Reinventing the Millennium

On August 28, Fang Zhuo continued to work throughout the day after arriving in Beijing.

After the last exchange with Zhang Dazhong, Dazhong Electric's de-"Dazhong" transformation has gone relatively smoothly. The most obvious thing on the surface is the change of the signboard from "Dazhong Electric" to "Yigou Electric".

In fact, a group of direct descendants of Yike began to enter Dazhong Electrical Appliances, making this offline channel the "chain business unit" of Yike.

Fang Zhuo is very satisfied with this integration change.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, Fang Zhuo and his party walked into the former Dazhong Electrical Appliances flagship store in Beijing.

However, while Fang Zhuo and Zhang Dazhong were chatting and laughing, they also stopped briefly at the door and saw Gome Electric not far away.

"He opened the store relatively late, but he was very radical. Our stores were more or less tit-for-tat and opened chain stores next to them." Zhang Dazhong noticed Mr. Fang's gaze and explained.

Fang Zhuo nodded slightly: "When Dazhong Electrical Appliances becomes Tesco Electrical Appliances, it means integrating offline and online. Gome can do this next to a tangible store, but it cannot do this on the invisible Internet."

"Will Gome also develop an online model?" Zhang Dazhong asked as he walked into the store.

"The ship is about to turn around. It is the number one in the industry and has hundreds of chain stores. Someone has to foot the bill for these costs. What's more, Suning and Five-Star are still watching behind them." Fang Zhuo commented, "Mr. Huang's attitude towards the Internet It’s reasonable to attach importance to it. It’s not that home appliance chains can’t spawn online B2C, but I think he overestimated Gome’s current advantages.”

Zhang Dazhong nodded and said, "Well, Gome has too much to take care of himself right now."

"The number one in the industry is not so easy to be knocked down." Fang Zhuo said naturally, "But we can take our time."

Zhang Dazhong and Gome are long-term rivals, and they like Mr. Fang's firm "take your time" approach.

As a flagship store, Fangzhuo has seen many signs of transformation from offline to online. In addition to the extended after-sales warranty for online orders, the physical store also comes with many coupons that can be used online, ranging from daily necessities. .

Although Tesco focuses on home appliances 3C, it is also trying to cultivate users' usage habits.

You can buy daily necessities wherever you go, and unlike big electrical appliances where there are invisible and intangible quality concerns, why not buy them together on Tesco?

Part of Tesco's operational research and development is to create product combinations that attract users, and is committed to researching classic combinations like "beer + diapers".

——Walmart was once confused by the fact that beer and diapers often appeared on the same shopping list. Later, it was discovered that men always buy some beer when buying diapers. The supermarket used this data to adjust the shelves, which further increased beer sales. .

At seven o'clock in the evening, Fang Zhuo, who had basically completed the inspection task, took the car to the appointment.

The dinner was a regular affair, with President Wu Qianwu, the boss of ICBC Capital, whom he had never met before, and Zhang Hongli, the middleman from Deutsche Bank.

Although Wu Qian is only the BOSS of the branch, the capital area has always been different from other places, so he also holds the position of the head office and is a real high-level executive.

Zhang Hongli made a warm introduction, and Fang Zhuo and Wu Qian also complimented each other.

Speaking of which, Wu Qian's resume has a sense of grassroots counterattack. He was born in a rural area, graduated from a technical secondary school, and spent 21 years working his way from being a clerk to the capital.

The atmosphere at the dinner table was harmonious, and Fang Zhuo had a close relationship with ICBC.

He talked about how the 23rd floor of Hang Lung was first rented and later bought with a loan. If it hadn't been for the money from ICBC, I'm afraid there wouldn't be the current headquarters of Yike.

As for the later loan funds of Yongke Real Estate, it was not used in Shencheng but in Beijing. There is nothing to say about this.

Mr. Fang talked about their origins, and Mr. Wu praised Yike's determination to go out and participate in international competition and earn a lot of foreign exchange.

After two more rounds of pushing cups and changing cups, we finally came to the main topic.

Wu Qian said with emotion: "Many times, we should actually learn from Mr. Fang and Mr. Fang's companies, but because of the special identity and status of the bank, we must be cautious and cautious. We must not only be international but also innovate and develop. This The middle degree is really hard to grasp.”

Fang Zhuo smelled the smell of the main course, held the wine glass with a smile, and toasted: "Although it is the first time to meet the president today, not to mention standing high, it is also awe-inspiring. I believe that ICBC will be under the leadership of President Wu." I will definitely do a good job in ICBC’s internationalization work next time.”

Wu Qian clinked glasses and was not fascinated by the tall hat. He mentioned work directly: "If you want to do a good job in internationalization, you have to learn from other people's experience. Like Mr. Zhang's Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs in the United States, these are extremely Very international.”

"Mr. Fang, are you right?"

The answer is of course yes.

Fang Zhuo pondered for a moment, nodded, and said without beating around the bush: "I heard that ICBC is cooperating with Goldman Sachs."

As for how this cooperation is going, he won't comment.

Because this reform of the bank has nothing to do with itself, and it is not open to private capital.

"Mr. Fang's Yike listing was in cooperation with Goldman Sachs, and some of his projects have received investment from it. I wonder what his evaluation of Goldman Sachs is?" Wu Qian drank a lot of wine, but his eyes were bright when he spoke.

Fang Zhuo knew what answer the president wanted to hear.

ICBC plans to cooperate with Goldman Sachs. If everything goes smoothly, why would he come to him?

What you're going to hear now is certainly unfavorable comments about Goldman Sachs.

But, on the one hand, I am not sure whether the water is deep or muddy. On the other hand, I have benefited from Goldman Sachs as a whole, not to mention investment. Without the help of Goldman Sachs, I may not be able to obtain the ice core purchase license. Come down - even if it is done out of profit considerations.

Fang Zhuo was a down-to-earth person who didn't like stabbing people in the back. He held his wine glass and remained silent.

Wu Qian took a sip of wine and said with approval: "Yes, it's just as Mr. Fang thought. Therefore, we also have some doubts about this cooperation."

Fang Zhuo was slightly shocked and didn't say anything. Is this okay?

Wu Qian smiled and said: "If Mr. Fang had a good opinion of Goldman Sachs, he would definitely speak directly. Since he is silent, I understand."

Fang Zhuo laughed, yes, this is worth a glass of wine.

The three of them clinked glasses together.

Zhang Hongli was suddenly curious about Mr. Fang's evaluation of Deutsche Bank and himself, but would this be the right occasion?

Fang Zhuo did not refute Governor Wu's interpretation of his gesture, nor did he acknowledge his words. He only saw what the purpose was.

"If ICBC wants to become a major international bank, it is not that it is afraid of cooperating with well-known investment banks. However, I, including myself, have some doubts about the cost of this cooperation." Wu Qian said more bluntly, "All 10% of the shares were sold to Goldman Sachs and others also mean that after the joint-stock system, they will sell three board seats, and Mr. Fang is the master of this, and he definitely understands our thoughts."

Fang Zhuo said humbly: "If you are a master or not, that's just flattery from your friends and should not be taken seriously."

As for the doubts that this person mentioned, including his own, it is not surprising. “Leader” is a plural form, and it is normal to have different thoughts and opinions.

When Fang Zhuo heard this, he understood the underlying meaning of President Wu and felt that he could tell the truth: "President Wu, since you think 10% is more, then just lower the transfer ratio."

"It's not more 10%, it's more the 10% transferred to Goldman Sachs." Wu Qian said patiently, "We are willing to learn from the experience of Goldman Sachs and hope to establish an information disclosure system that meets the requirements of listed companies. We are also very satisfied with it. It promises help with investor relations management.”

He continued: "But Goldman seems to be both a referee and a player in many cases, which is confusing."

At this time, Zhang Hongli from Deutsche Bank said: "Goldman Sachs is not cooperating with one company this time. It has also approached Germany's Allianz Group. Mr. Fang, if they are both German, what is the difference between Deutsche Bank and Allianz."

The middleman suddenly took a stand.

Zhang Hongli came from Goldman Sachs, but now he wants to poach his former employer.

Fang Zhuo questioned: "Mr. Zong, you are more familiar with Goldman Sachs than I am. If you, Deutsche Bank, have any ideas, just go and talk to Goldman Sachs directly."

Zhang Hongli shrugged and said: "For ICBC, it is indeed the same, and the concerns are also the same."

If you don’t trust Goldman Sachs and Allianz, you certainly don’t trust Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank either.

Fang Zhuo felt the need to ask: "To ICBC, how am I different?"

"Mr. Fang is a person who has a good relationship with Goldman Sachs." Wu Qian smiled slightly, "The industry wants to cooperate with Goldman Sachs to gain experience and reduce certain risks. Mr. Fang not only has excellent business capabilities, but is also a professional Entrepreneurs who are willing to contribute to the industry.”

When Fang Zhuo heard the word industry, he suddenly felt that the first half of the president's comment was probably not from his own mouth.

He hesitated and asked: "I probably understand the meaning. Well, President, since you think so, can you invest money in ice core investment?"

Wu Qian didn't expect to hear such a request, invest in manufacturing? Or invest in manufacturing industries such as semiconductors that are lagging behind and difficult to catch up?

Even the dogs won’t vote.

He looked embarrassed and said: "The bank can approve some loans in accordance with regulations. This investment field..."

Fang Zhuo frowned and drank a glass of wine silently.

Wu Qian waited for a while but saw no further words, and then said: "Mr. Fang, ICBC is at a critical moment now, and it is difficult to invest. But if you are confident, you can invest in us first. If you do it at the right time, it will be a good investment." Funds for development? This can be regarded as our support in disguise.”

Fang Zhuo didn't know whether this was planned by the other party or whether he was adapting to the situation on the spot. At first, he probably wanted Deutsche Bank to participate in this investment in the name of cooperating with him to get ahead. Now he wants to take money out of his own pocket. .

However, this is not unreasonable. ICBC is listed and if you invest in it now, you will definitely make money, or make a lot of money.

However, Fang Zhuo had concerns.

Many times, it’s not about making money.

It's a matter of whether the water is deep or not.

Just like Yongke Real Estate, it is destined to take action at some point.

Fang Zhuo sometimes doesn't want to get involved in a certain field. Out of the mentality of "it's not me who makes the money, it's other people's money, and I can still invest in semiconductors if I make the money" and some factors at the time, so he takes action in a semi-active and semi-passive manner.

However, there will definitely be a suitable time to "reduce and short".

This is true for real estate, and so is MIGA funds.

Fang Zhuo fell into thinking.

Wu Qian waited patiently for Mr. Fang to express his position.

This time, I approached Mr. Fang not only because of the "one of my own" evaluation from the leader, but also because although Mr. Fang didn't know whether he had enough money, he seemed to have a very good ability to find money.

If Wu Qian were to evaluate the person in front of him, it would be Mr. Xiao Fang, who is good at dancing and has a lot of money.

Fang Zhuo breathed out slowly and said thoughtfully: "President Wu, this matter is not easy to handle."

Just because it's not easy doesn't mean it can't be done.

Wu Qian once again accurately read this person's gesture. This time he poured wine for Mr. Fang himself and sincerely invited him: "Mr. Fang, speaking of which, today is the first time we have met. It is somewhat presumptuous to talk so much when we meet. And abrupt.”

"Let's see. When you come to the store tomorrow, it's hard to talk about investing in ice cores. You can always study the loan."

"Mr. Fang, please do it first as a courtesy."

President Wu invited Mr. Fang to change the place to talk and toasted with another glass of wine.

Fang Zhuo estimated that we could have a more in-depth discussion tomorrow.

He drank and drank back.

That's it for the main course. With the wine in our ears and our heads a little tipsy, the content of our conversation was on the lighter side.

The drinking party ended at half past ten in the evening.

Fang Zhuo and Zhang Hongli saw the president off to the car together.

"Mr. Zong, you said you didn't even tell me everything." Fang Zhuo scolded, "I didn't know until we started talking that Deutsche Bank had an idea."

Zhang Hongli smiled and defended: "I have just reached an agreement with President Wu. If President Fang doesn't show up for this matter, it won't work."

Fang Zhuo hesitated and said: "Goldman Sachs and I have a good relationship. To stab you with Deutsche Bank, this matter... doesn't fit in with my style of doing things."

Zhang Hongli was silent, there was a reason why he was looking for Mr. Fang.

Fang Zhuo pointed to his car again and said, "Mr. Zang, look at this Rolls. Mr. Zhang from Sohu wanted to cooperate with me. He was afraid that I wouldn't agree, so he gave me a car first."

"I can't afford this." Zhang Hongli was shocked.

Fang Zhuo patted Mr. Zang on the shoulder: "If it really happens, then remember this."

Zhang Hongli asked directly with concern: "Mr. Fang, what do you think?"

In fact, things are not complicated.

If there is stronger support, it is nothing more than money, and Deutsche Bank is obviously willing to pay.

Fang Zhuo felt that since President Wu had made an appointment to talk tomorrow, he must have a more convincing reason.

He replied: "I haven't thought much about this matter. It all depends on what others think. I'll think about it when I get back tonight. There's no rush."

Zhang Hongli did not urge him. This level of cooperation indeed requires judgment on multiple factors.

On the way back, Fang Zhuo called Su Wei in the car.

"Weiwei, I can't remember clearly. Was the loan we used to buy Hang Lung 23 from ICBC?"

"Why are you asking this? The first loan was from Lin'an Bank, which offered no interest. ICBC had a low-interest loan, so of course we chose no interest." Su Wei remembered it clearly.

Well, the origin of each other is still a misremembering basis.

Fang Zhuo briefly explained what happened.

"I guess someone with a higher position in the bank will show up tomorrow." Su Wei judged after hearing this.

"It's almost the same. Perhaps President Wu can get a higher authorization." Fang Zhuo said with a smile, "I'm still not familiar enough. Just say, I will vote for your ice core, and this matter will be easier to handle."

"It may not be in line with their rules of doing things." Su Wei speculated.

Fang Zhuo agrees with this and wants to see what this rule will look like.