Chapter 530 WeChat Global
In the reception room, the air is filled with the aroma of freshly ground coffee and the unique tranquility of old books.
As the host, Bill Gates was the first to break the silence: "Mr. Song, I know an old Chinese saying, 'One never visits a temple unless there's something to ask.' If you have something to say, just say it."
Upon hearing this, Song Ci pondered for a moment and made a final effort to sort out his complicated thoughts in his mind.
"Mr. Gates," he said slowly, his voice steady. "Following the Prism incident, any software giant with global ambitions cannot avoid a core issue: data security."
The smile on Bill Gates' face faded a little, he nodded, and his fingertips tapped unconsciously on the armrest of the sofa.
Microsoft, as the absolute king of the world's PC systems, has been hit hardest by this turmoil.
Officials from several countries, including some traditional allies, have announced strict reviews of the Windows system, which deeply troubled him and aroused his interest in what Song Ci would say next.
Song Ci continued, speaking slowly but clearly, "Faced with this common issue, I'm here hoping Microsoft and Tenda Technology can reach a strategic partnership."
"Oh?" Bill Gates leaned back in his chair, showing a gesture of wanting to hear more. "Mr. Song, how would you like to cooperate?"
The study was quiet for a moment. Song Ci paused, met Gates' inquiring gaze, and then, in an extremely solemn tone, made a proposal that could change the global Internet landscape.
"I would like to ask Microsoft to become the compliant custodian of WeChat's US data."
"Oh?" Bill Gates uttered the syllable again, but the meaning was completely different, with a hint of surprise that was hard to conceal.
He sat up straighter, a gleam of light flashing in his blue eyes behind his lenses.
He really didn't expect that the young technology giant in front of him would have such determination and courage to cut off his own arm.
WeChat has a massive amount of data, including user social graphs, behavioral habits...
For any technology company, this is an invaluable treasure and the core fuel that drives algorithm evolution and provides insight into the future.
Song Ci took in every subtle reaction of the other party, and a wave of helplessness arose in his heart.
How could he possibly want to hand over his invaluable data resources to others? However, in the future global Internet, localized data storage is an irreversible trend.
Rather than passively waiting for the US to forcibly demand it under the pretext of security, it is better to take the initiative and strive for the most favorable conditions for yourself.
He could even imagine that Microsoft, as the custodian, would inevitably "borrow" the power of this data in some form within the framework of the agreement to assist its big data technology and Azure cloud research and development.
But for Tenda, this is the price it must pay to preserve WeChat's right to survive in the Western world, and it is the wisdom of "choosing the lesser of two evils."
Entrusting data to Microsoft essentially transfers part of the regulatory responsibilities and geopolitical risks to this US-based technology giant.
Using American giants to counterbalance the pressure from American officials is a risky move, but also a smart one.
Bill Gates thought for a while and immediately understood the profound meaning of Song Ci's move of "preparing for a rainy day".
Once Microsoft takes over data hosting, any politicians who want to attack WeChat under the pretext of data security will have to get past Microsoft first.
Microsoft's massive lobbying power, top legal team, and its status as a symbol of American technology will all serve as WeChat's invisible moat.
He quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind: Microsoft's core is Windows, Office and the Azure cloud that is currently being developed, which has no direct conflict with Tenda's current business matrix centered on social networking, instant messaging and payment.
On the contrary, if WeChat builds a huge data center on Azure, it will undoubtedly be a shot in the arm for Microsoft's cloud computing business.
As for the possible competition between the two sides in the field of cloud computing in the future...that is a matter for the future.
At present, Amazon AWS still sits firmly in the top spot, and Tenda Cloud's main market is in Asia, and it can still "keep away from each other" with Microsoft's North American headquarters.
The space for cooperation is far greater than the immediate conflict.
Seeing that Bill Gates was interested but hadn't expressed his opinion, Song Ci raised the stakes, leaned forward, and spoke in a sincere and infectious voice:
"Mr. Gates, data security is a common issue for the entire world. On this point, Microsoft and Tenda Technology are in the same boat.
Today, you protect my data in the United States; tomorrow, I will protect your data in China.
Together, we can demonstrate to global users that tech giants have the ability to transcend geographies and establish a more trustworthy and secure data governance benchmark.”
Bill Gates was deeply touched by these words.
Microsoft is a giant ship that has come all the way from the wild era of the Internet. It has witnessed and experienced too many geopolitical frictions and business culture collisions.
Deep down in his heart, he always believed that business should return to business itself.
As long as companies abide by the laws and rules, he is extremely reluctant to see pure business activities being influenced by too many political factors.
He fully understood the conception of Song Ci:
This is a typical exchange of interests, forming a strategic balance under "mutual vulnerability" in the field of data security.
You are in me and I am in you, safeguarding each other's data security.
Song Ci picked up the cup and saucer at the perfect moment, taking a sip of the slightly cool coffee. The bitterness, coupled with the fruity aroma and richness, made his mind clearer and more agile.
He put down his cup and saw that the other party was still immersed in thought. He asked softly, "Mr. Gates, what do you think?"
Bill Gates finally raised his eyes, a look of sincere admiration on his face:
"Giving up direct control over some data in exchange for a longer-term, more stable existence and development space for WeChat in the North American market...
"What a remarkable foresight! Mr. Song, this is truly a brilliant move that capitalizes on the current situation. You truly deserve to be hailed as a leader of the younger generation in global business."
"Mr. Gates, you're too kind." Song Ci smiled modestly, but his heart was tense, knowing that there was more to come.
Sure enough, Bill Gates stood up and walked slowly to the huge floor-to-ceiling window.
Looking up at the water birds flying over the lake in the distance and the outline of the Microsoft campus in the distance, it seems as if he is looking at the technology empire he has built.
The silence lasted for nearly a minute before he turned around and looked at Song Ci with burning eyes:
"Mr. Song, are you interested in taking our ties a step further? For example, a stock swap?"
Although Tenda Technology is not listed, the valuation given by the market is roughly at the same level as Microsoft's current market value of approximately US$300 billion.
How about we do a 1% equity swap? That would allow us to truly become participants in each other’s business.”
"Is Mr. Gates so optimistic about the future of Tenda Technology?" Song Ci's heart moved, but his expression remained calm.
"Of course!" Bill Gates answered firmly, his eyes full of admiration for the young man in front of him.
"I am optimistic not only about the unlimited potential of China's economy, but also about the amazing explosive power that Tenda Technology will demonstrate in the mobile internet era.
I'm more optimistic about you, Mr. Song. Investing is essentially investing in people."
Song Ci's brain was working rapidly, weighing the pros and cons in an instant.
Equity swap is the highest level of interest binding between enterprises and is far more solid than a piece of cooperation agreement.
This is in line with his core demand for long-term stable alliances. "Excellent proposal, Mr. Gates."
Song Ci smiled. "I agree in principle. However, I have one additional condition that I hope you can consider."
Bill Gates sat down again, his posture more relaxed, and said in a cheerful tone: "Go ahead."
Song Ci spoke eloquently, laying out his carefully thought-out plan: "To ensure the independent operation of WeChat's overseas business and to cope with possible geopolitical scrutiny.
I plan to completely divest WeChat's overseas business and establish an independent 'WeChat Global' company.
The company will be managed by an independent board of directors, with Tenda Technology, as the parent company, retaining intellectual property rights for the core algorithm and ultimate controlling rights.
I would like to sincerely invite you to serve as a director of WeChat Global."
He has given this matter deep thought. Bill Gates possesses not only wealth worldwide, but also a public image and moral credibility that is almost "saintly."
His appointment as a director is equivalent to providing the world's top "credit endorsement" for WeChat Global's independence, data compliance and business ethics, and its value is immeasurable.
However, when Bill Gates heard this, a hint of hesitation flashed across his face, he frowned slightly, and leaned back imperceptibly.
"Song, to be honest with you," he said in a serious tone, "I've been consciously withdrawing from Microsoft's daily affairs since this year.
Next year, I plan to officially step down as chairman and devote most of my energy to philanthropy.
WeChat is great, but the areas it touches are indeed easily entangled in complex geopolitical factors. Personally, I hope to stay away from these troubles."
He valued his reputation and did not want his good reputation in his later years to be affected by possible geopolitical disputes.
Song Ci was well prepared for this. He took a deep breath and began his persuasion, his words earnest and powerful, almost a kind of commercial "PUA":
"Mr. Gates, I fully understand your concerns and noble aspirations. But please think about it from another perspective: What we are doing is building new bridges connecting people and cultures in the digital world.
But there are always forces that, out of short-sighted fear or hegemonic thinking, want to destroy these bridges and return the world to a state of division.
WeChat connects two billion users around the world. It concerns the way future generations communicate and world understanding and peace.
What it needs is not just a manager, but also an 'architect' who can have a far-sighted vision and protect the connection itself.
In this world, there are only a handful of people who have such prestige, ability and credibility to take on this task.
And you are the perfect person I could think of. This isn't about getting into trouble, but about safeguarding a more open future."
These words are as gentle as spring rain and as heavy as a thousand pounds.
Bill Gates remained silent, his fingers crossed in front of him, a fierce battle going on in his mind.
He admires the structure and foresight of Song Ci, recognizes the potential of Tenda Technology, and is well aware of the value of data interconnection.
More importantly, he was the one who proposed the share swap, and it was difficult for him to reject the "small" additional condition proposed by the other party.
In the end, he weighed all the pros and cons, especially considering the staggering returns that 1% of Tengda's equity could bring and the deeper significance of the technology alliance.
Finally, he nodded slowly, a smile that showed a hint of helplessness, but also a bit of excitement about the new challenge.
"Okay, Song," he chuckled. "You always find a way to convince others. I accept this directorship."
"It's done!" A huge rock fell to the ground in Song Ci's heart, and his ecstasy was almost beyond words, but he forced it down.
The successful binding of Microsoft and Bill Gates has won WeChat a valuable strategic window of at least three to five years for its overseas expansion.
Time is on his side. The further it goes, the more chips Tengda will have.
Since they had reached a consensus on the general direction, the atmosphere in the study instantly became relaxed and pleasant.
The tension of the previous negotiations was swept away, replaced by a tacit understanding and expectation of starting a business together.
Bill Gates regained his business tycoon's rigor and added details, "I will transfer this 1% stake in Microsoft from my family trust located overseas.
Mr. Song, I suggest you adopt a similar approach and receive the funds through a trust fund rather than placing them directly in your personal name. This will be more secure in terms of taxation and privacy."
"I understand, thanks for the reminder." Song Ci nodded, thinking to himself that Bill Gates is indeed well versed in wealth management.
The complex network of overseas trust holdings can both avoid risks and maintain influence. No wonder he can always firmly control the direction of Microsoft behind the scenes.
"As for the 1% stake in Tengda Technology," Song Ci took over, already having a plan in mind. "I'll arrange the transaction as soon as possible. How about transferring it directly to your family office, Waterfall Investment?"
He decided that this 1% stake would be allocated from the group's option pool. His personal holdings were Class B shares, which came with 20 times the voting rights and were the foundation of his control, and he would never give them up.
Before Tengda went public, the equity in the option pool was essentially still controlled by him. This move could satisfy the transaction without affecting his absolute control.
"Very reasonable." Bill Gates nodded with satisfaction. "Cascade Investment will handle the follow-up matters."
In the study, the tense atmosphere of strategic game had dissipated, replaced by a sense of relaxation and harmony after reaching a consensus.
In the exquisite bone china cup, the coffee from Ethiopia Yirgacheffe exudes a rich fruity aroma, intertwined with the sweet fragrance of the small macarons and scones on the side.
Bill Gates leaned comfortably on the soft sofa, his eyes casually sweeping across the darkening twilight outside the window.
As if he suddenly remembered an interesting anecdote, a meaningful glint flashed in his eyes, and his tone was casual but tentative:
“Song, speaking of which, there is a very interesting island in the Caribbean Sea with great privacy.
Some wealthy friends in Europe and the United States occasionally go there to relax. If there's a chance, maybe I can take you there for a tour. It's a completely different world from Seattle."
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(End of this chapter)
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