In 2013, at China’s Annual Economic Person of the Year awards, Xiaomi founder Lei Jun publicly wagered with Gree Electric Appliances chairwoman Dong Mingzhu that if Xiaomi’s revenue topped Gree’s within five years, she would pay him CNY1 billion (US$139.8 million). Back then, Gree dominated China’s air-conditioning sector, and Dong accepted the bet with characteristic confidence.