Chapter 540: A Fight
The tripartite meeting with China Mobile and Huawei this morning regarding the future 4G industry landscape came to a temporary conclusion after a grand strategic tone was set.
Because China Mobile Chairman Xi Guohua had to rush to the Guangdong branch for inspection and research, and Song Ci had other arrangements in the afternoon, he politely declined Huawei's welcome reception.
In the afternoon, the weather in Shenzhen suddenly changed, and a heavy rain poured down, washing away the noise and dust of this bustling city and bringing a touch of coolness to the hot summer.
Inside the Four Seasons Hotel's executive suite, however, lies a tranquil scene. Thick glass windows block out the sound of wind and rain, while the air is filled with the elegant aroma of tea.
Song Ci sat leisurely in the main seat, pouring tea for the guests who came from afar with a purple clay teapot.
The people he entertained were Chen Dejun, chairman of Shentong Express, his sister Chen Xiaoying, and Xi Chunyang, the helmsman of Tiantian Express, who had hurried over from Donghai.
After some greetings, Chen Dejun stated his purpose.
Song Ci listened quietly, nodded slightly, and pushed a cup of properly brewed, bright orange Pu'er tea in front of Xi Chunyang, saying in a calm tone:
"I understand what Mr. Chen means. Since it's a family matter, we can discuss it."
Then his expression straightened and he got to the point. "Mr. Xi, before we discuss cooperation, I need to first understand the current scale and industry status of Tiantian Express."
Xi Chunyang did not dare to neglect it and quickly replied: "Mr. Song, according to the latest industry data released by the Post Office, Tiantian Express's business volume currently ranks sixth in the country.
Ahead of us are SF Express, EMS, YTO Express, STO Express, and Yunda Express.”
"Oh?" Song Ci raised his eyebrows slightly, a little surprised. "So, Tiantian's current scale is even stronger than ZTO?"
A complicated look flashed across Xi Chunyang's face as he explained, "Director Song, to be honest, Tiantian Express didn't start too late.
Three years ago, the network scale and business volume were comparable to those of the "Three Links and One Delivery". However, in recent years, the pace of capital operation and network expansion has been relatively slow.
After I took over last year, I learned from Shentong's successful "lightweight franchise" model, worked hard to increase business outlets, and restored some vitality.
But the most crucial thing is that Tiantian didn’t receive support from Taobao’s e-commerce platform, and its development momentum gradually fell behind. ”
Song Ci nodded in understanding. In this era, e-commerce platforms are almost the breadwinners of the entire express delivery industry.
Tiantian Express cannot get core orders from Taobao, just like water without a source. It can only rely on offline scattered businesses and survive in the cracks of "Three Links and One Delivery".
Or they have to compete for some business items that do not require high timeliness and originally belonged to SF Express. The situation is indeed difficult.
He put down the teacup and said in a serious tone, "Boss Xi, there are some things I need to say in advance.
You must be fully prepared mentally. Once Pinduoduo develops and comes into direct competition with Taobao, it will be like 'there can't be two tigers in one mountain'.
If Tiantian Express chooses to side with Tenda, it will likely face a complete blockade by the Alibaba Group. By then, it might not even be able to get the few remaining Taobao orders it currently receives.”
Upon hearing this, Xi Chunyang subconsciously looked at his brother-in-law Chen Dejun beside him, and both of them saw seriousness in each other's eyes.
They understood that this was not a threat from Song Ci, but a kind and direct reminder from the richest man to prepare for the worst.
At the same time, this also gives him the last chance to choose: to take a huge risk and bet on Pinduoduo, or to retreat and try to survive under the Alibaba system?
STO Express, thanks to Tengda's early investment, has long been trapped in a chess game, leaving it with no choice. But Tiantian Express still has some options.
Even if Shentong is liquidated by Alibaba in the future for siding with Tenda, Tiantian Express may not be able to "turn to the light" and be accepted by Cainiao Network to become a replacement.
At this moment, Xi Chunyang experienced a fierce struggle in his heart, and a look of hesitation flashed across his face.
But in the end, thinking back on Song Ci's legendary business achievements in the past and the huge ecological support of the Tengda Group behind Pinduoduo, a sense of courage to burn my boats surged in my heart.
He gritted his teeth, his eyes became extremely firm, and his voice was decisive, without any hesitation:
"Mr. Song, I've thought this through very clearly before coming here! I, Xi Chunyang, am willing to sacrifice the future of Tiantian Express to accompany Mr. Song and Tengda, and strive for a bright future!"
Seeing that Chen Dejun and Xi Chunyang both had a tragic look on their faces, which was almost like "the wind is whistling and the Yishui River is cold", Song Ci couldn't help but chuckle.
He doesn't care whether the two people are truly optimistic about Pinduoduo's future or are just expressing their determination and showing it to him.
He slowly raised a finger, his voice low, yet filled with undeniable confidence:
"One year!" He looked around at the three of them, his eyes burning. "It'll only take one year. In one year, you'll see the terrifying potential and growth rate of Pinduoduo!
You will understand what Jack Ma has always dreamed of but has never truly achieved: the nuclear fusion-level power generated by 'social media + e-commerce'!"
These words, full of powerful confidence, seemed to have magic power, instantly dispelling the last trace of haze in Xi Chunyang's heart.
Yes, this man before him was the richest man who had never lost a battle! How could his judgment ever be wrong?
Thinking of this, Xi Chunyang felt like he had swallowed an extremely precious reassurance pill, and the tragic expression on his face turned into anticipation and excitement.
"Mr. Song, since we have made up our minds, some information must be shared with you." Chen Dejun took over the conversation and reminded solemnly.
"Cainiao Network aims to build a large-scale logistics platform and promote the digitalization of the entire express delivery industry by promoting technologies such as electronic waybills.
Alibaba is ambitious and plans to use big data and algorithms to build an intelligent routing and order distribution system.
Gradually replacing traditional manual sorting, thereby maximizing logistics efficiency. We must also prepare countermeasures as soon as possible to avoid falling behind."
"It's okay!" Song Ci picked up the teacup and took a sip slowly and steadily. His tone was calm but contained absolute confidence.
“Tengda can provide the same resources as Alibaba, only more!
Data, algorithms, and traffic are Tenda Technology's core strengths! In the digital world, Tenda is the king of algorithms!
After a brief pause, he quickly sorted out his strategic framework in his mind, and then clearly explained his plan to the three people:
“Since Alibaba Cainiao is taking the route of ‘centralized control,’ we will do the opposite and only focus on ‘decentralized empowerment’!
I plan to establish the 'Tengda Smart Logistics Alliance' (TSL Alliance).
Led by Tenda Technology, the alliance joins STO Express, SF Express, and Tiantian Express as core founding members. Furthermore, the alliance is completely open and welcomes all express delivery companies to join!
"SF Express?!" Chen Dejun, Chen Xiaoying and Xi Chunyang asked the question almost in unison, with surprise and confusion written all over their faces.
I was extremely puzzled. When did the richest man quietly get in touch with SF Express, which focuses on the high-end market?
Song Ci didn't bother to answer their questions. He was completely immersed in the idea of building a blueprint and talked freely:
“The alliance does not seek controlling stakes in the participating express delivery companies, but will set up unified technical thresholds.
All participating express delivery companies must access the 'Tengda Logistics OS' system interface developed by Tenda."
He looked at the three people who seemed to be still digesting the word "SF Express" and further proposed a more subversive concept:
"In addition to the logistics OS, which is the 'nervous system,' Tenda can also develop a 'cloud warehouse' data platform to serve as the 'intelligent brain' of the alliance."
After hearing this, Chen Dejun and Xi Chunyang, two helmsmen who have been working in the logistics industry for many years, felt that they could not keep up with Song Ci's thinking speed.
I couldn't help but sigh in my heart that he is worthy of being a top Internet boss. This kind of high-dimensional strategic thinking and model innovation ability has indeed left traditional industries far behind.
Song Ci patiently explained: "This 'cloud warehouse' platform will fully integrate e-commerce platform order data, regional consumption trend data from social platforms, real-time traffic data from map software, and transportation capacity data from all members of the alliance.
Through big data predictive analysis, we can determine in advance which cities and regions are likely to be hot sellers of popular products.
Before the arrival of large-scale consumer festivals such as "Double Eleven", we guide merchants to pre-allocate goods to the corresponding "forward warehouses", which are our "cloud warehouses"!
At the same time, we can plan the most efficient transportation route for each package across the entire network, and even dynamically modify the address of the package according to user needs during transportation!"
These words were like opening a door to a new world in front of the three of them.
They are all experts in the logistics industry, and after a little thought, they understood the strategic intention of Song Ci's layout.
This is not just about "fast delivery", but also about achieving the ideal state of "making sure the goods are on the way before they are needed" through the precise use of data!
Upgrading the entire logistics industry from passive response to active intelligent scheduling will greatly reduce the inventory and transportation costs of the entire society!
At the same time, he couldn't help but be secretly shocked: Has Tenda Technology's technical strength reached such an incredible level?
If this can be realized, it will bring about a complete revolution to the entire logistics industry!
Chen Dejun was now completely convinced, and the last bit of resentment in his heart about Shentong being tied to the Tengda Group disappeared.
The richest man not only resolved the threat posed by Cainiao Network with a casual attitude, but also outlined a future picture of logistics that is far more grand and advanced than the Alibaba model.
The profound state of mind of "holding the ace but not playing it personally" and controlling the overall situation as an enabler made him truly understand what it meant to look up to a towering mountain.
Xi Chunyang also quickly came to his senses and his thoughts suddenly became clear.
This combination of measures by the richest man perfectly fits the core strategy of Tengda Technology to “connect everything”. It is to use its strongest technological capabilities to deeply empower and upgrade the traditional logistics industry.
In an instant, the reception room was filled with all kinds of praise from the three people.
Song Ci smiled and waved his hand, suppressing everyone's praise: "Okay, let's get back to the topic."
Xi Chunyang nodded, his attitude very sincere: "Mr. Song, in order to show the determination of Tiantian Express and Tengda to develop together, I wonder if you are willing to make a strategic investment in Tiantian Express?
Tiantian's next step of development, whether it's network expansion, vehicle renewal or technology upgrade, requires substantial capital investment."
Song Ci understood what the other party meant. They hoped to completely tie Tiantian Express to Tengda's chariot and form a more stable community of interests.
He is optimistic about the continued explosion of the e-commerce industry in the next few years. Once Tiantian Express receives the order injection from Pinduoduo, it will surely quickly rise to become another giant in the logistics field.
Investing at this time is not only of great strategic significance, but also has considerable commercial returns.
"Okay. What's the current valuation of Tiantian Express?" Song Ci asked directly.
Xi Chunyang weighed the pros and cons and finally offered a price that was quite sincere, even a bit low:
"Mr. Song, when I took over last year, I completed the acquisition based on a valuation of 580 million. After a year of integration and development, if you agree, we'll set it at 600 million. What do you think?"
Song Ci nodded, having no objection to the price, and immediately made the decision: "Okay. Tengda will conduct due diligence and financial audits on Tiantian Express."
If there is no problem, how about we follow the example of STO Express and strategically invest in 30% of Tiantian Express's shares?"
"Sure!" Xi Chunyang agreed readily. These two short words revealed a sense of relief and infinite expectations for the future.
After the Tiantian Express deal was settled, Song Ci turned his gaze to Chen Dejun and said earnestly:
"Mr. Chen, the next few years will be a golden period for the development of the logistics industry, and opportunities are fleeting. STO should take bigger and more decisive steps.
We must boldly introduce strategic financing, accelerate the construction of core hubs and terminal outlets across the country, and improve overall operational efficiency and service quality."
"I understand, Mr. Song." Chen Dejun responded softly, deeply touched.
Looking back on Shentong’s journey, its main development funds almost all came from its own profit rollover.
The money earned is immediately invested in expanded reproduction, used to open new outlets and increase transportation capacity, which is a typical "war to support war" model.
In addition, the unique franchise system transfers a large amount of localized outlet construction and operating costs to franchisees through brand authorization and management output.
Only then were we able to leverage huge social capital with limited funds and complete the initial layout of national outlets.
But as Song Ci said, this approach has reached a bottleneck. If we want to avoid being left behind in the upcoming competition among giants, we must rely on the power of capital to make a thorough upgrade and leap.
(End of this chapter)
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