followed by a bright red word "explosion".
This scene made her gasp.
He clicked on the first entry without hesitation and scanned the report eagerly.
It turns out that not long ago, the US "Washington Post" and the British "Guardian" simultaneously disclosed that the US NSA and FBI launched a secret surveillance project code-named "Prism" as early as 2007.
The report pointed out that these institutions directly accessed the central servers of international Internet companies, indiscriminately mining data and collecting intelligence. Nine international Internet giants including Microsoft, Yahoo, Google, and Apple were involved.
The report further revealed that the targets of surveillance include anyone using these services outside the United States, even American citizens who communicate with people abroad.
The NSA can easily obtain a large amount of personal chat logs, stored data, voice communications, file transfers, personal social network information...
After reading it through, Liu Shishi already understood the essence of the "Prism Project".
This is clearly an unprecedented surveillance of the world by the United States with the help of Internet giants.
Her slender fingers trembled slightly, and a chill ran through her heart. She couldn't help but think of Tengda Technology, the company founded by her husband, Song Ci.
Its WeChat and Wechat are the world's leading instant messaging software, with a user base of up to 2 billion.
Although Tenda Technology has not been mentioned in the current reports, it is unlikely that a company as big as Tenda will remain unscathed in such a shocking incident that has affected the entire world.
I suppressed my throbbing heart and continued to browse the Weibo comment section. At this moment, the comment section was already boiling with various opinions:
"The PRISM program confirmed our worst suspicions: our emails, chats, videos, social connections... all our digital footprints are being monitored in real time.
This is no longer commercial data misuse, but nation-state-level, systematic digital espionage.”
"Is this list of nine companies complete? Why don't I see Twitter and Tenda?"
"I just finished a WeChat video call with a friend from abroad... Now I feel terrible. I'm shivering in my bed."
"It's terrifying to think about it! Think about it, Tenda Technology's WeChat and Wechat have two billion users worldwide. A big tree attracts the wind. How can it stay out of it?"
Looking at these comments, Liu Shishi's face became more solemn, she bit her red lips lightly, her eyes full of worry.
As a little woman, I feel powerless in the face of this terrorist storm sweeping the world.
The only thing she could do at this moment was to pray secretly for her husband who was far away on the other side of the ocean, hoping that he could escape danger and safely survive this sudden storm.
Outside the window, dark clouds gathered in the Hengdian sky, lightning flashed across the sky, and a summer rainstorm was about to come.
Almost at the same time, Tenda Technology's headquarters entered a full emergency state.
The atmosphere in the top-floor conference room was extremely depressing.
All the core executives in Beijing sat upright around the circular conference table. CEO Zhang Yong had a gloomy expression on his face as he was entrusted with the task of presiding over this emergency meeting.
"Have you contacted Mr. Song?" Zhang Yong looked anxious and asked directly to the COO in charge of external liaison.
Wang Jing slowly shook her head, her expression equally solemn. "The chairman is currently on a special plane over the Pacific Ocean and we are still unable to get in touch with him."
"Bang!" Zhang Yong punched the heavy wooden table, causing the cups and plates to make a slight sound.
It was at this critical juncture that the "Prism Project" broke out, a major event that was enough to shake the global technological landscape, but the helmsman of the group was in the air and had no news at all, which made him extremely anxious.
He took a deep breath and suppressed his anxiety and uneasiness. He knew that the chairman was not here at the moment, and as the CEO of the group, he had to take on the responsibility of turning the tide and must not lose his composure.
"What's the online public opinion like?" he asked again in a deep voice, his voice having regained some of its usual calmness.
"It's completely out of control," a public relations executive said hurriedly, "Weibo, forums, and major news apps are all discussing Prism and the company.
Countless netizens flocked to the official account, demanding that the company give a clear explanation about data security and user privacy, and the emotions were very excited.
Zhang Yong couldn't help but curl his lips when he heard this, with a hint of helplessness and indignation: "Netizens are just talking nonsense!
WeChat and Weibo servers are both built in the country and are strictly protected by Chinese laws and regulations.
Even if the US is incredibly powerful, can it still reach across the Pacific Ocean and reach into our data centers?"
After a brief pause, he made a decisive decision and issued a clear order: "Despite this, calming the people and stabilizing domestic public opinion are the top priorities.
The group must immediately issue an announcement on resolutely protecting user privacy and data security, with firm wording and a clear attitude.
Liu Yan, your Weibo team should handle this matter immediately, quickly! "
"Understood!" Weibo President Liu Yan stood up without hesitation and quickly left the meeting room.
At this moment, Zhang Yong had forced himself to calm down completely. His brain was working rapidly and his thoughts became clearer.
Turning his gaze to Wang Jing, he continued his methodical deployment: "Mr. Wang, how are the North American and overseas markets doing? How much of an impact has WeChat been hit?"
"The situation...is not optimistic." Wang Jing's answer was grave and cautious, "Although WeChat is not directly mentioned in the currently disclosed documents.
But as the instant messaging software with the largest overseas market share, it is naturally at the center of the storm.
Now, European and American media and users are generally skeptical. They simply don't believe WeChat can remain immune to this global surveillance plan. A crisis of trust is spreading.
Zhang Yong's brow furrowed even more tightly as he pressed a key figure, "What did Wilson, the head of WeChat North America, say? What's his response plan?"
"He was evasive and vague in his communication and didn't offer a clear explanation. He simply said... everything would have to wait until Director Song's flight landed, and he would report to him personally."
Did WeChat participate in the Prism program? If so, was it Wilson's personal actions, or was it with the chairman's tacit approval or even instructions?
This thought, like a ghost, instantly lingered in the minds of every executive in the conference room, casting a thick shadow over them.
This matter is highly complex and, if not handled properly and any unfavorable accusations are confirmed, the overseas business empire that Tenda Technology has painstakingly built over the years may face a catastrophic collapse.
The atmosphere in the conference room became increasingly depressing, like the dead silence before a storm.
Just as Zhang Yong cleared his throat and prepared to continue deploying the next response strategy, the mobile phone on the table suddenly rang urgently.
He looked down and saw that it was a special encrypted number. He was startled and did not dare to delay at all. He immediately raised his hand to signal the meeting to be suspended and quickly answered the call.
"Hello, is this Comrade Zhang Yong from Tenda Technology?" An extremely steady and cool voice without any emotional fluctuation came from the receiver.
"I'm Zhang Yong. Who are you?"
"I'm Security XXX," the other party stated his identity succinctly, "Regarding the Prism Project exposed by the media, the leadership has some important questions that need to be understood.
I originally intended to ask your company's chairman, Comrade Song Ci, but Comrade Song Ci is currently on a special plane. Therefore, I can only ask you to come over immediately and explain in person.
Zhang Yong's heart was shaken, and he immediately responded, "Yes, I understand! I'll leave right away!"
The other party added: "If it is convenient, please ask the person in charge of the core technology or operations of your company's WeChat business to come along as well."
"Okay, no problem! We'll arrange it right away!" Zhang Yong agreed without hesitation.
After the call was hung up, everyone in the conference room focused their attention on Zhang Yong.
He stood up suddenly, his eyes sweeping across the crowd before finally settling on WeChat CEO Wu Yi. "Wu Yi, come with me! Right now!"
(Please give me a monthly ticket at the beginning of the month! Thanks (ω))
(End of this chapter)
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