Shenzhen, Tencent Headquarters.
"A week ago, WeChat updated to version 3.0. This update from our competitor was almost like a heavy punch to the face. I originally thought video and voice calls would be the biggest trouble, but I didn't expect it to be mini-programs."
Xiao Mage's brows furrowed.
All this time, Renren.com, as the industry leader, has always been running ahead, with Tencent chasing right behind.
At first, we could barely keep up, but now we can't even see their exhaust fumes.
That small company has now grown into a towering tree, reaching a point where Tencent has to look up to it.
Before, we could still stand firm with instant messaging tools, but now that WeChat is out, Tencent sees its good days coming to an end.
The problem is, even though we clearly know how terrible the consequences of not catching up will be, we're repeatedly left behind.
WeChat launched two months earlier, already having a time advantage, and with its powerful promotional appeal, it's truly hard for them to lose.
What troubles Xiao Mage most isn't even this; it's that Chen Pingjiang seems incapable of making mistakes, which is completely illogical.
How can any entrepreneur not make mistakes or take detours?
But Renren.com and Chen Pingjiang haven't.
Whether it's new projects or major strategies, not once.
Take WeChat 3.0 this time; every single feature is considered revolutionary in the industry.
An ordinary company introducing one such feature would be extraordinary; WeChat unveiled three at once.
Powerless!
"I've watched some videos online these past few days, and I have to admit this thing is indeed useful. The scariest part is that users are changing their lifestyles through mini-programs, and merchants and businesses are reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and expanding customer sources through mini-programs. Gradually, an ecological moat will form, and by then, we won't be able to catch up even if we try our hardest."
Another executive was also worried.
"Banks can connect to official accounts for self-service balance inquiries, users can receive credit limit change notifications, and credit cards can check statements. The three major operators have also integrated, essentially moving their online service halls there. I'm now seeing some government agencies also trending towards integration. In short, our situation is not good."
Xiao Mage nodded:
"This is a great move. Operators, banks, hospitals, and restaurants are all places with high foot traffic and massive user bases; almost everyone relies on them. Now, these businesses have become WeChat's spontaneous promoters, and for their own benefit, they will in turn help promote WeChat. The young market is almost completely captured, while the elderly market is dominated by voice and video calls."
Thinking of this, Xiao Mage sighed, looking around:
"Do you think we still have a chance?"
Yes, is there still a chance?
This battle feels truly stifling and humiliating; it's like being completely unable to exert any strength.
First, we frantically rushed to launch Weichat, and as soon as it went online, the competitor updated its version, and we had to chase again.
Now, they've directly updated with a killer feature.
The competitor not only isn't satisfied with its instant messaging positioning but has instead threatened QQ's core market, and on top of that, has transformed into a tool.
Even if Tencent continues to develop day and night, it's feared that by the time our own mini-programs and official accounts go live, the competitor will have already completed its nationwide deployment.
"Father of Weichat" Zhang Xiaolong seemed to have made a huge decision, saying:
"Mr. Ma, instant communication cannot accommodate two players. The outcome is only one lives and one dies, and we clearly have a higher chance of dying. I think it's time to change Weichat's attributes."
"Oh?"
Xiao Mage's eyes lit up:
"Tell me more."
"Differentiate in product positioning, changing Weichat's attribute to dating, focusing on stranger social networking. WeChat can continue its acquaintance social networking; we'll separate ourselves from them."
Zhang Xiaolong didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood his meaning.
Clearly, they planned to put more effort into the "people nearby" feature.
Although reluctant to admit it, it must be said that this is one of the options, and with Tencent's strength, it's almost guaranteed to succeed.
"I understand, give me a few days to think about it."
After the meeting, Xiao Mage called his secretary:
"Contact Mr. Chen from Renren.com and tell him I want to visit their company tomorrow."
After speaking, he ignored the surprised look on his secretary's face and looked into the distance alone.
He knew very well that this action would be perceived by outsiders as a sign of weakness.
But at least they would survive.
......
Hearing Guan Yifeng's report, Chen Pingjiang was momentarily stunned:
"You said Mr. Ma from Tencent wants to see me?"
"Yes, he'll arrive tomorrow morning."
"Oh, alright, I understand."
Chen Pingjiang nodded, filled with curiosity.
Why would Xiao Mage come to see him?
Their personal relationship was decent, but regardless, they were competitors.
Meeting alone elsewhere or having a phone call would be fine; a personal visit was indeed rare.
With questions in mind, Chen Pingjiang met Xiao Mage the next morning.
"Mage, it hasn't been that long, and you've become even handsomer!"
Chen Pingjiang laughed, walking up and warmly shaking Mage's hand.
Xiao Mage rolled his eyes:
"If we're talking handsome, you're more handsome than me. Who praises people like that?"
"Haha, what brings you here today?"
Xiao Mage sighed:
"You've scared us stiff. We had an internal meeting yesterday, and Weichat plans to change direction to focus on stranger social networking. I wanted to come today to learn from you, as everyone outside says you have sharp insights. Our stock price has been falling sharply recently, and shareholders are not very happy."
Though seemingly ordinary words, Chen Pingjiang savored the underlying meaning.
It seems Mage has come to seek peace.
Actively changing tracks, resolving their grievances, and then seeking a solution in return.
As Chen Pingjiang pondered, Xiao Mage surprisingly felt a little nervous; how long had it been since he felt this way?
He was really afraid Chen Pingjiang would reject him; that would be a huge loss of face.
After some thought, Chen Pingjiang still decided to offer some guidance.
He and Xiao Mage had no personal grudges; their limited entanglements were purely commercial.
Cooperation outweighs competition, that's for sure.
Moreover, Chen Pingjiang's future development focus wasn't even on the internet.
"Mage, since you've asked, I certainly won't hide anything from you. But before I speak, I'd like to get some Tencent shares, as a consultation fee."
"No problem. You can buy as much as you want on the secondary market. If it's not enough, I'll persuade shareholders to sell."
Now it was Chen Pingjiang's turn to be surprised:
"That agreeable?"
"Haha, it's not that I'm agreeable, but your influence is significant. You now have a bit of a Buffett-like presence in this small corner of the domestic market. Everyone knows you've made a fortune in US stocks."
Buffett selling off a certain stock would cause its price to fall, and vice versa.
This mainly stems from Buffett's reputation forged through countless battles.
Chen Pingjiang hadn't expected to have such power.
After stroking his nose and smiling, Chen Pingjiang coughed and said:
"Weichat's shift to stranger social networking is almost guaranteed to succeed. However, it also faces significant problems. With stranger social networking, strong relationships are not easily built, and users don't face high migration costs when switching apps.
This will inevitably lead to new stranger dating apps emerging periodically to compete for the market. A generation gap can easily arise here; perhaps those born in the 80s and 90s prefer Weichat, but Gen Z might go use other apps. But if this problem is solved well, the prospects are vast."
Xiao Mage nodded; he had also thought of what Chen Pingjiang said.
"What is QQ's future development direction?"
Xiao Mage posed the second question.
Chen Pingjiang chuckled:
"Coincidentally, I've also thought about this question. It would be great as a PC-based community hub and office base, and it could also develop communities to attract gamers, study groups, and people with other hobbies."
To put it plainly, it's referring to Discord from abroad.
Xiao Mage stayed in Dongjiang for two days, privately conversing with Chen Pingjiang for four to five hours, covering all aspects.
In addition, he also visited Juzi Keji under Chen Pingjiang's guidance.
This meeting was quite private, few outsiders knew about it, and even fewer knew what the two discussed.
However, after returning, Xiao Mage made significant moves.
First, he high-profilely announced Weichat's transformation into stranger social networking, and then vigorously laid out plans for the mobile gaming industry.
......
On the other side, Renren.com and Juzi Keji were undergoing a major clean-up from top to bottom.
Renren.com's headquarters and Juzi Keji's base were decorated with lanterns and banners.
It was not yet six in the morning when Chen Pingjiang got out of bed.
Before leaving, Xu Taihou specifically called him over, carefully checking if his buttons were misbuttoned and if his tie was crooked.
"Your Lao Chen family can be considered to have brought honor to your ancestors."
Chen Pingjiang grinned.
Upon arriving at the company, everyone from the entire group also arrived.
Everyone was in sharp suits, full of vigor, with smiles on their faces.
"Chairman Chen, what if I say something wrong later?"
"What else can you do? Say one wrong thing, and a month's salary is docked."
"Ah!"
Li Xi cried with a long face:
"Wouldn't that be a whole year's salary docked?"
Even though Li Xi was quite knowledgeable now, his calves still trembled uncontrollably when facing such an occasion for the first time.
Just past eight in the morning, Renren.com employees on every floor of the Shuangzixing Headquarters were on high alert, giving their utmost attention.
Normally, they could slack off at work, but today they didn't even dare to touch their phones.
They represented Renren.com's employee image.
If they were caught slacking off and broadcast on the 7 PM news, that would be a huge problem.
The big leader hadn't arrived yet, and relevant personnel from the district, city, and province checked again and again, ensuring everything was okay.
Among the crowd were several young people in suits, with sharp eyes and agile figures; it was clear these people were out of the ordinary.
One most obvious characteristic was that these people all walked with the same strange posture: ordinary people swing both arms when walking, but they only swung their left arm, their right arm remaining still.
Even more obviously, it was so hot in the middle of summer that everyone else wore shirts, but these people wore jackets.
Was there any need to explain their identity?
It wasn't until half past nine that several police cars suddenly sped by with their lights flashing, followed by four motorcycle escorts.
In the middle of the motorcade was a Hongqi sedan, and at the end were two Coaster buses in a row.
Chen Pingjiang took a deep breath and thought to himself:
"They're here!"
(End of Chapter)