Reborn with Consumption System

Second, proposed a practical approach, proving Han Lie’s strategic value.

Third, only provided insights at the strategic level without speaking on specific details, clearly indicating a fundamental attitude of not intervening in particular management.

What is meant by strategic-level capability?

This is it.

Zhang Yiming fell into thought, Zhang Lidong was overwhelmed with excitement, Zhang Nan and Chen Lin applauded...

To be fair, if given enough time to discuss in meetings, it would inevitably lead to a similar conclusion—development is paramount, let’s start first, don’t overthink it, take it one step at a time.

Then, after gradual adjustments, the same measures would be practically adopted.

When control is relaxed, take big strides. When control is strict, apply rigorous action across the platform to show attitude.

Later, a web novel platform called Dianniang Chinese Website implemented a similar ’swinging policy,’ sometimes loose, sometimes strict, often leaving authors at a loss.

Therefore, at times when authors confront the platform, it is really unreasonable; the fundamental conflict lies in the broader environment, where every individual is but a speck in the era, and the platform is at most a sand dune.

However, active versus passive, in terms of freedom and tolerance, naturally there is a significant difference.

Han Lie’s clear discourse could bring tremendous initiative to Toutiao, possessing very significant positive meaning.

The difference between a genius and an ordinary person lies precisely in this little bit of advance.

Genius: Discerns the subtleties and makes early moves.

Ordinary: Discusses in meetings, doing while observing.

The results seem the same but are far apart.

"Teacher Han, I have learned so much!"

Zhang Lidong was so excited that he nearly burned his fingers with his cigarette, effortlessly calling out Teacher Han’s name.

Zhang Nan and Zhang Yiming could understand his joy; indeed, whether Toutiao or Duanzi, the real risk never came from the market.

There are fundamentally no competitive products in the market, with data from both products continuously experiencing explosive growth.

The ZZ risk that Han Lie mentioned truly hit the root of the issue.

Moreover, not only did he speak about it, he also provided a general approach to solve it, which is not merely impressive but can be considered as a guiding beacon.

"Yiming, Sister Nan, I personally agree to accept Teacher Han’s investment. What about you?"

Zhang Lidong expressed himself solemnly.

Under normal circumstances, he should have discussed it with everyone separately during an internal meeting afterward, but he couldn’t wait and wanted Han Lie to know his "sincerity" now.

Zhang Yiming snapped out of his contemplation, nodded decisively: "I think we should go for it; I very much hope to work with Teacher Han."

Zhang Nan cast the third vote in agreement: "Agreed, Teacher Han has brought me tremendous surprise."

After a pause, she asked: "Now there’s only one question, can Teacher Han accept our $500 million valuation?"

Han Lie smiled.

Not exactly sinister or captivating, but it did have a trace of the charisma of one who doesn’t regard money as money.

"Five hundred million? If you’re willing to let me take all the shares, I’ll give you a $600 million valuation!"

Whoa!

Zhang Yiming and the rest were stunned again...

Never seen such a thing!

Even the likes of Shen Nanpeng and Lei Jun, when discussing valuations, would haggle over every penny, negotiating conditions tightly.

This is normal business practice, a process that must be followed.

Why are you not playing by the rules?!

Actually, Han Lie just wanted quick resolution.

The opinion of Zhang Yiming’s team is undoubtedly most important when deciding who to enter the fray, but exactly who holds how much shares will depend on how other investors compete.

If Tianhang has to sit down and discuss this with Sequoia and Shunwei, it will surely drag on for a long time.

It’s better to tackle it from the root, taking advantage of Zhang Yiming and others’ current goodwill to directly push all opponents out.

As for the extra money spent... does it even equal a single rising limit for me?!

Zhang Lidong was so flustered that he stammered: "No-no, Teacher Han, are you serious?"

Han Lie replied earnestly: "I never joke about serious matters."

After giving them a bit of time to react, Han Lie spoke very sincerely again, praising each of them individually.

"I particularly admire Yiming, pragmatic science and engineering men are not uncommon, but maintaining a heart of innocence, being able to elevate idealism to a romantic level, is exceedingly rare.

And Mr. Zhang is even more of an idealistic and determined manager; I especially appreciate your exploration of the company’s values and cultural foundations. If you can always maintain it, completely eliminating the large company disease from ByteDance, what reason do we have not to succeed?

As for Sister Zhang, you have an astonishing talent in the UGC field!

Before coming here, I carefully reviewed the development of Toutiao’s creator program, which started in January; now, just over two months later, the platform’s vitality has shocked me.

Through today’s interaction, I discovered you are a very rare entrepreneurial team, perfectly compatible, completely complementary, even more precious are the shared interests, gathered together by dreams, mutual recognition, mutual trust...

Truly, what reason do we have not to succeed?

We are gathered together, destined for greatness!

I’m not even considering IPOs right now; if necessary, we’ll ring the bell at Nasdaq, and if not, we alone can lead another frontier of the Internet!

So, how could $500 million be enough?

I’ll give you an additional $20 million, unleash and burn it all!"

Whoa!

Are you bloody kidding me, cult leader?!