Chapter 59. A Softened Liu Pingping (Part 2)

Ma Tengyun couldn’t help recalling the time when Li Mo had proposed ways to increase Penguin’s user activity. Back then, even the first few points had left them speechless, but Li Mo had gone on to lay out an entire set of practical strategies. And one of those ideas… he was still personally implementing it every single day.

But this time was different. This time, the plan was about monetization.

Two revenue strategies, just how much profit could that bring to Penguin?

“Mr. Mo, you really have a second plan?” someone asked.

“That’s right,” Li Mo replied. “While Yidong Penguin can indeed earn us a portion of revenue from Yidong, don’t forget, they have far more resources than we do.”

Liu Pingping nodded in agreement. She knew state-owned enterprises never lacked funding. Any move they made was worth billions. Unlike private companies, which often had to scramble and beg for funds, and still might fail. Many excellent startups had died from lack of capital.

“So relying solely on this is not enough,” Li Mo continued. “We need a second revenue stream.”

“We can collaborate with Yidong to launch a monthly Penguin plan that users can subscribe to without even needing the Yidong Penguin app.”

“For five yuan a month, users can send Penguin messages directly to their friends’ phones. And their friends can reply to Penguin messages via SMS.”

“You all know, not all phones can access the internet right now. Over 70% of the market still uses phones that don’t support JAVA apps.”

“In the current situation, each SMS costs 0.10 yuan, and an MMS costs 0.30 yuan. If someone keeps sending those, the cost adds up fast.”

“But with the monthly plan, users could send unlimited messages to their Penguin friends, regardless of what kind of phone they use. As long as they pay five yuan per month, they can chat as much as they want.”

“Plus, users who subscribe to the monthly plan will get an active day credit even if they don’t log in daily.”

“Now think, won’t our Penguin users be the first to consider getting a Yidong DreamNet SIM card?”

“All we need is to negotiate revenue sharing on the monthly plan with Yidong.”

“Our Penguin service will then reach a massive number of devices that can’t install the Penguin app, boosting our influence again!”

The meeting room erupted.

Xu Chenye spoke excitedly. “I get it now! That’s why Mr. Mo introduced the level system!”

“Ever since the levels were added, our user activity has clearly increased.”

“Looking back, that was part of Mr. Mo’s overall plan to monetize Penguin!”

“Any phone can now be used to chat via Penguin anytime, anywhere.”

“By partnering with Yidong to launch the DreamNet card, we’re turning every Yidong user’s phone into a live-chat device that connects strangers instantly!”

“This kind of deep integration will let Penguin ride on Yidong’s explosive early growth and massive promotional budget to scale rapidly.”

“And both of these services, Yidong Penguin and the monthly messaging plan, can be revenue-shared with Yidong!”

“We get exposure, influence, and profits, this is genius!”

The Five Tiger Generals were all fired up!

They already envisioned the bright, profitable future ahead for Yidong and Penguin.

Everyone was excited. They had always believed in Penguin’s future, but they had been completely in the dark when it came to monetization.

Now, Li Mo’s explanation was like a bucket of cold water waking them up, or rather, a beam of light cutting through fog.

Then, Zhang Zhidong spoke up, somewhat embarrassed. “Mr. Mo, your insight and brilliance really put us to shame.”

“Honestly, it’s been so long, and we, your senior management team, haven’t contributed much to the company’s growth.”

“We really are ashamed. We draw high salaries, but haven’t delivered equivalent value.”

Ma Tengyun and the others looked uneasy too.

Especially Ma Tengyun, he had always felt undeserving of his million-yuan salary. Earning that kind of money should mean blazing trails for Li Mo, not falling short. But the sad truth was, he didn’t seem to have a talent for this. He had always felt like he was living in Li Mo’s shadow.

“Tengyun,” Li Mo said, “you five don’t need to think that way anymore.”

“Sure, I came up with the big-picture plan, but you’ve all executed the details flawlessly, truly impeccable.”

“I won’t always be focused solely on Penguin. When that time comes, you’ll each have to take charge.”

“I pay you those high salaries because I believe you’re worth it. I trust you, no questions asked.”

“If you really feel guilty, then just work hard for me. But don’t say things like that again.”

The Five Tiger Generals were deeply moved.

Ma Tengyun even resolved to spend extra hours that evening chatting with users, to help boost user engagement.

“Mr. Mo, we do have one concern, can we actually secure this partnership with Yidong? Who should we talk to? What if their CEO is an old-school conservative?”

Ma Tengyun knew how stubborn some older executives could be.

“Don’t worry,” Li Mo replied. “I already know who their CEO is.”

“Ji Wanxian.”

Li Mo’s mind drifted to that stunning, commanding woman.

It looked like he would have to negotiate with Ji Wanxian again.

That favor worth 20 million he gave her last time, it was time to make it count.

And since Penguin’s business would directly help her performance, this new favor would only deepen their connection.

Everyone seemed to realize, Mr. Mo had a good relationship with Ji Wanxian.

“All right,” Li Mo said, “let’s all get to work.”

“Start developing the mobile client for Yidong Penguin as soon as possible.”

“Remember one thing, no matter the circumstances, prioritize smooth performance. Even the cheapest knock-off phones must be able to run our app!”

The Five Tiger Generals were fired up and full of resolve.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Mo, we will make this happen!”

Watching Li Mo complete a monetization plan for an internet company in such a short time, Liu Pingping still found it hard to believe. Was this really the same Li Mo she once saw as utterly ordinary?

“Mom,” Li Mo said, “come sit in my office for a bit. I have a gift for you.”

Li Mo had prepared a special gift.

He wanted to melt Liu Pingping’s heart.