Reinventing the Millennium

As we enter April, companies and institutions related to residential subprime mortgages in the United States have not seen any relief. They are still announcing closures or filing for bankruptcy at a determined pace.

According to statistics from enthusiastic people on the Chinese Internet, from March to April, more than 25 subprime mortgage companies in the United States were unable to operate normally.

In other words, one company will have serious problems every two days.

However, U.S. stocks stabilized after experiencing a wave of declines.

This seems to confirm the views of many well-known financial institutions such as Merrill Lynch and Bear Stearns on the market. The situation in the field of housing subprime mortgage loans is a local, digestible and solvable problem.

Chinese netizens understand this.

"What Merrill Lynch and others mean is that the market is squeezing a bubble. They are all subprime mortgages anyway, and small and medium-sized companies will fail. Even if there is a New Century Financial Company, it cannot be like giants like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac." Let Ba also fall."

“Subprime loans are already in this state, what else can we do?”

When all the negative points are eliminated, the positive points come!

However, some Chinese netizens who participated in shorting Lehman did not feel so good.

They didn't care about U.S. stocks or subprime mortgages, but they cared wholeheartedly about Lehman's situation.

Throughout April, the ups and downs of Lehman's stock price could cause small ripples on Weibo.

Ever since someone estimated that there were two groups in China participating in the short-selling of Lehman, these people who spoke out on the Internet gradually called themselves the "Lehman short-selling group", so much so that they were even divided into the "first group" and the "second group".

Because Lehman's stock price rose, fell, and stagnated, a large-scale short-selling art performance was held online.

"The third battalion and fourth company of my regiment have seized the 62.6 heights today!"

"The enemy's firepower is fierce and position 63.1 has been lost!"

"Our army and the Lei Army have repeatedly had stalemates on the front line in the 64.8 area!"

Lei Jun who visited on Weibo:?

An unprecedented Internet performance show that has both interests and dramas bloomed on Weibo.

After being reported by Hong Kong's "Sun" newspaper, this performance was translated into English and reprinted abroad, with several shocking titles, such as "Military Forces Target U.S. Investment Banks," "Suspected Chinese Officials Look Down on U.S. Financial Markets," etc. wait.

Finally, these foreign reports were translated into Chinese by enthusiastic netizens who paid close attention to relevant trends, and were posted on the Chinese Internet again, successfully exporting to domestic sales.

So many and varied, with great black humor.

However, there was a lot of excitement outside the market. Lehman's stock price remained basically stable after experiencing the impact of filing for bankruptcy in the new century. This made many people who invested heavily feel anxious.

In particular, the domestic big A has been rising very fiercely this month. It was still hovering around 3,000 points in March, and then surged to 3,900 points in April. It is now within reach to reach 4,000 points in May!

Experts call it bull market, bull market!

Such a contrast between the inside and outside, anxiety is mixed with some regret.

"Is it okay to short Lehman? It seems to be more profitable in A stock. Now I am worried that the leverage in Mr. Fang's place may be a bit high?"

Xiong Xiaoge, who often hangs out on Zhihu and even promotes Zhihu when recording programs on CCTV, noticed this change and took the initiative to offer comfort.

“Didn’t it take five months for the short Lehman position to change in the last cycle?”

"Don't panic, Mr. Fang has gone to the United States to do it face to face. I think Lehman is just a withered bone in the grave."

Having said that, Xiong Xiaoge knew that Mr. Fang had been busy working on his mobile phone for more than a month after flying to the United States.

Yike mobile phone, codenamed Mars, has entered the sprint moment before the press conference.

…

“When will the Apple phone be released?”

"June 29? Okay, our press conference is scheduled for June 26, two sixes, sounds good."

"Also, the four-party meeting between Google, Qualcomm, T-Mobile and us is scheduled for just one week later, on May 7th. Everyone should brace themselves. This meeting must be in the best condition."

On May 1, Fang Zhuoren hosted an internal meeting of Yike via the Internet at his villa in Houston to comprehensively review this month's work and May's schedule.

At the end of the meeting, he once again asked Xu Keden, the director in charge of mobile phone optimization: "How is Mars now?"

Xu Keden was in a conference room in Silicon Valley. He faced the gazes of his colleagues and knew that mobile phone optimization was of great importance. He said a little shyly: "It's almost the same as in mid-April. We are still looking for the problem of abnormal battery temperature."

Fang Zhuo did not blame anything, nor was he as entangled as before. He said simply: "Okay, then continue to follow your plan. Just prepare a few more mobile phones when you meet the operator on the 7th."

No matter how he prepares, no matter what problems still exist, when it comes time to unload the arrow, Fang Zhuo will not let himself have any psychological baggage.

The mobile phone launch conference is indeed an important node for Yike Mobile, but there is still half a year to optimize, and the launch is another more important node.

Now is the time to see the true chapter, and then it will be time to decide between life and death.

"See you all on the 7th." Fang Zhuo ended the meeting.

I will fly to Silicon Valley on May 6th and have a meeting on the 7th to review the consultation situation and decide whether to make any adjustments.

At present, it is confirmed that the press conference will be held on June 26, which is less than two months, but it happens to be after the NBA Finals, so the time is quite reasonable.

Fang Zhuo planned the arrangements and planned to rehearse twice before the press conference. The most important thing was to try to avoid the unstable state of the mobile phone.

The study was quiet for half an hour, waiting for the appointment call.

Google CEO Schmidt has been in frequent contact recently and is also paying close attention to the situation of Yike mobile phones.

After serious and careful consideration, Google made adjustments and confirmed that the news of the establishment of the Android Mobile Phone Open Alliance, which unites dozens of software and hardware manufacturers, will be put together at the launch of Yike Mobile, which can be regarded as a closer platform. It can also build momentum for the release of the first Android phone.

"Mr. Fang, there is some good news for sure." Schmidt said after a few pleasantries, "The sales price of Apple's iPhone at AT\u0026T has been determined. What do you think the 4G version is?"

Fang Zhuo said calmly: "199 US dollars, less than two hundred yuan, you can't buy it at a loss, you can't be cheated."

It is also very close to Apple's release. Recently, the price from AT\u0026T has been rumored. Schmidt has channels to help confirm the real situation in advance.

Schmidt smiled: "Yes, it's US$199, and the 8G version is US$299."

Fang Zhuo had already expected it. When he heard the price was finally officially determined, he sighed slightly: "This price is very stressful."

Schmidt asked: "Mr. Fang, do you think the iPhone is still profitable at this launch price?"

Fang Zhuo said without hesitation: "It's impossible. 199 must be higher than the cost of hardware. Even if the current storage price is falling, it must be higher. We don't know the cost of the chips Samsung provides to Apple, but from our extensive contact Judging from the hardware manufacturers, the cost of the iPhone should be US$220-230.”

Just looking at the hardware cost, an iPhone priced at US$220-230 sells for US$199.

Because the prices of first-line hardware are relatively transparent in the industry, this kind of sale will undoubtedly put strong pressure on competitors.

Either you can connect to the iPhone's cooperation model with operators, or you can work hard to lower costs to earn meager profits. Otherwise, selling at a loss will only be a vicious cycle.

Schmidt asked again: "Is this cost estimate accurate?"

"The screen and touch screen modules are about 65, the radio frequency and wireless modules are about less than 11, the 4G storage is currently purchased at about 40, the memory is 14-15, the baseband is 8-9, and the processor is 13-16 according to the industry level..." Fang Zhuo listed them casually. These were all data he was familiar with.

In addition to estimating the cost of competitors, Yike Mobile itself is also trying to find ways to reduce costs while maintaining quality, but it may still be difficult to reduce the cost below US$199.

If the cost is lower than 199 under the current hardware level, there is only one possibility. Storage prices will completely collapse in the second half of the year.

Anyway, it was US$12/1G two months ago, but now it can no longer hold the US$10 mark. However, Samsung announced on April 20 that it would not cut production.

Fang Zhuo extremely doubts that Samsung may not only not reduce production, but also continue to increase production in the future.

Roll it up, roll it up, roll it up, and see if this wave can kill the manufacturer.

Schmidt held the phone, nodded, and said with a smile: "Mr. Fang, when we meet with T-Mobile, we must clearly explain the cost of the iPhone. I don't know the price of these parts of the phone. You'd better List them all.”

"Why I say this is good news is because AT\u0026T has subsidized it like this. Could it be that the president of AT\u0026T is from Apple? Is it possible that AT\u0026T's Legere is also a director of Apple?"

"At this critical moment in the fight for the 3G market, T-Mobile must face up to the actions of its competitors in various fields."

Fang Zhuo was very familiar with Schmidt's way of saying things from different angles. He said "hmm" and said, "No problem. I have time on the 7th. Let's make an appointment. I will meet with Qualcomm later. Say it too."

"President Fang, don't be discouraged." Schmidt was now afraid that Yike would lose momentum after knowing the price of the iPhone and facing the operator's stubbornness.

He continued: "Why not? Yi Ke is just like your team, Mr. Fang, why not?"

Fang Zhuo laughed: "Of course."

Schmidt knew that Mr. Fang was in Houston and gave his last wish: "I hope the Rockets will have good results in the past two months."

Fang Zhuo thanked Lao Shi.

He just flew to Houston from Silicon Valley yesterday and plans to participate in the Rockets' first home game in the first round of this year's playoffs.

For the whole month of April, mobile phones have been keeping an eye on it, and the team's public opinion operations are also going on at the same time.

Since the "Why not" video was exposed and widely circulated, Fang Zhuo has not refused interviews from sports media. He said openly that even if the Rockets are in the lower half of the Western Conference playoff rankings this year, they still regard winning three consecutive championships. as the only goal.

Not only that, the team also released an internally filmed player statement, with the theme of fighting for three consecutive championships.

However, with the Rockets' media operation and the public relations-driven declaration, the Rockets' final ranking in the April regular season was fifth.

A team ranked fifth in the Western Conference wants to win the championship and has every player record a championship declaration. This is somewhat ridiculous.

On April 26, just one day before the start of the NBA playoffs, Fang Zhuo accepted an interview with the sports media ESPN and disapprovingly listed the sports version of the "ten wins and ten losses" theory, several of which ushered in different teams. public opinion rebounded.

"It's not a problem for us to be fifth. The Jazz, who are fourth, have 52 wins. Our 51 wins are just one less win."

"So what if the Jazz have home-court advantage? Can it use its home court?"

"Even if we can play at home, in the past two years, we have preferred to advance on the road. I already miss the Spurs arena. The fans there are very enthusiastic."

"I hope the away fans will welcome us with the greatest enthusiasm."

"I am very familiar with this year's situation. Our opponents are still the Spurs and Mavericks. I actually hope to see other teams appear in front of us. Please work harder."

"As for the Eastern Conference, as long as the Rockets break out of the Western Conference, they will be the championship."

"Fifth place in the Western Conference is good. You can accept the challenge from the defending champion."

ESPN faithfully put Boss Fang's talk on the program before the start of the playoffs.

At first glance, such confidence seems to be that they are ranked first in this year's regular season, but in fact they are only fifth in the Western Conference.

The top-ranked Mavericks and Spurs both reacted well and have indeed lost for two years. At the very least, Boss Fang recognizes them.

The most unhappy ones are the Rockets' first-round opponents, the Jazz and Eastern Conference teams.

Needless to say, the Jazz are about to face the Rockets but they don't feel respected.

The Eastern Conference team...

This, this, the Rockets ranked fifth in the Western Conference with 51 wins and 31 losses, and they were actually ranked second in the Eastern Conference. They only won 2 games less than the Pistons, who were first in the Eastern Conference...

The situation of the West being strong and the East being weak is very obvious.

If the Rockets really rush out, they may really be successful.

For this reason, the playoff teams in the Eastern Conference have expressed their support, thinking that Fang Zhuo, the team owner, is too arrogant. Whether it is comments or team promotion, it is no longer just popping champagne at halftime, but simply popping champagne before the game!

Under the turmoil of this public backlash, the Jazz and Rockets played the first two playoff games at the end of April.

4 wins from 7 games, 2-3-2 home and away game format.

Jazz's 2 home games, one win and one loss!

It won the first game by 3 points and then lost the second game by 19 points.

Then, the game came to the Rockets' three home courts.

The Rockets' home court has experienced the baptism of two championships, and coupled with the team's management of ticket sales, there is already a trend of the league's devil's home court.

This puts a lot of pressure on the Jazz.

The Rockets, who are all healthy and have three star players, are somewhat unsolvable, at least not something they can solve.

Fang Zhuo is really not worried about the first round. Although he deliberately exaggerated when facing the sports media, the Rockets' record this year was really affected by injuries. Now that they are healthy, they are not without the ability to fight.

Just before the team was about to start its third game, Fang Zhuo called Xiao Ao, who had already announced his candidacy, and sincerely invited him to watch the game.

The video shot by an "unknown person" has been widely circulated on the Internet, directly linking "a black man was elected as the leader" and "the Rockets won three consecutive championships". However, an important way for Xiao O's preparation for next year's election this year is the Internet. Communication and fundraising.

Xiao Ao was actually a little unhappy when he received a call from Mr. Fang.

When the team noticed the video for the first time, Xiao Ou almost dropped his phone as a fan - How the hell did the Rockets win the championship this year?

But when he calmed down and thought about it, he probably didn't know how many people were still pointing at him behind his back - why the hell do you, a black man, want to be the commander-in-chief?

Xiao Ao was so sympathetic, so he was not so angry, and began to think about how to manage online public opinion.

"Mr. Fang, I have a lot of things going on recently and am too busy to attend the game, but I will always support the Rockets."

"In about two or three weeks, I can go and have a look."

Xiao Ao gave this reply.

Fang Zhuo immediately understood the opponent's plan. If the Rockets still have a game in two or three weeks, then even if they have reached the Western Conference finals, they really hope to continue to move forward.

At that time, only if Xiao Ou appeared on the court could he gain a lot of public opinion.

Now, it's too early. If the Rockets really lose, it will become a joke if he is still there.

Fang Zhuo expressed his understanding on the phone and added: "If we reach the finals, I am very confident about winning the cup this year."

Xiao Ou gave a more decent statement: "I am ready to witness the Rockets' three consecutive championships."

There is no doubt that he was talking about witnessing the championship in person.

Fang Zhuo ended the call with Xiao Ao, hoping that this wave of luck would bring good luck to the team.

On May 2, the Rockets sat at home and played the third game of the first round of the playoffs against the visiting Jazz.

Team owner Fang Zhuo watched the playoffs live for the first time, and next to him, Jay Chou, the team's junior owner, has been accompanying the team since April.

Game 3, this doesn’t even need much description.

The Rockets' first home game this year, everyone was excited. They continued the fiery touch from the previous game and still successfully ended the game with a 15-point margin.

After the game, team owner Fang Zhuo was interviewed by the media and just said lightly: "Why not?"

May 4, Game 4 of the first round.

The Rockets didn't feel good that day, beating the Jazz by only 5 points, but they successfully got the match point.

May 6, Game 5 of the first round.

The Rockets worked hard and in the fourth quarter, with the continuous offense of Yao Ming and Carter, they reversed the situation and won the fifth game with 101:93 points, successfully advancing to the second round of the playoffs with a big score of 4:1.

However, it was not the players who made the headlines, but the team owner who was interviewed again after the game.

Different from the understatement last time, Fang Zhuo faced reporters' cameras after being promoted, tore off his jersey with force, and gave a roaring "Why not", which impressed the fans who watched the live broadcast.

Major sports media began to really discuss the Rockets' prospects of advancing to the playoffs.

Basketball is round, why not?

…

The day after the Rockets advanced to the second round, Fang Zhuo was already sitting in Silicon Valley.

On his left is Google CEO Schmidt, on his right is Qualcomm CEO Jacobs, and across from T-Mobile is the company's senior team headed by CEO Legere.

"Why not?"

After everyone exchanged greetings, Fang Zhuo got down to business, opened the PPT, and gave the first sentence.