Reborn in 08, a heretical cultivator starting a business

Chapter 239 Ali's backer, using power to intimidate others
In 2009, most online shoppers were from middle- to high-income families or college students from families with decent financial conditions.

Middle- and high-income groups simply cannot accept counterfeit goods on Taobao!

Students, needless to say, cannot accept counterfeit goods.

People prefer Vipshop for its authentic products, fast logistics, and excellent service!

Even if it's a little more expensive than Taobao, it doesn't matter.

The middle-to-high-end consumer group and the consumer group in the lower-tier market are completely different.

This is the perfect opportunity for Wang Junshan to shut down Taobao!
Tang Jinghe quickly replied to Guo, Chairman of Fosun Group:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Guo, our chairman is away on a business trip and will be unavailable for the next few days."

"On a business trip?" Mr. Guo's lips twitched; knowing this was an excuse, he continued:

"President Tang, I understand Chairman Wang's meaning, but it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester, right?"

Tang Jinghe chuckled: "Although I don't know why Chairman Guo said that, what he said is very true."

"Haha, little sister, I'm glad you agree with me. I hope you can convey this to Chairman Wang. Taobao and Vipshop are both excellent platforms, but it's not good for them to be on the trending topics list right now. Why don't we take them down? What do you think?" Chairman Guo said with a smile.

Tang Jinghe was in a difficult position: "I'm sorry, President Guo, I'm in charge of the group's human resources, and I can't communicate with the Weibo business unit."

"Mr. Tang, you are too modest. You have a lot of influence with Chairman Wang."

Tang Jinghe wasn't buying it: "You can't say that. Weibo has its own operating model. The trending topics list is fair and impartial; it can't be taken down just like that, otherwise, wouldn't everything be in chaos?"

"There is really nothing we can do."

"President Tang, let's be frank. Chairman Wang, please feel free to make any requests you may have."

"The issue of Vipshop's fraudulent claims regarding trending topics was the fault of some Alibaba employees. Chairman Ma has severely criticized them and is preparing to dismiss them. He is willing to compensate Vipshop and hopes that both sides can resolve their differences peacefully."

"Chairman Guo, you're exaggerating. These are all excellent national enterprises; what conflict could there be?"

"As for trending topics, those are all user-initiated actions, and Weibo has no right to interfere or remove them arbitrarily..."

"Look, our own Vipshop's subsidy fraud is trending at number two, and we can't get it off, right?"

Seeing that no amount of communication would be effective, Mr. Guo had no choice but to give up.

Subsequently, Jack Ma arranged for NetEase founder Ding Dong to intervene. Ding Dong had some connections with Tang Zhi, but the result was the same.

The other party was very polite and answered all my questions.

But our bottom line is firm: we will never remove trending topics from our feeds!
This left Jack Ma feeling quite helpless.

However, misfortunes never come singly.

Before Jack Ma could come up with a solution, his secretary rushed in, flustered.

"Chairman, a group of media outlets have surrounded our Alibaba headquarters!"

"They said they wanted to interview us about how counterfeit goods account for up to 70% on Taobao!"

"Damn it!" Jack Ma slammed his fist on the table in anger.

"We at Alibaba are already in dire need of help, and these damn media outlets are adding to the chaos?"

"Damn it, damn it all!"

Others were also furious:

"You're even interviewing about counterfeit goods? And giving us another special issue of your major publication?"

"They really love making a scene, they're all a bunch of scoundrels!"

"Call security and kick them all out! They must be kicked out!"

The secretary, however, seemed somewhat troubled: "At first, there were relatively few media outlets, so security was able to keep them out."

"Now all the media outlets, big and small, have come; there are just too many people."

"Not only the main entrance was blocked, but the side entrance, the back entrance, and the garage door were also blocked."

"They were completely surrounded."

“Any mid-level manager who goes out will be surrounded and forced to be interviewed.”

"Even the security personnel couldn't stop them. With all that gunfire and equipment around, they were afraid that pushing and shoving would cause an even bigger crisis."

Jack Ma sighed: "We have to stop them, even if we can't. We absolutely cannot let those media outlets in."

"If they really come in, how do we deal with it?"

"They say the trending topics are fake, and that less than 70% of the goods on Taobao are counterfeit?"

"Believe it or not, we dare to say this, and the media will immediately conduct tests, even live-streaming the tests!"

"If they admit that 70% of the goods are counterfeit, then it's even worse. Who will dare to shop on Taobao in the future?"

"I'm caught in a dilemma. Nothing I do will work. I absolutely cannot accept the interview!"

As Jack Ma spoke, his expression became complicated.

How familiar this scene is!
A dilemma, no matter which option you choose, it's wrong!
This was originally a desperate situation that Alibaba had prepared for Wang Junshan!
Exposing Vipshop's subsidy fraud using Weibo's trending topics!

This puts future technology in a dilemma, where no matter which option you choose, you're wrong.

Now, everything is fine. Wang Junshan easily resolved the issue, and Future Technology is safe and sound.

Instead, it has put Alibaba Group in a dilemma, as no matter which option it chooses, it will be wrong!
It's true what they say, fortunes really do change!
"Yes, Chairman, I will pass it on right away."

The secretary should be present; convey the message immediately.

Jack Ma walked to the window, looked through the glass at the swarm of media below, and felt a headache coming on.

"Do you believe this group of reporters will keep blocking our way until tomorrow!"

The others nodded in agreement, also extremely anxious.
"This is a huge problem. In this situation, none of us can get out."

"We definitely can't get out. Didn't you see that the middle managers are all surrounded and being interviewed? If the few of us go out, we'll probably be completely surrounded, and the cars won't be able to move."

"Leaving is out of the question, it'll be difficult in the short term, unless we hold a press conference. But we can't clarify that, so we can't hold one."

"The media is secondary now; the most crucial factor is the immense influence of the top trending topic!"

"Yes, as the situation escalates, more and more people are realizing that up to 70% of the goods on Taobao are counterfeit, and as a result, they're giving up shopping on Taobao. Taobao's order volume today is probably going to be halved!"

"Cut in half? What are you thinking?"

"I just asked, and this morning Taobao's order volume is only 30% of yesterday's, a sharp drop of 70%!"

"What? It's that serious!"

"If this continues, we'll be in trouble."

"Not only have order volumes plummeted by 70%, but refund requests have also surged. Customers who placed orders just a few days ago are now requesting cancellations and refunds!"

"There's no way around it. Most people who shop online regularly these days have computers and internet access at home, and their families are generally well-off, so naturally they care the most about quality!"

"The counterfeit rate on Taobao is as high as 70%, how can they possibly continue to shop there? I estimate they'll all abandon Taobao and switch to Vipshop!"

"Yes, just like nowadays, who would fill up with cheap gas at a small gas station if they can afford a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Audi?"

"These groups are all elite groups; they simply cannot accept counterfeit goods! No matter how cheap they are, it's all for nothing!"

"It's over. If things continue like this, won't Wang Junshan ruin our Taobao?"

"That's right. Before, due to the logistics disruptions caused by Vipshop, not many people used Taobao Mall anymore; they all went to Vipshop."

"Now Taobao is deeply mired in the counterfeit goods quagmire, and its user base will plummet. It's on the verge of collapse."

"This can't go on, otherwise Taobao will really be finished. Alibaba's stock price will continue to plummet."

"That's for sure. 80% has already evaporated. If it evaporates any further, less than one in ten will remain."

"Wang Junshan is doing this because he knows we're powerless to fight back; he's trying to destroy Taobao!" Jack Ma said gravely.
"We can't drag this out any longer. If it drags on until tonight, Taobao will be completely ruined."

"Wang Junshan must be removed from the trending topics!"

Zhao Deyu frowned: "The problem is that right now, the higher-ups at Future Technology are refusing to answer our calls, not even to unknown numbers. We can't reach the higher-ups through Weibo customer service either, so we can't communicate directly."

"Even getting Guo Dong of Fosun and Ding Dong of NetEase to act as lobbyists was useless."

Jack Ma's face turned ashen.
"Since we can't reach an agreement through proper negotiations, we'll have to ask that person to step in and use their influence to force Wang Junshan to back down!"

"At that time, even Wang Junshan will have to give the other party some face."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Deyu's eyes lit up: "That's right, that person's influence is terrifying. With him taking action, even Wang Junshan wouldn't dare to disobey!"

Jack Ma wouldn't want to do this unless absolutely necessary.

After all, favors of this caliber are one in a million, and once used, they're gone forever!
But right now, Taobao is on the verge of collapse, and Jack Ma has no other choice.

Back in his office, Jack Ma made another phone call, his tone very respectful:

"Mr. Gao, I'm so sorry to bother you."

"Is it about the trending topics on Weibo?" The voice on the other end of the phone was calm, yet authoritative.

"Yes, Mr. Gao. I shouldn't be bothering you, but Taobao is in a very difficult situation right now. The other party is being too ruthless. Taobao is really desperate, and I'm at a loss as well. I can only ask you for help."

"Hmph! Desperate? You're playing word games, first accusing Vipshop of fraudulently obtaining subsidies of up to 10%, and then trying to destroy them. Did you ever consider whether they might be driven to desperation?"

“I…” Jack Ma opened his mouth, but didn’t know how to defend himself.

I am indeed in the wrong.

Mr. Gao sneered, "You clearly struck first, creating a trending topic about Vipshop's subsidy fraud, trying to destroy Vipshop!"

"As a result, they easily defused the situation, and then turned around and put your trending topic about 70% counterfeit goods on the hot search list, and destroyed you!"

“Chairman Ma, if the other party makes the first move, breaks the rules, and lacks sportsmanship, it is perfectly acceptable for me to step in.”

"But it was Alibaba that struck first, Alibaba that broke the rules first, and Alibaba that lacked sportsmanship first!"

"They're just giving you a taste of your own medicine!"

"Tell me, how should I make a move?"

How to intervene?

“This…” Jack Ma’s face turned bright red, but he was speechless.

As Mr. Gao said, it was indeed their side that took the initiative first, broke the rules first, and couldn't withstand the pressure first.

"More importantly, the home appliance subsidy program was clearly a policy designed to stimulate the economy."

Mr. Gao continued, "Why did you have to resort to this? You have no regard for the bigger picture!"

"I didn't realize that economic recovery is the top priority right now. Even if there are non-compliant issues with the 'Home Appliances to the Countryside' program, as long as it helps economic recovery, it can be temporarily tolerated to a limited extent. We'll settle accounts and conduct a thorough investigation later, once we've weathered the economic crisis!"

"You guys are something else, you directly put the 10% subsidy fraud on the trending topics, making it known to everyone."

"Now look what's happened, you've all put us on our feet!"

"The relevant authorities can't even stop investigating for the time being!"

"But if an investigation is conducted, it will affect the effectiveness of the economic stimulus!"

“I…” Jack Ma’s expression changed drastically, and he was completely taken aback.

He realized he had made a serious mistake.

The 10% subsidy fraud must be investigated.

But when and how to investigate is an art.

At the very least, with the economic crisis raging right now, it's not the time to investigate.

Economic recovery is of paramount importance!
When the economy fully recovers in the second half of the year, or at the end of the year, or even next year, and the crisis is over, then the fraudulent subsidy scheme for home appliances in rural areas can be thoroughly investigated and the restrictions tightened!
Unfortunately, Jack Ma wanted to use this opportunity to destroy Vipshop and let Taobao Mall take its place and become bigger and stronger.

This point was overlooked.

In fact, many of his actions were risky, or rather, he lacked sensitivity and a broad perspective.

For example, the Ant Financial incident in a previous life...

For example, the replacement of banks...

All of this illustrates his character.

To achieve their goals, they are willing to disregard the overall situation and take enormous risks.

In fact, many entrepreneurs are like this.

For example, Didi's IPO...

For example, Evergrande...

The underlying logic is quite simple.

Dancing on the edge of a knife is extremely dangerous, but if you succeed, the profits are also the greatest!
But with Taobao on the verge of collapse, Jack Ma had to shift the focus and move to a higher level:

"Mr. Gao, I'm sorry, I didn't think it through and acted impulsively. But Taobao has millions of sellers, and it affects the livelihoods of so many people."

"If Wang Junshan really kills them, the losses will be extremely severe. Millions of people will lose their jobs, and millions of families will lose their income!"

"If this happens, it will undoubtedly exacerbate the financial crisis."

"This is probably something no one wants to see."

"So, now you know the importance of the big picture?" Mr. Gao was so angry his liver hurt, and he was speechless.
"Now they're trying to morally blackmail me using grand principles!"

"When you attacked Vipshop for fraudulently obtaining subsidies by selling home appliances in rural areas, why didn't you prioritize the overall situation?"

Jack Ma's face turned ashen: "Although it was done by my subordinates, it also shows my lax management."

"But please, sir, for the sake of the millions of sellers and their families, do me the honor of mediating this dispute."

“You…” Mr. Gao sighed, “Fine, I’ll swallow my pride and try to mediate.”

"But I can't guarantee whether it will work out."

"Thank you, thank you so much." Jack Ma beamed with joy. "With your help, it will definitely work out."

"Wang Junshan has to give you face, Elder Gao!"

"Hehe, Mr. Ma, don't flatter me. His willingness to negotiate is a favor to me. If he doesn't accept the negotiations and doesn't give me face, there's nothing I can do."

"Sir, you are too modest. With your intervention, success is assured."

As Jack Ma spoke, his smile broadened considerably.

He knew exactly what kind of power this person possessed.

"You!" Mr. Gao shook his head: "Wait for my news, but this is the last time."

Jack Ma's expression changed drastically, but he still took a deep breath: "Thank you, Mr. Gao!"

In the end, I used my last bit of affection.

But there was no other way; we had to make a choice because of Taobao.

As long as the trending topic gets removed, it's all worth it.

Back in the conference room, a group of senior executives immediately surrounded him: "Chairman Ma, how did it go? Has Mr. Gao agreed to take action?"

Jack Ma nodded: "I agree."

Zhao Deyu was in high spirits: "That's settled. With Mr. Gao involved, it's bound to work. Wang Junshan won't dare to act recklessly!"

(End of this chapter)