Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong: A Clash of Eras and Choices

Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong: A Clash of Eras and ChoicesIn July 2021, Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, spotted Meng Yuotong, a Zhejiang University graduate, on a job-hunting variety show. Grabbing Meng's hand, she declared with admiration, "I want to cultivate her into the second Dong Mingzhu

Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong: A Clash of Eras and Choices

In July 2021, Dong Mingzhu, chairwoman of Gree Electric Appliances, spotted Meng Yuotong, a Zhejiang University graduate, on a job-hunting variety show. Grabbing Meng's hand, she declared with admiration, "I want to cultivate her into the second Dong Mingzhu." This bold statement garnered widespread attention, opening what seemed like a door to success for Meng's career. However, just two years later, Meng left Gree. Subsequently, Dong Mingzhu again expressed admiration for a young person, this time Wang Ziruo, who famously stated he "doesn't even look at his payslip." Within a year, the outcome of Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong's relationship was sealed. What happened between them? How did their once mother-daughter-like mentorship evolve into a growing distance? The complex contradictions and conflicts warrant deeper exploration.

First Encounter: A Meeting and Expectations on a Variety Show

22-year-old Meng Yuotong captivated Dong Mingzhu with her articulate speech, confidence, and energy displayed on the show. However, what truly impressed Dong Mingzhu might not have been these external qualities, but a familiar "assertiveness." During a team project on the show, facing team members' doubts and confusion, Meng firmly stated, "Give me time, and I can handle it." This decisive statement resonated with Dong Mingzhu, echoing her own experiences leading Gree through difficulties. The same strength, the same confidence, sparked intense interest in Meng.

This shared resonance led Dong Mingzhu to make a promise on the spot: to cultivate Meng into "the second Dong Mingzhu." The weight of this commitment was undeniable, instantly igniting online discussions and catapulting Meng into the public eye, placing her actions under intense scrutiny.

Collaboration: Livestreaming and Emerging Conflicts

In September 2021, Meng Yuotong officially became Dong Mingzhu's secretary. However, her role wasn't limited to scheduling; she participated in building Gree's e-commerce livestreaming business alongside Dong Mingzhu. Dong Mingzhu aimed to inject new vitality into Gree and drive its e-commerce transformation. Gree had achieved massive success in traditional home appliances, but faced the challenge of adapting to the e-commerce era and needed new growth points. Meng Yuotong, representing the new generation, was entrusted with high hopes.

In November 2021, Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong conducted their first livestreaming sales event. However, the results were underwhelming, and Meng's performance fell short of expectations. In 2022, Dong Mingzhu and another broadcaster, Dong Yuhu, quickly gained popularity with their unique livestreaming style, while Meng Yuotong's performance remained stagnant.

Meanwhile, conflicts gradually surfaced. Dong Mingzhu felt Meng Yuotong was lax in her work attitude, often late, and lacked basic writing skills. Meng Yuotong, leveraging her popularity from the show, frequently posted personal content on social media, without focusing primarily on promoting Gree's products. Furthermore, Meng's monthly salary of 8,000 yuan was disproportionate to the traffic and public image she generated.

Divergence: Generational Differences and Value Conflicts

The disagreements between Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong reflect a clash between the values and mindsets of two generations. Dong Mingzhu, an entrepreneur who rose during China's reform and opening up, adheres to the traditional values of hard work and perseverance, believing employees should be obedient and enduring, that success requires immense effort. Meng Yuotong, belonging to the new generation, prioritizes personal value realization and a balance of benefits, pursuing a "sweet first, then bitter" lifestyle.

This generational gap led to differences in work goals and methods. Dong Mingzhu expected Meng Yuotong to leverage the platform Gree provided to enhance her value and contribute back to the company. Meng Yuotong, however, preferred leveraging her influence for personal gain, contradicting the traditional corporate values of loyalty and dedication.

Departure: Conflicts of Interest and Public Controversy

News of Meng Yuotong's departure in May 2023 sparked widespread attention. Dong Mingzhu publicly criticized Meng, stating that "influencers should prioritize being a good person; they shouldn't talk about money before contributing anything, and they certainly shouldn't take on advertisements during work," accusing her of lacking a sense of responsibility and focusing solely on personal gain.

Dong Mingzhu's statements ignited heated online debates. Some supported Dong Mingzhu, believing Meng Yuotong lacked professional ethics and responsibility. Others sympathized with Meng Yuotong, criticizing Dong Mingzhu for being too demanding, setting unrealistic expectations for young employees, and lacking sufficient tolerance.

Aftermath: Comparison and Reflection

In stark contrast to the Meng Yuotong incident is Dong Mingzhu's attitude towards Wang Ziruo. Wang stated in an interview that he "doesn't even look at his payslip," focusing solely on learning from Dong Mingzhu. This aligned perfectly with Dong Mingzhu's expectations, bringing her considerable satisfaction.

Meng Yuotong chose to study abroad, temporarily pausing her career development. Her actions are seen by many as a rebellion against traditional workplace pressures, reflecting the new generation's pursuit of self-worth.

Conclusion: Shifting Times and Personal Choices

The story of Dong Mingzhu and Meng Yuotong is not merely a personal conflict, but a profound reflection of shifting times and colliding values. Dong Mingzhu's era valued hard work and loyalty; Meng Yuotong's era emphasizes personal value realization and self-development. Their differences offer a crucial opportunity for reflection: how to balance traditional corporate culture with new-age values, and how to foster effective communication and understanding between generations.

Meng Yuotong's future remains uncertain. However, her experience will undoubtedly inspire more young people, enabling them to better understand themselves in their career choices and bravely pursue their own paths.

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