Forcing Me to Be Reborn?!

But even negative attention is still attention!

Doesn't matter if people initially focus on you just to see if you'll make a fool of yourself.

As long as you have the attention, it's all good!

From Zhang Tao's perspective, not to mention a newly launched short video project, even big names like [Paipai] and [Kuai Shou] might not have as much attention in the investment circle as [Youuqu]!

If there's a chance to make some noise, it will definitely pay off!

Although Bao Fan holds a special position in the circle, it doesn't mean other venture capitals wouldn't dare to approach him.

If, by any chance, one of the top ten venture capitals takes a liking to [Youuqu], the development would be much smoother for them!

Therefore, Taozi was truly giving some friendly advice.

But Cheng Zhu was clearly undeterred.

"No need, no need, we should rather focus internally for a bit." He said straightforwardly.

Zhang Tao still wanted to say something, but after thinking it over, he realized Cheng Zhu was someone who made his own decisions and chose to remain silent.

Still, he felt it was a pity for Cheng Zhu.

"Short video isn't exactly a booming industry; once you miss this chance, it's gone! Ah!"

Since they had already touched upon the topic, Cheng Zhu went on to ask: "By the way, Brother Tao, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," Zhang Tao replied.

"You know the people at Tencent well. I want to ask what Tencent's current internal opinions are on [Weishi]?" He said.

He had somewhat of an idea but wanted to confirm due to the butterfly effect.

"Tencent's Weishi?" Zhang Tao was momentarily stunned.

"I think they've just been doing it half-heartedly," he thought for a few seconds and then responded.

A lot of people think Tencent entered the short video scene too late, but that's not true.

As early as September 2013, Tencent debuted Weishi.

However, internally, they haven't paid much attention to it.

Over the phone, Zhang Tao said: "Actually, you asked the right person."

"How so?" Cheng Zhu was curious.

"I went to Shen City a few days ago and had a meal with Pony."

Wow, had a meal with Little Ma?

A few years later on the internet, one could joke: Little Ma has come so far, having meals with the founder of Dianping.

"And then?" Cheng Zhu pressed on.

"Pony even mentioned you once," Zhang Tao chuckled.

"Really, I must be quite famous now, hahahaha!" Cheng Zhu's hearty laugh echoed over the phone.

Taozi: "..."

Generally, young people would feel honored if Little Ma mentioned them.

But you just went straight to smugness!

Zhang Tao laughed and continued: "We briefly talked about you and your plans to create short videos."

"Then, Pony casually remarked that the short video industry has difficulties with monetization," Zhang Tao added.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Zhu understood why Weishi started so early yet made no waves over these years.

Even in the coming years, Tencent internally wouldn't take the short video seriously.

"Turns out they underestimate the monetization of short videos," Cheng Zhu found his answer within.

Tencent has always prioritized traffic monetization.

After all, this was an issue that began troubling Tencent during QQ's rise.

At that time, they had countless users and tremendous traffic, but the monetization model was singular, and the ability wasn't strong.

Later on, they gradually figured it out.

Transforming from difficulties in monetization to being criticized for being overly aggressive in monetization.

Today's Tencent, it's well-versed in monetization and knows how to profit.

Despite this, internally, they feel short videos have no real avenue for monetization!

This led to Weishi gradually being marginalized internally, missing the best opportunities for entry.

After quoting Little Ma, Zhang Tao didn't want to hurt Cheng Zhu's feelings and added, "Zhu, don't worry too much, after all, what he refers to as weak monetization and what we think as weak monetization are certainly different."

What Little Ma describes as not profitable can't surely be the same as what we say is not profitable, right?

Unbeknownst to them, Cheng Zhu wouldn't be discouraged by this.

He was feeling quite good about it!

"Perfect, perfect, as long as Tencent doesn't enter this realm, all is well," he felt completely at ease.

Over the phone, after exchanging a few more words, Zhang Tao shared the reason for his call.

"At the start of the month, Dianping will be preparing for the next round of financing," he said.

"Alright, I'll work hard recently to gather more funds," Cheng Zhu replied.

...

...

At this moment, inside Xiyuan Apartment.

Zhang Qiqi was repeatedly watching two freshly edited short video versions on her phone.

She would choose one to upload to her [Youuqu] account.

Initially, Cheng Zhu wanted her to be a dance influencer or a costume cosplay influencer.

But after learning she had the [Born Yoga Pants Physique] and had a one-night stand, he changed his mind.

The cheeky man isn't that generous.

Some things are best enjoyed privately.

Dear netizens, don't dream of it!

Now, he positioned Zhang Qiqi to shoot transformation videos.

But surely not like the original style.

It would be more refined, promoting Chinese culture.

Such as traditional costumes, opera attire, ethnic minority dresses, etc.

The video in her hand involved dressing in ethnic minority clothing, with tags added: Miao Girl.

The music used would be from "The Legend of Sword and Fairy."

Zhang Qiqi struggled to choose between two different filter versions.

Hence, she asked her cousin, "Yiyi, which one do you think looks better?"

"Sister, I think the first one is better," Yiyi replied according to her aesthetics.

"Hmm, I also feel the first one looks cleaner in terms of vibe," she smiled.

This [Seeking the Pure Desire Standard] event, she surely was going to participate in it.

Zhang Qiqi wouldn't miss the chance to flaunt in front of Innocent Little White Flower: "This event is definitely designed for me; the pure desire standard is already under my feet."

...

(ps: Begging for monthly votes~)