Chapter 853: Chapter 549: Not Answering the Phone?
Zhang Xuhao now feels like Ben Boerba from “Journey to the West”.
Cheng Zhu is like the Nine-Headed Beast, and as soon as he arrives, he tells him: “Go and get rid of Tang Seng and his disciples!”
Indeed, the demons and ghosts that appear in Journey to the West don’t really stand a chance in front of the Monkey King. Even the inconspicuous minor demons could be called “Great Wind King” among the masses.
In modern society, you’d at least have to call him Mr. Feng.
Given Zhang Xuhao’s current wealth and status, he wouldn’t be someone of Ben Boerba or minor demon’s level.
Although at the current stage, Baidu’s decline is extremely evident among the BAT giants.
However, for Zhang Xuhao, it’s still a behemoth!
“Cheng Zhu, stop joking around, remember Mr. Li from Baidu said they would first come up with 20 billion to invest in O2O?”
“And we’re aware of the data; Baidu Takeout is really going all out, focusing on the white-collar crowd, and they’ve already become the number one in the white-collar market.” Zhang Xuhao sighed deeply.
Because from a development path perspective, the white-collar crowd is also Eleme’s highly valued consumer group.
“The situation will change.” Cheng Zhu crossed his legs, holding a cold Coke in three fingers and gently swaying it in mid-air.
Once Meituan and Dianping merge, how can Baidu compete with them!?
Baidu itself lacks any natural advantages.
It’s just that Mr. Li’s statements are too arrogant and domineering, claiming to burn 20 billion, giving people the illusion that he will fight to the bitter end.
What’s even more laughable is that according to the trajectory of the past, Baidu had already decided to stop getting involved long ago and decided to “sell itself”.
But they kept waiting for the right price, no, they kept trying to raise the price.
First, they talked about merging with Meituan, then there were rumors of joining with SF Express… but eventually, none of the deals went through.
As time went on, they dragged it longer and longer, making themselves less valuable.
The final outcome was—selling at a low price!
In the office, Cheng Zhu smiled and quoted his brother-in-law Shen Minglang: “Don’t underestimate yourself!”
Is this a matter of underestimating myself?
Cheng Zhu knows they can’t persuade each other now because there’s an information gap between them.
He knows very well that Baidu is eager to get involved in O2O right now.
But it won’t be long before internal disagreements arise, and they no longer see group buying and takeout as the most important projects. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on Nov3lFɪre.ɴet
The reason is simple—Baidu has set its sights on artificial intelligence!
Yes, artificial intelligence, though initially unnoticed, is now causing widespread concern across various industries with fears of being replaced.
Baidu will soon place significant bets on this field.
But Cheng Zhu can’t explain these things openly.
Because in his current position, he has neither the qualification nor the channel to learn these insider details.
It’s not because he wants to show off and leave a hook here!
——Are you forcing me to show off?
Alright, alright, really no choice here.
Zhang Xuhao doesn’t take Cheng Zhu’s words too seriously now because he feels they’re too far-fetched.
So, Ah Hao said: “Let’s talk about this next time, since the merger of Meituan and Dianping hasn’t concluded yet either.”
“Sure, it’s about time, shall we head to the dining place now?” Cheng Zhu asked.
“Okay, I’ll send Brother Tao a WeChat.” Zhang Xuhao smiled.
Cheng Zhu looked at him and asked: “By the way, who’s treating tonight, you or Brother Tao?”
“Huh? We didn’t actually decide!” Zhang Xuhao blinked: “I think it should be Brother Tao, don’t you think?”
“I agree, after all, he’s the one more anxious.” Cheng Zhu laughed heartily.
Zhang Xuhao gazed at the young man before him, feeling it was quite amazing.
He never expected, starting off with trying to secure one of the best catering businesses nationwide, they would unexpectedly end up on the same boat.
Moreover, he entered with only 20 million US dollars, supposedly as the last one, yet no one could ignore him!
This phenomenon actually reflects one key point:
He only invested 20 million US dollars, but the value he brings is immeasurable!
The dining location for the three was chosen by Zhang Tao, a secluded private dining venue.
Coming from a background in gourmet reviewing, he is a gourmet among gourmets.
However, Cheng Zhu’s taste is actually more “down-to-earth”, and many overly upscale restaurants, especially foreign cuisines, are not to his personal liking.
You say the dishes have a unique taste… indeed, they are unique.
But they’re just not delicious.
So, at these times, you’ll be told to savor them.
Truly delicious food should make you savor it the moment you taste it, what else is there to savor?
Zhang Tao knew Cheng Zhu preferred Chinese cuisine, so he arranged it very thoughtfully this time.
Since they’re having Chinese, he didn’t serve red wine, but early in the morning, he brought two bottles of 50-year Moutai and two bottles of premium Moutai from home.
He personally prefers mixing the 50-year with premium, feeling it provides a better taste, but he didn’t know which they’d prefer, so he prepared both.
Upon receiving the WeChat from Zhang Xuhao, Zhang Tao immediately got up.
Long Wei had already returned to the company, sitting across from him discussing matters.