NOVPUBChapter 362 -359: DiDi, The Troublemaker
“We can only do this,” Liang said.
During their conversation, a knock on the door sounded and Qin Siyuan entered the office, carrying a pot of shrimp and crab congee.
“Thank you, Director Qin.”
Hu Weiwei hurriedly took the bag and took out the matching bowls and chopsticks, “Mr. Lu, how about we eat together?”
People working in the internet industry not only had irregular daily schedules but also ate meals at irregular times.
This meal should have been her first of the day, and her last meal seemed to be yesterday noon. She contacted Qin Siyuan and arranged for him to pick up the food on his way over.
“I barely ate this evening either.”
Lu Liang nodded. His flight had been in the evening, and although the plane offered meals, the taste was indescribable.
“After accessing DiDi’s database, how is the progress of the intelligent driving product development?” Lu Liang peeled shrimp and dipped it in broad bean sauce.
Qin Siyuan had just picked up his chopsticks then placed them back down on the table, sitting up straight as he said, “Mr. Lu, the development progress of the intelligent driving product is rapid. It’s basically reached the L2 standard and is estimated to be ready for use within two more months.”
“No need to be so formal, we can talk while we eat.”
Lu Liang was pleasantly surprised and showed a satisfied smile. It seemed that bringing DiDi in was indeed the right choice.
Hu Weiwei suddenly said, “Mr. Lu, I almost forgot, there’s something I might need to tell you.”
She paused before continuing, “Director Li Junyi, came by again. He seemed to have something for you but didn’t want to disturb you. He said to inform him as soon as you arrive.”
“What does he want from me?”
Lu Liang was puzzled. He had only met Li Junyi once before, during the initial phase of integrating DiDi and joining the Xuanwu Plan.
“It might be about DiDi,” Hu Weiwei speculated, sharing the rumors she had heard recently in Beijing.
Since DiDi came under investigation, its IPO was obstructed, and its founder Cheng Wei had a falling out with Liu Qing.
Cheng Wei was the true founder of DiDi, but Liu Qing’s entry and the massive resources he brought diminished Cheng Wei’s power, until Liu Qing ultimately took over and became the one calling the shots at DiDi.
For some reason, DiDi’s IPO was blocked, so Cheng Wei and the other founders seized the opportunity to challenge the status quo.
“I’m not sure if this is related to why Director Li is looking for you. I’m just guessing.”
Hu Weiwei smiled apologetically, unsure because she had only heard it through the grapevine.
Although she had been in Beijing for a year, she was not privy to the secrets of a giant corporation like DiDi.
“Let Director Li know I’m here tomorrow and see how he reacts.”
Lu Liang sucked on a crab leg, his face pensive, feeling there might be a pit ahead.
He had spent most of this month abroad. Upon returning, he had been busy with a leadership change in the fund as well as the factory in Su City.
He had been so busy that he had only recently found time to check on the progress of the intelligent driving product development, let alone pay attention to whatever was happening with DiDi.
“Enjoy your meal, I have other matters and must leave.”
After some thought, Lu Liang decided to arrange a meeting with Old Zhu to better understand the situation, or else he wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.
Leaving the SOHO building, he called Zhang Tian’ai, “Get some rest early, no need to wait for me, I might not come over.”
It was already past ten o’clock. Lu Liang was meeting Zhu Hu, who was also busy and wouldn’t be free until midnight. Who knew how long their discussion would last.
“Then I won’t set the deadlock. The key is in the pocket of the Doraemon door mat,” Zhang Tian’ai sounded a bit disappointed, but assured that no matter how late Lu Liang came, she would leave a door open for him.
“Alright, then get some rest.”
Leaving Zhongguang Village, Lu Liang headed to the International Trade Building in the Chaoyang District, the Golden Sand River’s main office in Beijing.
At half-past midnight, Zhu Hu walked out of the office looking exhausted, “Sorry for the wait, Lu.”
Rubbing his increasingly balding head, he suggested, “Should we grab a drink?”
Aside from freaks like Lu Liang and his freakish company, people in finance also faced tremendous pressure.
Especially those from venture capital firms had to sift through numerous companies clamoring for investment, to identify truly worthwhile projects.
Every day, they reviewed stacks of documents and information that could pile as high as a person, and headaches were a regular occurrence.
The only cure for their distress was the finest spirits.
“You make the arrangements.”
“Not far, right downstairs, let’s walk there.”
Zhu Hu talked as they walked, not wanting to go anywhere far. The barbecue restaurant just downstairs was quite good. At least it used charcoal for grilling, and the ingredients were decent, “Let’s get some thick lambskewers to nourish ourselves.”
Zhu Hu seemed to frequent the place, greeted the owner, and took a previously opened bottle of Wuliangye liquor from the front cabinet.
He hadn’t forgotten that Lu Liang liked to drink beer. He grabbed a few bottles from the fridge and said with a smile, “Sometimes when I’m busy at the company until late, I like to come here for some barbecue and a few drinks.”
Liang raised his bottle to clink with the small liquor cup. One drank baijiu while the other had beer, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere.
Zhu Hu gulped down two drinks in succession, devoured several skewers of meat, and let out a long breath, “Finally feel alive again.”
Lu Liang smiled and, after a pause, said unhurriedly, “The person in charge of the National Security’s Xuanwu Plan, Li Junyi, has sought me out.”
“DiDi!” Zhu Hu’s expression stiffened.
“Really related?” Lu Liang was surprised.
“I’ve heard, but the information is not reliable.”
Zhu Hu’s eyes lit up, a glint of sharpness in them. He slowed his drinking, nibbled on some peanuts, had a few kebabs, and took a small sip, “Did you hear about DiDi’s IPO being blocked and Cheng Wei, the co-founder, challenging Liu Qing?”
Lu Liang nodded, “Just heard about it.”
“The Liu family’s butt is a bit crooked; that’s the main reason for DiDi’s IPO troubles.”
Zhu Hu shared what he knew – DiDi had too much foreign capital inside, and it all came from the Liu family’s resources.
Now with the promotion of a free market, it’s difficult for the state to get involved without causing public criticism.
Unofficial forces need to intervene so it does not stir up public criticism. Similarly, this action is also permissible in the market.
“So, it’s me?” Lu Liang understood.
Piecing together the cause and effect, they wanted him to enter DiDi to support Cheng Wei and counterbalance the Liu family and foreign capital.
“If Li Junyi is looking for you, then it’s probably you.”
Zhu Hu’s smile was meaningful; he couldn’t help but eagerly drink another two glasses.
If Lu Liang could succeed in meddling, it implied hope for DiDi’s IPO. His prestigious project might have a chance to be cashed out.
“Why me?” Lu Liang furrowed his brows, unable to understand.
With DiDi valued at 50 billion US Dollars, although he could manage to gather the funds to join the board, he didn’t think he was the best candidate.
In his view, Tencent would be the best choice, being an investor in DiDi themselves. If they wanted him to go east, he would never go west.
“You’re awesome, that’s why.”
Zhu Hu’s smile conveyed deeper meaning, “Just like the saying goes, ‘With the spring breeze comes the swift pace of the horse’s hooves, witnessing New York’s beauty overnight.’ Who else do you think could keep foreign investors from finding reasons to feel targeted?”
This matter indeed seemed best suited for Lu Liang to handle.
Over the years, he was the only one who could stir up storms on the international market and receive the courtesy of Wall Street capital.
If Tianxing didn’t accept DiDi’s investment or collaborate with them, Lu Liang might not have a reason to get involved.
But now it was a fait accompli, with Lu Liang already linked to DiDi, making him the prime candidate for agitator.
Sitting in silence, Lu Liang considered what Zhu Hu had speculated and how he might profit from it.
As Zhu Hu had said, he seemed indeed like the best choice for this matter.
“I’ve had a bit too much to drink, going to take a bath to relax. You coming?” Zhu Hu patted his belly, his smile brimming with good spirits.
“Go ahead, Hu. I’ll stay here and think some more.”
“That’s right, think it over,” Zhu Hu said warmly, calling his driver to head to the next destination.
Lu Liang drank his beer, staying alone in the private room until the owner knocked on the door, “Boss, we are closing.”
“So soon? It’s already three o’clock.”
Lu Liang glanced at the time, downed his drink in one go, and headed to Phoenix City near Sanyuan Bridge.
It had been a while since he’d been here; unfamiliar with the layout, he wandered through the complex, almost mistaken by the security guards for a loiter.
Thankfully, Zhang Tian’ai was thoughtful. Guessing that Lu Liang was unfamiliar with the way, she sent a message late at night with her detailed address.
Building 11, Unit 1904. Just as he stepped out of the elevator, he saw an oversized doormat with Blue Fatso on it and his keys tucked inside.
The lights were bright inside the apartment where Zhang Tian’ai, clad in yoga pants and wearing headphones, bounced about on her yoga mat.
It looked as if she had been jumping around for a while; some areas were obviously damp with sweat, darkened by the moisture.
“With your schedule, did you just wake up, or have you not slept?” Lu Liang said, somewhat bemusedly smiling.
“Liang!”
Joy sparkled in Zhang Tian’ai’s eyes as she rushed to give Lu Liang a big hug.
Just then, she remembered that she was covered in sweat and restrained her impulse.
