บท 28: Recruiting a Top Talent

"Striving Youth" entered post-production, with the director and main cast members frequently appearing in various media for promotions. Huayou Entertainment began negotiating with numerous domestic TV stations for the purchase and broadcast rights of the drama. The show's well-crafted visuals and storyline, resonating with contemporary youth, were a rarity in the genre of pure youth idol dramas in recent years. Competing for broadcasting rights, TV stations created a buzz around "Striving Youth," gradually heating up media coverage.

Naturally, Murong Feng did not participate in these promotional activities. At this moment, he was discussing the acquisition of Huayou Entertainment's shares with UBS Private Bank and Huayou Entertainment's financial advisory firm. Ultimately, he confirmed a 40 million RMB investment, securing a 13.5% stake in Huayou Entertainment, making him the third-largest shareholder after the Wang brothers. However, should other investment institutions claim the remaining 16.5% of shares, Murong Feng would drop to the fourth-largest shareholder. Nevertheless, Murong Feng's investment was not for control over the company but rather for its promising development prospects, hoping to cash out smoothly upon its listing.

After wrapping up the investment matters, Murong Feng returned to his routine life. He spent several days at the National Library, collecting information on domestic enterprises and writing a paper on the structure and current state of domestic corporate culture. When he presented it at the project group discussion, it garnered high praise from Professor Chen and Wang Ruoyun and even surprised the usually aloof and proud PhD group leader, Li Suyan. Seeing the astonished and admiring look in her eyes gave Murong Feng a sense of satisfaction.

During the six months Murong Feng spent filming, the project group conducted numerous exchanges with project groups from Nanjing University, Zhejiang University, and Sun Yat-sen University, completing substantial data research and forming preliminary research models. Recently, under the leadership of Northern University's project group, they were preparing for an in-depth study of successful corporate culture construction in some well-known state-owned and private enterprises. They had already contacted the boards of these companies and were likely to conduct in-depth on-site investigations. Li Suyan requested Murong Feng's participation if his schedule allowed, to which Murong Feng readily agreed. Li Suyan would handle the specifics and notify Murong Feng once arrangements were finalized.

Murong Feng also now had another important task: interviewing candidates for the general manager position of "Fengxing Entertainment Information Technology Co., Ltd." Beijing branch.

With the full launch of all business lines centered around the flagship product "Wind God," the company began generating positive cash flow. Liu Xin had excitedly told Murong Feng over the phone, "We've gone from a few thousand in monthly income to over half a million!" The rapid business growth made the establishment of the Beijing branch even more urgent.

Through industry connections and headhunting companies, Liu Xin had finally identified a suitable candidate. Now, Murong Feng needed to interview this candidate as the boss. Liu Xin had said, "This person has an excellent reputation in the industry, extensive connections, and strong capabilities. Of course, his salary is not low. You should meet him to make your own judgment. Professionally and technically, he is more than qualified!" Murong Feng, initially lazy, wondered why he had to meet the candidate if he was already deemed perfect. However, his thoughts had evolved after filming, and he understood the critical importance of the Beijing branch and the need for a trustworthy general manager.

After completing the filming and handling urgent project group matters, Murong Feng immediately arranged to meet the suitable candidate Liu Xin had mentioned.

Ding Jun, a graduate of Tsinghua University's Communication Engineering Department, held a Master's degree in Communication Engineering from the University of California and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He had previously served as the General Manager of the Wireless Business Department at Sina.com, the largest domestic portal site. Murong Feng marveled at such an impressive resume, wondering how someone so overqualified would agree to be the general manager of a small company branch.

Murong Feng and Ding Jun agreed to meet at Beijing Club. For a senior talent like Ding Jun, a high-end environment was necessary to demonstrate their seriousness. As a senior member of Beijing Club, Murong Feng had the privilege of reserving a reception room.

At 3 PM, Ding Jun arrived punctually at Beijing Club, where he was respectfully led into the cigar reception room by the club's staff. Murong Feng, having received the notification, stood at the door with a welcoming smile.

Ding Jun, an elegant middle-aged man in his mid-30s, greeted Murong Feng with a beaming smile, "Mr. Murong, I've heard so much about you!" Murong Feng, puzzled but modest, exchanged pleasantries and took a seat. "I've heard a lot about your impressive achievements from Liu Xin! It's an honor to have this opportunity to collaborate with you," Murong Feng said with a smile. Ding Jun replied, "I've also heard Liu Yang speak highly of you, Mr. Murong. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Murong Feng realized that Ding Jun's interest in "Fengxing" was piqued after Liu Yang's introduction.

Without rushing into business, Murong Feng, upon learning that Ding Jun also enjoyed cigars, rang for the staff to prepare the necessary items. Both donned special cigar attire, lit their cigars, and began chatting amidst the smoke.

Ding Jun revealed that Liu Yang's introduction had sparked his interest in "Fengxing" due to its unique background. During their conversation, Murong Feng gained deeper insights into the current state of the wireless communication value-added industry. Over the years, after initial chaos and rapid growth, the industry faced numerous social issues, prompting telecom operators to undertake comprehensive adjustments and management of business models and standards. Previously lucrative businesses like SMS had matured, offering limited growth potential, especially with the advent of the 3G era, driving the industry to innovate. Ding Jun had been considering starting his own venture focused on mobile games but faced funding withdrawal from foreign investors due to the financial crisis. Liu Xin's introduction and Liu Yang's endorsement of "Fengxing" reignited his interest in the company, seeing it as an opportunity to embark on a new venture.

Murong Feng felt fortunate. Had it not been for Liu Xin's timely acquisition of "Night Fox" studio, providing a strong mobile game business, and an accidental encounter with Zhao Feng at the golf course leading Liu Yang to believe in the company's strong backing, they would never have attracted such a top talent. Ding Jun, an industry veteran who could casually arrange golf and tea with telecom executives, was a significant catch.

As their cigars dwindled, their conversation grew deeper. Murong Feng recognized Ding Jun's ambitious nature, with his extensive overseas education contributing to his straightforward and refined demeanor. Trust, however, could not be established through mere conversation; it required binding him to "Fengxing" through shared interests. Murong Feng pondered, "What would Xu Zhisen do?" Without a doubt, he would sign him. A person like Ding Jun would undoubtedly bring substantial profits to the company. Resolute, Murong Feng made a decision.

"Mr. Ding, I too prefer straightforwardness. How about this: you take the position of General Manager of Fengxing's Beijing branch. If things go well, after a certain period, I'll discuss with Liu Xin the possibility of inviting you to be Fengxing's CEO, with an annual salary of 1 million RMB. Additionally, you'll receive 5% of the company's original shares, unaffected by future financing."

Ding Jun was momentarily taken aback by the young man's boldness. The annual salary was less significant, and while the CEO position reflected Murong Feng's trust and vision, it was the 5% shares that truly surprised him. These shares meant he would become a part-owner of the company. If Fengxing went public after multiple rounds of financing, the value would be substantial.

After considering it, Ding Jun said, "Mr. Murong, I am deeply impressed by your boldness. This is an offer hard to refuse. I agree to join Fengxing!" They smiled at each other, sensing mutual respect. Murong Feng, shaking his hand, added, "We're honored to have you, Mr. Ding. With your help, Fengxing will surely reach new heights. However, since the Beijing branch hasn't been established yet, you'll need to handle some preparatory work. It will be a bit demanding." Ding Jun laughed, "It's my pleasure!" He appreciated the trust Murong Feng placed in him, allowing him to recruit his own team, the people he recruited and arranged would naturally become his confidants, and be easier to use.

Successfully securing the industry's top talent, Ding Jun, Liu Xin flew in from Shenzhen for a three-way meeting to finalize details. They engaged a professional financial firm to draft equity agreements, officially establishing the Beijing branch of Fengxing. Amid the rapid development of 3G services, Fengxing, with its quality products and strong connections, grew at an astonishing rate, with revenues increasing monthly!

This successful hiring led to many future developments. After signing Ding Jun's employment contract, Murong Feng, acting as a hands-off boss, left the specific tasks to Liu Xin and Ding Jun, despite their grumbles. He returned to his routine of researching, writing articles and papers, playing golf, practicing fencing, occasionally attending events or parties at the invitation of Zhou Haitao or Tang Qing, and enjoying dinners or movies with Ye Zi.

Finally, "Striving Youth" completed post-production and began airing on national television!