Chapter 18: A Chance Encounter at the Golf Course
Liu Xin came to Beijing this time to have a meeting about integrating their mobile games into China Mobile's services. On the way back from the airport, Liu Xin explained the company's situation in detail to Murong Feng, who was completely unfamiliar with the telecommunications industry.
"Fengzi, the company's situation is not just good; it's excellent! I never expected to pick up such a hot potato so easily!" Liu Xin said excitedly as he leaned towards Murong Feng.
"A while back, an industry friend who knew I was planning to venture into mobile games arranged for me to meet Wang Tan from 'Night Fox' game studio. His studio was in a financial crisis, and we hit it off immediately. Originally, an American investment firm had promised him $2 million, but due to the financial crisis, they only invested 1 million RMB and then pulled out. Wang Tan's game was already 80% developed, and they were desperately looking for funds. In such an economic climate, no one dared to invest easily."
Murong Feng, intrigued, asked, "You mentioned over the phone that you acquired a technically outstanding studio. Are their products really that good?"
"Absolutely! Wang Tan and his team were the core members from 'Cold Stone,' the largest game studio in China, which developed some of the country's most popular online games. Can you imagine how strong they are? And we got them for just
Liu Xin continued with enthusiasm, "Fengzi, the mobile game 'Wind God' they developed is ready. If we can finalize the deal with the China Mobile executive in charge of the integration, we'll be raking in money soon. Haha!" Murong Feng, seeing his friend's spirited demeanor, felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Helping his brother pour his heart into something he loves is a source of pride and happiness.
Liu Xin then frowned, "I managed to arrange a meeting with the head of the integration department at China Mobile through a professor from the University of Posts and Telecommunications. I found out that this executive has no other hobbies except for playing golf, which is not my strong suit. But you mentioned you've been playing recently, so it looks like you'll have to step in. Haha, with us brothers joining forces, we can conquer the world!"
Although Murong Feng disliked socializing, he knew this was necessary. After all, it was their company, and he couldn't let Liu Xin handle everything alone. He nodded in agreement, thinking about the VIP card he had for the Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club, which was reputed to be one of the best golf courses in Beijing. Having played there often recently, he was familiar with the course, making it a perfect venue to invite the executive.
That evening, the two brothers sat on the rooftop terrace of Murong Feng's luxurious apartment, drinking and gazing at the city lights of Beijing, feeling a mix of emotions.
Pouring baijiu into a wide-mouthed glass usually reserved for Western spirits, Murong Feng clinked glasses with Liu Xin and laughed, "Xiao Xin, how's it going with Jiang Yan?" Liu Xin chuckled, "Not bad, but I've been so busy lately, I barely have time to see her. By the way, I've been meaning to talk to you. Jiang Yan and I used to work together, and I know her capabilities. I'd like to bring her into our company. What do you think? And no, I'm not just trying to use the company to get close to her; she really is the talent we need!"
Murong Feng teased, "Oh really? Not trying to mix business with pleasure? Alright, as I've said, how you run the company is up to you. You're the CEO, after all. Why ask me? Unless you have a guilty conscience?"
Liu Xin, embarrassed, laughed, "Yes, yes, I admit I want her close to me. Satisfied? Hey, Fengzi, what do you think of Jiang Yan?"
Murong Feng recalled how Jiang Yan always stood slightly behind Liu Xin, watching him with a gentle smile. He nodded, "She's a good woman. You're a lucky guy!"
Liu Xin grinned foolishly, looking very content and happy.
As dusk settled, the stars in the night sky seemed as bright as the city lights below. The two men fell into a contemplative silence, their only company the flickering lights of their cigarettes.
"Does Zhao Nian know about your current situation?" Liu Xin asked quietly. "Probably not. We haven't seen each other since," Murong Feng replied, staring at the stars. "Do you still think about her?" "Not anymore. What's the point? She's likely doing well. That guy she chose is a senior executive in a big company. She should be fine with him."
Liu Xin sighed and then chuckled, "You're working at that fashion magazine now, right? There must be a lot of beautiful women there. Haven't you been tempted?"
Murong Feng laughed, "There are indeed many beauties, but most see me as a rich kid to snag. Honestly, I'm tired of gold-diggers." He sighed.
Liu Xin earnestly advised, "That's not right, Fengzi. You're just too cautious after being burned once. It's normal for girls to prefer men with good conditions. Does that make them bad? Get over it! Find yourself a good girl. It's not good to be alone all the time."
Murong Feng smiled, "When did you become so philosophical? A talented young man like me can find someone whenever I want. But for now, I'll take it slow. When I'm ready, I'll consider it." Saying this, he took a drag of his cigarette, and through the haze, he suddenly pictured Ye Zi's bright, smiling face.
The executive in charge of reviewing mobile games and other value-added services at China Mobile was Liu Yang, a tall, burly man in his forties with a cheerful personality. Reaching his position at such an age indicated not only his competence but also significant backing.
This time, he accepted the invitation from a relatively unknown company called Fengxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., purely out of respect for his old professor from the University of Posts and Telecommunications. He intended to just go through the motions. But when Liu Xin, the company's general manager, mentioned in a phone call that he and the company's major shareholder would like to invite him to play golf at the Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club, he began to take the company more seriously.
As a golf enthusiast and a member of Reignwood, Liu Yang knew that the club operated on an invitation-only basis, catering to a high-level clientele. The fact that this company could arrange a game there suggested they were no ordinary outfit. He gladly accepted the invitation.
The next day, the weather was perfect for golf.
When Liu Yang arrived at the Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club, Murong Feng and Liu Xin were already waiting in the clubhouse lobby.
Murong Feng, having played golf for some time, had gradually become familiar with golf etiquette. Today, he was dressed like a seasoned golfer, wearing a white golf cap, a light green polo shirt, white Boss Green athletic pants, and white Laa golf shoes. He also sported a professional Tag Heuer golf watch. He felt quite pleased with today's meeting. As a wealthy man now, he thought, he shouldn't be stingy.
Golfers know that betting adds to the excitement and enjoyment of the game. When Murong Feng smilingly suggested a small wager of 1,000 yuan per hole, Liu Yang chuckled and nodded, saying, "Mr. Murong, you're indeed a skilled golfer. I think I'll lose today." Murong Feng shook his head and modestly said Liu was too humble.
Among the three, Liu Yang was undoubtedly the best golfer, while Murong Feng occasionally played well. At the fourth hole, he surprisingly made a birdie, hitting the green with one stroke and holing out with another. Liu Yang clapped and laughed, "Mr. Murong, that was a great shot!" Murong Feng smiled humbly, "I practice this hole the most, so I'm familiar with it. Mr. Liu is the real expert, scoring par on three consecutive holes. I'm far behind. And please, call me Murong if you don't mind."
At this moment, a golf cart approached on a nearby fairway. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from the cart, "Zi Xian, stop boasting! I'll get a birdie on the next hole too!" Murong Feng turned to see who it was and realized it was Zhao Feng, whom he had met at a Mercedes-Benz party.
Recognizing Murong Feng, Zhao Feng stopped the cart, got out, and extended his hand with a smile, "Murong, what a coincidence to see you here playing golf! Nice to meet you again!" Dressed in white golf attire, Zhao Feng appeared much younger and more energetic compared to his imposing presence at the party.
Murong Feng removed his white golf glove and shook Zhao Feng's hand with a smile, "Hello, Zhao Feng. You enjoy golf too? We should arrange a game sometime." Despite knowing Zhao Feng's background, Murong Feng remained composed, treating him as an equal. This demeanor often left a positive impression on others.
As Murong Feng was about to introduce Zhao Feng to Liu Yang, Zhao Feng noticed Liu Yang and smiled politely, "Ah, Liu Yang, long time no see. Your golf skills must have improved." His smile, however, was somewhat reserved.
Liu Yang approached with a beaming smile, "So, Mr. Zhao knows Murong?" Zhao Feng laughed lightly, "Liu Yang, how many times have I told you, stop calling me Mr. Zhao. My father will give me a hard time if he hears." Not wanting to elaborate, he turned to Murong Feng, "Murong, let's set up a game soon." After shaking hands with Murong Feng again and nodding to Liu Xin and Liu Yang, he got back in the cart and left.
This chance encounter with Zhao Feng was just a minor event for Murong Feng, who quickly put it out of his mind and focused on playing. However, Liu Yang was astonished. He knew Zhao Feng because his former mentor, who had supported him, was a subordinate of Zhao Feng's father. Liu Yang was well aware of Zhao Feng's influence. Seeing Zhao Feng's friendly attitude towards Murong Feng, Liu Yang suspected Murong Feng might have a remarkable background too. He regretted his earlier attitude.
As they continued playing, Liu Yang's demeanor changed drastically. He went from a high-handed client to a smiling, friendly companion, treating Murong Feng as an old friend. Murong Feng, unaffected by praise or criticism, maintained his usual calm demeanor, which only deepened Liu Yang's respect for him.
Throughout the game, they refrained from discussing business, focusing on the game and casual conversations about techniques. It wasn't until they finished and were relaxing in the club's luxurious massage room that Liu Yang told Liu Xin with a smile, "Just submit your company's documents. I'll instruct my team to process them. If everything is in order, there shouldn't be any issues with integration." Knowing someone of Murong Feng's stature wouldn't deal with mundane tasks, Liu Yang appreciated that Murong Feng took the time to join them, showing considerable respect.
As they drove back, Liu Yang, in his Audi, watched Murong Feng and Liu Xin in their black Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, nodding to himself. He was convinced that Murong Feng was no ordinary person.
While playing golf, Liu Yang had subtly probed Murong Feng's background, but Murong Feng merely smiled and shook his head, claiming he was just an ordinary person. This mystery only strengthened Liu Yang's belief in Murong Feng's extraordinary background. He was glad he had forged this connection; one never knew when it might come in handy. Even if Murong Feng couldn't help, being on good terms with him might facilitate a relationship with Zhao Feng, which would be a huge advantage.
Though Liu Yang held a high position at China Mobile, he knew that without deeper connections and backing, his career progression would be limited. In the eyes of someone like Zhao Feng, he was still just a small player.
While Liu Yang pondered these thoughts, Liu Xin was ecstatic in the car.
"Damn, Fengzi, I can't believe how smoothly this went! You have no idea; Liu Yang is notoriously difficult. Getting a business integration approved by him usually requires countless meetings and submissions. Many companies get rejected repeatedly. I was hoping he'd help out because of our professor, but I never expected this outcome!"
"By the way, who is Zhao Feng? Why did Liu Yang act so respectfully around him? Are you close with him?" Murong Feng replied with a wry smile, "Not really sure, just know he's someone important. I met him at a party once." Laughing, he added, "Maybe he thinks I'm some powerful figure too." The brothers shared a laugh.
The black Mercedes SUV sped down the highway like an elegant panther, disappearing into the night.
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