Chapter 37. The West Lake Summit Idea – Teacher Ma Downs Three More Cups!
Today, Teacher Ma was truly overjoyed. Meeting Li Mo made him feel like they should have crossed paths sooner. A kindred spirit—Li Mo was truly his kindred spirit.
He felt every word Li Mo spoke resonated deeply with him.
After refilling his glass, Teacher Ma downed another shot in one go.
Ma Tengyun kept applauding enthusiastically. Cai Chongxin, caught up in the moment, joined in. They were all friends here—no need to discuss investments. A few drinks to strengthen bonds was just the thing.
“Teacher Ma, you’re a true heavyweight! Let me match you with one!”
Li Mo knew his alcohol tolerance couldn’t compare to Teacher Ma’s, so he didn’t drink as recklessly.
Soon after, Yin Qiang also stood up to toast.
“Li Mo, out of all our dormmates, you’ve soared the highest. No need for words—for our old school ties, bottoms up!”
The four former roommates all raised their glasses together.
Ma Tengyun hastily followed suit.
“Mr. Mo, today I must drink with you! Absolutely must! If not for you… who knows where I’d still be giving my desperate pitches? Would I ever see a seven-figure salary?”
Hearing this, Zhang Zhidong and the others were visibly moved.
“So true—we were just drifting aimlessly before. But… after meeting Mr. Mo… being named his ‘Five Tiger Generals’… that—that’s the proudest achievement of our lives!”
Zeng Liqing and the other three grew emotional, each raising their glasses to Li Mo.
“Alright, alright, let’s not overdo it. Everyone here is in the internet industry. This rare gathering with Teacher Ma… shouldn’t be wasted just on drinking. We should discuss the future of our sector.”
Though thoroughly buzzed, his mind still racing, Teacher Ma remembered what he’d wanted to ask Li Mo earlier.
“Mr. Mo, here’s the thing—soon, I want to host a ‘West Lake Summit’. Gathering all the top names in China’s internet scene. Bring them to West Lake. Debate the industry’s future direction. Exchange perspectives on each other’s businesses—what do you think?”
The idea had been brewing for a while. Alibaba was gaining traction now—their B2B model for small businesses showed real promise. The success had boosted his reputation.
So… a West Lake Summit could elevate Alibaba’s national profile.
Hearing “West Lake Summit,” Ma Tengyun perked up immediately! West Lake Summit—just the name sounded thrilling!
Li Mo set down his cup and began applauding Teacher Ma.
In the system’s Alibaba development plan, this very concept appeared. Though it seemed his prepared materials might go unused now.
“Teacher Ma, only you could conceive this. Outwardly an exchange forum… but in reality—a masterstroke to skyrocket Alibaba’s visibility. If China’s internet titans gather in one place… then—media will swarm like bees to honey. While ordinary folks might ignore such coverage… businesses monitor it religiously. And those small-to-midsize enterprises? Exactly your target demographic! Seize this opportunity… and Alibaba’s brand recognition will explode overnight. This plan is absolutely viable.”
Teacher Ma studied Li Mo. The baijiu was hitting hard now… yet—he couldn’t mask his astonishment. Li Mo’s vision was razor-sharp.
At one glance, he’d discerned the underlying strategy. One could say… this was virtually a zero-cost gamble. With all advantages flowing to Alibaba.
Cai Chongxin chuckled.
“Mr. Mo cuts straight to the heart of it. Laid bare every calculation in Teacher Ma’s mind. Sometimes… dealing with brilliant minds is exhausting. No thought stays hidden from them.”
Ma Tengyun began pondering.
West Lake Summit—an internet thought leadership battleground! If Tencent could participate… wouldn’t that mean… short-term explosive publicity too? A spectacular promotional opportunity.
“Teacher Ma, if this West Lake Summit happens… Tencent must receive an invitation. Such a grand occasion—we can’t afford to miss it. Though Tencent remains small now… with Mr. Mo guiding us, you see our potential.”
He’d invoked Li Mo’s name. Teacher Ma promptly assured him.
“Tengyun, rest easy—this Internet West Lake Summit… will absolutely include Tencent!”
Teacher Ma’s eyes shone momentarily… though… the light soon dimmed.
“However… this remains merely conceptual. While Cai Chongxin helped secure Goldman Sachs’ investment… compared to industry giants, we’re still fledglings.”
Ma Tengyun nodded soberly. Alibaba had made strides… but against internet behemoths? Still insignificant.
“Sina, Sohu, NetEase—these portal giants… already control over 55% of online ad revenue! This is the portal era’s peak. All independent sites struggle under their shadow.”
Ma Tengyun sighed heavily. Until Mr. Mo revealed Tencent’s profit roadmap… anxiety would gnaw at him.
Su Qingyan, feeding Li Mo crab meat nearby, listened intently to the discussion. Regarding Li Mo… she increasingly marveled at his bottomless intellect.
Ma Tengyun’s words also weighed heavily on Teacher Ma.
“Exactly… in this industry, my voice still carries little weight. So this West Lake Summit—I merely consult Mr. Mo. Realistically… I lack the influence to convene such luminaries. Especially NetEase, Sina, and Sohu’s founders.”
Ma Tengyun itched with possibility. A successful West Lake Summit… could become the internet investment world’s premier annual event.
Yet… it did seem improbable!
Just as the group prepared to move on, Li Mo suddenly spoke.
“Teacher Ma, actually… making the West Lake Summit happen… isn’t impossible.”
Teacher Ma wondered if the alcohol deceived his ears.
“Mr. Mo… you’re serious?”
Before Li Mo finished speaking, Teacher Ma leapt up in ecstasy!
“I’ll drink three more cups! Just watch me, Mr. Mo!”
With that, he poured an overflowing glass of baijiu.