Chapter 1139: No Easy Bargains

After handling matters at Jinshu, Chen Qing headed to the Rose Garden Villa area in the CP District.

Jill Peckett and Zhao Annie were already waiting there. The afternoon was dedicated to listening to the design company present the latest planning proposal for the Rose Garden Villa area.

Last year, in order to secure the Rose Garden project in the CP District, the Westeros system had ultimately paid only 460 million RMB after debt restructuring. Given the current land prices in the Changping area, the 800-acre villa area alone was worth 500 million RMB, making it a significant bargain.

Of course, it wasn’t that no one else had noticed the opportunity. In fact, from the initial developers to the last investor before the Westeros system took over, everyone had been drawn to the project by the potential for profit. Unfortunately, some had been ruined, others had gone bankrupt, some had ended up in prison, and one had even lost their life.

This showed that the bargain wasn’t so easy to take advantage of.

The reason the Westeros system had been able to secure it ultimately came down to strength.

Including the previously finalized Xiangshan Golf Villa area, the Westeros system now had three major real estate projects in Beijing.

And this was just the beginning.

According to Simon’s plan, several real estate companies the Westeros system had invested in last year—Evergrande, Country Garden, and Levison Group itself—were all aggressively acquiring land this year.

Simon knew this was the best opportunity to buy at the bottom.

The outbreak of the Southeast Asian financial crisis would further exacerbate the already struggling Chinese real estate industry, so land prices in major cities wouldn’t be too high. On the other hand, Simon’s greatest advantage was that while no one else could see the situation clearly, he remembered that starting in 1998, in order to stimulate the Chinese economy after the Southeast Asian financial crisis, the Chinese government had officially established a national policy to vigorously support the development of the real estate industry.

By getting ahead of the curve, the Westeros system would gain immeasurable potential advantages.

Of course, Simon wasn’t being reckless.

The current investment focus remained on prime locations in China’s core cities, particularly those that Simon remembered would develop well in the future.

And the emphasis was on stability.

The Westeros system didn’t need to take radical risks. While others might aim for 30% annual growth, even if the Westeros system only grew by 10%, its sheer size would leave other capital far behind.

Chen Qing stayed at the Rose Garden until the end of the workday and then attended an evening gathering of the internet industry in Beijing.

After the North American tech bubble burst in March, the still-nascent internet industry in China had also been filled with pessimism. However, Simon was well aware that informatization was an inevitable trend for the future. Therefore, while others were reducing or even halting their investments in the internet industry, the Westeros system would only continue to increase its bets.

China was definitely a top priority.

Moreover, Simon’s strategy for China remained focused on investment, rather than having the Westeros system’s internet companies directly enter the market. After all, certain future risks had to be considered, and staying behind the scenes was undoubtedly safer. As a result, internet platforms like eGroups, which already had a significant presence in China, would even gradually withdraw in the future.

By the time Chen Qing returned to the courtyard house in Mao’er Hutong, it was already past 11 p.m.

Zhu Momo and Li Youhu were already asleep.

While other women might have complained about the constant running around and exhaustion, Chen Qing still found joy in it. After a hot bath assisted by the Jiang sisters, Chen Qing didn’t go to bed but continued reading materials in the study in the inner courtyard.

She would be leaving tomorrow.

The first stop was Zhuhai, to the south.

This was mainly related to the Giant Group, which her boss had been keeping an eye on for over half a year. Recently, after its capital chain broke and being unable to recover, the group had finally gone bankrupt, and the ambitious Giant Building had become an unfinished project.

Chen Qing had once asked her boss if they should take over the Giant Building, as Zhuhai and Shenzhen were both special economic zones, and the nature of the Giant Building was somewhat similar to the Rose Garden—both were very cost-effective.

Unfortunately, her boss hadn’t agreed and hadn’t explained why.

Chen Qing had privately speculated and roughly figured out that, compared to Shenzhen, her boss wasn’t optimistic about the future development of Zhuhai, which had also been booming in recent years.

In other words, among the four special economic zones that had been hot in recent years—Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou, and Xiamen—her boss only valued Shenzhen and was indifferent to the others. This could easily be discerned from the intentional or unintentional industry layout.

Chen Qing never doubted Simon’s judgment.

In addition to meeting with the head of the Giant Group, there was also the matter of Excellence Technology.

In early June of last year, the long-prepared Excellence Computer had officially launched. The Excellence B-10 series, which used the "barrel theory" as a gimmick, had shipped 297,000 units to date. Due to the entirely direct sales model, annual sales had approached 1.5 billion RMB.

Although China’s PC shipments in 1996 had ultimately reached 5.3 million units, and based on the first half of this year’s data, PC shipments in 1996 were expected to reach 7 to 8 million units, Excellence’s market share still seemed insignificant. However, compared to the initial weekly shipment of 1,700 units, Excellence’s current weekly shipments had reached 8,000 units, with a market share of nearly 6%.

With the lowered barriers for personal computers, just like the television industry a few years ago, hundreds of large and small PC companies had emerged in China in recent years, all hoping to capitalize on the new tech wave and, if possible, make it big.

However, in the past year, the only PC company that had truly broken through in this fiercely competitive market was Excellence.

Excellence’s nearly 6% market share, compared to other PC companies that hadn’t made a splash, already placed it in the quasi-first tier.

Seeing Excellence’s rapid development, first-tier manufacturers like Lenovo had finally started to take notice.

Unfortunately, while Excellence’s seemingly simple low-cost direct sales model was difficult to replicate, an important foundation for following this model was growing from small to large. For already first-tier or even bloated PC companies, trying to follow this approach would only plunge them into the quagmire of losses.

In short, all they could do was be vigilant.

Unless they resorted to some unconventional methods, Excellence’s development momentum was almost unstoppable.

According to the Excellence team’s estimates, by the end of 1997, Excellence’s market share would increase to around 10%, and by next year, this number would further grow to 15% to 20%, making it a major player in the Chinese PC market.

On the other hand, while Excellence was developing rapidly, there were still hidden concerns.

The product line was ultimately too thin.

However, Chen Qing, who was well aware of the company’s strengths, wasn’t in a hurry to expand the PC product line. This trip was mainly to discuss adding new product types.

Digital music players.

This had already been discussed with her boss. The iPlayer from Tingke Baier had entered China, including products like the iCam and iRec. However, due to their high prices, they were considered luxury items. In contrast, domestic knockoff manufacturers had quickly risen.

Although limited by patent barriers and unable to expand abroad, these knockoff music player manufacturers had developed rapidly in China thanks to their low prices.

Chen Qing had discussed with her boss that rather than letting others mess around, Excellence should get involved.

Simon had never been particularly impressed with Excellence, and under her boss’s influence, Chen Qing’s vision had also become broader and more far-reaching, and she no longer held Excellence in high regard. Therefore, the development strategy for the company was simple: grow rapidly, go public, and then cash out.

Thus, if Excellence could add a popular music player product line, it would significantly increase its future IPO valuation.

The next day was Thursday, May 29.

While Chen Qing was having breakfast, Zhu Momo came over, looking hesitant.

Chen Qing signaled Jiang Shanwu to serve the girl some breakfast as well. After Zhu Momo sat down beside her, Chen Qing leisurely finished a small bowl of porridge before saying, "Someone’s approached you again?"

Chen Qing’s question was out of the blue, but Zhu Momo understood immediately.

It was about the Hollywood exchange program.

Zhu Momo nodded and said, "Sister Chen, has the list been finalized?"

"Not yet."

Zhu Momo was immediately frustrated.

This matter had been bothering her recently, and she even felt some resentment toward a certain man for his unnecessary actions and delays. Since this had been decided, why not finalize it quickly and save her from being constantly bothered?

Chen Qing continued eating and, after a moment, added, "You can just tell them you have no say in this matter."

Zhu Momo said with a bitter face, "I did, but they don’t believe me."

The list of 30 people for the exchange program had been entirely entrusted to Chen Qing by Simon. Half of the spots were reserved for favors, and Chen Qing occasionally gave out one or two, like she had with Ren Jingxi last time. However, she hadn’t given in for Zhu Momo.

This was mainly because Ren Jingxi was someone who got things done, and giving her a spot would be useful.

For Zhu Momo, giving out a spot would basically yield no returns.

Chen Qing was very clear about these calculations and shrugged, "Then there’s nothing to be done. However, the list will definitely be finalized this month. In any case, if anyone else approaches you, just ignore them."

Zhu Momo could only nod.

The two continued eating breakfast, and after a while, Zhu Momo added, "Sister Chen, can I occasionally bring classmates over to play?"

"Male or female?"

"Of course, female."

"Sure."

"..."

Chen Qing smiled and looked at her, "Did you want me to say no?"

"No," Zhu Momo paused before saying, "Actually, I’m not that keen on bringing people over to play either."

"I understand."

Zhu Momo blinked, "What?"

"You’re alone, and probably can’t handle our boss, so you want to find a helper. However, the idea of sharing your man with another woman is something you’re reluctant to do. So you came to me looking for a way to make yourself feel better about it."

Zhu Momo immediately blushed, "Sister Chen, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"Then pretend I didn’t say anything."

"..."

"I’ve seen your classmates’ profiles, and a few of them are quite good. You can quietly develop them, and if needed, I can help create opportunities for you next time."

"Sister Chen, enjoy your meal."

Seeing Zhu Momo get up and flee, Chen Qing didn’t try to stop her.

On the other side, after returning to her own wing, Zhu Momo realized she was still holding a bowl of red bean porridge. She sat down dejectedly in the dining area of her wing, where Mo Wuling was also having breakfast. Seeing her like this, Mo Wuling smiled and asked, "What did you go talk to Chen Qing about? Did she kick you out?"

Zhu Momo shook her head, "No."

Mo Wuling just smiled and said, "Hurry up and eat, you still have to go to class later."

Hearing this, Zhu Momo almost wanted to bang her head on the table to get injured and avoid going to class. Seeing her aunt’s smiling face, she felt even more frustrated and said, "Auntie, I think you don’t really need to stay by my side. You could go do something of your own."

Mo Wuling half-jokingly said, "The benefits for this job are so good, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do."

Zhu Momo pouted, "Then why have you been auditing classes recently?"

Actually, Zhu Momo wanted to say, was it to compete with a certain best friend who had betrayed her?

But she was afraid of getting a knock on the head.

Mo Wuling didn’t say much.

She had indeed been auditing various courses at the Central Academy of Drama recently, and perhaps... there was also some intention of competing with Ren Jingxi. After all, what had happened last time was really upsetting. She had been so good to her, how could she do that? Stealing her niece’s man, could she be any more shameless?

However, Mo Wuling herself didn’t know if she was really angry because Ren Jingxi had stolen her niece’s man.

Or perhaps.

Something else she absolutely refused to admit.

For example... Ren Jingxi could steal, but she couldn’t.

Hmm.

Definitely not that.

In any case, Ren Jingxi’s betrayal had made Mo Wuling decide not to continue living a lukewarm life. Additionally, she had had some ideas a long time ago, so she had recently started working toward certain goals.

However, compared to Ren Jingxi’s rapid progress in starting to get things done, Mo Wuling’s progress was much slower.

Mainly because she wasn’t determined enough.

And Mo Wuling absolutely didn’t want to be seen as competing with Ren Jingxi.

Seeing her aunt frowning thoughtfully, Zhu Momo didn’t press further. After thinking for a moment, she added, "Auntie, what do you think about me going into behind-the-scenes work in the future?"

Mo Wuling looked up, "What?"

"I mean, I could go into behind-the-scenes work," Zhu Momo said, even gesturing above her head, "I’m too tall to have a future as an actress. Modeling is a career that can’t last long; it’s just a youthful job. So, why not go into behind-the-scenes work? With Jinshu expanding so much, I’m sure I can find something to do."

Mo Wuling asked, "What do you want to do?"

Zhu Momo had just been thinking out loud, but when her aunt asked, she started to ponder seriously. However, she couldn’t immediately figure out what she was suited for.