Although Zuckerberg's mind was particularly eager for Real-time Online Translator, he said, "That's impossible, Mr. Ren, it's definitely not worth 12 billion USD. And in your Chinese language, this is 'daylight robbery'."
Ren Hong felt a little amused after seeing the agitation in Zuckerberg's expression. Despite that, he wasn't flustered. "Whether it's worth 12 billion USD depends on how it's calculated."
"I'm curious as to what made you name such an outrageous price," Zuckerberg intently said.
Unfazed, Ren Hong responded, "Let's cut to the chase, Mr. Zuckerberg. After you received the news, you came here straight away. Apart from the fact of your sincerity, you know what impact this product will bring after it is launched."
Zuckerberg was taken aback, but he hid it well and continued listening quietly to what the young man had to say.
"Admittedly, assuming Facebook doesn't purchase the exclusive license for Real-time Online Translator, XlouS will never be worth 12 billion USD in revenue to your competitor," Ren Hong continued after taking a sip of his coffee. "However, we all know that the value of Real-time Online Translator is worth much more than the actual revenue on the surface. Its huge impact and potential value is difficult to show in exact numbers, but it is the most valuable. If this product is used by your competitors, it could have a huge impact on Facebook or even shake its social dominance. On the other hand, if Facebook gets the exclusive license, its dominance will be even harder to shake and even help quickly open up and capture new markets…"
"What if we choose to give up and pretend your product never existed? Or what about if I reach an agreement with my competitors to ignore your product?" Zuckerberg couldn't help but interrupt. He was clearly upset with this daylight robbery. Since there wasn't any exclusive license and every social media platform could use the product, Facebook would still continue to be the overlord of social media platforms.
"What has it got to do with me?" Ren Hong spread his hands apart to express his surprise, and said. "This is a paid software, and my business will still continue whether or not you reach an agreement with your competitors—unless you can prevent users from installing my product. As a matter of fact, it doesn't actually have anything to do with me. Then again, you may not care, but that doesn't mean the competitors who are always trying to outdo you no longer do. And even if they don't, it doesn't mean that those people with dreams to socialize with the world don't care. Facebook's annual revenue is a lot to the people's eyes."
At that moment, Ren Hong leaned back on the sofa and crossed his legs, gazing at Zuckerberg with a plain smile. The latter looked at this relaxed and even gloating expression of Ren Hong's, and his heart couldn't help but twitch. Ren Hong wasn't wrong because this product was indeed one that would most likely screw over his competitors. None of them would stand a chance against it.
Zuckerberg remained silent, while Ren Hong added, "Frankly, Mr. Zuckerberg, the reason why I'm sitting here and negotiating with you is to see if I can get an additional revenue stream. And if I can, naturally, that would be best. If I can't, it will only be a shame. But I do think there's still a possibility that we can work things out."
"I'd like to hear more about it." Zuckerberg responded in a deep voice. At that moment, he no longer treated Ren Hong as a university student, but a real businessman. Facing businessmen, everything could be negotiated as long as the price was right.
"If it's just to restrain competitors and consolidate the existing situation, 8 billion USD is enough. As to why the bid of 12 billion USD, I'm thinking, if we both enter into a strategic partnership, the powerful utility of Real-time Online Translator and the world's largest social media platform can work together like a strong combination of two swords. The features of Real-time Online Translator will be a perfect addition in assisting your social networking platform to strike all the way to Greater China, won't it?
"I know that Mr. Zuckerberg has always been keen for Facebook to return to Greater China, and despite the government's stance, if Facebook succeeds in doing so, XlouS will play a pivotal role as a strategic partner, as local social networking giant Tencent's instant messaging, QQ, and social networking platform, WeChat, are deeply rooted in this region. You can't grab a piece of fatty meat from the giant corporation without a pair of razor-sharp teeth, and XlouS can provide you with just that."
At that moment, Ren Hong felt a hint of dryness in his mouth. After gently taking a sip of coffee, he quietly waited for the other party's reply. Treacherous waves stirred up in the hearts of the two seniors behind him. They weren't sure if this junior of theirs had an exaggerated opinion of his own abilities or was just incomparably ignorant. That was the Tencent empire that was supposedly untouchable in China he spoke about. And yet, he said with such a clear and logical view.
It was apparent that Ren Hong's words managed to hit Zuckerberg's innermost feelings. It was true that Zuckerberg had never forgotten Greater China and always dreamed of entering this huge market. Not only did he need to get past the government, but he also had to face strong local competitors. Every step seemed so difficult.
"I have to say, Ren! You're a very cunning young entrepreneur. All this help that seems to be in Facebook's favor is actually free promotion for your product." After a long time, Zuckerberg smiled and, notably, changed his term of endearment—Ren! Not Mr. Ren.
Ren Hong smiled slightly and knew it clearly in his heart. He said, "Mutual benefit; a win-win situation for us! It's as if Real-time Online Translator and Facebook are twin brothers—you have me and I have you. We complement each other, don't we?"
"Indeed!" Zuckerberg nodded with a smile.
With a sudden hint of mystery, Ren Hong continued. "Here's a little insider info for you, Zuckerberg! XlouS is currently working on Real-time Online Translator version 2.0. It contains features of simultaneous translation of video with audio and text subtitles and is expected to be ready to launch in six months, at the latest."
Upon hearing those words, Zuckerberg pondered. After a few moments, he stood up from his seat and extended his right hand, saying, "Pleasure to work with you!"
Ren Hong also stood up from his seat, smiled, extended his right hand, "Pleasure to work with you too!"
The two seniors behind Ren Hong stared incredulously at the two hands shaking each other. It was especially so for the female senior, whose wide-open eyes were filled with incredulity. She thought that this world was just too crazy.
12 billion USD.
Not only did Ren Hong and his company not pay any price, but Facebook would also promote his product publicity for free and even give them 12 billion USD!
And Zuckerberg even agreed to it!
The two seniors instantly felt giddy.
"So shall we draw up the contract now?" Zuckerberg suggested.
"Sure!" Ren Hong nodded.
It was apparent that as long as Zuckerberg won the contract, this trip would be considered perfect.
It was also worth mentioning that no corporate giant in the world would be as kind as it appeared. Facebook fought through cruel competitions to gain its achievements today. Such a company's kind facade would always be false. If it weren't for the urgency of time, and uniqueness and disruptive qualities that this product had, it wouldn't have been possible for Zuckerberg to agree so easily. Even if he grasped the essence of data technology, he wouldn't have made such a decision so hastily.
"Seniors?" Ren Hong turned to the two seniors behind him and called out to them. However, they didn't seem to respond.
"Oh! Mr. Ren, my apologies for forgetting my manners!" The male senior replied awkwardly, at the same time tugging the sleeve of the other senior.
Ren Hong wasn't mindful of their reaction. He smiled at the two outstanding students from the law school. "I'll leave the contract to you then. After it's done, I will pay each of you $50,000 USD."
"Ah! No! We're here by arrangement with the school, we don't need to be paid," the male senior, though surprised, shook his head and said.
But it was apparent that Ren Hong wasn't stingy with this money. He also knew that even if he didn't pay them, they would still help him review the contract. However, he knew that they would be more serious with their work if he paid them. Ren Hong knew all this very well, so he said, "It's fine. Although it was the school that arranged for you to assist us, this is what you deserve. This is my principle, you can think of it as my obsessive-compulsive disorder." Ren Hong chuckled and added, "But you still have to draw up a non-disclosure agreement about our earlier conversation."
"Okay then, leave it to us!" The male senior nodded. Since Ren Hong said so, they no longer came up with any excuses. At that moment, Ren Hong could be considered a billionaire. And up until that moment, the female senior still felt as if everything was a dream.
After leaving the contract to be drawn up by the professionals, Ren Hong and Zuckerberg sat next to each other, chatting in detail. On the other side, the two law students check the lines of text in the contract in incomparable seriousness.
"We must be super strict. This is a contract with an astronomical figure. We will also be receiving money from the junior, so we can't allow any sloppiness," the male senior reminded his counterpart.
"I know," the female senior responded in a soft voice. As a matter of fact, her heart was still pounding hard.