Chapter 143: The Resolute General—Embracing Duty Without Hesitation

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“Uh, sorry, I completely forgot because I was busy. I’m coming right now, just hold on...” As soon as Jiang Xiwen finished speaking, he immediately hung up the phone. At that moment, Zhang Ya on the other end seemed to him like a fierce little tigress. Jiang Xiwen made a wise choice not to speak when the tiger was at her fiercest, even if she was just a little tigress.

“What’s going on, Xiwen? Is your girl already learning to discipline her husband at such a young age?” Qi Huanchang laughed cheerfully.

“So, jealous? I haven’t even admitted she’s my woman, yet this young lady is already captivated by my charm. Forgot to tell you, this meal is on the house, a thank-you for rescuing Vice Mayor Zhang...”

“Damn, if it’s a thank-you, you should’ve invited me! I helped quite a bit too...” Qi Huanchang’s plump belly growled loudly.

“Keep it low-key, fatty. Behind-the-scenes heroes always make women cry. To build up your charm points, you’ll just have to suffer a bit. I’m off now; I’ll help you eat your share.” With that, Jiang Xiwen strode away.

The meal was far from enjoyable—at least Jiang Xiwen thought so—because he spent the entire evening under Zhang Ya’s piercing gaze, a feeling like needles pressing on his back, though ultimately trivial.

After dinner, Zhang Yong called Jiang Xiwen to the study alone, hoping to learn exactly how Jiang Xiwen uncovered the truth. Jiang Xiwen’s answers matched those given to the disciplinary committee and the police. Zhang Yong sighed helplessly and stopped questioning. Jiang Xiwen looked at him casually and said, “Don’t worry. Just consider I never helped. No one, not even Old Master Zhang Song, will know.”

Zhang Yong had called Jiang Xiwen aside precisely to hear that. Seeing Jiang Xiwen’s indifferent attitude, he understood their relationship could only go so far. He spoke frankly, “Xiwen, as long as you understand, I still want to thank you…”

“Enough, Uncle Zhang. Everyone has their own way of doing things; you don’t have to put on that grateful act. Just because I don’t like your style doesn’t mean the public media doesn’t. As long as you remain an honest, capable official, that’s enough. I’m leaving. Goodbye.” Jiang Xiwen said this and strode out of the study. After saying goodbye to Qin Shu, he dashed out of the Zhang family home under Zhang Ya’s furious gaze.

A week later, Zhang Yong was promoted to Executive Vice Mayor at the re-election meeting. Jiang Hong officially took office at the Yangning County Committee, becoming the county head of the poorest county in Yangjiang City.

His first task was to develop Yangning’s tourism industry. Surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, several of the poorest villages had extremely inconvenient transportation.

He resolved to attract investment to build roads first, then develop rural tourism, bringing city dwellers to experience nature. The idea of “rural tourism” came from his son, Jiang Xiwen. After considering his son’s proposal and recent inspections of the mountain villages, he thought it feasible, making it his first priority upon taking office.

On the same day Jiang Xiwen completed a trial version of the software in Photoshop, he received a call from Nanshen.

This was the call he had long awaited, arriving earlier than expected. It was fate lending a hand: after Wang Xunfei’s company secured a few initial contracts, no other work came through.

What made things worse was that a small investor, Mr. Wu’s company, was betrayed by a vice president, plunging the entire firm into crisis.

The original contract stipulated that Mr. Wu could withdraw investment anytime if needed. At the time, Wang Xunfei hadn’t considered much because Mr. Wu’s company was running well. Who could have predicted such a disaster? Wang Xunfei had no choice but to return the 500,000 yuan.

Meanwhile, Lei Jun had been inviting him to dinner occasionally, mainly to discuss QQ’s future development. Although Qiu Bojun rejected Lei Jun’s advice, Lei Jun kept a close eye on Wang Xunfei’s situation. With this opportunity now at hand, he naturally wanted to bring Wang Xunfei into Kingsoft—and introduce QQ there as well.

Wang Xunfei was reluctant to sell QQ’s future to Kingsoft. Yet all the venture capital he chased with QQ’s prospects had failed.

He was troubled, unsure when he could make a comeback, fearing that by then the instant messaging market might have vanished.

Jiang Xiwen was the best partner for operating QQ during Wang Xunfei’s low point and uncertainty.

First, QQ was created and planned by Jiang Xiwen, who had a clearer vision of its future.

Second, Qi Huanchang was Wang Xunfei’s good friend. Though Wang couldn’t be the boss in such a team, at least he’d be among the founding “triumvirate.”

Third, Wang Xunfei knew Jiang Xiwen had secured 1.6 million yuan in funding—far more abundant than his own resources.

Jiang Xiwen trusted Wang Xunfei’s shrewdness and was certain he would call him. So when the call came, Jiang Xiwen felt no surprise—only the excitement of a new venture, even greater than when he first earned that 1.6 million. He knew Wang’s talent in the future internet industry was worth far more than that sum.

“Xunfei, don’t say anything. Qi ‘Fatty’ and I haven’t registered the company yet. We’re just waiting to develop our first game software. Once that’s done, we’ll register a studio. QQ’s ownership is yours now. You just bring it over and become our partner,” Jiang Xiwen said.

On the other end came Wang Xunfei’s choked voice. These days he’d been overwhelmed and frustrated, and hearing Jiang Xiwen’s support so suddenly moved him deeply.

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“Xunfei, no need for that. I haven’t touched your 500,000 yuan—not a cent. I’ve been waiting to return it to you today. Send me your account; I’ll transfer it. When you bring your luggage to Yangjiang, I’ll tell you why. Then, you might not feel so moved—and you might even want to hit me.”

Since Wang Xunfei was ready to join, it was better to be open than to hide the truth. Besides, Qi Huanchang was his close buddy; it was risky to keep secrets that might slip out over drinks. If that happened, Wang’s independent nature could cause a rift with Jiang Xiwen, making cooperation unpleasant even if they stayed.

“What?” Wang Xunfei was slightly stunned, sensing Jiang Xiwen wasn’t joking.

“You’ll see when you get here.” Jiang Xiwen tried to sound sincere, then changed the subject: “Give me your company account so I can record it…”

Soon their call ended. Qi Huanchang had been listening nearby. As soon as Jiang Xiwen hung up, he stepped forward and asked, “Xiwen, you’re amazing. It’s like you predicted everything. Now you have to tell me how you got Xunfei to join willingly.”

“Hmm,” Jiang Xiwen replied. “Fatty, I’ll tell you. But before Xunfei arrives, don’t mention it to him. I’m worried he’ll get cold feet. Once he’s here, I can convince him and ease his worries.”

Qi Huanchang was even more curious. “Okay, I promise not to say a word. Come on, spill it.”

Jiang Xiwen smiled and recounted the whole story—from his psychological analysis of Wang Xunfei to confirming that QQ was currently ignored by everyone. Qi Huanchang listened, alternating between amazement and sighs.

After Jiang’s story, Qi Huanchang asked, “So QQ really has no use now? It’s just a lure to get Xunfei? Why do you value him so much and put so much effort into recruiting him? I don’t quite get it.”

“QQ?” Jiang Xiwen said seriously. “In less than five years, you’ll see how useful this little thing is. In less than seven years, you’ll realize how much profit it can bring.

“If Xunfei couldn’t see this software’s future value, I wouldn’t go to such lengths, risking being mocked by you, Fatty, to bring him in.

“You know Xunfei’s personality. Once he chooses to start a business, he can’t easily be subordinate. That’s why I had to use this method. As for QQ, in a time without widespread internet, I bet there are very few people worldwide who can see its future value.”

“My God, Xiwen, if this were before, I’d think you were bragging or joking!” Qi Huanchang was stirred. “Now, though I can’t be sure you’re right, I believe you. Everything you’ve done so far is impressive enough to amaze any successful person…”

“Enough, Fatty, I just got a little excited. No need to flatter me so much.” Jiang Xiwen laughed. “Come on, let’s celebrate a little for Xunfei joining soon. River Seafood Restaurant, my treat.”

With food involved, Fatty Qi was delighted, quickly tidying his desk and leaving school with Jiang Xiwen.

Five days later, Wang Xunfei showed up before Jiang Xiwen, carrying a small suitcase and a travel bag. Jiang Xiwen had rented him an apartment. Qi Huanchang had moved in two days earlier. It was close to the office, inside the Second Middle School campus, a two-bedroom apartment formerly for retired staff—convenient for work.

Everything settled, Jiang Xiwen hosted a welcome dinner for Wang Xunfei, accompanied by Qi Huanchang. Jiang Xiwen unusually drank some wine. After a few rounds, seeing Wang still a bit down, Jiang Xiwen started, “Xunfei, don’t be discouraged. There’s something I haven’t told you. Don’t you want to know why I kept your 500,000 yuan all this time to repay your debt?”

“Hm?” Wang’s curiosity piqued, and his mood brightened slightly. Qi Huanchang, knowing Wang’s temperament, didn’t expect Jiang to be so direct and worried Wang might lose his temper. He signaled Jiang with his eyes.

Jiang Xiwen ignored the signal, toasted Wang, then earnestly explained everything.

Partnering with someone who understands their own heart is a formidable thing. So Jiang skipped psychological analysis and only mentioned that the QQ market would initially be ignored, which helped execute his plan smoothly.

He also said Wang’s quick decision to join surprised him; the sudden bankruptcy of Mr. Wu’s investor seemed like fate.

Wang Xunfei was stunned, his expression shifting between dark and light. Seeing this, Qi Huanchang quickly reassured, “Xunfei, Xiwen just wants us three to start up together. Don’t overthink it…”

Jiang Xiwen interrupted, “Fatty, let Xunfei have a moment alone to think.”

“No need!” Wang’s voice was even lower, almost a whisper, “Xiwen, I thought I was strong in software and business, but I never expected to be outdone by a kid like you right at the start. I feel like a failure—arrogantly failing.”

His expression was pained.

Jiang Xiwen smiled, “You saw QQ’s future and invested everything, even risking your home. That’s not failure. Your vision is hundreds or thousands of times sharper than those investors. I’ll leave that here. In a few years, when you see QQ’s achievements, you’ll believe me.

“We start a business not just to make money but because of ideals. I think you, Xunfei, feel the same. You’re definitely not a pure businessman. Otherwise, with your smarts, you wouldn’t have risked so much energy on a software without a network platform yet.”

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At this, Jiang Xiwen glanced at Wang Xunfei. He was silent, deeply listening and thinking. Satisfied, Jiang continued, “Xunfei, I won’t boast about my abilities—Fatty knows. I won’t flatter yours—Fatty knows too. We both value QQ more than most. Why not unite?

“From a business standpoint, concentrating the best talent on the most promising project yields the best results.

“From an entrepreneurial ideal standpoint, you came to Yangjiang to bring Qi Huanchang into your company. After seeing my ability, you wanted me too. That’s true, right? Why? Besides our talents, it’s because we share many common topics and ideals. We can be friends.

“To me, a small start-up where partners argue over who’s boss won’t last.

“For our trio, the ideal model is to assign tasks to those best at them, each having decision-making power in their domain. Regarding QQ, I suggest you, Wang Xunfei, take full charge of development.”

Using “suggest” sounded better than “hand over.” It acknowledged Wang's status as partner. Jiang carefully considered Wang’s feelings in every word.

“I only proposed a concept and drafted some initial plans. But I’m unsure about future directions, so I want you to go to the US for a few years. While developing QQ, you’ll work at a Silicon Valley startup. That’s where the internet storm will hit first. You’ll experience and learn firsthand, preparing for QQ’s future.”

“Fatty Qi loves viruses and games, so those aspects are his to develop. Our company’s first step will be his game studio.

“I’ll handle funding, finding money from various business fields. Don’t worry, all funds will be transparent to us three. Currently, we have just over a million yuan in the account. I invested 300,000 in a karaoke bar in Modu City, which I guarantee will turn a profit in a few months.

“After you arrive, every expense will require approval from both of you because this company belongs to all three of us. Each of us has responsibility and authority.

“We’ll cover games, software, internet, and all computer-related fields. Don’t you want to build your own digital empire?

“Don’t think I’m being arrogant or childish. As the saying goes, ‘A soldier who doesn’t want to be a general isn’t a good soldier!’”

Jiang’s near-speech not only brightened Wang Xunfei’s eyes but also stirred Qi Huanchang deeply. Such words from a businessman were rare in this era. Years later, when management gurus flooded the scene with entrepreneurial speeches, Wang and Qi might not feel this moved.

Jiang aimed to downplay the idea of a single “top leader,” hoping to quickly ease Wang’s inner struggles. This fiercely individualistic man, worshipping personal heroism, was being drawn into the team through ideals and friendship.

From Wang’s eyes, Jiang saw a kindred spirit: deeply emotional at heart. Jiang believed that while most rational people succeed more often than emotional ones, the very top achievers usually have a stronger emotional core; a saying he remembered was that those standing at the peak of success were often obsessive.

Of course, as the business grew, Jiang planned to establish himself as the top decision-maker. A start-up where partners argue over who’s boss won’t last long—that’s true. But to reach the summit, there’s another truth: “Councils may advise many, but decisions belong to one.” For that one, Jiang was determined to take the lead.

Weeks later, Wang Xunfei returned to Nanshen, said goodbye to friends and parents, and prepared to go to the US. His college classmates already held executive jobs in software companies there. Wang had successfully passed a phone interview and was ready for his work visa.

He was fully inspired by Jiang Xiwen, letting go of his low mood and the burden of needing to be the boss. He decided to work hard with Jiang and Qi.

Lei Jun felt regretful about Wang’s departure and arranged a meeting between him and Qiu Bojun. Lei and Qiu were friends, so it was not awkward.

Lei mentioned QQ several times, but Qiu always changed the subject. Wang wanted to introduce Jiang Xiwen—the child who created QQ—but Qiu, the “father of Photoshop,” wasn’t interested, thinking QQ was just a child’s idealistic fantasy.

Lei sighed but was powerless. Qiu treated Photoshop like his own child and let little else into his focus. Understandable, since Qiu had endured many hardships for Photoshop.

Qiu’s main concern was integrating Photoshop with Microsoft’s new Windows system. Unfortunately, Jiang Xiwen didn’t know Wang and Qiu were acquainted; otherwise, he would have had Wang bring the trial version to Qiu.

Now, having found Kingsoft’s headquarters’ number and failed to reach Lei Jun several times, Jiang saved the software on a disk with a password, mailed it via EMS to Qiu Bojun, and wrote a heartfelt letter explaining his intentions. He asked Qiu to call him upon receipt to prevent loss of code.

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