Counterattack starts with controlling probability

Zhang Feng is from Daxia, but has been working for Amazon, a US company, as an AI technology executive at a multinational e-commerce platform.

He not only has a thorough understanding of the business operating environment of both countries, but is also an expert among experts in the fields of data application and AI.

More importantly, Zhang Feng's background has many similarities with Zhang Jingren's, and the two must have a lot of common topics.

Li Hao immediately called Zhang Feng.

"Teacher Zhang, I'd like to ask you for help with something." Li Hao went straight to the point.

"Don't try to play tricks on me, kid. What's the matter?" Zhang Feng said with a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

"Look, I just had a chat with Zhang Jingren from TikTalk. We're interested in collaborating on a public opinion database. His background is different from yours, but it's very similar. I think you two would be a perfect match."

"Besides, with your identity, you can represent the business perspective of the United States, and you can also stand on the side of the people of Daxia. No one is more suitable than you to have this advantage of being familiar with both sides."

Zhang Feng laughed heartily. "You do think highly of me, but Zhang Jingren is no ordinary man. Would he be willing to meet a two-faced person like me?"

"Don't worry, I've already laid the groundwork. He's interested in cooperation, and now we need to strike while the iron is hot and dispel his doubts." Li Hao said firmly, "Just think of it as doing a favor for a brother. Besides, this cooperation isn't a bad thing for you. TikTalk's influence is there, and establishing a relationship with them is a sure win."

Zhang Feng pondered for a moment and said with a smile, "Alright, since you're such a sweet talker, I'll help you with this. But as promised, you'll have to handle all the final technical details and negotiations. I'm just setting the stage for you."

"No problem. I will definitely not let you make a wasted trip this time." Li Hao agreed with a smile.

A few days later, Li Hao and Zhang Feng flew together to the Btdance Building, the headquarters of TikTalk, in Beijing.

The two discussed strategies along the way. Li Hao was responsible for impressing Zhang Jingren from an investment perspective, while Zhang Feng would discuss in depth with him the possibilities of data application from a technical and business perspective.

"Teacher Zhang, do you think Zhang Jingren will feel that we came too hastily?" Li Hao suddenly asked.

"What's wrong with being anxious? Timing is key in the business world. They're being suffocated by the scrutiny, and if you lend a hand now, as long as the method is right, the effect will definitely be twice the result with half the effort." Zhang Feng patted Li Hao's shoulder, "Don't worry, I'm here, so this trip won't be in vain."

Li Hao nodded, his eyes firm.

He knew that this visit was not only a promotion of cooperation, but also a verification of his own judgment and planning capabilities.

He is looking forward to the journey and is ready to face the challenges.

Zhang Jingren didn't act cold this time. Instead, he seemed very casual. He was wearing a hoodie, holding a cup of coffee in his hand, and directly asked the two to sit down.

"You're here pretty quickly. Is this Zhang Feng from America? It seems like you two are well prepared." Zhang Jingren said with a smile.

Li Hao smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang, we are here to discuss cooperation sincerely. After all, if TikTalk and New Star Investment can create sparks, it will definitely be more than just 1+1=2."

Zhang Feng followed up, "Brother Jingzhang, I've actually heard of your platform for a while now. Your data ecosystem is a true treasure trove in the AI ​​field, especially user behavior and emotional feedback, which is truly priceless."

"I came here today to hear your ideas and see if we can create some new ideas."

Zhang Jingren took a sip of coffee and raised an eyebrow. "That sounds good. But you have to understand that my current situation is no joke. Any data issue could trigger a censorship storm. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Li Hao knew this was the key issue and immediately followed up, "Mr. Zhang, don't worry, this isn't the first time we've collaborated like this."

"Noah Technology previously worked with Amazon on a specialized database project, which was completely legal and compliant. Both parties gained enormous commercial value, and it became a model for the industry."

Zhang Jingren was clearly interested and sat up a little straighter. "Oh? Tell me, how did you do it?"

Li Hao nodded and explained carefully, "At that time, our cooperation with Amazon was mainly based on public user data and legally authorized data sources to build a precise industry trend analysis system."

"They used this system to optimize their supply chain decisions, and we used trend data to assist with investment decisions. Throughout the entire process, both parties were extremely cautious, ensuring they stayed within compliance boundaries, ultimately achieving a win-win situation."

Zhang Feng added: "Moreover, this cooperation model is not static. We can design the most suitable solution for TikTalk based on your needs."

"For example, instead of sharing sensitive data directly, build a secure analytical interface. This protects your data assets while allowing our team to extract useful information."

Zhang Jingren nodded, his expression softening slightly. "That sounds quite plausible. However, my concerns aren't just about data compliance, but also user experience."

"Our company TikTalk is what it is today thanks to the trust of our users. If they feel their data is being misused, then my company will be in danger."

Li Hao was prepared: "Mr. Zhang, your concern is completely justified. The database we designed will never affect the user experience."

"In fact, many times we don't need to obtain specific user data. The trends and sentiment indicators in the data model are enough. This can meet our needs without causing user concerns."

Zhang Feng also added with a smile: "In addition, we can also use this system to help TikTalk improve the accuracy of content recommendations, so that users can enjoy a better experience."

"In fact, this is a win-win, or even a win-win-win situation that works silently and subtly – users are satisfied, the platform grows, and the value of our cooperation is maximized."

Zhang Jingren pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What you all said makes sense, but I'd like to hear about a more specific cooperation model. For example, what do you want, what can I get, and how will our work and responsibilities be divided?"

Li Hao and Zhang Feng looked at each other and smiled.

"Mr. Zhang, this is exactly the next step we wanted to discuss," Li Hao said. "The basis of our cooperation is that TikTalk provides some anonymized trend data, and we use this data to build a real-time market sentiment analysis system."

"We provide the core algorithm for this system, but you can participate in formulating its final application direction, such as optimizing content recommendations on the platform or even helping you deal with external censorship."

Zhang Feng continued, "Most importantly, our collaboration does not involve equity or the holding of data assets. It is simply a mutually beneficial project collaboration. You retain full control of your data, and we are merely a tool provider and developer."

Zhang Jingren nodded, the corners of his mouth rising slightly: "Interesting. In that case, it's worth discussing."

The three of them smiled at each other, and the atmosphere finally changed from testing to substantive discussion.

Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the first step had been taken steadily. The next step depended on execution.

As the negotiations progressed, the atmosphere gradually became relaxed.

Zhang Jingren leaned back in his chair, fiddling with the coffee cup in his hand. Suddenly, he changed the subject and asked Li Hao:

"Let's put the cooperation aside for now. Mr. Li, I have a question for you. We're both considered insiders. Do you think TikTalk has any strategies to deal with this scrutiny in this situation?"

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, not expecting Zhang Jingren to ask such a direct question. He pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "Mr. Zhang, to be honest, my quantitative fund has also been affected by this global economic situation, and I've had to make some adjustments to my strategy."

"But the situation at a company the size of TikTalk is much more complex, and it's probably difficult to resolve with just one or two tactics. I'd like to hear your thoughts. Have you considered any possible avenues?"

Zhang Jingren raised his eyelids and looked at Li Hao with a half-smile: "You are good at pushing it back, so I will speak frankly. My thoughts are nothing more than a few:"

"First, from a technical perspective, we need to prove that the platform's algorithms and data processing are transparent and compliant. Second, from a policy perspective, we need to communicate with regulators as much as possible to bring issues to the table for resolution. Third, from a user perspective, we need to ensure their trust is not undermined. We need to work on all three aspects, but I still feel like we haven't done enough."

Li Hao nodded, thinking that Zhang Jingren's ideas were quite clear.

He slowly said, "Your directions are fine, but you need to elaborate. For example, technically, in addition to compliance and transparency, have you considered third-party audits? Endorsement from an independent organization is more convincing than your own statements."

"For example, when communicating with regulators, besides posing problems, can we also propose some innovative solutions? To put it bluntly, it's not just about abiding by the rules; we also have to make them feel that we are willing to promote industry progress."

Zhang Feng also interjected, "As for the user side, I think we can be more proactive. Not only should we maintain user trust, but we can even take the opportunity to launch some 'enhanced' privacy protection features to make users feel that we are truly protecting their interests."

"User word of mouth may be the best shield against pressure."

Zhang Jingren nodded and fell into thought.

He suddenly asked, "So which one do you think I should move first?"

Li Hao said without hesitation: "Technology. Data is the foundation, and it's also the area most prone to criticism. As long as the technology is sound, regulators and users will have greater confidence in the platform."

"Beyond that, I think we can try to break the 'passive attack' situation and proactively publish some of the processes and rules for data use, using transparency to gain trust."

Zhang Feng also echoed, "That's right. The combination of transparency and innovation can not only quell external doubts, but also allow TikTalk to set a positive industry benchmark amidst this storm."

Zhang Jingren gave a wry smile. "You two make it sound so easy, but it's not that easy. Every step is like walking on a tightrope. If you're not careful, you risk falling."

Li Hao's tone was gentle but firm: "Mr. Zhang, I understand this is difficult, but TikTalk is big enough. As long as we're heading in the right direction, even if every step is a tightrope, we can build a bridge. The key is whether you dare to make up your mind."

Zhang Jingren lowered his head and thought for a moment, then looked up at the two of them:

"Your words have given me some inspiration. I really need to start with the technology first. Furthermore, we need to advance user trust simultaneously. Next, I'll have a meeting with the team to sort out what we discussed today and see if we can come up with a plan as soon as possible."

Li Hao and Zhang Feng looked at each other and smiled knowingly.

They knew that this discussion not only promoted cooperation, but also strengthened the trust between Tiktalk and New Star Investment.

Next, it’s time to witness the actions and results.