Rebirth of wealth and freedom starts from the World Cup

Having said that, Zhao Zixuan could vaguely sense the attitude of Ma Ge and others towards TikTok's listing. It was obvious that these people also wanted to come in and get a piece of the pie.

But this golden egg, which is already due to be laid, is not something that anyone can get their hands on with just a touch of their lips.
Zhao Zixuan's face was filled with a smile that was both humble and full of expectation. He replied: "Mr. Ma, you are too kind. Every step of TikTok's growth is inseparable from the joint efforts of the team. Regarding the listing plan, we are indeed actively preparing. Nasdaq, as the world's leading capital market, is an extremely attractive choice for us."

"However, the specific listing time still needs to be considered based on market conditions, regulatory approval process, the company's internal preparation and other factors. At present, we cannot give an exact date. But please believe that once the time is right, we will share this important information with you in a timely manner."

At this time, Cai, who had been sitting on the right side of Ma and had not spoken much, pushed the black-framed glasses on his nose and expressed his optimism about the future development of TikTok.

He took over the topic and said: "Being able to go public is undoubtedly a recognition of TikTok's past achievements and a new starting point for future development. With TikTok's advantages in content innovation, technological strength and social responsibility, it will surely attract more attention and support from investors after going public, injecting stronger impetus into the company's long-term development."

As a person who has experienced this, Ma gave his own advice: "Going public is a complicated process, but it is also the only way for a company to move towards a broader stage. I hope you can keep your original intention, continue to focus on products and services, and at the same time strengthen communication and cooperation with the international market to bring a richer and more colorful experience to global users. I believe that TikTok will have a brighter future."

Mao Yourong also nodded in agreement and added: "Thanks to Mr. Ma and Mr. Cai for their encouragement and support. We will continue to work hard and live up to your expectations. At the same time, we also look forward to working with more partners to jointly promote the healthy development of the industry."

"Mr. Mao, this partner, said it well."

Ma tapped the table lightly, attracting everyone's attention. He said in a sincere and slightly negotiating tone: "Mr. Zhao, we at Alibaba Group have always admired TikTok's innovative spirit and sense of social responsibility. Considering the broad prospects of the future market, we have a bold proposal and hope to establish a deeper cooperative relationship with TikTok."

Is it finally here?
A flash of understanding passed through Zhao Zixuan's mind, but his face remained calm. He smiled and motioned for Brother Lao Ma to continue.

Then, Ma continued, "I have a proposal. I would like to exchange part of Alibaba Group's shares for a certain proportion of TikTok's original shares. Such cooperation will not only deepen the strategic connection between us, but also jointly explore more cross-field cooperation opportunities, such as e-commerce live broadcasting, digital payment, cloud computing, etc., to achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages."

Hearing this, Mao Yourong and Li Yanning both showed some excitement on their faces, because the current development of Alibaba Group can indeed be described as rapid, and being able to get the recognition and cooperation opportunity from Ma Ge and Alibaba Group is undoubtedly a recognition of TikTok's value and market.

Cai also joined the discussion at this time, and he elaborated on the potential value of this proposal: "Through the share exchange, we can provide TikTok with Alibaba Group's strong resource support in the fields of e-commerce and finance, helping TikTok go further on the road of commercialization. At the same time, TikTok's global vision and young user base will also bring new growth momentum to Alibaba Group."

Zhang Yong added from a strategic perspective: "Such cooperation is not only a supplement to the existing businesses of both parties, but also a grasp of future trends. With the acceleration of the global digitalization process, the deep integration of content, e-commerce and finance will become an irreversible trend."

Zhao Zixuan listened to the other party's explanation, with complex emotions surging in his heart.

He knows very well that this is not just a simple exchange of shares, but also the beginning of a strategic cooperation between two industry giants, which means that TikTok will stand at a new starting point to meet a broader market and challenges.

This year, the market value of Alibaba Group is only 1900 billion US dollars. As for the peak period of Alibaba Group's market value in the future, Zhao Zixuan vaguely remembers that it was around 2021. At that time, the price of Alibaba Group in the US stock market once reached more than 2 US dollars per share, and the total market value exceeded 3000 trillion yuan (approximately equivalent to more than billion US dollars, based on the exchange rate at the time).

That will be a peak moment for Alibaba Group’s market value!
At first glance, exchanging shares with Alibaba Group seems to be a sure-win deal, but Zhao Zixuan still has some concerns in his heart.

Zhao Zixuan took a deep breath and looked deeply at everyone present, especially Ma and Zhang Yong. His voice was steady and powerful: "Thank you very much, Mr. Ma, Mr. Zhang, and Mr. Cai, for your high evaluation of TikTok and your proposal for future cooperation. I know that this cooperation is a rare opportunity for TikTok, which can achieve faster development with the help of Alibaba Group's powerful resources and platform."

Just when the other party thought that the cooperation was settled, he suddenly changed the subject, his tone revealing a firmness that came from careful consideration:
"However, as everyone has said, the future market is changing rapidly. Although the trend of digitalization is irreversible, every decision must be made with caution. As a young and vibrant brand, TikTok has its own development rhythm and strategic planning."

Zhao Zixuan paused for a moment, glanced at Mao Yourong and Li Yanning who looked a little stunned, and continued: "We value the relationship with each of our partners, but we also hope to maintain sufficient independence and flexibility to cope with various changes that may arise in the future. Therefore, after careful consideration, I have decided to reject your kindness."

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the private room suddenly became subtle.

Lao Ma, Lao Cai, Zhang Yong and others obviously did not expect such a result, but their faces quickly returned to calm.

Brother Ma obviously didn't want to miss the opportunity to cooperate, and continued: "Mr. Zhao seems to have great ambitions. But I want to say that now is the Internet age, and what matters is win-win cooperation. The power of a company is ultimately limited..."

After a pause, he asked, "Let me put it this way, Mr. Zhao, do you know Ant Financial?"

Zhao Zixuan raised his eyebrows, his narrow and bright eyes met Ma's intriguing eyes, and responded: "Mr. Ma, of course I know something about Ant Financial. As far as I know, it is not only an important part of the Alibaba Group, but also a leader in the field of financial technology. Its success undoubtedly proves the power of cooperation. However, what I said about maintaining independence and flexibility is not a rejection of cooperation, but a deliberate consideration based on TikTok's own development."

He gently picked up the teacup, took a sip, and continued, "TikTok is in a stage of rapid development. We have a large young user base and an innovative content ecosystem. Our goal is to become a bridge connecting global users and bring them a richer, more diverse and valuable content experience. In this process, we are of course willing to work hand in hand with all like-minded partners, but the premise is that such cooperation must be able to truly promote the long-term development of TikTok, rather than simply pursuing short-term exchange of interests."

Zhao Zixuan's eyes swept over everyone present again, and his tone was sincere and firm: "I have always believed that true cooperation is based on mutual respect and mutual understanding. We are willing to listen to the voices of every partner and jointly explore the most suitable development path for TikTok. At the same time, we also believe in our own capabilities and potential, and are confident that we will maintain our leading position in future market competition."

Hearing this, Brother Lao Ma curled up the corners of his mouth into a meaningful smile. He gently put down the chopsticks in his hand and stared at Zhao Zixuan with his sharp eyes, as if they were engaged in a silent contest.

"Mr. Zhao, you are right. Cooperation does need to be based on mutual respect and understanding. What I want to propose is a cooperation proposal that can deeply reflect this point."

He paused deliberately to observe Zhao Zixuan's reaction, and then slowly said: "Considering TikTok's unique advantages in the content field and our Ant Financial's deep accumulation in the field of financial technology, I would like to propose to use part of Ant Financial's shares, plus part of Alibaba Group's shares, to exchange for a certain proportion of TikTok's shares. Such cooperation will not only enable TikTok to obtain broader financial and technical support, but also accelerate its pace in the process of globalization."

As Ma spoke, he raised his glass and gestured to Zhao Zixuan, "Mr. Zhao, this glass of wine is for you and for the win-win cooperation we are about to start. For both of us, this cooperation is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will not only bring more resources and opportunities to TikTok, but also enable both of us to have stronger resilience and greater development space when we face market challenges together in the future..."

Ma's endless chatter was a complete waste of words, because Zhao Zixuan had made up his mind. He shook his head slightly, revealing some subtle complex emotions in his eyes. "Mr. Ma, it is undeniable that your proposal is indeed very tempting, but as I said before, TikTok's development has its own pace and strategic planning. What we need to consider is whether such cooperation can really bring long-term and sustainable value growth, rather than just a short-term exchange of interests."

Faced with Zhao Zixuan's insistence, Lao Ma did not give up. Instead, he adopted a more direct approach, trying to convince the other party with the "big picture" and "market trends."

"Don't worry, you can think about it carefully. The current market environment is changing faster than you can imagine. The era of fighting alone is over, and win-win cooperation is the main theme of the future. Ant Financial and Alibaba Group can provide strong support to TikTok in terms of technology, capital and market resources. Such cooperation is not only in line with market trends, but also can help TikTok achieve faster development globally."

As he spoke, Lao Ma raised his glass again, and this time, there was a hint of unquestionable firmness in his tone.

"Mr. Zhao, I'd like to offer you a toast. I hope you can seriously consider this proposal. I always believe that only by truly grasping the pulse of the times can we be invincible in future market competition."

However, Zhao Zixuan remained calm and rational. He declined Lao Ma's toast and expressed his position firmly.

“Mr. Ma, I am very grateful for your kind invitation and sincere proposal. But please allow me to emphasize again that the development of TikTok must be based on its own strength, rather than relying on external capital injection. We are willing to cooperate with all like-minded partners, but the premise is that such cooperation must be able to truly promote the long-term development of TikTok, rather than become a burden on our way forward.”

In the end, after a heated discussion and confrontation, Zhao Zixuan still insisted on his principles and politely declined the cooperation proposal put forward by Lao Ma.

As Zhao Zixuan hurriedly left with Mao Yourong and Li Yanning, the atmosphere in the private room instantly became subtle and solemn. The moment the door gently closed, it seemed to separate two worlds - on one side was the Heguang Technology Group team who insisted on themselves and resolutely left, and on the other side was the group of Alibaba Group elites who stayed behind with their own thoughts.

At this moment, two Jewish men named Simon and Jacob, dressed in custom-made suits and with deep eyes, slowly walked into the private room. Their appearance was like a sudden cold wind, making the already tense atmosphere even more tense.

There was an indescribable smile on Simon's face, a smile that was all-seeing yet distant.

Jacob had a fake smile on his face, and his deep blue eyes were as sharp as a falcon, making people dare not look directly at him.

Upon seeing this, Brother Lao Ma immediately stood up and walked forward. The two men's eyes met in the air. There was no need for words, everything was self-explanatory.

"Mr. Simon, I have tried my best..."

Old Ma sighed.

Simon waved his hand gently, interrupting Old Ma's words, "I have seen the whole process."

As he spoke, he walked to the window and looked down at the departing figures of Zhao Zixuan and others, with a barely perceptible gleam in his eyes. "Zhao Zixuan is such an interesting entrepreneur. His persistence and foresight make me more convinced that the shares of Heguang Technology Group are worth our all."

"Zhao Zixuan is a very opinionated leader," Jacob concluded. "But the more he is like this, the easier it is to shake his resolve once you find his weakness. We need to start with the future development of the Heguang Technology Group and find a reason that will force him to cooperate with us."

Old Ma looked out the window at Zhao Zixuan and his group who were gradually going away, and said to Simon and Jacob, "Zhao Zixuan has the help of Ivanka's family. Now TikTok's listing is an inevitable trend, but given our current situation, it may be very difficult to get TikTok shares in a short period of time."

Simon nodded gently and looked at Lao Ma with deep eyes: "That depends on your ability, Jack. TikTok's listing is indeed a critical node and the best time for us to intervene. We need to formulate a careful strategy, not only to show the value we can bring to TikTok, but also to let Zhao Zixuan see that cooperating with us is an indispensable step for him to achieve his long-term goals."

Jacob took over the topic and added: "We can start from two directions. First, use our resources and network in the global market to open more international markets for TikTok, especially those that are currently difficult for them to reach or require a long time to cultivate. Second, we can provide technical support and cooperation, especially in core areas such as data security and algorithm optimization, which are all aspects that Zhao Zixuan attaches great importance to."

Hearing this, Old Ma frowned slightly, then relaxed his brows, with a glimmer of enlightenment in his eyes: "This proposal is very attractive, but Zhao Zixuan is not someone who can be easily convinced. We still need an opportunity that can touch his heart, an opportunity to make him believe that our cooperation can go beyond a simple exchange of interests."

Simon smiled slightly, as if he had already made up his mind: "Opportunities always come to those who are prepared. We can arrange a high-level dialogue, not only between our two teams, but also invite authoritative figures in the industry or third parties who have an important impact on the future development of TikTok to participate."

Jacob nodded in agreement: "We also need to show our sincerity and determination. Perhaps, we can consider proposing an innovative cooperation model to let Zhao Zixuan see that we are not simply seeking shares, but we really hope to grow together with Heguang Technology Group and achieve a win-win situation."

Old Ma pondered for a moment and finally nodded: "Please rest assured, I will communicate with Zhao Zixuan as soon as possible and try to make proper arrangements. At the same time, I will continue to collect information and find more reasons to impress him."

Simon patted Old Ma on the shoulder and said with a smile, "I believe in your ability, Jack. Whether we can go to Jerusalem next year depends on your performance in the future."

"Mr. Simon, Mr. Jacob, please believe in my determination and hard work. Whether I succeed or not, I will go all out to ensure that every step is solid and effective." Lao Ma said in a firm tone.

Jacob smiled and nodded, expressing his appreciation for Ma Ge's statement: "Jack's determination and initiative have always been valued by us. I believe that with your efforts, our cooperation with Heguang Technology Group will surely achieve successful results."

Simon expressed his expectations more directly: "I believe Jack has the wisdom and ability to meet this challenge. We are waiting for you at HaKotel HaMa'aravi (meaning 'Western Wall', referring to the ancient limestone wall on the west side of the Temple Mount)."

...(End of chapter)