Chapter Thirteen: Tea and Discourse

Facing Chen Yulin’s question, Zhou Xuan took his time, sipping his tea unhurriedly before responding slowly.

“Excellent tea! Observing its form, the leaves curve like serpents, reminiscent of a dragonfly’s head; its color shines with a lustrous blue-green tinged with brown. The essence is lively, sweet, pure, and fragrant. There’s an indescribable aroma, like a breeze carrying floral notes in spring. The taste is mellow, smooth, sweet, and refreshing, with a unique ‘rock rhyme’ that lingers in the heart. I never expected to savor such a top-grade Da Hong Pao today—thank you, President Chen.”

“Clap! Clap! Clap!” Hearing Zhou Xuan’s evaluation, Chen Yulin smiled and applauded, praising him, “I didn’t expect you, Zhou, to have such insight into the art of tea. Only someone who truly appreciates tea could describe it that way. Now I find you even more intriguing.”

Zhou Xuan chuckled, “Just a modest opinion, President Chen, you flatter me. When I first entered and saw your refined attire, you gave off an air of tranquility and elegance, a pursuit of simplicity. Later, your words and the tea we are drinking revealed that, though you hold a high position, you possess a heart that values detachment and serenity, aspiring to clarity of purpose. I wonder if my observation is accurate?”

As he listened, Chen Yulin suddenly laughed. “Very good! Very good! To think you could infer all this from just a ten-minute exchange. For over a decade, I’ve exhausted myself to develop this company to where it stands now. Yet, increasingly, I feel my strength waning, wishing I could one day set aside these burdens and spend my days fishing and drinking tea. Sadly, mundane affairs bind me, and I’ve never fulfilled that wish.”

Zhou Xuan replied, “President Chen, you’re still so young; how could you possibly feel your strength failing? Think of Li the Magnate from Hong Kong—he’s over seventy, yet still presides over an immense conglomerate. The reason you feel this way is perhaps some weariness with commerce, a desire to retire at the height of your achievements.”

Li the Magnate of Hong Kong, as Asia’s richest man, is a true workaholic. Not only in his seventies—even into his eighties and nineties, he has no intention of retiring.

“How could I compare? Li the Magnate is a giant among Hong Kong’s tycoons, a leading figure in the Chinese world. I could never measure up,” Chen Yulin waved his hand dismissively.

Zhou Xuan smiled. “President Chen, why belittle yourself? No one can predict the future. Who’s to say you won’t surpass Li the Magnate? You just asked me about the future of the internet—do you think a business in the internet sector could surpass Li the Magnate?”

Chen Yulin hesitated at the question, then replied, “Though the internet is an emerging industry with boundless potential, I don’t believe any internet company could surpass Li the Magnate’s empire. As the saying goes, people cannot do without food, clothing, shelter, and transportation—our companies cannot either. Yet, I still don’t see which of these aspects the internet belongs to.”

Indeed, in 1998, few could have foreseen the internet’s profound impact on daily life. Though not confined to any single facet of food, clothing, shelter, or transportation, the internet would eventually expand into each of these realms.

One could say the internet is an extension of life’s essentials into the digital realm, another virtual community. Through the internet, one could buy clothes and food, purchase plane or train tickets, book hotels, view and rent homes—almost every aspect of life finds its reflection online.

With these thoughts, Zhou Xuan spoke up, “You’ve heard Professor Li’s opinions before, so perhaps you think I have some perspectives on the future of the internet. Since you find it interesting, President Chen, allow me to share my views.”

“In my opinion, the coming era of the internet will be a time of great upheaval—there’s no doubt about it. The internet thrives on advances in computer technology, and as this technology evolves, computers and networks will inevitably enter every household. If everyone can access the internet, chat online, play games, shop, read, search for restaurants, view and buy homes online—virtually everything can be sold online. At that point, won’t the internet be inseparable from everyday life? Entrepreneurship on the internet will flourish, and countless billionaires will emerge.”

Thinking of the future market values of the three internet giants, one could only marvel. Jack Ma, with only a small stake in his company, could ascend to become China’s richest man—it’s no exaggeration.

Listening to Zhou Xuan, Chen Yulin found the scenario he described entirely plausible. After all, while the internet in China was just beginning, it had already matured considerably in America. Shopping websites like Amazon and eBay were booming. If goods could be sold online, then all kinds of services could be provided as well.

Chen Yulin’s thoughts turned first to his own company, which primarily handled freight transportation and the production and sale of liquor. In the coming internet wave, how should he seize the opportunity?

He sipped his tea, gazing appreciatively at Zhou Xuan. “Until now, I only had a vague understanding of the internet. I never expected your words to give me such clarity. Do you have any advice for Tianyu Group?”

Zhou Xuan thought to himself, so he’s seeking my counsel. Considering the future trajectory of Tianyu Group, his mind was immediately clear.

“I’ve looked into Tianyu Group. Your main business is highway freight transport, with some river shipping on the Yangtze, and then there’s Lingyuan Liquor. Considering that more people will shop online in the future, the volume of deliveries will increase dramatically. With Tianyu Group’s foundation in highway freight, establishing a courier company would be an excellent move. If you have the capital, President Chen, I suggest acquiring land in major cities now to serve as future logistics centers. When property prices rise, courier companies will have to settle for cheap land on the outskirts to cut costs. Courier services are all about timing and efficiency. If your warehouses are close by, delivery times are short, and service is good, which merchant wouldn’t choose your courier?”

After speaking, Zhou Xuan took a sip of tea and quietly watched Chen Yulin. He had said all that needed to be said—it was up to Chen Yulin’s vision now.

After a long silence, Chen Yulin finally broke into a smile, giving Zhou Xuan a thumbs-up. “Excellent! Truly excellent! Remarkably insightful!”

He then turned to Li Yunxi and said, “Where did you find such an extraordinary junior high student?”

He meant to ask where Li Yunxi had found this prodigy, Zhou Xuan, whose understanding of the internet surpassed that of anyone else.

Li Yunxi shot Zhou Xuan a look and replied, “Since last October, he’s been soaring ahead, seemingly capable of anything. I also wonder how a person can learn so much. The key is, some of what he knows isn’t even in the books yet.”

“Haha! Let’s not dwell on that. Today, listening to Zhou’s words has been enlightening. Let me toast you with tea instead of wine! Later tonight, I’ll host a proper dinner to welcome you to Rongzhou.”