Chapter 527: Awakening
[In-depth Analysis of Tenda Technology's Becoming a Fortune 500 Company: The Crowning and the Journey]
ID: Chuanliu Buxi (PhD in Economics from Guanghua School of Management, Peking University)
Liu Shishi noticed that the blogger's certification information was actually a PhD in Economics from Guanghua University, and was slightly surprised: "He is from the same college as Yiyi."
This gave her more confidence in the professionalism of the blog analysis, so she focused her attention and began to read carefully.
"The Fortune Global 500 is recognized as the most authoritative and prestigious award in the global business community. Earning this designation signifies that Tenda Technology has officially advanced from a successful internet company to a world-class business giant.
The more top-notch the talent, the more eager they are to realize their ambitions on the top stage.
By becoming a Fortune 500 company, Tenda Technology will have equal appeal when competing with American technology giants such as Apple, Google, and Amazon for the world's top talent.
Tenda owns WeChat, the world's most popular instant messaging software, and its status as a Fortune 500 company means its voice will become crucial in international forums involving internet governance, data security, and technical standards.
Western government agencies, industry associations and business organizations need to listen carefully and treat this upstart from the East with caution.
From the moment Tenda Technology entered the Fortune Global 500 list, the global Internet landscape has undergone a historic transformation.
This indicates that the old order dominated by Europe and the United States is evolving irreversibly into a new era where China and the United States coexist as two superpowers.
Tenda has proven to the world that China can not only produce companies that succeed by relying on its huge domestic market, but also produce technological products that conquer the world.
In some aspects, it has surpassed business itself and become a pioneer and benchmark for the export of China's cultural soft power and technological hard power.
However, with great honor comes great trouble. Great glory also means that you can no longer hide from the spotlight.
As a Fortune 500 company with 2 billion global users, control of communication channels and massive amounts of data, and business tentacles covering key areas of the digital economy, Tenda is destined to no longer exist simply as a commercial company.
It will inevitably become an important strategic node and even a potential point of friction between the two major powers of China and the United States on issues such as technological competition, cybersecurity, and data sovereignty.
Song Ci and his Tengda Technology will have to be more deeply involved in the geopolitical vortex.
How to balance and maneuver between the two countries, safeguarding the interests of the company while not becoming a political pawn, will be the biggest challenge he faces as a technology giant and business leader!
Below the blog post, the comments section is also a hot topic:
"Alright, alright, the blogger is indeed worthy of being called a famous 'word-blower' on Weibo, but I'm impressed by his analysis! As expected of a PhD, his perspective is truly profound!"
"I understand what the blogger means. Being listed in the Fortune Global 500 is a coronation, officially allowing Tengda to 'enter the hall';
But it also means it can no longer be hidden, and has officially entered the ever-changing international stage, where both overt and covert attacks will follow."
"You're going too far! Can't we just be happy that our Chinese companies are awesome? (dog head) But the last paragraph about geopolitical issues is truly terrifying when you think about it..."
After reading this long blog post of thousands of words, which was both profound and insightful, Liu Shishi slowly put down her phone, looked at the blue sky outside the window, but her thoughts drifted far away.
I can’t help but recall that extremely stressful night a few years ago when WeChat decided to fully expand into the overseas market.
Her husband Song Ci stayed awake all night, standing alone on the balcony, looking up at the endless starry sky, full of thoughts.
At this moment, she realized more deeply the weight behind her husband's silence back then.
Perhaps at that time, on that seemingly peaceful night, he had already clearly foreseen that leading WeChat to the world was destined to be a dangerous journey that required constant overcoming of obstacles.
It is not just a commercial competition, but also a complex game of national strength, culture, rules and even politics.
"I don't know...was it right or wrong for me to encourage him and strengthen his faith back then?"
A complex feeling quietly emerged in Liu Shishi's heart. This feeling was a mixture of pride, heartache, recollection of past hardships, and even a faint worry about the uncertainty of the future.
At the same time, Los Angeles was shrouded in darkness. In a suite at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Song Ci stood by the window with his mobile phone in hand, overlooking the gorgeous street scenes of the City of Angels with bright lights.
"Xiao Song, you did a great job!" A gentle yet somewhat majestic voice came from the other end of the phone.
"The leader has spoken. He is very pleased with your performance in the meeting today and fully recognizes it."
He paused slightly to let the weight of each word come through clearly, “The chief said that the success of Tenda Technology is not just the success of a single company.
It is also a vivid epitome of China's economic transformation and upgrading, and its leapfrog development in the high-tech field.
You have proven that Chinese companies can not only grow bigger, but also become stronger, and can firmly stand at the top of the world race."
The light outside the window reflected in Song Ci's deep pupils. He took a deep breath and said sincerely and humbly, "Director Li, please be sure to convey my gratitude to the leader for his kindness.
I, Song Ci, am personally fortunate to have Tengda achieve what it has today. I simply rode the powerful momentum of national development."
His voice was steady and carried a kind of sobriety that had been honed over time. “We just happen to be at the forefront of this great era.
It is the country's continued investment in basic scientific research and vigorous optimization of the business environment that has given us the confidence to give it our all and the stage to display our talents.
As for Tengda itself, it is truly insignificant, just a lucky wave in the torrent of this era."
Song Ci paused for a moment, organizing his words, and took the topic to a deeper level: "Director Li, the global technological competition can be compared to a long football game.
At best, Tengda only managed to gain a slight advantage in the first half of the game thanks to a wave of fast breaks. The real test is yet to come.
At this point, his tone became serious: "The whistle for the second half has already blown, and this competition will go far beyond technology and business itself.
It involves the reconstruction of the global supply chain, the right to set technical standards, and even complex geopolitical factors.
This will be a long-term confrontation that is more complex, more cruel, and requires more wisdom and determination.
Tenda Technology still faces many challenges and a long way to go."
Director Li's heartfelt praise came from the receiver, his voice full of undisguised admiration: "No wonder both leaders are so fond of you.
'The whole world praises him but he does not become discouraged; the whole world criticizes him but he does not become discouraged. He clearly distinguishes between inside and outside, and discerns the boundaries of honor and disgrace.'
Song Ci, your clear understanding of your own position and external environment is indeed the necessary pattern and mentality for achieving great things. Good, very good!
"You're too kind, Director. I'm just doing my duty as a company leader." Song Ci responded humbly again.
The two briefly discussed the upcoming itinerary, and Director Li confirmed several key meeting details.
Just when Song Ci thought the call was about to end, the other party changed the subject. His tone seemed casual, but in fact he got to another important topic.
"Xiao Song, I have something I'd like to know. Does Tenda Technology have a preliminary timetable for its future IPO?"
Song Ci's eyes narrowed slightly, knowing he couldn't avoid this question, and he had no intention of hiding it. After a moment's hesitation, he answered clearly, "We expect to start the listing process next spring."
"Is the target... the U.S. stock market?" Director Li's second question followed immediately, his voice steady and without any disturbance.
"Yes."
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone. A few seconds later, Director Li's voice sounded again, more soothing than before, but also more earnest.
"Xiao Song, our colleagues in Hong Kong and the relevant officials from the China Securities Regulatory Commission have all expressed a hope in a rather tactful way on different occasions before.
They hope that if conditions permit, regarding Tengda's listing, can you also consider the possibility of listing on the Hong Kong or A-share markets?
Before Song Ci could respond, he quickly added, "Of course, you must not feel any pressure. All premises must not affect the healthy development of Tengda."
We all know how difficult and precious it is to nurture a Fortune 500-level technology company like Tenda.
No one wants to see it affected by any external factors. You can rest assured about this.”
Song Ci withdrew his gaze from the bright lights outside the window and turned to the luxurious and elegant decoration in the suite, his eyes becoming sharp and firm.
He knew he had to make his position clear at this moment. "I'm sorry, Director Li." His voice was low, but resolute.
"Tengda's decision to go public in the United States is a long-term plan finalized after years of repeated discussions by the company's strategic development committee, not a spur-of-the-moment decision."
Then he began to state his reasons with clear logic: "With all due respect, given Tengda's current track, technological barriers and future growth expectations.
Its size and valuation potential require a platform with sufficiently large capacity, strong liquidity, and the ability to gather top global capital.
Looking around the world, only Nasdaq can fully undertake and unleash the value of Tengda.
There, Tenda can stand on the same capital stage and compete with technology giants such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
This is not only for financing, but also to demonstrate our strength and confidence to the global market, which is an indispensable part of our globalization strategy."
Song Ci paused and put forward a more crucial and convincing reason: "In addition, there is an unavoidable institutional obstacle.
Director Li, you may know that since its inception, Tenda Technology has adopted the AB share structure commonly used by technology companies, that is, an equity model with equal shares but different voting rights.
At present, although both the Hong Kong stock market and the A-share market are undergoing reform, they have not yet supported this equity structure.
If we forcefully change the listing location and alter the company's equity structure, it will undoubtedly undermine the foundation of Tengda's stability and development. We cannot afford such a risk."
After listening to this well-reasoned and neither humble nor arrogant explanation, Director Li seemed to finally feel relieved, and instead expressed his clear support.
"I see. So that's how it is. Having ambition is a good thing, but daring to compete on the world's highest stage—that kind of courage and boldness is exactly what the country needs!"
Just follow your established guidelines and don't worry about it. Both the commander and I will be your and Tengda Technology's strongest backing."
Hearing the leader's firm assurance, Song Ci's tense mind finally relaxed, knowing that the most critical hurdle had passed.
He quickly spoke into the microphone and sincerely thanked them: "Thank you very much for your understanding and support! Tengda will go all out to live up to the times and expectations."
Song Ci had just finished the call when the WeChat video invitation sounded, and he quickly pressed the answer button.
The next second, Liu Shishi's pretty face, which showed both joy and anger, filled the entire screen.
She wore an exquisite pearl hairpin on her head, a gorgeous costume, bright makeup, and a pair of eyes that moved, exuding a classical charm.
She smiled sweetly, with a hint of innocence in her voice: "Mr. Song, congratulations!"
Song Ci naturally knew what she was congratulating him for. Looking at his wife with a beautiful smile on the screen, he felt a lot of emotions in his heart.
Finally, he responded with a gentle and sober tone: "Thank you, ma'am. However, it's a long journey. We are only halfway through the journey. There is still a long way to go."
Liu Shishi saw that although his words were humble, his brows could not hide the calmness and confidence that came from having experienced many hardships, and she felt both proud and concerned.
Leaning slightly closer to the screen, he lowered his voice, "I saw on the news that the leaders are leaving for home tomorrow. Yiyi, are you coming back with them?"
"I'll stay for two more days." Song Ci adjusted his sitting position and sank more relaxedly into the sofa. "Tomorrow afternoon I'll fly to Seattle and visit Bill Gates's house to discuss some things."
"Bill Gates?" Liu Shishi's eyes lit up, and a look of intense interest appeared on her face. "Is it the mansion known as the 'House of the Future'?
I heard his house is very high-tech, with smart systems everywhere. Is it true that even the watering of the trees is fully automatic? "
Seeing the curiosity on his wife's face, Song Ci couldn't help but smile and replied lovingly, "Rumors are always exaggerated.
However, I will personally go and see it tomorrow, and report to Her Majesty in detail when I return. How about that?"
"Okay, you better observe carefully and tell me later."
"As you command. By the way, Shishi, has filming in Hengdian been going smoothly lately? How's the progress on 'The Imperial Doctress'?"
"Let's do it that way, step by step." Liu Shishi twisted a tassel hanging from the costume with her fingers, her tone relaxed.
"I calculated the progress, and my scenes in 'The Female Doctor' should be finished by the middle of next month. Then I can have a good rest for a while."
"Well, thank you for your hard work." Song Ci's eyes softened. "I'm returning to China the day after tomorrow, flying directly to the East China Sea. Before heading south to visit the leaders of Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces, I'll visit Hengdian to check on the production."
"Really?" This was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise. Upon hearing this, Liu Shishi's brows immediately lit up with joy, and a bright smile spread across her face, as if the entire screen had brightened a little.
"Great! I'll be waiting for you then!"
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com