OBS Chapter 106 CCTV Interview
Chapter 106 CCTV Interview
Chapter 106 CCTV Interview (6k views, requesting monthly votes)
The office of the "Finance Weekly" program team on CCTV's Finance Channel in Beijing is filled with the aroma of coffee.
Director Wang Jianjun, carrying a thermos filled with goji berries and chrysanthemums, walked through the open-plan office area, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Haoran, who was writing and drawing in front of the whiteboard, before he stopped.
"Xiao Zhou, I've reviewed the proposal for the trip to Shanghai. The framework is fine. The interview with Century Family Network was arranged by Ms. Xu Xiaoping, so make sure you're well-prepared and do an in-depth analysis."
Wang Jianjun took a sip of tea and continued, "They are industry leaders and are preparing for an IPO, making them an excellent case study for observing the marriage and dating economy."
"Understood, Director Wang. The information is already being investigated further." Zhou Haoran turned around and replied happily.
Seeing that Wang Jianjun was about to leave, Zhou Haoran hesitated for a moment, then called out to him, "Director Wang, Xiao Zheng and I have another idea—we'd like to hear your opinion."
"Oh? Tell me about it." Wang Jianjun turned around.
"The recent popularity of the dating show 'If You Are the One' on Jiangsu TV has also boosted the popularity of a platform called 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker.' Wang Qinqin, a female guest recommended by them, has also gained widespread attention and generated a lot of buzz."
"I was thinking, since we're going to Shanghai, could we take the opportunity to interview the matchmaker from Jiaotong University?"
Zhou Haoran is 32 years old, single, and has been working in the industry for 8 years. He is a senior reporter for Caijing Weekly and the planner of this program.
She recently watched the dating show "If You Are the One" and, after Wang Qinqin became famous, she followed the trail to investigate "Jiaotong University Matchmaker". The more she studied it, the more she felt that the platform model was novel.
The slogan "Let the excellent you no longer be excellent alone" particularly touched her, which sparked her idea to conduct an interview.
"Jiaotong University Matchmaker?" Wang Jianjun frowned. "Is this a dating website similar to Century Home Network? I've never heard of it."
Zhou Haoran quickly shook his head and replied, "No, this is a student entrepreneurship project from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Its model focuses on high-quality social activities, and the gameplay is very innovative. It's quite different from the purely online model of Century Home Network. I think it's particularly suitable for our '2010 New Economy Observation' topic."
Wang Jianjun took another sip of goji berry tea and said cautiously, "Our theme for this episode is the marriage and dating economy. Our interview with Century Family Network is to analyze the listing prospects of a mature company. Adding a college student entrepreneurship project at the last minute—won't that lower the professional tone of the program?"
"Director Wang, I think it's the exact opposite. We can use a contrasting narrative: on one side, an industry giant about to go public; on the other, a fledgling industry newcomer. On one side, a purely online model; on the other, a new offline approach. This kind of contrast creates tension."
"Yes, Director Wang, and this Jiaotong University matchmaker has quite a story to tell." Zheng Yuxi, the intern director next to him, couldn't help but interject.
"Oh? How so?" Wang Jianjun asked.
"Jiaotong University Matchmaker" became a sensation in Shanghai in less than three months, attracting users who are all highly educated elites. One of my classmates from Fudan University participated and gave it a perfect score!
Zheng Yuxi continued, "I also watched their founder's candid speech on Youku. It was very moving and full of positive energy! I'll find the video for you to watch."
As he spoke, he immediately found the video of Geng Zhi's mobilization speech before the first episode of "If You Are the One" in his Youku video favorites.
"Hmm, this young man has a lot of presence, and what he says is very positive," Wang Jianjun couldn't help but nod in approval.
"Yes, Director Wang, he's straightforward and photogenic, the show will definitely be great," Zhou Haoran quickly added.
Wang Jianjun unconsciously tapped the inside of the thermos cup with his right index finger, clearly weighing his options.
After a long pause, he spoke up: "Won't Xu Xiaoping think we're overstepping our bounds? After all, she was introduced by Century Family Network."
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Zhou Haoran smiled and said, "Director Wang, Professor Xu is a famous angel investor. He appreciates innovative projects the most. If we can find a promising new model and introduce it to him, he will be even happier."
A smile finally appeared on Wang Jianjun's face. He pointed at Zhou Haoran and shook his head: "You always manage to convince me with some twisted logic. Okay, Xiao Zhou, Xiao Zheng, you two quickly come up with an interview plan and outline for me to take a look at. If it's suitable, we can do a small interview while we're at it."
On the other side, Building 2 of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Science and Technology Innovation Park.
Geng Zhi and Li Haipeng led Ma Chunmei, Ma Wenbiao, and Attorney Chen into the brand-new 315 office.
The previously noisy office area instantly became quiet.
The twenty busy employees stopped what they were doing, stood up, and all turned their eyes toward the door, especially focusing on Ma Chunmei, who was wearing a brand-new wool coat.
Before Geng Zhi and his group arrived, Du Yujiao had already informed them that the CEO would officially start work today, so no one was too surprised; they were just curious.
Du Yujiao, Shu Beibei, Sun Xiaowen, and others wore professional smiles, while Yang Mingxia openly expressed her dissatisfaction, her lips pursed and her eyes revealing undisguised hostility.
Geng Zhi, meeting everyone's gaze, stepped aside, raised his hand, and pointed to Ma Chunmei and the other two, introducing them loudly: "Ladies and gentlemen, let me formally introduce you to our CEO, Ma Chunmei; these two are Mr. Ma Wenbiao, Ms. Ma's special assistant; and Mr. Chen, the company's legal counsel. Please welcome them!"
After the introduction, Geng Zhi took the lead in applauding.
Li Haipeng, Zhang Xinxin, and others followed closely behind, and the office erupted in fairly enthusiastic applause.
"Alright," Geng Zhi smiled and stepped aside, gesturing for everyone to speak. "Now, let's invite Mr. Ma to say a few words to everyone."
Ma Chunmei took a light breath, stepped forward, straightened her back, and said, "First of all, I must thank Geng Zhi and Li Haipeng for managing the company so well for me during my exam preparation period."
"I have a marketing background and come from a business family." She paused slightly, then used the most straightforward approach, "My family has assets worth hundreds of millions. Going forward, I will lead everyone, and the Jiaotong University matchmaking team, to continue reaching new heights!"
The phrase "assets exceeding 100 million" sent a shockwave through many people.
Ma Chunmei's carefully crafted persona was working, and the applause in the office suddenly became enthusiastic, with many employees showing surprise and excitement in their eyes.
Zhang Xinxin clapped especially enthusiastically, her palms turning bright red.
"Secondly, I have some great news to share!" Ma Chunmei exclaimed excitedly, "Through the joint efforts of Geng Zhi and me, 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' has successfully reached a Pre-A round financing agreement with Baihe.com and Jinshajiang Venture Capital, raising 630 million yuan and valuing the company at 1800 million yuan!"
"Wow—!"
"A valuation of 1800 million?"
This stark figure sparked an even bigger uproar.
Even Yang Mingxia, who had been keeping a straight face, widened her eyes instantly, her face filled with shock.
"Once the financing funds are in place, I will also assume the position of chairman of the company." Ma Chunmei emphasized this point to further establish her authoritative image.
"Mr. Ma, when will the 630 million arrive in your account?" Zhang Xinxin asked, unable to contain her excitement.
"Mr. Mu from Baihe.com promised to speed things up—speed up that investigation. If the investigation is successful, the funds will be released immediately. It's said to be faster than the usual financing process."
"Mr. Ma is awesome!" Zhang Xinxin immediately chimed in with a smile, then seized the opportunity to ask, "So, in the future, will Mr. Ma give us an increase in our internship salary?"
Seeing Zhang Xinxin skillfully provide the opening line, Ma Chunmei gave him an approving look and said loudly, "Of course! As long as you follow my instructions and work hard, I, Ma Chunmei, guarantee you a raise!"
"Thank you, Mr. Ma!" Zhang Xinxin and two of his close employees immediately responded loudly.
Making a reasonable promise of a raise was one of the strategies that Ma Wencai, Attorney Chen, and Ma Chunmei had agreed upon to "win people's hearts".
After a long period of lurking in the project group and attending several recent key meetings, Ma Chunmei has gained a considerable understanding of the company's business structure and personnel composition.
She's not stupid; in fact, she's quite capable of learning. She just severely lacks practical management experience.
According to the plan of the father and lawyer Chen, in the early stages, they will still need to rely on Geng Zhi's technical skills and Li Haipeng's down-to-earth operation, but they will gradually sideline them.
The core of this "empty shell" approach lies in firmly controlling "money" and "people".
The money means taking back the company's official seal and financial seal, and every expenditure of the company in the future must be approved by her.
On the one hand, the person uses promotions and salary increases to win over existing key personnel, and on the other hand, they start recruiting their own "loyal followers" to eventually gain complete control over personnel appointments and dismissals.
Promising a pay rise is the first step in winning people's hearts.
Geng Zhi then introduced the core members of the office to Ma Chunmei one by one. Following her father Ma Wencai's advice, Ma Chunmei announced two "friendly" new regulations, thus concluding the CEO's introduction.
"Mr. Ma, this private cubicle inside has been reserved for you. You can use it as your CEO office from now on. What do you think?" Du Yujiao asked, pointing to the glass cubicle inside the office.
Ma Chunmei walked in and looked around. The room wasn't large, but it was bright and clean.
Her tone was flat, with a hint of "reluctant acceptance": "It's a bit small, but we'll make do for now. We'll get a more impressive one when the company grows bigger in the future."
As soon as Geng Zhi, Ma Chunmei, and the others entered the small office inside, an uncontrollable buzz of discussion immediately rose from the office area outside.
Zhang Xinxin and a few others were in high spirits and had already begun to imagine the bright financial prospects after the financing was secured.
Yang Mingxia then pulled Shu Beibei and Sun Xiaowen along, using the excuse of getting water, and quickly walked out of the office.
As soon as she entered the break room, she couldn't help but complain: "What kind of business family is this, with assets exceeding 100 million? Who are they trying to impress! 'Jiaotong University Matchmaker' owes its success entirely to Boss Geng and Brother Peng leading us step by step! What does Ma Chunmei have to do with it? Has she contributed a single day?"
Seeing that her face was red with anger, Shu Beibei quickly patted her back to comfort her: "Mingxia, calm down, don't say that—"
"I'm going to say it anyway!"
Yang Mingxia grew angrier as she spoke, even blurting out things Li Haipeng had repeatedly told her to keep secret: "Beibei, Xiaowen, you have no idea! Brother Peng told me how shameless she and her coal mine owner father are! They forced Boss Geng to take 50% of the shares! How can there be such a thing as fairness?"
"Huh?" Shu Beibei and Sun Xiaowen's eyes widened simultaneously. "Then—did the boss give it to us?"
"The boss finally—compromised!" Yang Mingxia's voice choked, her eyes reddening. "That's why I'm so angry! I really want to post this online and let netizens judge!"
Upon hearing this, Shu Beibei felt a sense of doubt.
Based on her understanding of Geng Zhi, would that shrewd, composed, and unpredictable boss really be so easily manipulated and suffer such a great loss?
"If she really becomes the chairperson, who knows what she'll do to the company! It's terrifying to even think about! At that time—I really don't want to work here anymore!" Yang Mingxia leaned against the wall in dejection.
"Mingxia, have you forgotten what the boss told us privately the other day?" Sun Xiaowen comforted her gently. "He said that we're gathered here not to work for some boss, but to fulfill our vision of helping lonely people achieve excellence without feeling alone. We are always serving our users."
"Sister Xiaowen, I remember this." Yang Mingxia nodded. "But if the person leading us is unworthy of their position and is going in the wrong direction, can we still do this job well and be worthy of our users?"
Seeing Yang Mingxia's heartbroken and angry expression, Sun Xiaowen couldn't bear it. Ignoring Geng Zhi's special instructions to keep it a secret, she whispered, "The boss said she's incubating a new project and will take us away."
"Oh! Really!" Yang Mingxia was initially overjoyed, but then her spirits plummeted. "But why didn't the boss tell us? Does he not want to take me and Beibei with him?"
"Of course not! It's just that I was afraid you two wouldn't be able to keep it a secret, so I had to keep it a secret for now. The boss repeatedly told me, and now that I'm telling you, you absolutely must keep your mouths shut and not tell anyone!" Sun Xiaowen repeatedly instructed.
"Absolutely confidential!" Yang Mingxia and Shu Beibei said in unison, their eyes immediately lighting up.
Women do have a different understanding of the word "secrecy" than men.
Ring ring—!
Shu Beibei's phone rang; it was Li Haipeng calling.
[Li Haipeng]: "Beibei, President Ma wants you, the new CMO, to come to his office immediately for a high-level management meeting."
In the CEO's office of "Jiaotong University Matchmaker".
Ma Chunmei was already seated in a chair behind her desk, with Ma Wenbiao and Attorney Chen on either side. Geng Zhi, Li Haipeng, and Shu Beibei sat opposite her.
"Gengzhi, Haipeng, Beibei, let's synchronize your work priorities for the next two weeks." Ma Chunmei tried her best to imitate the demeanor of a strong woman on TV.
-
Geng Zhi gestured to Li Haipeng to speak first.
"Mr. Ma, I will be leading a team on a business trip to Nanjing next. We will use the local resources provided by Baihe.com to open up the Nanjing market as soon as possible," Li Haipeng reported.
"Very good, be quick." Ma Chunmei nodded, then turned to Shu Beibei, "President Shu, what about you over here?"
Shu Beibei sat up straight and reported to her supervisor, "President Ma, in addition to cooperating with President Li on the initial market warm-up in Jinling, I have also focused on planning a series of purely online CP (couple) interactive games. Once the new features of the boss's website—President Geng's website—are launched, we can promote them on a large scale simultaneously."
"What exactly are the rules? Tell me in more detail," Ma Chunmei pressed.
"That is, we follow a city-based approach, based on the user—"
Shu Beibei gave a general overview of how the online seven-day couple activity works.
"Great, this is a good idea. It can be promoted in multiple cities simultaneously." Ma Chunmei understood and then asked, "How long will it take to roll it out?"
"The planning scheme and operational details have been completed. As for the promotion time, it depends on the progress of the website development on President Geng's side," Shu Beibei said slowly.
Ma Chunmei immediately turned her questioning gaze to Geng Zhi.
Geng Zhi looked troubled and said frankly, "Mr. Ma, our technical department is currently short of both manpower and funds, and it will probably take at least two months."
"Two months?" Ma Chunmei was clearly taken aback when she heard this.
She clearly remembers that during the financing negotiations, Geng Zhi's straightforward vision for online transformation and his ability to rapidly iterate were among the key points that impressed Zhu Xiaohu and Mu Yan.
Zhu Xiaohu initially criticized their expansion as conservative and lacking the explosive potential of the internet. How come it suddenly became "at least two months" when it came to actual implementation?
Ma Chunmei herself didn't understand the technology, so she subconsciously looked to her uncle Ma Wenbiao for help.
Ma Wenbiao knew absolutely nothing about internet technology.
But he clearly remembered showing screenshots of the website's backend to investors, confidently stating that the new features would be launched soon.
These statements don't match up!
"Xiao Geng," Ma Wenbiao couldn't help but ask, "When you were talking to the investors before, didn't you say that the new website features were developing quickly and would be available soon? How come it's taking two months now?"
"Mr. Ma, if I didn't say it that way, would we be able to get such a high valuation from investors?" Geng Zhi explained with a smile.
The title "Second Master Ma" made Ma Wenbiao pause for a moment, feeling it was a bit strange, but he didn't have time to investigate it further.
He carefully considered Geng Zhi's words and realized that lying in order to secure investment was actually quite reasonable.
Geng Zhi continued to explain, "We've been focusing on offline operations, and we don't have a single employee in the technology department. It's all thanks to my senior colleague, Song Qing, who's been helping out voluntarily. But my senior colleague also has his own mentor's projects, so he can't possibly have that much time to help us with development."
Ma Wenbiao wanted to say, "Aren't you a CT0 yourself? Can't you step up?" but he swallowed the words back, afraid that asking an uninformed question would make him look foolish.
"Yes, we did mention this difficulty before," Ma Chunmei nodded. "Then we'll hire people, and if we need money, the three of us shareholders will contribute proportionally."
"Mr. Ma, the investors' money will be coming in soon, so we don't need to spend our own money anymore, right?" Geng Zhi first smiled at Ma Chunmei, then looked at Ma Wenbiao and Lawyer Chen.
"That's right!" Ma Wenbiao nodded. "Xiao Geng is absolutely right."
"The investors' money won't arrive for at least a month, which is equivalent to after the New Year, right? Marketing is all about speed; if you're slow at one step, you'll be slow at every step." Ma Chunmei shook her head.
"Then—how about we discuss with the investors and get a bridge loan first?" Geng Zhi suggested.
Upon hearing this, Ma Wenbiao pondered for a moment, then looked at Attorney Chen: "Attorney Chen, what's your opinion?"
"Mr. Ma, the interest rates on bridge loans are quite high. Even if the investors agree, it's not worth it for us." After considering it for a moment, Attorney Chen suggested, "How about we take out a loan? You three shareholders can lend the company the money first, and then pay it back to you once the financing is in place."
Attorney Chen's suggestion was indeed from the perspective of the company's interests.
Ma Wenbiao thought it was feasible and sought Ma Chunmei's opinion with his eyes.
"How much money do you need to borrow?" Ma Chunmei asked.
"60 is enough."
"Okay, then let's split this loan between you, Haipeng, and me according to our shareholding ratio, how about that?" Ma Chunmei is smart now. Even though her family is rich, she still splits everything according to the ratio and never suffers a loss.
Geng Zhi looked troubled and awkwardly said, "But—I don't have any money in my pocket."
"Didn't we just transfer a 100 million deposit to you?"
"Oh, I heard from my mom that her friend at the bank said that the price of gold might skyrocket in the future, so I used all of my 100 million to buy gold."
Ma Chunmei, Ma Wenbiao, Attorney Chen, Li Haipeng, Shu Beibei:
'
The meeting room fell silent for a few seconds; the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.
Ultimately, the loan plan was quickly finalized: Ma Chunmei would personally lend the company 54 yuan, and Li Haipeng would lend 6 yuan, with the agreement that the principal and interest would be repaid as soon as the financing was received.
Geng Zhi immediately sent a text message to Du Yujiao outside: "Start an emergency technical recruitment drive. Salary range can be increased by 30%. Recruit people as soon as possible."
He doesn't mind spending investors' money to incubate his own projects and giving benefits to employees.
Ring ring!
Geng Zhi's phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and felt a slight chill run down his spine—it was Professor Qi Chuqin.
Old Qi calling me directly, that probably isn't a good thing, is it?
[Straightforward]: "Professor Qi, hello!"
[Qi Chuqin]: "Xiao Geng! Vice Principal Yang Jinqian just called me. He's the same Vice Principal Yang who was a judge during the startup roadshow. He said CCTV is coming to interview you, and you need to prepare in advance."
[Straightforward]: "CCTV interviewed me?"
Upon hearing this, everyone else in the room immediately perked up their ears, widened their eyes, and looked at Geng Zhi.
[Qi Chuqin]: "Yes, it's the 'Interview with Jiaotong University Matchmakers' project. We'll have to ask Vice President Yang for more details."
"Come over when you're free, I'll take you to see Vice Principal Yang."
After hanging up Professor Qi's call, Geng Zhi pondered for a moment, then smiled and looked at Ma Chunmei: "President Ma, Principal Yang said that CCTV wants to interview me, it's related to the popularity of our Jiaotong University's 'Matchmaker' project. Would you like to come along?"
Ma Chunmei's heart skipped a beat, and a huge surge of excitement and exhilaration rushed to her head!
This is a CCTV interview! It's a CCTV interview!
She certainly wouldn't let such a good opportunity to become famous slip by.
Ma Chunmei replied without hesitation, "Of course I'll participate! As the company's CEO, it's my duty to represent the company in this interview!"
She then pressed on, "Did Principal Yang specifically say that?"
"No, but I estimate it will be in the next few days." Geng Zhi shook his head.
"Oh————" Ma Chunmei was slightly disappointed, but her excitement did not diminish.
"Then, Mr. Ma, shall we go and meet Professor Qi and Vice Principal Yang now? Let's get a detailed understanding of the situation so we can make preparations in advance," Geng Zhi suggested.
"Okay! Let's go now!" Ma Chunmei immediately stood up, straightened her clothes, and her face was radiant.
Geng Zhi and Ma Chunmei arrived at Professor Qi Chuqin's office together.
"Hello, Professor Qi!" Ma Chunmei greeted him politely.
"Professor Qi, this is Ma Chunmei, the CEO of our Jiaotong University Matchmaker. You've met her at the roadshow," Geng Zhi introduced.
"Chunmei, hello, hello."
"Professor Qi, I have already signed an equity transfer agreement with Chunmei, and I will first take care of the shares I have—"
"Transfer half of the shares to her," Geng Zhi said, seizing the opportunity to explain.
"Yes, very good, very good!" Qi Chuqin said with a smile.
"The reason I didn't transfer everything to Chunmei is because I was afraid investors would worry that I was cashing out a large amount and wouldn't dare to continue investing in our Jiaotong University matchmaking service."
"Huh??" Upon hearing this, Qi Chuqin's thermos cup, which he had just picked up, froze in mid-air. He looked at Geng Zhi, J
"You—your Jiaotong University matchmaking service—has secured funding?"
"That's right, Professor Qi!" Ma Chunmei answered first, her face beaming with pride. "We just finalized our Pre-A round of financing, and the company's current valuation has reached 1800 million!"
"1800 million?" Qi Chuqin looked at Ma Chunmei in disbelief. He knew that "Jiaotong University Matchmaker" was famous, but he never expected it to be worth so much.
At this moment, Qi Chuqin's heart was filled with complex emotions, including shock, surprise, and—intense regret.
He owns his own company, so he knows what it means for a startup to be valued at 1800 million, and he knows even more how much the shares in Geng Zhi's hands are worth.
Qi Chuqin knew he had messed up, messed up badly.
He had previously expressed his expectation that Geng Zhi would focus on academics, but now he realized how much Geng Zhi had paid to listen to him and return to academia!
Xiao Geng, Professor Qi is so sorry!
"Professor Qi, are you alright?" Geng Zhi noticed that Professor Qi had been lost in thought and quickly asked with concern.
"No—it's nothing. Let's go see Vice Principal Yang Jinqian."
P.S.: It's almost the end of the month, could you please give me a monthly vote? Thanks!
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