Dear Colleagues,

Thanks to this era and to all of you, we have journeyed together for 20 years. For me, these two decades represent most of my career. Yet for our team, this is only the beginning. From zero to one, from a handful of members to hundreds, from annual revenues measured in thousands to billions—we have achieved remarkable growth. I am profoundly grateful for this great era and for each exceptional colleague.

Globally, only about 6% of enterprises survive beyond a decade, and merely 3% reach 20 years. We are honored to stand among this select few. Looking back, our journey has been marked by hardships yet enriched with joy; shadowed by crises yet crowned with triumphs; weathered through nights yet greeted by dawns. Like a ship navigating the ocean, we have faced storms and rainbows alike. With helmsmen, sailors, mates, and captains, we have forged a crew that braves the waves—a team defined by complementarity, mutual support, and unwavering trust. I am proud to sail with you.

"Creating Better Lives" is our mission. Work is part of life; joy is part of beauty. Joyful work lays the foundation for a beautiful life. Happiness fuels efficiency and enriches living. Years ago, solving a math problem or completing an essay brought us delight. Today, signing a contract or satisfying a client sparks that same joy. When we work with gladness, work often rewards us with gladness in return.

We crossed from zero to one in 20 years. How many years will it take to leap from one to ten? I believe we will achieve this in the next decade. Time matters, but joy matters more; outcomes matter, but the journey matters most. With you on this team, my joy deepens; with joy as our compass, our future brightens.

"Direction outweighs effort." Amidst unprecedented global transformation, opportunities and temptations abound. We must stay focused, resist distractions, understand the times, know ourselves, hone our strengths, and unite with conviction. Let us move steadfastly toward our goal: creating better lives, together.

Sincerely,

Xiong Jiong

Written at dawn by the South Sea coast

August 2, 2021