Technology Bigshot - Chapter 24
Chapter 24: XlouS Headquarters
Translator: Atlas Studios
Editor: Atlas Studios
Ren Hong nodded slightly at Gao Yue’s report and added, “By the way, the news was also released at the same time as the announcement about the bidding for the construction of our company headquarters. I am going to spend 3.5 billion USD as start-up capital to build our company headquarters.”
“3.5 billion USD of initial funding?!” Gao Yue was stunned upon hearing the number, while the assistant beside her was bewildered. “The construction of the company’s headquarters shouldn’t cost that much, right?” Gao Yue wondered. Although the company wasn’t lacking in money at that moment, it seemed to be too ridiculous spending almost a third of their money on the construction of a single headquarters. With an addition of another 1.5 billion USD, the cost would be almost as much as Apple’s new headquarters.
“And the cost may increase too, estimated to be around 5 billion USD and more.” Ren Hong said after a moment of silence.
“5 billion USD and more?” Gao Yue gaped.
Is Chairman building a headquarters comparable to Apple’s?
Gao Yue’s assistant instantly felt giddy. The boss was truly terrifying when it came to spending money. The construction of the headquarters at a cost of 5 billion USD was worth 30 billion RMB after conversion. Moreover, judging from his tone, it still didn’t seem to be enough yet.
Ren Hong didn’t pay attention to their expressions. He picked up a 1.5 mm black signature pen on the table and retrieved a blank A4 paper. Then, he wrote the five big letters of XlouS on the blank paper, before holding it up with both hands. He shifted his gaze on Gao Yue once again. The latter was stunned, not knowing what the chairman was up to.
Ren Hong said, “This is the model of XlouS’s headquarters. Our head office will consist of five separate building blocks standing side by side, spelling X-l-o-u-S! The height will be over 400 meters on average! XlouS! Standing on this planet!”
“F-Five… skyscrapers!” Gao Yue stared blankly at the words, XlouS, written on the paper in Ren Hong’s hand. She couldn’t help but imagine what kind of shock it would be if a cluster of buildings built in the shape of five letters were erected on the ground.
The assistant beside Gao Yue subconsciously covered her wide-opened mouth. Five buildings corresponding to five letters, making up the name of XlouS. It was shocking beyond relief just to imagine it, but what would it be like if it were to appear in reality?
“Are you sure? Five buildings? Our corporate headquarters?” Gao Yue looked at the drawing with some hesitation.
“That is why I need the best architects and teams in the world to complete it. Spending over 5 billion USD to construct five buildings as our headquarters. I’m certain!” Ren Hong looked at her and said. He crushed the piece of paper into a ball and without looking back, threw it into the trash with precision.
“I understand!” Gao Yue recovered from the bewilderment. She knew the chairman had his mind made up. This headquarters was going to be worth 5 billion USD!
Ren Hong got up from the chairman’s exclusive chair and walked toward the door. “Let’s go! Let me have a formal meeting with the company’s employees.”
Upon hearing his words, Gao Yue quickly followed. They arrived at the Princess Hall and Gao Yue gathered all the employees. “Okay, everyone, I’d like to introduce you to the founder and chairman of XlouS. I think you’re all familiar with the chairman as long as you’ve been following the internet and news lately. Please meet—Ren Hong!”
The applause instantly erupted in unison. Everyone focused their attention on Ren Hong, marveling at his youth and achievements that others couldn’t reach in their lifetime. It wouldn’t be surprising that this young and unbelievable chairman would be listed as the youngest billionaire on the next issue of Forbes.
As usual, Ren Hong wore a black short-sleeved T-shirt and a pair of gray jeans. He stood in front of an eye-catching logo sign in the company lobby: XlouS! Change the World!
Ren Hong wore a peaceful smile. He spread his hands apart and held them down, gesturing for silence from the applause. He looked around at the crowd and said, “Do you know? I actually dislike this. This looks like a government visit—the supervisor gives a meaningful look, the officials smile, and the crowd clamors and applauds—the script is just too cheesy.”
Ren Hong said with a humorous tone. The employees who heard him instantly let out chuckles among them and showed good-natured smiles to the chairman.
The chairman seemed casual and he wasn’t like what they imagined.
Ren Hong continued, “Everyone, look around you. Look at your colleagues and look at me. Well, you are all looking at me, so I’ve to admit that I am more handsome.” A sudden burst of laughter erupted from the crowd. Ren Hong said with a smile, “We are all so young. Me, you, and the beautiful CEO of our company. Our company, and everything is so young. Young means vigorous vitality. There is nothing wrong with being young. In XlouS, your ability has nothing to do with seniority. All of us here are elites. I don’t doubt your abilities. I don’t doubt the abilities of our CEO. And I don’t doubt the abilities of XlouS!”
Ren Hong’s voice wasn’t loud, but all could hear him. He pointed his finger at the company’s logo sign, “Everyone was asked the same question when accepting the job offer to join this company. “Do you believe in XlouS changing the world?”” Ren Hong looked at the crowd, “Of course I believe that because you have all become part of XlouS. The company’s first product, Real-time Online Translator, has made communication barrier-free around the world. People are more connected. The world is changing because of Real-time Online Translator, and Real-time Online Translator belongs to XlouS, and XlouS is changing the world!”
“The company’s first, second, third, and even following products to come shall share the same DNA—change the world! The company’s second product is included in the file plan. I can assure you that the second product cannot be matched even by Real-time Online Translator! Maybe you guys think I’m lying; after all, no one’s gonna fine me for being full of sh*t.”
“How about you guys also develop a product on the same level as Real-time Online Translator?” Ren Hong suddenly wore an exaggerated expression that was so vivid that it ushered in another round of laughter.
“Real-time Online Translator is just the beginning. I guarantee it! But today I want to tell you something very important. It is my fortune that you are here in this company. XlouS is lucky because you are elites! XlouS will become stronger thanks to you! Likewise, you are lucky to be here at XlouS. Perhaps this will be one of the most important moments of your life because XlouS is a great technology company!
“The outside world defines us as an internet company, but I define XlouS as a polygonal high-tech company! We’re in the business of technology, but not limited to just high tech. We’re also dealing with black technology!
“We created XlouS! And XlouS will change the world!”