Stronger by Paying Salaries and I Have 1 Billion Employees

Chen Yansen plopped onto the sofa and demanded in a cold voice.

It was standard practice for internet giants to hedge their bets by investing in two or three companies within the same sector, something Chen Yansen could understand.

But when Pei Yi had approached Juhuasuan seeking a partnership, Ah Li had consistently stalled, treating Kuai Pao like a rival. So how could Chen Yansen possibly show Lao Ma any courtesy?

’You don’t want to play with me? Fine, I can’t be bothered with you either!’

Kuai Pao was well-established in the Group Buy, takeout, and grocery delivery sectors, with over six million orders and a daily transaction volume of one hundred million Hua Yuan. It was by no means short of investors.

”President Chen, there must be some misunderstanding. I’ll personally look into it and make sure it’s resolved immediately,” Ma Liyun said evasively.

”That won’t be necessary. Unlike Meituan, Dianping, and Lashou Network, Kuai Pao isn’t heavily dependent on Juhuasuan,” Chen Yansen refused flatly.

Ma Liyun was visibly unsettled by the sharp retort. His face darkened as he asked, ”Is President Chen trying to kick Ah Li out of the game?”

Chen Yansen was noncommittal. ”Isn’t it Ah Li that’s trying to suppress Kuai Pao?”

Ma Liyun grew awkward, his true intentions laid bare. He had thought a few simple words would be enough to smooth things over, but Chen Yansen wasn’t giving him an inch.

”President Chen, Ah Li has no intention of suppressing Kuai Pao. I can assure you of that,” Ma Liyun replied.

He paused before adding, ”Juhuasuan’s recent partnership adjustments were purely normal decisions based on our platform’s strategic planning and business priorities. They weren’t directed at anyone. If President Chen is willing, I can arrange for our teams to have an in-depth discussion anytime, to explore how we can share resources for mutual benefit in the Group Buy and takeout sectors.”

”Then what about Taobao Delivery? Is Mr. Ma giving up on it?” Chen Yansen pressed.

”There are only six hundred million internet users in the country. Once we hit the traffic ceiling, the cost and difficulty of acquiring new users will increase exponentially. Ah Li needs to round out its business ecosystem. We can use the high-frequency purchasing of food delivery to increase user stickiness and retention. If Pinbei can do it, why can’t Ah Li?” Ma Liyun said frankly.

”Actually, Ah Li could just integrate Kuai Pao into the Taobao app. You want an O2O ecosystem, and I’ll handle the operations. Wouldn’t that be a win-win for everyone?” Chen Yansen said with shameless audacity.

’The nerve!’

’Does this kid have no shame?’

’Ah Li only holds a 4% stake in Kuai Pao. What makes you think I’d give you a top-level traffic entry point on the Taobao app?’

”I’d love to agree, but the other shareholders would never go for it,” Ma Liyun replied, tactfully deflecting.

”If Ah Li goes all-in on the takeout and Group Buy sectors to compete head-to-head with Kuai Pao, has Mr. Ma considered how much money you’d have to burn to capture just 20% of the market? If that same money were invested in Kuai Pao instead, wouldn’t the returns be much higher?” Chen Yansen reasoned.

”A 4% equity stake isn’t enough to convince the other shareholders,” Ma Liyun said after a moment of thought.

Ah Li was a powerhouse, but Senlian Capital was not to be underestimated. In the ride-hailing industry, they had managed to completely suppress Qian Du.

Lao Ma knew full well that an all-out war with Senlian Capital would mean a monthly cash burn of no less than three hundred million. That was nearly two billion in half a year.

It wasn’t that Ah Li couldn’t afford it, but what would be the point?

”I can promise you that in Kuai Pao’s Series B and C funding rounds, Ah Li will be given the option to acquire at least a 5% stake in each round,” Chen Yansen said, laying his cards on the table.

”And if I don’t agree, does that mean Ah Li is barred from Kuai Pao’s Series B round?” Ma Liyun asked.

”Yes. And I will raise five billion in capital to fight Ah Li to the bitter end. Friend or foe, Mr. Ma—the choice is yours.”

Chen Yansen replied, his expression grave.

’Five billion?’

Ma Liyun was taken aback. For the first time, he truly felt how serious Chen Yansen was about the O2O space. He then replied, ”Give me two days.”

”No problem,” Chen Yansen readily agreed.

’He was just taking a shot in the dark, trying his luck.’

’What if he could actually bluff Lao Ma?’