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Chapter 1128: Chapter 987: Hurun Wealth Rankings Released
On TV.
Host Zong Wen was introducing with great enthusiasm.
"Sheng Tang Group, initially a small clothing company with only a few dozen employees, has developed until now with over thousands of formal employees nationwide, making indelible contributions to the economic development of Qingyan City..."
"Tianyan Group, starting as a consulting company with a handful of people, step by step, has gradually achieved its massive scale today, officially excelling in business consulting, talent hunting, and corporate services covering the lead position. Its developed ’Xiao Xiao’ software has sparked a nationwide ’smart company’ management reform fervor..."
"Tang Qing, originally from Qingyan City..."
"This is a land of outstanding people and a beautiful environment, suitable for living. Currently, Qingyan City is striving to become a tourist destination, investing huge amounts of money to build an inland Film and Television City and a Cultural and Entertainment City... We welcome friends from all over the country to visit."
Lastly.
Host Zong Wen did not forget to advertise for Qingyan City, which was indeed the real purpose of this broadcast.
All this.
Was of course allowed by Tang Qing.
As his hometown, the city where it all began, Qingyan City could not broadcast this without notice; this morning, the Mayor of Qingyan City learned of it and spoke with Tang Qing for over fifteen minutes.
Full of praise and congratulations.
Not a word about investment was mentioned.
The Leaders of Qingyan City all knew. 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝓬ℴ𝓶
The Tang Family’s investment in Qingyan City was substantial, including contracting the Qingyan Mountain scenic area, constructing the Film and Television City, the Cultural and Entertainment Center, and Jinghua Real Estate, in which Tang Qing held shares, had also built a Jinghua Square.
Sheng Tang Group, Tianyan Group had both settled in Qingyan City, along with various large and small investments by the Tang Family.
One by one.
Piece by piece.
They had significantly supported the development of Qingyan City, leaving the city leadership quite satisfied. Tang Qing’s status alone was a significant political achievement, celebrated with phone calls from provincial leaders.
This led to this morning’s phone call.
It took one whole day.
The city TV station created a fifteen-minute special report.
After the News Broadcast aired, it was featured on Qingyan City’s local station.
It primarily focused on the developmental histories of Sheng Tang Group and Tianyan Group; Comet Group was only briefly mentioned since its headquarters was not in Qingyan City, and it was unrealistic to fly over to interview Pu Chaodong.
As for Tang Qing’s other companies.
They were merely touched upon, as they lacked data. Zhongyu Special Guard had a special nature and was not suitable for extensive coverage; Yang Kai and Dou Jiao also appeared on TV, each having interviews lasting three minutes.
It was truly news from Qingyan City.
It ignited the enthusiasm of the national media.
Last year’s national number one scholar.
A second-year student from Fudan University.
Was in charge of several large groups, all under his absolute control; by this account, his net worth was conservatively estimated to be over ten billion RMB. At such an age, it completely challenged their perceptions.
However.
As before.
Those who knew, already knew.
Those who didn’t, had no way to contact Tang Qing. His phone was silent, and Tang Qing enjoyed such a state.
...
The next day.
October 7th.
The last day of National Day.
Work resumes tomorrow, and if one had to describe it, ’the feeling of going back to work is heavier than going to a grave.’ During this unbearably heavy day, most of China’s media headlines were dominated by Tang Qing.
"Confirmation of Comet Group’s Chairman Identity: Still a Second-year Student from Fudan University, Tang Qing" --- China Youth Daily.
"Owning several group companies, just how much is Tang Qing’s net worth?" --- Southern Weekend.
"China’s Youngest Billionaire!" --- Beijing Metropolis Daily.
"\"Hurun Wealth Rankings\" about to release, what will Tang Qing’s ranking be?" --- Sohu News.
"Comet Group adding glory to the nation..."
Print media and online portals were dominated by Tang Qing.
Meanwhile.
This morning.
CCTV News channel also did a lengthy report on this, using photos provided by Qingyan City TV station! Initially, they wanted to conduct a live phone interview, but Tang Qing postponed it, scheduling a next time.
As for what that next time was.
CCTV understood it well and therefore wasn’t offended.
CCTV could only make a phone connection with the president of Comet Group — Pu Chaodong.
"Director Pu, everyone says that your chairman, Tang Qing, is a hands-off manager; do you agree?" the host asked.
"Of course not. Boss Tang has been continuously focused on and leading the development of Comet Group. It’s just that his academic schedule is busy, and he rarely comes to the office, but he handles company matters every night. We are busy at the forefront, and he is busy behind the scenes," Pu Chaodong declared earnestly defending Tang Qing.
A hands-off manager?
How could someone who understood the company so well and approved work emails every night possibly be a hands-off manager?
"Director Pu, in the project initiation of ’Civilization’, how did you initially..."
...
Not just domestically.
The news was also reported by media abroad. Western media were unfamiliar with Tang Qing’s other companies, but they were well-acquainted with Comet Group, the producer of ’Civilization.’
That was a presence that had shaken the Western film industry with its huge box office returns.
Now,
in world film history.
Both the second and the third highest-grossing films are ’Civilization’ and the second installment made over a hundred million dollars more than the first. If ’Civilization III’ continues this momentum or achieves a significant breakthrough,
it could potentially challenge the supreme position of ’Titanic.’
This frustration,
had been weighing on the heads of Western film and media personnel for nearly a year.
"A Chinese Miracle!"
"China might once again produce a world-class tycoon!"
"The world belongs to the young, and in this ancient civilization of China, unimaginable changes are taking place!"
"Wall Street-Smith Finance estimates: With the ’Civilization’ series’ brand and future earnings, as well as the mature Chinese market, has given Comet Group a conservative valuation of two billion USD."
"..."
In terms of content,
full of praise.
This was for ’Civilization.’
Regarding Tang Qing, they offered extremely high evaluations; previously, no young Chinese tycoons had appeared in the global media, and the faces that did appear were all somewhat elderly.
Tycoon entrepreneurs generally were of an older age.
Western media always claimed that China didn’t give young people opportunities, suppressing the creativity of the youth.
But Tang Qing.
He broke the "curse."
...
That afternoon.
"Principal Qiu, I would like to take a few days off," Tang Qing phoned Vice Principal Qiu Jie of Fudan University.
Receiving the call, Qiu Jie sighed.
Tang Qing.
He had redefined the term "young talent."
"Alright, I’ve approved it. Just stay at home for now, and give me a heads-up when you plan to come back. However, don’t fall behind in your studies," Qiu Jie understood Tang Qing’s current situation.
"By the way, there’s also my fiancee, Lin Jiaxue," Tang Qing added.
Qiu Jie responded, "No problem, I’ll speak to her teacher."
"Thank you."
"Don’t be so polite. You are now the pride of Fudan, haha," Qiu Jie laughed heartily. Indeed, such a tycoon had not chosen to study abroad nor had he chosen Tsinghua University or Peking University.
Instead, he chose them, Fudan.
This was in itself a form of publicity.
It was beneficial for the reputation of Fudan.
"Okay, if there’s a suitable day, let’s talk about donating a building," Tang Qing casually brought up the idea of a "bribe."
"Haha, sure, I’m looking forward to it. Come over to my house when you get the chance; my granddaughter often talks about you. She really admired you after that incident in Thailand."
Qiu Jie was very pleased. Fudan had produced a super-rich student.
"Alright, it’s a deal. I’ll find some time to visit when I’m back at school," Tang Qing promised.
"Good."
They chatted for a bit more.
Then hung up the phone.
Qiu Jie also called the principal to explain the situation and specifically mentioned the donation, which Principal Kong supported wholeheartedly. He highly praised Tang Qing’s decision and allowed him to return to class once the public attention had subsided.
Tang Qing also informed his academic advisor, Jing Xiang.
...
At night.
Fudan.
Class meeting.
Tang Qing’s university class was abuzz.
Seeing Zhong Liang and Li Mo, Tang Qing’s roommates, enter the classroom, everyone bombarded them with questions. They could never have imagined that Tang Qing, who attended school with them daily, was actually in control of such a large business empire.
It wasn’t just about having a rich dad.
If it were them,
They would have been enjoying life everywhere by now, not bothering with school!
No wonder he was so wealthy.
His enlightenment was simply on another level.
"Zhong Liang, why isn’t Tang Qing here?" a female classmate eagerly asked, peering behind the three.
"Looking at you guys, with eyes like hungry wolves, anyone would be scared off. Tang Qing and I talked, and he won’t be coming to school for a while. As for when he’ll return, we’ll wait until the buzz dies down," Zhong Liang explained, spreading his hands.
"He’s not coming? I wanted a photo with him," a male classmate expressed disappointment.
"Yeah, there aren’t any photos of Tang Qing online. A photo could sell for quite a bit now."
"Cut it out, you’re just seeing dollar signs."
"I despise you. I just want Tang Qing’s autograph."
"Such a fangirl."
"Yeah, I’m a fangirl, so what? Let’s see you make a hundred billion net worth!" It was the year 2006, and a hundred billion in net worth was beyond what these students could even fathom.
For the next several minutes,
Zhong Liang dealt with various inquiries.
He suddenly realized it was a bit tiring. Tang Qing not coming was indeed a wise choice.
...
October 8.
The news frenzy hadn’t subsided.
Tang Qing received a call.
It was from Chu Yuanhang, the principal of his high school alma mater, who warmly invited him back to give a speech. Tang Qing vaguely postponed it but promised to treat them to a meal next time.
Chu Yuanhang happily hung up.
To avoid being harassed by calls,
Tang Qing appeared briefly in his high school and university group chats. Some random folks had gotten hold of Tang Qing’s QQ, and hundreds wanted to add him. Tang Qing directly handed control over to the command room.
They blocked all those people.
...
October 9.
The buzz had diminished a little.
...
October 10.
Only a few newspapers were still reporting news about Tang Qing.
Just when Zhong Liang and the others thought the sensation was about to pass and Tang Qing would soon return,
October 11.
The "Hurun Wealth Rankings" were released.
Zhong Liang had actually been watching this list, thinking Tang Qing’s net worth of around a hundred billion would put him in the top twenty in China. After all, only those in the first place are remembered the most. He believed Tang Qing would return in a few days.
But,
When Sina News announced the 2006 "Hurun Wealth Rankings",
Zhong Liang was dumbfounded.
He opened his mouth,
Unable to speak for a long time.
"Um, Li Mo, take a look, did I see it wrong?" Zhong Liang swallowed hard.
Puzzled, Li Mo came over.
"What could be wrong? Let me see—Hurun Wealth Rankings? Let’s check where Tang Qing is ranked... Holy crap, is this computer broken?" Li Mo stared in astonishment at the ranking numbers listed on the computer.
Ding Xiangming also came over.
"The computer is broken? What does that mean... It’s probably really broken, otherwise, we all must be dreaming." Seeing the numbers, Ding Xiangming almost lost his balance.
He steadied himself against a chair.
On the computer screen,
Tang Qing’s name was at the very top.
Total wealth:
437 billion... RMB!
