How A Ride-Hailing Driver Comes To Dominate The World? [EN]: Chapter 540

The Ticking Time Bomb: A Driver with a Little Money (1)

The announcement from Starlight Investments had a significant impact, instantly boosting the pharmaceutical sector. Stocks that had previously plummeted, some even hitting their daily limit [the maximum price decrease allowed in a single trading day], quickly turned positive. Investors experienced a rollercoaster of emotions and account balances.

However, those retail investors who panicked and sold weren’t so lucky. They sold during the downturn and now hesitated to buy back in after the surge, even if it meant increasing their costs. This is the reality for many retail investors: chasing highs and selling lows, misreading the market, and losing their hard-earned money.

“Damn it, I’m just not destined to make money. Starlight Investments made the announcement just minutes after I sold.”

“Thank goodness I stuck with Boss Yang and resisted the urge to sell.”

“Haha… I’m rolling in it! Made 20% in one day. I told you guys to sell so I could buy. I knew Boss Yang would fight back. Awesome, time for a night out at the club. I’m calling four!”

…

However, the rebound in the pharmaceutical industry didn’t mean all stocks rose. Companies like Zhifei Biological, which relied on Merck for 90% of its revenue, remained at their daily limit. Only the other affected pharmaceutical stocks recovered.

The representatives of a few pharmaceutical companies, led by Zhifei Biological, who heavily depended on Merck, quickly expressed their protests to the local government. They hoped the government would intervene to mediate the conflict between Yang Chen and Merck, preventing them from suffering significant losses.

This was Merck’s confidence, and the reason why Yang Chen chose to gamble to determine who had the final say. These companies would inevitably pressure the government, which in turn would pressure Yang Chen.

They never wanted to change the status quo. As long as they could make money, being controlled by Merck was acceptable.

As expected, Starlight Investments received calls from various local governments, hoping they could reconcile with Merck and not let their conflict affect other businesses.

Jin Ming responded that it was a normal business practice and there would be no reconciliation with Merck.

Merck prohibiting other companies from using its patents was a matter between Merck and those companies, and had nothing to do with Starlight Investments. Starlight Investments would not bear any responsibility for it.

Jin Ming even subtly reminded them why they weren’t considering that Merck’s statement could determine the fate of those companies, instead of bothering an unrelated Starlight Investments.

Unable to persuade Starlight Investments, the local governments could only communicate with the Hai City government. After all, Yang Chen’s base was in Hai City, and they hoped the Hai City government could communicate with Yang Chen and avoid harming other businesses.

Mayor Chen verbally agreed, but had no intention of passing on the message.

If those few pharmaceutical companies that relied on Merck disappeared, there were other pharmaceutical companies that could replace them.

If Yang Chen was driven away, no one could replace him.

Mayor Chen clearly understood the priorities.

The conflict between Yang Chen and Merck quickly spread across the internet, with major media outlets following up with reports.

China Pharmaceutical News: The pharmaceutical industry has been severely impacted. International pharmaceutical giant Merck suddenly announced a ban on Chinese pharmaceutical companies using its patents to produce drugs. If the ban takes effect, Zhifei Biological, which relies on Merck for 90% of its revenue, will face a major crisis. Currently, Starlight Investments has declared war on Merck and will formally short Merck [bet against the stock, expecting its price to fall].

Financial Times:

(2) The Ticking Time Bomb: A Driver with a Little Money (1)

Impacted by Merck’s ban announcement, the pharmaceutical sector initially suffered a severe blow, experiencing an overall plunge. Later, influenced by Starlight Investments’ announcement, it rebounded sharply. By the close of trading, the pharmaceutical sector was up 3.05%. However, Zhifei Biological, which relies on Merck for 90% of its revenue, Minova, which just signed a contract with Merck Group, and other companies that depend on Merck weren’t so lucky, with their stock prices locked at the daily limit. Starlight Investments has officially declared war on Merck, and it remains to be seen whether Boss Yang can shake this international pharmaceutical giant. It’s just a tough time for domestic pharmaceutical companies.

The uproar in China quickly spread to the United States and even the rest of the world.

For example, netizens from various countries were expressing their opinions on YouTube.

Chinese Netizens: “It is said that Merck demanded that Enbei Pharmaceutical, which Boss Yang just acquired, accept their patents and stop independent research and development. Boss Yang firmly disagreed, so Merck used this method to force him to agree. Boss Yang and Merck had set up a bet, but for some reason it was suddenly canceled. In short, the two sides have publicly broken ties and a winner must be determined. As for those Chinese pharmaceutical companies that rely on Merck, I think it’s good if they go bankrupt. After all, anyone can be a contract manufacturer. Companies without independent research and development capabilities should be prepared to be replaced at any time.”

American Netizens: “Is it Yang Chen from Starlight Investments? The capital tycoon who reaped our banking industry? The one even Buffett admires? I originally thought Merck was sure to win, but since their opponent is Yang Chen, I have to change my mind. I think Starlight Investments will win in the end, but I don’t know how. But I can follow Starlight Investments and short Merck to make some money.”

Korean Netizens: “Yang Chen is getting more and more arrogant. His meddling in the capital market won’t cause much trouble for his own country. But he has offended international pharmaceutical giants, so what medicine will the Chinese people take? Even if they don’t ban drug sales to China out of humanitarianism, the Chinese people will definitely have to pay high prices for drugs. It’s already expensive and difficult to see a doctor in China, and Yang Chen is making it even harder for the Chinese people. And I don’t think Yang Chen can win against Merck this time, because Merck really has the confidence and capital.”

Indian Netizens: “Well done, Yang Chen! I’m really impressed that you dare to take on Merck. Don’t worry, if Merck and other companies ban drug sales to China, our country has plenty of alternatives. The whole world knows that our country’s drugs are unregulated, we can do whatever we want, and they are cheap.”

Russian Netizens: “Well done, my Chinese friend! These international giants are causing trouble all over the world, earning countless riches, but they still use life-saving drugs as a threat. It’s really despicable and shameless, with no basic humanity. I think high-tech restrictions are understandable, but using drugs and food as a threat is inhumane. I hope Yang Chen can win and make these pharmaceutical companies submit.”

French Netizens: “Yang Chen is a bit impulsive this time, isn’t he? He’s not considering the safety of the Chinese people at all, just acting on impulse. Even if he wins in the end,

(4) The Ticking Time Bomb: A Driver with a Little Money (1)

what’s the point? We will still be threatened by their patents, won’t we? When the time comes, even if you win, it’s like you didn’t win. Maybe you earn a certain amount of money, but we have to compensate them a certain amount of money before they are willing to continue letting our pharmaceutical companies use their patents. Can’t you consider these issues? I told you that you can’t simply consider this from your personal perspective, you have to consider it from the macro perspective of the government and the people. People at your level can’t not understand these principles, right?”

Yang Chen: “If I didn’t understand these principles, I would have done things my way long ago. Would I need to rack my brains to deal with them in such a cowardly way? According to my usual style, I would have sentenced them to death the moment they said the first rude word to me. Now you know it’s uncomfortable to be controlled by others. What were you doing before? Why didn’t you do independent research and development? Zhifei Biological earns 10 billion a year, is it because they don’t have money for research and development? What did they do with the money? They just wait to eat the leftovers that others give them. When others are unhappy and don’t give them food, they blame the people around them for tolerating others’ unhappiness, instead of blaming themselves for not wanting to work. It’s really ridiculous. I’m driving, I won’t talk to you anymore. I can bear any consequences of this matter alone, no one needs to worry about it. Bye.”

Yang Chen was quite angry, so he stopped the car and drank a bottle of water to calm down.

And it was getting late, he had to go to the Ali Gaba headquarters to attend the important shareholder banquet organized by Boss Ma.

At seven o’clock, Yang Chen arrived at the Ali Gaba headquarters.

Boss Ma had already arranged for someone to wait at the gate. After Yang Chen identified himself, the staff took him directly to the executive restaurant.

Because tonight was just an informal shareholder exchange meeting, Boss Ma didn’t make it too formal. Everyone sat together to eat, drink, and exchange views on the development of Ali Gaba and the current Chinese and world economy. There was no need to vote on any proposals.

When Boss Ma saw Yang Chen coming, he quickly ran over to greet him.

“Boss Yang, good evening. Everyone is waiting for you to come and hear how you plan to resolve the conflict with Merck,” Big Boss Ma said with a smile.

Yang Chen: “Didn’t I already make it clear? I’m going to short Merck.”

At this time, Boss Cai, who had just returned from the United States, came over and took the initiative to shake hands with Yang Chen.

“Hello, Boss Yang, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Boss Yang doesn’t make a move, but when he does, it’s earth-shattering. After being silent for a few months, you suddenly made a big move.”

Yang Chen: “Hello, Boss Cai, you are very busy. I saw you watching a game at the NBA a few days ago, and today you are in Hang City.”

Boss Cai: “Haha… basketball is just a hobby, work is important.”

At this time, Ali Gaba’s most important shareholder, Sun Zhengyi, came over.

Boss Ma was worried that Yang Chen didn’t know him, so he quickly introduced the two.

Sun Zhengyi: “Hello, Boss Yang, I’ve heard a lot about you. I didn’t expect Boss Yang to make such a big splash today, it’s really shocking. As the saying goes, heroes come from young people, and this is very suitable for Boss Yang.”

Yang Chen: “Boss Sun is too polite, you are the real hero. I’ve been hearing your stories since I was a child, saying that you have a unique vision,

(5) The Ticking Time Bomb: A Driver with a Little Money (1)

and you have invested in many large companies with SoftBank, making a lot of money. Compared to you, I’m just playing house.”

Sun Zhengyi: “Haha… Boss Yang, don’t make fun of me. I’ve only accumulated so much wealth over the years, and Boss Yang has accumulated countless wealth in the past few years. I’m not qualified to compare with Boss Yang.”

Yang Chen: “Boss Sun is too modest, excessive modesty is pride.”

“Haha…” Everyone laughed.

Big Boss Ma quickly introduced Yang Chen to other shareholders, and then invited everyone to sit down and chat while eating.

“Today, I mainly want to exchange views with the shareholders on the company and economic development. It’s not a formal banquet or shareholders’ meeting, so don’t mind it, just eat something. In the future, I will definitely host a banquet for everyone,” Big Boss Ma said with a smile.

Boss Cai: “Isn’t the opportunity right in front of us? When Boss Yang successfully shorts Merck, Boss Ma will host a banquet to celebrate for Boss Yang.”

Sun Zhengyi: “Haha… I think it’s a good idea, this opportunity is very suitable. Boss Yang, you must win. We are all waiting for the feast.”

Yang Chen: “Damn, your saying ‘waiting for the feast’ makes it sound like I’m going to die.”

“Haha…” The whole audience laughed.

Yahoo President Yang Yuan said with a smile: “I read the views from the United States, and basically everyone thinks that Merck is sure to win this time. Even if Boss Yang successfully shorts Merck, Merck can get more benefits from China. The result is that Merck loses but doesn’t lose, and Boss Yang wins but doesn’t win. If Boss Yang loses, the consequences will be even more serious, and all the accumulated honors will be lost. Boss Yang, what do you think of this view?”

Yang Chen: “I don’t take Merck seriously at all. I don’t think there will be a situation where I win but don’t win, and Merck loses but doesn’t lose. There is only one result, and that is I will win.”

“Haha…” The big shots laughed.

Big Boss Ma: “That’s the confidence we want. Come, let’s raise our glasses to cheer for Boss Yang. If you take down Merck, I will officially host a banquet to celebrate.”

Everyone raised their glasses and took a sip.

After some unimportant greetings, everyone began to talk about Ali Gaba and the current domestic and international economic situation.

Except for Yang Chen, everyone else was pessimistic. The domestic and international economies were a mess, and the unstable international situation added to everyone’s worries.

But Yang Chen didn’t think so. He thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Why do you say that?

Because international competition has intensified, many high-tech products are restricted, and governments and enterprises are actively working on independent research and development. The current stage should be the most suitable stage for research and development in China’s history, with the right time, the right place, and the right people.

For example, in order to develop semiconductors, new energy vehicles, and other industries, the state has actually taken out real money to subsidize enterprises to actively research and develop.

The people of the whole country now recognize one fact, that is, only having your own things is reliable. It is always unreliable to use other people’s things. If others are happy, they will let you use them, and if they are unhappy, they will immediately restrict you, and you can’t do anything about it.

Entrepreneurs are also taking active actions. Although some people are purely trying to cheat the state’s subsidies, it’s better to do it than not to do it. Doing it has a 50% chance of success, and not doing it has a zero chance of success.

In the past, if you came up with any research results and wanted to commercialize them, you would encounter great resistance. The first thing you would encounter was the pressure from foreign companies. They would lower prices or even give them to China for free, in order to suppress China’s new research results.

Now it’s different. As long as there are new research results that can replace foreign technology, the state will actively guide them into commercialization to replace the products and technologies of foreign companies.

The word “decoupling” is repeatedly mentioned in international relations. If you want to decouple from others, you must first have your own technology and products that can replace others.

In general, Yang Chen believes that now is the best opportunity for Chinese entrepreneurs.

If you seize the opportunity, decades later, Chinese brands will also become “Siemens”, “General”, “Panasonic”, “Johnson & Johnson” and so on.

If you don’t seize the opportunity, you can only rely on others to survive forever.

The big shots at the scene were all lost in thought. Crisis, crisis, danger and opportunity coexist. They only saw the danger, but ignored the opportunity.

Of course, this is also related to the fact that most of them do not regard China as their main battlefield and base camp, so naturally they will not have this direction of thinking.

Yang Chen has a Chinese heart and is always rooted in China, so he will definitely give priority to considering issues from the Chinese perspective, so he believes that this is an opportunity.

As long as your products are good enough, such as quantum chips, the whole world will snap them up, and there is no need to deliberately cater to foreign markets.

However, other shareholders want to take into account both the Chinese and foreign markets at the same time, which leads them to be worried about gains and losses, deliberately paying attention to the overall environment, and then drawing the conclusion that there are many crises.

Big Boss Ma: “Boss Yang’s ideas are indeed different. Maybe that’s why Boss Yang can do things that we can’t do and achieve results that we can’t achieve. Let’s not talk about the macro economy. I want to ask Boss Yang what you think about the focus of our Ali Gaba’s development in the next few years.”

Yang Chen: “I never ask about the company’s operations, Boss Ma, you are making things difficult for me. There are so many experienced business tycoons here, I’m just showing off my limited skills.”

Big Boss Ma: “Haha… Boss Yang is joking, let’s just chat, just talk about it.”

Yang Chen: “Then I’ll say it. I think the focus of Ali Gaba in the next few years should be Taobao, not Tmall. In other words, we should develop mass consumption and weaken the investment in the high-end consumer market. As the bosses just said, the world economy is a mess, everyone’s expectations are not good, everyone is prepared to live a hard life, so naturally they dare not spend too much. Therefore, Taobao ten years ago and Pinduoduo now will be more popular, and the share of high-end online shopping malls such as Tmall and JD will definitely decline a lot.”

Big Boss Ma nodded and said: “I agree with Boss Yang’s view that the focus of development in the next few years should be on the low-end and mid-end markets, and the investment in the high-end market should be greatly reduced. The current international situation is indeed very unclear. If foreign trade is not doing well, we can only develop domestic demand, but the people have no money to spend, so they can only choose low-end products to meet their basic living needs.”

Being able to have the same ideas as Boss Ma, it seems that Yang Chen has something.

Sun Zhengyi asked with a smile: “It seems that Boss Yang’s judgment on the economy is very accurate. What do you think of our island country’s economy?

(7) The Ticking Time Bomb: A Driver with a Little Money (1)

What are your thoughts?”

Yang Chen: “I don’t have any thoughts, I don’t know much about that side.”

Sun Zhengyi’s face was a little embarrassed, and he said with a smile: “Boss Yang has never thought about entering the island country market?”

Yang Chen shook his head and said: “I haven’t thought about it. Not only the island country market, but I haven’t deliberately wanted to go to the markets of other countries. I let foreigners come and ask me to cooperate with them.”

“Haha… Boss Yang is really straightforward and speaks very directly.” Big Boss Ma quickly smoothed things over.

After all, there are several foreign shareholders present, and even Boss Cai and Yahoo Boss Yang, who have Chinese faces, are of foreign nationality. Yang Chen’s words are indeed a bit disrespectful to them.

However, what Yang Chen said was the truth. He really doesn’t actively develop foreign markets, and it is true that foreigners are rushing to cooperate with him. For example, quantum chips, and rain bombs with a range of 20,000 kilometers, Starlight Technology receives hundreds of calls from foreign companies and governments every day seeking cooperation.

In this case, does Yang Chen need to deliberately develop foreign markets?

No need.

As long as you ensure absolute leadership, you don’t need to understand foreign markets, foreign markets will actively seek cooperation, and even beg for the opportunity to cooperate.

Sun Zhengyi was a little unhappy, after all, Yang Chen looked down on the island country market.

“Boss Yang is young and energetic, I can understand.”

Yang Chen immediately retorted: “This has nothing to do with being young and energetic, it’s purely because I look down on the island country market. It’s a small place, with that little population, what is there worth me to understand? Your Panasonic, Sony, Mitsubishi, etc. have made countless calls to meet with me, but I don’t think it’s necessary to meet with them. They can’t come up with anything that I’m interested in in exchange, and I’m not very interested in money, so do you think I need to meet with them? The interaction between people, the interaction between enterprises, and the interaction between countries are all about the exchange of interests. I give you what you want, and you give me what I want, so that the two sides can interact. You only want my things, but you can’t come up with what I want, so why should I pay attention to you?”