Chapter 642: TikTok Plan

After the hottest days, the evening still held summer’s heat. The midday temperatures were high enough to give anyone a second thought about being outdoors.

Zhang Xuhao’s team had just returned from Shanghai, but soon they turned around to head to Alibaba’s headquarters in Hangcheng.

Without the financial backing, the takeaway market suffered passive beatings over time, making people feel desperately in need of a comeback.

Zhang Xuhao then set his sights on Alipay.

Indeed, he was not seeking Mr. Ma’s help at Alibaba, but Mr. Pang’s.

Since Alibaba had clearly indicated they wouldn’t support a pricey war, he thought of another way, integrating Hungry into Alipay to leverage this third-party payment tool for traffic.

Alipay’s CEO, Pang Rui personally welcomed him, not at the headquarters but at a restaurant named Mountain Retreat.

“It’s said that Pang Rui always chooses this restaurant to meet people she admires.”

“Moreover, many of Alipay’s collaborations are finalized here. Since 2009, a VIP room has always been reserved for her.”

Before coming, Chen Jiaxin had done extensive background checks for Zhang Xuhao. Seeing Pang Rui inviting them to this restaurant made her feel like success was halfway guaranteed.

Soon, Zhang Xuhao and Chen Jiaxin found themselves at Mountain Retreat, entering the permanently reserved VIP room.

Pang Rui, in a black long dress with a chiffon shawl, greeted them with a warm handshake.

“Ms. Pang, long time no see.”

“Ms. Zhang, long time indeed. Please, have a seat.”

“Actually, I’m here hoping that Hungry could…”

Pang Rui waved her hand, smiling, “Could we dine first, Mr. Zhang? I never like talking business on an empty stomach.”

Zhang Xuhao opened his mouth to speak but stopped, exchanging a glance with Chen Jiaxin before quietly sitting down.

As VIPs at Mountain Retreat, their dishes were served quickly, and Pang Rui invited them to taste the food.

After the first bite, both were slightly stunned.

Honestly, they had expected unparalleled delicacies here, yet the taste was hard to describe.

“Do you find it delicious?”

“The flavor is… quite unique. It’s unlike anything I’ve tasted.”

Zhang Xuhao didn’t say it was delicious or bad, he gave a neutral, unique feedback.

He was here to seek a partnership, hence couldn’t afford to offend Pang Rui, but he also avoided seeming too flattering, knowing she disliked sycophants.

Pang Rui, holding a bite-sized piece of sweet and sour pork, commented, “Uniquely terrible, isn’t it?”

Chen Jiaxin coughed, “It’s certainly a unique taste.”

“Perhaps.”

Pang Rui wiped her mouth, “You should know, I prefer not to discuss business at Alibaba. There’s a rumor that anyone I invite here usually has their deal half done.”

Zhang Xuhao nodded, “I’ve heard about this.”

“Do you know why?”

“Not really.”

“Actually, this restaurant was the place where Mr. Jiang Qin and I first met, where the Alipay-Group-Buy deal was sealed. I always feel this place is lucky.”

At these words, both men were slightly taken aback.

Pang Rui wiped her mouth and continued, “That year, he was only twenty, sat right where you are. He had nothing but bright eyes. Truthfully, I didn’t even plan to meet him initially.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xuhao slowly put down his chopsticks, while Chen Jiaxin’s eyes widened slightly.

The group-buying war was ultimately dictated by Jiang Qin when Alipay suddenly announced its partnership with Group-Buy.

The two companies started joint marketing, catching all competitors off guard with their advertisements.

Later, it was revealed the Alipay-Group-Buy agreement was signed back in 2009, when Alipay was still unlicensed and had been fined a large sum for it.

That was all the detail they were aware of, but for Chen Jiaxin, why Pang Rui accepted Jiang Qin’s invitation was still a mystery.

“Back then, Mr. Jiang told me he would set up a nationwide university forum to help Alipay expand quickly once it was licensed.”

“I asked what he wanted in return, and he wished for Group-Buy to become one of Alipay’s top partners.”

“However, Zhihu forum was only starting in the top cities, far from national coverage he described, and Alipay struggled to get a license. No one was optimistic about its future.”

“But Mr. Jiang said he believed in the era, so he wanted to bet with me. If he won, it meant free promotion for Alipay.”

“You know, in that situation, there was no loss for me. If we won, I gained a free marketing channel; if we lost, it cost me nothing.”

“By 2011, at the climax of the group-buying war, everything Mr. Jiang said came true.”

Pang Rui uncapped her water bottle and took a sip, “Ever since then, whenever I discuss partnerships, I prefer this place, hoping maybe I’d get some of Mr. Jiang’s luck.”

Chen Jiaxin’s mind was buzzing, “So that’s how the partnership came about…”

Zhang Xuhao sipped at the corners of his mouth, looking somewhat dazed.

From starting his business to leading the takeaway market, many said he was like Jiang Qin, with some even calling him ‘the second Jiang Qin’.

At first, he dismissed this as an insult, but after getting beaten up once, he realized it was actually a compliment.

Hearing Pang Rui speak of that time, he inadvertently became absorbed, understanding for the first time the foresighted strategy that defined the gap between him and Jiang Qin.

“I know you’re hoping Hungry could integrate with Alipay.”

Pang Rui’s tone shifted as she looked at Zhang Xuhao, “I’m welcoming of it, but not now.”

Zhang Xuhao looked up, “Why not?”

“Alipay’s online growth has reached its limit this year. We plan to promote offline payments, the scanning payment features, and we need Group-Buy’s help for this. Alibaba’s investments are separate from Alipay’s interest and nothing should hinder Alipay’s progress.”

As the unrivaled leader in the life-service sector, Group-Buy is closest to consumers, controlling numerous delivery riders and having the most professional offline promotion team.

The commercial zone of Xihan Heqing is also a primary target for Alipay’s offline payment scene.

Besides, they have powerful propaganda tools like Tonight’s Headlines and Zhihu.

Thus, Pang Rui wouldn’t take any step that could upset Group-Buy at this time, because dominating the payment market remains Alibaba’s top priority.

“But don’t panic, Mr. Zhang, I’ve arranged a fund with headquarters sufficient to cover Group-Buy’s takeaway expenses.”

Zhang Xuhao was taken aback, “Ms. Pang, what’s your plan?”

Pang Rui gave a slight smile, “Once we deploy offline payment channels, Alipay will become the nation’s biggest payment app. Traffic from e-commerce and Group-Buy will pass through Alipay, so will daily consumer traffic. Can you imagine its potential size?”

“…”

Zhang Xuhao and Chen Jiaxin exchanged a look, understanding Pang Rui’s strategy.

At the end of the group-buying craze, Group-Buy, by leveraging Alipay, had suppressed other group-buy sites and clinched the crown, but the biggest beneficiary was Alipay.

Because Alipay not only absorbed Group-Buy’s traffic but also increased its popularity through the war.

Pang Rui continued, “By then, integrating Hungry into Alipay, Koubi group buying into Alipay, along with other plans like Flying Pig travel, Taopiao and community group buying, even rental and finance… when all these are connected…”

Chen Jiaxin’s eyes widened, “Takeaway, group buying, ticket purchases, community grocery shopping, rental… Alipay will become a super-group app with payment features?”

“Exactly. I bet Mr. Jiang never imagined that what could defeat him wouldn’t be Public Review or Hungry, but a payment app that integrates all functions.”

“Business can indeed work like this…”

“Perhaps this is precisely how business is meant to operate, all things I learned from Mr. Jiang.”

After finishing, Pang Rui looked at Zhang Xuhao, “Hungry only needs to wait a while longer before becoming a traffic-sharing partner with Alipay.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xuhao finally understood that Alibaba’s ambition never waned, still coveting Group-Buy’s market share and even already plotting against it.

Once Alipay incorporates all internet business functions, while Group-Buy still depends on its payment feature, the pecking order is clear.

“I understand.”

“Thank you Mr. Zhang for understanding. I look forward to our future cooperation.”

After seeing off Zhang Xuhao and Chen Jiaxin, Pang Rui headed back to Alibaba headquarters, calling Jin Bin en route.

Jin Bin was in charge of promoting Alipay’s offline payments. Having just arrived in Linchuan the previous night, he was negotiating with Group-Buy about collaborating on promoting offline payments.

Pang Rui’s call didn’t go through because Jin Bin muted his phone, presently in a meeting discussing the matter with Jiang Qin.

“We at Group-Buy will fully support Alipay’s offline promotion and spare no effort.”

“So, what do you need, Mr. Jiang?”

Jiang Qin immediately shook his head, “No, I don’t need anything. I only hope Group-Buy and Alibaba’s friendship will last forever!”

Jin Bin felt a chill, wondering how such a purely kind person managed to grow such a big business. Was it really just luck? Honestly, Jiang Qin’s selflessness made him somewhat embarrassed.

“Mr. Jiang, maybe you should ask for something after all.”

“The bonds of friendship are more valuable than any wealth or resources. I plan to immediately arrange for Group-Buy’s national branches to pause their current projects to research Alipay’s offline payment promotion paths. Did you bring your promotion plan?”

“I… brought it.” Jin Bin pulled out a thick folder of promotion plans from his bag.

Jiang Qin glanced through it, “Brilliant. Ms. Pang is truly professional. My understanding of the payment market is nowhere near hers!”

Jin Bin stood up, “Since Mr. Jiang has agreed, I’ll head back to Hangcheng and report to Ms. Pang.”

“I’ll arrange someone to escort you. Also, I heard you’re fond of tea. I’ve got two packets here, just a small gift.”

“Mr. Jiang, you’re too kind.”

Holding the tea leaves Jiang Qin had offered, Jin Bin walked out of Group-buy Headquarters, still feeling a bit dizzy.

He had prepared for Group-Buy to drive a hard bargain, but unexpectedly, everything went smoothly. Knowing that Alipay was basically pleading for Group-Buy’s cooperation, he was even able to snag some extras.

Meanwhile, the afternoon sun slanted into the meeting room, and Lu Zhichuan came from the neighboring office, placing a contract for the acquisition of QuickPay in front of Jiang Qin.

“Six?”

“Yes, it took six.”

Jiang Qin looked at him, “Old Lu, you’re truly amazing, even better at bargaining than my mom. You managed to cut down from twelve to six.”

Lu Zhichuan scratched his head, “But it’s not just six; one shareholder wants to keep a six percent stake.”

“That’s acceptable.”

Lu Zhichuan glanced at the Alipay promotion plan in Jiang Qin’s hand and swallowed, “Boss, your ancestors must have been under a lot of pressure, right?”

Jiang Qin looked puzzled, “I don’t even understand what you’re saying.”

“Isn’t that something the boss’s wife always says…”

“Anyway, great job, Old Lu. Go rest and spend some time with your wife.”

Lu Zhichuan took a step back and slightly bowed, “May Mr. Jiang’s legacy last forever, dominating the world.”

Jiang Qin pursed his lips, picked up his phone to call Su Nai, planning to send her and Tan Qing to QuickPay.

Su Nai answered the phone wearily, “I took the day off today, boss. Call me tomorrow if you need anything.”

“Damn, saying taking a day off as if you’re living out of the system, with a sense of freedom, not bound by social securities.”

“I’ve been dead busy with QuickPay these past few days…”

“Efforts pay off; we got the license, and I accidentally picked up a wild third-party payment software promotion plan on the way.”

“?????”