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Moving slightly back in time, Xu Deming and Xu Wanting were also invited to attend the World Internet Conference.
As renowned jewelers, Fengxiang Jewelry had significant online business operations. Originally, Xu Wanting couldn’t attend due to Deverna’s situation, but since Xu Deming was invited, he took her along to explore opportunities to revive Deverna.
The World Internet Conference was held in Wuzhen, where most internet companies participated, alongside some international corporations, making it exceptionally lively.
Xu Deming, also a well-known angel investor, came prepared and brought Xu Wanting along to meet people, build relationships, and discuss business.
…
On the other hand, Xu Mo and Tang Lei, along with the other two, each dressed in their suits, flew directly to Wuzhen.
It was their first time here, treating it as an opportunity to broaden their horizons.
Relative to other business tycoons, Xu Mo and Tang Lei, along with the other two, were relatively unknown, attracting very little attention.
So, in the first two days of their tourism trip here, they didn’t stir up any trouble. They simply strolled around Wuzhen, admired the scenery, and experienced the local customs.
The entire conference usually lasted for three days. They arrived early to tour around, and on the third day, they entered the venue to attend the opening ceremony.
Following that were various activities and exhibitions throughout the day, leading to evening board meetings and representative symposiums.
Then came the plenary session, including events like the Global Young Leaders Program certificate ceremony and the Leading Technology Awards presentation, among others.
Finally, on the third day, they attended various forums and roundtable discussions, registering based on their respective interests and business needs.
In the evening, there were tea gatherings among various business tycoons, where they sat together, discussing future collaborations and developments.
Overall, the three-day itinerary was very tight, with many meetings to attend, especially various forums and roundtable discussions covering a wide range of topics.
Xu Mo and his three companions came to network and gain exposure, so they stayed together throughout, attending the opening ceremony and participating in various meetings together.
When introduced by QQ(Tencent) Group’s Zhang Yundong, they were warmly received. He led them around, shaking hands with others, including many well-known domestic tycoons like “Xiao Ma” and “Old Ma,” whom Xu Mo was meeting for the first time in person, despite having seen them on TV and online before.
Although they were present, there were no awards specifically given to them this time.
According to Zhang Yundong, Xu Mo and his companions were initially eligible for a Young Entrepreneur Award in shared bikes, but since Xu Mo sold off the bike-sharing business, they were no longer considered.
Others ended up receiving the award instead!
Surprisingly, retired “Old Ma,” who had heard about Xu Mo’s involvement with Pinduoduo, remarked, giving Xu Mo a once-over and commenting, “Pinduoduo, using the ‘Price Slashing’ model? Seems like it’s been gaining some traction lately!”
“Just average,” Xu Mo replied casually, not divulging any specifics about Pinduoduo’s data to avoid attracting too much attention.
“Not just average at all! We’ve seen reports on this model, and it seems to have some potential! Your future development might not be simple,” countered Old Ma.
Despite nearing retirement and being less involved in managing Ali Group these days, Old Ma remained a leading figure in the e-commerce industry, possessing a keen business sense.
Upon hearing his evaluation, Xu Mo and Zhang Yundong exchanged a glance.
Xu Mo chuckled, “While the ‘Price Slashing’ model is promising, we still have many issues to address! The abundance of counterfeit and low-quality products from our merchants has led to numerous customer complaints, keeping us busy and overwhelmed internally.”
“That’s true,” nodded Old Ma, clearly aware of some negative reviews about Pinduoduo circulating on the internet.
“Even with the support from the QQ platform for development, it’s still challenging for us to establish ourselves. We’re currently adjusting our strategic direction!” Xu Mo continued with a smile.
“Keep up the good work! I have high hopes for your model. If managed well, it could soar!” Old Ma patted his shoulder approvingly.
The two had collaborated once before, with Ali(Short for Alibaba) Group now operating the shared bikes acquired from Xu Mo’s company, significantly boosting Alipay’s user engagement.
The acquisition of Xu Mo’s company by Ali Group was undoubtedly worthwhile, enhancing Ali Group’s influence in the market.
Zhang Yundong, seeing Old Ma’s reaction, smiled and then took him to meet the boss of Jingdong Group, Qiangdong, and then to meet Xiao Ma.
As they passed by a group of people, Zhang Yundong seemed to recognize a familiar face and stopped to introduce, “Xu Mo, come over and meet someone! This is Mr. Xu Deming, the CEO of Fengxiang Jewelry. If Fengxiang Jewelry could join your Pinduoduo platform, it could significantly boost user engagement. Don’t underestimate…”
“Mr. Xu Deming, this is Xu Mo, the founder of Little Monster Bikes and an innovator in the web based sharing economy. He’s now running the Pinduoduo online shopping platform, quite well-known and talented…”
“Xu Mo!”
“Xu Mo!”
…
Meeting Xu Deming and Xu Wanting at the World Internet Conference didn’t surprise Xu Mo. They were already well-regarded businessmen with a certain level of fame.
Therefore, seeing them at this moment didn’t surprise him. He just glanced over and then turned away.
Xu Deming and Xu Wanting were momentarily stunned, wanting to go after him, but quickly halted their steps, feeling uneasy.
In fact, they had just seen Xu Mo earlier, but they hadn’t gone over to greet him.
As the forum commenced, with various business titans shaking hands and getting acquainted, Xu Mo and his companions appeared in the crowd for the first time.
Dressed in a sharp suit, Xu Mo looked handsome and charismatic, a stark contrast from before. After several days, he seemed taller and more energetic, exuding a newfound charm.
The black suit couldn’t conceal the young man’s innate grace and talent. Upon entering, he immediately attracted attention, with many eager to shake his hand.
Even when he approached figures like Old Ma and Xiao Ma, he could hold a conversation and was recognized, admired, and praised.
Watching this, Xu Deming couldn’t help but feel proud.
“This is my son, Xu Mo!”
Naturally gifted.
He almost wanted to declare to everyone that Xu Mo is part of the Xu family.
So, when he saw Zhang Yundong bringing Xu Mo over, he went to greet them, hoping to ease the tension between them. He didn’t expect Xu Mo to turn and walk away.
Xu Deming and Xu Wanting didn’t chase after him, knowing it wouldn’t lead to anything.
“Xu Mo, this…” Zhang Yundong was puzzled.
“It’s okay, it’s okay!” Seeing Zhang Yundong’s surprise, Xu Deming hurriedly reassured him with a proud smile, “We know him! Wanting knows him too, he’s my son!”
Zhang Yundong paused, surprised.
“This is my son!” Xu Deming repeated with a smile. “And he’s Wanting’s younger brother, our own flesh and blood! Didn’t expect him to be here too. You introduced him here, didn’t you?”
Zhang Yundong and Xu Deming were old acquaintances, both investors who had shared meals and drinks together. Now, hearing this, Zhang Yundong suddenly realized, “No wonder! But Old Xu, Xu Mo, he’s quite something!”
“I know, I know! Quite something!” Hearing Zhang Yundong’s admiration, Xu Deming looked even more pleased, with a proud expression. “Although our relationship with him isn’t the best, I can’t deny he’s part of our Xu family! Take good care of him!”
“…” Zhang Yundong was moved upon hearing this.
No wonder Xu Mo was so formidable; he hailed from the Xu family.
The Xu family wasn’t just Xu Deming alone; they had other factions and significant ties even in Beijing. Even someone like Brother Xiao Ma didn’t dare underestimate them, let alone him.
It was quite astonishing!