Epiphanies of Rebirth Chapter 72 (Part 1)
Translated by Pure (ko-fi)
Chapter 72.1 Xiao Miao bursted into tears
After finally breaking free from Shen Tiantian's koala-like hug, Lin Jingzhe found himself drenched in sweat. Though he was glad to regain his personal space, he had to agree to a series of unequal compromises.
In contrast, Xiao Miao's approach was much more subdued. As Lin Jingzhe approached with a computer in hand, she stood in place, her face blushing.
Observing from the sidelines, Xiao Chi complained with crossed arms, "You shouldn't have bought it for her. What good will a computer do for her?"
Lowering her head, Xiao Miao's flushed cheeks burned even brighter. She looked at her brother with shining eyes. While there was a glint of murder in her gaze, her voice remained gentle and soft, "I’m using it for studying."
Xiao Chi squinted at her. "You’re using it to read ‘books’, aren’t you?"
Xiao Miao: "..."
This was definitely not her biological brother!
Lin Jingzhe lightly elbowed Xiao Chi. "What's wrong with you? What do you think a computer is used for? Isn’t it nice for her to be able to read books on it?"
He pondered for a moment but decided not to delve deeper when he saw Xiao Miao was ready to bury herself into the ground.
Once the computer was booted up, the elders of the household gathered around, their curiosity piqued. While the Xiao Family was certainly well-off, a computer was still a novelty in those days, not considered a common household item. Although televisions were becoming more prevalent, personal computers were still a rarity in Yan City.
Grandma Xiao, utterly unfamiliar with this technology, adjusted her reading glasses and tentatively pressed a key on the keyboard. As a letter appeared on the screen, she exclaimed in astonishment.
Lin Jingzhe quickly opened a web browser for her, smoothly typing in the URL for ‘Best Partner Search’. With a press of Enter, a clean and straightforward webpage promptly loaded onto the screen.
Below the search bar, there were several columns organizing the most popular websites in China at the moment. However, the format was slightly different from the one seen last year. This time, there were dropdown buttons next to the columns, allowing for an extended view. The full integration of each category could only be seen after clicking on that button.
This discrepancy alone revealed just how rapidly the domestic web had evolved in the span of a year.
The number of Internet-related companies in Yan City had steadily increased. In the past month alone, five new companies had been registered. This surge in supply was a clear indicator of the growing client base. The desires of people like Xiao Miao and Shen Tiantian to own their own computers further confirmed that although not yet ubiquitous, the concept of ‘computers’ was gradually taking root in the public's consciousness.
Towards the end of the previous year, a prominent international company conducted a thorough business analysis and valuation of Best Partner IT. They even sent an assistant director to engage in discussions with Liang Pi regarding their potential interest in financing Best Partner IT. Liang Pi, however, had yet to provide a definitive answer to their proposal. Currently, the valuation of Best Partner ranged between 25 million and 30 million, a figure that didn't entirely meet their expectations. They were on the cusp of launching their second major innovation, an instant messaging platform, within the year. It was after this launch that Best Partner believed they would truly command a strong position in their initial round of financing discussions.
At present, Best Partner IT held an unrivaled position in the domestic 'search engine' sector. Liang Pi and Wu Wangfei were the pioneers in this field, and with the substantial financial backing from Lin Jingzhe, they had surged ahead significantly. Capitalizing on the unique window of opportunity between 1991 and 1992, and aided by Gao Sheng's strategic advertising, they swiftly etched the brand 'Best Partner' into the hearts of the earliest cohort of domestic netizens. While other companies attempted to emulate them, Best Partner IT's operations gradually found their footing. As their system reached a state of refinement, various previously fledgling departments within the company began to flourish.
The initial group of core veterans finally had the chance to showcase their expertise in the areas they excelled at. The workforce at Best Partner Search had burgeoned from a mere dozen at the outset to several tens of dozens. The company boasted seasoned departments specializing in design, promotion, maintenance, and engineering. Each employee in these divisions worked tirelessly to enhance the user experience. For instance, the homepage of Extraordinary Search had undergone no less than a hundred revisions. Each modification may have seemed minute, but together, they propelled the company to a height that new internet enterprises could never hope to match.
They opted to unveil their instant messaging service in 1992, a timing that was delicately calculated.
Two years down the line, the nation would be formally linked to the global web, and an array of software options would flood the internet market like a sudden downpour. Competition would spike, and pleasing the clientele would become an arduous task. Establishing a new company at that point would mean starting from a significant disadvantage. However, if Best Partner could swiftly introduce their real-time communication software to their existing customer base, effectively encompassing nearly the entire domestic internet user base, they would be well-positioned to navigate through the impending challenges.
Many entrepreneurs in this era demonstrated astute instincts and forward-thinking strategies. At times, even Lin Jingzhe found himself pondering whether they too might have experienced a rebirth.
In particular, there was Xiao Chi.
Xiao Chi had demonstrated a keen sense of foresight by investing in another internet company long before Lin Jingzhe did—Immortal Science & Technology. While both were internet-based enterprises, they each had their focus on distinct realms of the online world. Immortal Science & Technology was presently dedicated to web portal development. Moreover, it was the proud owner of two of the most active domestic forums.
Xiao Miao adeptly opened one of these forums, providing a curious Grandma Xiao with an explanation of internet usage.
Lin Jingzhe winked at Xiao Chi, subtly urging him not to interrupt the two. He then led him to the sofa to take a seat and prepare some tea.
Father Xiao, initially engrossed in his newspaper, couldn't resist the enticing aroma of tea and soon requested a cup for himself. As he savored the brew, they engaged in light conversation.
Soon, the topic shifted to Dominion Properties and Qi Kai. Qi Kai had grown up within this compound, under the watchful eyes of elders like Father Xiao. He would visit during the New Year to offer his well-wishes, making them more than mere acquaintances.
Seeing a once-familiar youngster reach his current situation, Father Xiao couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy.
Dominion Properties was currently ensnared in the maelstrom of Wubao Mountain. The recent addition of a crematorium and funeral parlor had placed a significant strain on them.
Shi Nanxing and Qi Kai had been tirelessly working since the New Year, hoping to relocate the two incomplete government facilities to a different site. However, given the multitude of real estate projects at the base of Wubao Mountain, some potentially backed by stronger connections, their task seemed insurmountable. Even with the retired Elder Qi's involvement, success appeared unlikely.
This outcome was readily apparent, and most would have resigned themselves to their ill-fortune. Yet, the curious thing was that Shi Nanxing and Qi Kai continued their relentless efforts.
They appeared to be in dire need of funds, exploring any potential avenue for financial relief. While actively seeking to sell off shares of the Wubao Mountain project, they were also attempting to secure loans from the bank. However, finding a taker for the Wubao Mountain project was akin to a daunting task. Qiqing Real Estate, the original loan guarantor, was on the verge of bankruptcy, and no one was willing to follow in their footsteps. Regarding loans, Dominion Properties was saddled with a slew of bad debts, having already leveraged all valuable assets as collateral. Consequently, no one was inclined to grant them an unsecured loan.
Xiao Chi offered, "Shi Nanxing still holds around ten percent equity in April Wind Square. Given the current circumstances, I might be able to acquire it for approximately seven million."
Lin Jingzhe then inquired, "And what about their land at the base of Wubao Mountain? Can you estimate its current market value?"
Father Xiao, who had been quietly listening, folded his newspaper and peered at Lin Jingzhe through his reading glasses. "Are you considering buying that piece of land?"
Lin Jingzhe understood the skepticism in his gaze. Wubao Mountain, which now housed a funeral parlor and crematorium, held little value in the eyes of the public. This was primarily because the news about the addition of a public cemetery had not yet been disclosed. Once it was, however, the situation would likely reverse.
Based on his recollection, the cemetery in Wubao Mountain was already fully operational by the time of Lin Runsheng's... funeral in his previous life.
Such a transformation couldn't be accomplished in a short span of time. At the latest, construction on the cemetery should commence within this year.
Private cemeteries in China were exceptionally challenging to get approved. The difficulty was not determined by the developer's qualifications alone. Additionally, the cemetery in Wubao Mountain was government-owned. Until the completion of this project, Lin Jingzhe was confident that no one would dare attempt to build a funeral and interment facility nearby.
However, projects that were harder to approve often promised more substantial profits.
Lin Jingzhe had initially offered 60 million to Qi Kai for the land transfer, but unfortunately, Qi Kai declined the offer at that time. Now, that piece of land wasn't even worth 60 million anymore.
Father Xiao didn't seem to agree with Lin Jingzhe's idea. He shook his head seriously and said, "I advise you not to interfere."
Lin Jingzhe thought he was concerned about the potential profit in the later stages and was about to explain, but Father Xiao raised his hand and interrupted him, "I understand what you mean, and there's nothing inherently wrong with the land near Wubao Mountain. However, as an elder, I would like to advise you not to get involved. Besides the complicated bank debt issue, the key factor is that Qi Kai’s funds should not come from you.”
Lin Jingzhe glanced at Xiao Chi in confusion. Xiao Chi seemed to understand his father's point and calmly responded, "In fact, it might be time to ensnare them in their debt. We can take the land, but we must ensure that the money doesn't flow directly into their hands."
Father Xiao sighed, "You can't just watch them die."
Lin Jingzhe was still puzzled, but Xiao Chi simply patted his head. "Don't worry, I'll handle it."
The display of affection between the two lovebirds was a bit much! Do they have no sense of decorum?! Father Xiao quietly raised his newspaper to shield himself from the sight.