Replay 07: Opening the Temple of Learning

Chapter 393: Stifle the Source
"Young people don't buy it, and students don't buy it either." He pointed at the projection screen, "Especially during the e-commerce promotion, Shenchuan directly snatched away our entry-level market!"

On the screen, an advertisement for Shenchuan Computer stood out:
"Pre-installed Zemeng system, perfectly compatible with WIN applications, smooth and no lag, the best choice for cost-effectiveness!"

"The rise of the divine ship has threatened our foundation."

Yang Qing gritted his teeth and spoke, his voice suppressed and angry, "We must take action!"

"But Shenchuan has a very powerful intelligent system, coupled with AMD chips with a better price-performance ratio. How can we compete?" an executive said helplessly.

"AMD's processors are too cost-effective, and our supply chain has no advantages at all."

"Since they rely on AMD, we should solve the problem from the source!" Yang Qing said coldly, "Let's go find AMD ourselves!"

Half an hour later, the executives gathered in the conference room again to discuss a detailed "plan to go to the United States."

"The first step is to contact AMD's top management directly and put pressure on them."

Yang Qing said firmly, "Tell them that continuing to provide chips to Shenchuan will bring huge market risks."

"We can unite the technological and political forces of the United States and tell them about the threat posed by Zemeng Ecology."

"If the Zemeng system continues to grow, it will inevitably challenge Microsoft's WIN system on a global scale in the future."

Yang Qing said coldly, "Once the WIN system loses its advantage, it will cause immeasurable losses to the strategic position of US technology companies."

"At this time, AMD should know which side it stands on."

The vice president in charge of public relations added: "We can join forces with Intel to put pressure on AMD and tell them clearly that supporting Shenchuan means threatening the security of the entire industry chain."

"In addition, resources must also be mobilized at the government level." Yang Qing looked at a senior executive in charge of external affairs.

“Contact relevant departments in the United States and emphasize the role played by Zemeng in promoting the upgrading of the domestic industrial chain.”

“They will definitely pay attention to this.”

The executives nodded one after another, and the scene was serious.

Lianxiang’s executives left the meeting room, but the tense atmosphere still hung over the entire building.

On the other side, the sales department of Shenchuan was full of laughter.

The latest sales data shows that the sales volume of Shenchuan computers pre-installed with Zemeng system has exceeded 50 units.

At the headquarters of Zemeng Technology, Lu Shan looked at a report on market feedback with a sneer on his face.

"Lianxiang wants to win back by the old way?" He whispered, "We'll see."

Obviously, a bigger game is about to begin.

Outside the tall floor-to-ceiling windows is the dazzling California sunshine, but the atmosphere in the conference room is solemn.

Yang Qing's team sat neatly on one side with serious expressions.

Opposite them were AMD's top executives, including CEO James Wilson, a man in his 50s with gray hair but a shrewd and capable face.

Both parties' name tags were placed on the table, and the atmosphere was so quiet that even the sound of watch hands could be heard.

James spoke first: "Mr. Yang, thank you for coming all the way from Xia Country. Can you get straight to the point?"

"I really want to know what Lianxiang wants to discuss with AMD during this visit?"

Yang Qing smiled slightly, adjusted his sitting position, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Mr. James, as one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, AMD's market performance in recent years has been remarkable."

“Especially in the field of high-performance computing, your products are almost the industry benchmark.”

"But today, I'm not here to discuss AMD's success."

Yang Qing's tone became even deeper. "I want to talk about a threat. This threat is not just aimed at Lianxiang, but may affect the entire industry."

James raised his eyebrows and motioned Yang Qing to continue.

Yang Qing slowly took out a document and pushed it in front of James: "This is the latest report on two companies under the Origin Group - BanSi and Zemeng Technology."

James flipped open the file and his expression gradually became serious.

"You must have heard of the company called Companion Silicon of the Origin Group. Through independent research and development, they have made great breakthroughs in the hard disk and memory markets."

Yang Qing said in a deep and powerful voice, "Their products not only have excellent performance, but are also very competitively priced."

"Bensilicon's memory and hard disk sales have now accounted for 40% of the Xiaguo market, and have even begun to export to the European and American markets."

"What's more worrying is that," Yang Qing paused and lowered his voice, "Bensilon's research and development direction has clearly shown that they are likely to get involved in the chip field in the future."

James frowned slightly, raised his head and asked, "Are you sure Companion Silicon will enter the chip field?"

"Hard drives and memory alone are not enough to pose a threat to AMD."

Yang Qing nodded: "Mr. James, this is not a possibility, but a necessity. The Origin Group behind Companion has demonstrated its great capabilities in technology research and development. What's more, they have attracted a large number of top talents."

"Coupled with the full support of the Xia government, once they develop their own chips, AMD will face a comprehensive squeeze from the Xia domestic market."

James thought for a moment, tapping his fingers on the table.

Yang Qing took advantage of the situation and continued: "And this is not all."

"Zemeng Technology of Origin Group is doing something that will have a more far-reaching impact on the entire industry - they are developing their own operating system and complete ecological chain."

Hearing this, James's eyes narrowed slightly: "Are you talking about Ze Meng's system? The operating system based on open source architecture but compatible with WIN system?"

"That's right." Yang Qing took out a data report and handed it to James, "The current market share of the Zemeng system is still not high."

"But they have made most WIN applications run seamlessly on the Zemeng system through code conversion tools."

"Moreover, they are not just building a system, they are building a complete ecosystem."

Yang Qing continued, "Short videos, live broadcasts, e-commerce, music, office software, Zemeng has almost covered all digital life and work scenarios."

"The most important thing is that the Zemeng system is pre-installed on the Shenchuan computer."

Yang Qing deliberately paused to observe James' reaction.

Sure enough, James's expression became more solemn.

"We have obtained the latest data." Yang Qing said confidently, "In the Xiaguo market, Shenchuan Computer's sales have exceeded Lianxiang's for three consecutive months."

"Machines pre-installed with the Zemeng system run faster than WIN systems, and are cheaper, making them extremely cost-effective."

"If Ze Meng and Shenchuan are allowed to continue to develop, their operating system and ecological chain will no longer be limited to Xia Country."

"Ultimately, it may impact the entire WIN ecosystem and even challenge the global market position of Intel and AMD."

James listened quietly, his eyes sharp.

After a moment, he said, "Mr. Yang, I understand what you mean." "You mean that the rise of Ze Meng not only threatens Lianxiang, but also threatens the entire US technology industry chain."

"That's right." Yang Qing nodded. "I think this is no longer a simple commercial competition, but a game of industrial chain and technological dominance."

"We need to stop Zemeng and Bansil from expanding further."

Yang Qing said firmly, "AMD, as the world's leading chip company, must make a choice in this process."

"Choose?" James smiled faintly. "Mr. Yang, what do you hope AMD will choose?"

"It's very simple." Yang Qing looked at James and said in a steady tone: "Stop providing processors to Shenchuan Computer and cut off their hardware support."

"The reason why Shenchuan was able to rise is that their computers use AMD's cost-effective chips."

"If AMD cuts off supply, Shenchuan will have to find alternatives, and there are currently no other products on the market that can replace AMD's Ryzen series."

"Without the chip, there is no divine ship."

Yang Qing's tone was calm and confident. "Without the divine ship, the hardware carrier of the Zemeng system will collapse, and their ecological chain will be difficult to sustain."

There was a brief silence in the meeting room.

James Wilson slowly closed the document in his hand, raised his head, and fixed his eyes on Yang Qing.

"Mr. Yang, I admit that Ze Meng is indeed surprising, and even a little...unsettling."

There was a hint of hesitation in his tone. "But you know, AMD is a global company. We can't just give up any important market."

Yang Qing's expression remained unchanged, but his tone became more determined: "Mr. James, I understand your concerns, but you must realize."

"Shenchuan and Zemeng are using AMD's chip technology to build an ecosystem that threatens the global technology industry chain."

“They have weaponized the market potential of all of us.”

Yang Qing lowered his voice with a hint of coldness, "If this continues, AMD may completely lose control of the industry."

James shook his head and sighed, "Mr. Yang, I must remind you that Shenchuan is one of AMD's largest partners at present."

"They purchase more than 15% of our products, with sales of nearly $3 million."

"If we unilaterally stop supplying, not only will AMD suffer direct losses, but it may also cause the market to question our business credit."

Yang Qing did not answer immediately, but took out a document from his briefcase and handed it over.

"Mr. James, this is the sincerity of my visit - Lianxiang is willing to become your biggest partner."

James took the document, glanced at it briefly, and his eyes suddenly focused.

Yang Qing's tone gradually became tough: "We are willing to promise an order to AMD."

"The order value exceeds 2 million US dollars, covering AMD's most core Ryzen series processors."

He paused, and his tone became more steady: "This is not only a supplement to your sales, but also a commitment to AMD's future market stability."

“Lianxiang has the most complete sales network and user base in Xiaguo,” Yang Qing continued.

“By cooperating with us, you can not only make up for the loss of Shenchuan’s market share, but also gain deeper strategic cooperation in Xiaguo.”

James remained silent, with his hands crossed on the table, a complicated expression on his face.

Seeing this, Yang Qing struck while the iron was hot: "Mr. James, I know you may still be hesitant."

"But I would like to remind you that the development momentum of Origin Group has attracted widespread attention from the U.S. semiconductor industry."

"Do you think companies like Intel and Nvidia will sit idly by and watch Zemeng's rise?"

"Sooner or later, the Origin Group will be banned by the entire industry."

Yang Qing said decisively, "Instead of waiting until that time to take action, it is better to make the right choice now."

James frowned even deeper, and he asked in a low voice: "Mr. Yang, are you sure you can fully fulfill this order?"

"Absolutely." Yang Qing vowed, "And this is just the beginning. In the next few years, the scope of our cooperation will continue to expand."

James put down the documents, was silent for a long time, and finally spoke:
"Your logic has some merit, but we at AMD need time to evaluate the risks of this decision."

Yang Qing stood up and smiled: "Mr. James, I think you already have the answer in your mind."

"Shenchuan relied on AMD chips to rise, but they are also using this cooperation to threaten you."

"When their ecosystem is completely solid, they will bypass you and even counter AMD."

James tapped his fingers lightly on the table and said in a low voice: "I hope you Lianxiang can keep your promise."

"After all, this is a difficult choice for us."

"We at AMD will also consider how to adjust our supply strategy." James' voice became a little cold.

“Perhaps, after we sell the last batch of orders, we will make adjustments to the supply agreement for Shenchuan.”

Hearing this, Yang Qing raised the corners of his mouth slightly, but his expression remained calm: "Mr. James, this will be the right decision."

He stood up and held out his hand: "Trust us, Lianxiang will be your more reliable partner."

James held his hand. Although his face was expressionless, the balance in his heart was clearly leaning towards Yang Qing.

After the meeting, Yang Qing walked out of the AMD headquarters building, the sun shining on his face, and it seemed that he was shrouded in a halo of victory.

He looked back and sneered, "Origin Group? Ze Meng? Don't be too proud too soon."

On the flight back to Lianxiang headquarters, Yang Qing leisurely flipped through the meeting minutes in his hand.

He seemed to have seen how Shenchuan fell into trouble after losing AMD's support, and how the Zemeng system fell into a quagmire due to the collapse of hardware carriers.

New York Nasdaq Stock Exchange Building, Xiaguo Internet Company Summit
Sunlight streams into the conference room through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, but the room seems particularly depressing because of the data on the projection screen.

Sitting on a long row of conference tables were the top Internet executives from Xia Country:

Baidu CEO Li Hong, Youku founder Zhang Jing, as well as senior managers from Dangdang and other companies, and even some founders of unicorn companies that have not yet gone public.

On the other side of the conference room, representatives from several US Internet giants were also present.

Google's global operations director, Microsoft's North American strategy vice president, Amazon's international marketing manager...

Each of these names is a mainstay in the global Internet sector.

In the center of the conference table, a huge LED screen scrolled with several eye-catching keywords:

"Zemeng System", "Threat to the Global Internet", "New Technology Hegemony".

(End of this chapter)