Chapter 12: The Rise of Xiao Hui and the "Guo Huo Zhi Guang"
"I love the internet, I love freedom,
I love sleeping in, I love late-night street food, I love racing,
I also love the 29,999 yuan micro car. I'm not anyone's spokesperson,
Not a flag-bearer, I'm Xiao Hui,
I represent only myself.
Just like you, I am Nanshan."
As the internet buzzed with discussions about the video "Xiao Hui: I Speak for Myself," a new hot video appeared on the DiGua website.
Uploaded by the same user, starring Xiao Hui again, the lines as creative as ever, and with a little help behind the scenes, this video was bound to go viral.
But this time, aside from Fei Ansheng's efforts, there was an unexpected surprise.
"Mr. Wang, the user who uploaded 'Xiao Hui: I Speak for Myself' just a few days ago, caused our website to crash the same day."
DiGua Network's founder Wang Wei stood in front of a computer, listening to product manager Feng Kun analyze a new video.
"Our servers have been expanded, so this time it shouldn't crash again, right?"
Wang Wei, an entrepreneur returning from Citigroup, had never dealt with a server crash before.
"It shouldn't happen again. Our user count has already seen a quick increase over the past few days. It's unlikely to have another sudden spike in a short time."
Feng Kun spoke with a little uncertainty in his voice.
"The appearance of the 'Xiao Hui: I Speak for Myself' video has greatly increased our website's visibility.
To put it bluntly, Xiao Hui of Nanshan Motors not only advertised for himself but also for our DiGua Network.
Now there's another video of the same caliber, we can't just sit here and do nothing."
Wang Wei crossed his arms, staring at the looping advertisement, his mind racing.
"Mr. Wang, when it comes to internet promotion, we are the professionals. The more popular these videos get, the more traffic it will drive to our site. How about we send someone to Nanshan Motors to discuss a potential collaboration?"
"No need to hesitate. Let's get to work. This time, we'll make Nanshan Motors' advertisement viral across the entire internet in the shortest time possible."
Wang Wei, having successfully developed DiGua Network to its current scale, certainly had the skills to back up his decisions.
"Huh? So we're basically doing free promotion for them?"
"It's a mutually beneficial situation. The more these two videos by Xiao Hui blow up, the more traffic DiGua Network will attract.
This is very good for our next round of funding.
If you really think about it, we are the ones benefiting from their success."
As Wang Wei made his decision, discussions surrounding the two videos by Xiao Hui hit new heights on forums across China.
This pushed DiGua Network's user numbers to double that of the previous month, and Wang Wei was in a good mood.
At this rate, he could soon be as successful as Baidu's founder.
The launch of Baidu this year had given a much-needed boost to the internet industry in China.
Various internet companies began to emerge in 2005, marking a new peak in development.
"I love shopping, I love buying things,
I love racing, I love the environment,
I love tragedies, I love polishing shoes...
When people see us, they scream,
We are the city management, we will control the world."
In the dormitory of Yanjing Foreign Language University, Zhong Lilan kept browsing posts on Haijiao Forum, occasionally talking to Yu Feifei.
"Feifei, look at them, this is the 'Nanshan Style,' it could easily compete with Xiao Hui's version.
Yours is nice, but it lacks a certain flavor."
Yu Feifei had spent the entire day writing five or six "Nanshan Style" jokes and posting them across various forums.
In just one day, "Nanshan Style" had gone viral, and she had certainly made a contribution.
"Hmph, you're just cannon fodder. If I were you, I'd go straight to Yanjing Polytechnic, get Xiao Hui's contact, and approach him directly."
As Xiao Hui's two videos went viral, more of his personal information had naturally been uncovered.
This was almost inevitable.
After all, if you're going to enjoy the benefits of the internet, you have to accept the risks of privacy leaks.
"Stop giving me bad ideas. If I could find Xiao Hui, who knows how many others are trying to find him right now."
Yu Feifei had been a little disappointed when Xiao Hui suddenly disappeared.
But now that she knew what he was up to, she didn't feel the need to take further action.
She just silently supported Xiao Hui and Nanshan Motors from behind.
"Alright, all the information has been presented. Now, what do you think about the 'Guo Huo Zhi Guang' from Nanshan Motors? Do you think the market will accept it?"
At Tongtong Motors' sales meeting, Jim and his team were discussing.
After Xiao Hui's internet storm, Jim and his team could hardly be unaware of the situation.
"Director, I think no matter if the market accepts it or not, we don't need to worry too much.
At this price, Guo Huo Zhi Guang won't make much profit."
"I don't think we need to care too much. Most of the parts for the Guo Huo Zhi Guang are made by domestic manufacturers.
We all know their technology and quality levels—what could they possibly make that's good?"
"Right! This microcar won't earn much, so we don't need to focus on it. Even if consumers like this car, we could quickly launch a similar product to suppress Nanshan Motors."
Everyone at the meeting voiced their opinions.
Only Yu Xing sat silently, his concern growing.