Siheyuan's Journey Through the Ages

Chapter 172: Toys Released in Advance

When Qi Zongyuan heard this, he realized that he had misunderstood. He quickly said, "I'm sorry, two bosses. What is your specific idea for coming here this time? Do you want to collect some franchise agency fees? I have actually thought about this, but to be honest, if you really do this, the role of our trading company as a middleman will be greatly reduced. From my point of view, doing this will probably make things difficult for you."

"Mr. Qi, recruiting regional agents is probably the general trend. Once agents have the agency rights, they can sell our products more attentively. Especially in the early stages, even if it costs a little, it can effectively increase customer stickiness." Ma Qing tried to persuade Qi Zongyuan.

"But after we find an exclusive agent, you, Yaguang, can completely get rid of us once you find the agent's information. This is really a huge risk for us." Qi Zongyuan obviously had his own considerations. His brows were slightly frowned, and a worried look appeared on his face.

Ma Qing hesitated for a moment, then said solemnly: "Mr. Qi, we fully understand your concerns. But please believe that we at Yaguang have always adhered to the principle of honest cooperation and will never do anything to destroy the bridge after crossing the river.

Moreover, the current market prospects for the Rubik's Cube are bright. With the growing demand for intellectual development and leisure and entertainment, the Rubik's Cube, as a challenging and interesting educational toy, has huge market potential. Our Yaguang Xiangjiang Rubik's Cube, with its unique design, excellent quality and innovative gameplay, will surely occupy an important place in the market.

We need a strong and experienced partner like Jiulong Trading to jointly explore this vast market and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. I believe that with our joint efforts, we will be able to promote Xiangjiang Cube to the world and create more brilliant achievements. "

Qi Zongyuan said: "Okay, since Mr. Ma has promised this, it would be pretentious for me to say anything more. We can hold the bidding, and how will the franchise fee be divided then?" Speaking of money, Kowloon Commerce also wanted to get a piece of the pie.

When Zheng Yumian heard that Kowloon Commerce wanted to share the money, he immediately became unhappy. "Uncle Qi, this franchise fee has nothing to do with Kowloon Commerce. We continue to let Kowloon Commerce sell the Rubik's Cube for the sake of our past cooperation. That's good enough. But you still want a share of the agency fee. That's too much."

Qi Zongyuan was slightly embarrassed when he heard what Zheng Yumian said, but he quickly regained his composure. He thought for a moment and said, "Nephew, you can't say that.

We, Kowloon Trade, will host this bidding, which will cost a lot of manpower and resources. Moreover, we have rich experience and resources in trade channels, which will be of great help to your Yaguang Rubik's Cube promotion. It is reasonable for us to share part of the franchise fee."

Zheng Yumian frowned and was about to retort, but Ma Qing raised his hand to signal him not to speak.

Ma Qing looked at Qi Zongyuan and said with a smile: "Mr. Qi, I'm afraid you misunderstood. You and Mr. Zheng underestimated me, Ma Qing. I was talking to you about a market worth billions, but you thought I only cared about the agency fee of several million."

"So what you mean is..." Qi Zongyuan couldn't help but interrupt.

Ma Qing picked up the Rubik's Cube and twisted it, saying as he played, "As a popular educational toy, the Rubik's Cube will have very impressive sales worldwide.

The Rubik's Cube has attracted consumers of different ages with its simple and easy-to-use yet extremely challenging features. For children, the Rubik's Cube can exercise their hand-eye coordination, spatial imagination and logical thinking; for teenagers and adults, the Rubik's Cube is a good way to relieve stress and challenge themselves.

I estimate that the global sales of Rubik's Cubes could reach tens of millions or even more each year. And as the Rubik's Cube competitive sport develops, the demand for Rubik's Cubes will continue to grow."

After Ma Qing restored the Rubik's Cube, he placed it on his desk. "I don't want any franchise agency fees for this bidding. I have a marketing plan. Any participating agent who is willing to spend more money and participate in this marketing plan will get the agency rights."

After Ma Qing finished speaking, he took out two bound plans from his briefcase. On the cover of the plan were written the words "1970 World Rubik's Cube Competition Plan" in large letters.

The whole plan is actually very concise and clear. In October of this year, the highly anticipated three-layer Rubik's Cube will be launched.

In order to better promote this product, Yaguang Zhisu made an important decision, which is to require agents in various regions to actively hold Rubik's Cube speed-solving competitions in their local areas.

In this process, the grading principles will be strictly followed.

First, each region will determine the regional champion and runner-up through fierce competition.

Then, at the national level, another exciting competition will be held to determine the national champions and runners-up.

Yaguang Intelligent Plastics has already made a grand plan. They will hold a grand World Rubik's Cube Speed ​​Solving Competition in the charming Hong Kong in May next year.

In this globally watched event, the world champion of the Rubik's Cube Speed ​​Solving Competition will be decided. In order to encourage Rubik's Cube masters from all over the world to actively participate, Yaguang Zhisu has set up a generous prize of up to 1 US dollars.

Not only that, Yaguang Zhisu also showed great sincerity and responsibility, promising that they would cover the travel expenses, accommodation expenses and meal expenses of all contestants.

The agents will also take on important responsibilities and be responsible for the relevant expenses of the competition in their location. This arrangement not only fully mobilizes the enthusiasm of all parties, but also ensures that the entire event can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

"You mean, the agent doesn't pay the franchise fee, but instead spends the money as advertising and marketing expenses to promote this Rubik's Cube?" Qi Zongyuan frowned slightly, staring at Ma Qing and Zheng Yumian in front of him, and asked again as if to confirm.

He slowly picked up the Rubik's Cube on the desk, and the exquisite three-order Rubik's Cube turned gently in his hands.

Although Ma Qing had been bragging about this new toy repeatedly, and his words were full of optimism and confidence in its prospects, Qi Zongyuan did not take it seriously.

In his opinion, the changes in the market are unpredictable, and it is not easy for a newly launched toy to quickly open up the market and achieve great success. Qi Zongyuan was especially shocked when Ma Qing said that tens of millions of toys could be sold every year.

He really couldn't imagine how such a small Rubik's Cube could achieve such an amazing sales volume. His heart was full of doubts, and his eyes also revealed doubts about this statement.

Ma Qing was helpless, with an old man opposite him and a middle-aged man next to him. Thinking carefully, it seemed reasonable that they could not predict the huge market potential of the Rubik's Cube.

After all, not everyone has such keen business insight and foresight.

Seeing their bewildered looks, Ma Qing shook his head, not wanting to waste any more words explaining the broad prospects of the Magic Cube. He pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I will pay 20 for this bidding, and the remaining money will be shared by Jiulong and Rongfa Trading Company in proportion. If Mr. Qi still disagrees, then I can only do it myself, and I won't bother Jiulong Trading with the sales of the Magic Cube."

When Qi Zongyuan heard what Ma Qing said, his heart tightened. He knew very well that if he lost the agency rights of the Rubik's Cube, a product with great potential, it would undoubtedly be a huge loss for Kowloon Trading.

He quickly replied, "That's it, Mr. Ma, don't worry, I will do this beautifully."

"Well, I'll ask Liu Boqian, the office director of Rongfa Trading, to assist you. He participated in the entire bidding of Jufeng Company last time, so he should be able to help you with this bidding."

Ma Qing was not particularly confident about Kowloon Commerce. After all, this Rubik's Cube bidding was crucial and he did not want any mistakes to happen. Therefore, he decided to insert someone to better control the entire bidding process.

Things had developed to this point, and Qi Zongyuan really couldn't say anything to refuse. He could only helplessly respond: "Thank you, Mr. Ma, we will definitely cooperate with Liu Boqian."

"That's settled then. Yaguang will produce the final product within a month, and the bidding will begin in three months. During this period, I will use the sales terminals of Baixin Supermarket to spread the Rubik's Cube all over Hong Kong." Ma Qing said in a firm tone, making the decision without hesitation.

Walking out of Kowloon Commerce, Ma Qing looked up at the sky and was surprised to find that it was already very late. The night in Hong Kong was like a dazzling black gem, exuding a mysterious and charming charm.

On the streets, neon lights flashed colorful lights, like dreamy ribbons intertwined. Vehicles passed by like flowing water, and the lights drew bright tracks in the night. Pedestrians hurried, some rushed home to reunite with their families, while others were enjoying the excitement and prosperity of the night.

The breeze blew gently, bringing a hint of coolness. Ma Qing stood there quietly, admiring the beautiful night view of Hong Kong. He was filled with emotion. This city was full of infinite possibilities, and he would continue to write his own business legend on this land.

But now, Ma Qing stood outside the Kowloon Commercial Building, looking at the bustling streets and the dazzling night scene, and suddenly found that he had nothing to do. He turned his head slightly and saw Zheng Yumian standing beside him, with a smile on his face, "Mr. Zheng, I didn't expect it to be so late. How about we have a meal together?"

Zheng Yumian had a mysterious expression on his face, his eyes flashing with excitement, and he replied, "Then let's go eat quickly. After dinner, I'll take you to a nice place."

Ma Qing and Zheng Yumian walked towards the car parked not far away. As they walked, Ma Qing said, "Mr. Zheng, the good place you mentioned must be a place full of women. You have led me astray this year."

Zheng Yumian immediately counterattacked: "Come on, I see you are having a lot of fun, and you want me to lead you astray. I think you are a playboy at heart. Who said that love starts with the beginning, and it is hard to settle when the beginning ends?"

Their words floated in the night breeze, carrying a hint of ease and teasing.

After dinner, Ma Qing looked at the beauties on the stage in swimsuits and realized that today was the day of a beauty pageant.

In fact, if you think carefully, the Hong Kong beauty pageant originated in 1946.

On the second day of the first Hong Kong beauty pageant in 1946, Sing Pao reported: "The Chinese and Western Charity Swimming Competition and Beauty Pageant jointly organized by the Air Force Club and the Hong Kong Chinese Swimming Group was held at the North Point Ritz Swimming Pool yesterday afternoon. The crowds of spectators were unprecedented.

Although the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Hong Kong is large, there is almost no space for everyone. The estimated number of people exceeded 5,000, which shows how grand it was. The Governor of Hong Kong, Mark Young and his wife, Air Force Commander-in-Chief Bruce and General Yu Zhaoqi were all honorary guests. "It can be seen that the situation at that time was extremely grand.

In the prosperous Hong Kong, the company behind the beauty pageant is the Hong Kong Oriental Beauty Pageant. In fact, this so-called beauty pageant is nothing more than selecting nightclub ladies.

Back in the 40s, many nightclubs often held beauty pageants to liven up the atmosphere. However, none of them could compare to the Ritz in terms of momentum and sustainability. The Ritz beauty pageant was in full swing and attracted many people's attention.

This beauty pageant continued until 1966. During those years, Hong Kong's economic situation deteriorated, housing prices plummeted, and the beauty pageant had to be suspended for a few years.

Unexpectedly, the economic situation in Hong Kong suddenly improved this year, and those who had nothing to do immediately held this beauty pageant again. But in the end, although it was called a beauty pageant, it was actually just a dancer selection competition held in the largest nightclub in Hong Kong.

The beauties on the stage were dressed in swimsuits, some sexy and charming, some elegant and pure. They walked onto the stage one by one with confident steps. The lights focused on them, as if they were covered with a layer of shining glory.

In the commentary booth below the stage, several old men sat upright, with scrutinizing eyes, their eyes showing both appreciation for beauty and professional judgment.

They frowned slightly, carefully observing the body proportions, facial expressions, and stage performances of each contestant. Sometimes they whispered to each other, discussing the pros and cons of the contestants in a low voice; sometimes they fell into deep thought, as if they were weighing the scores of every detail.

All these behaviors seemed normal, however, the words of the men around the table where Ma Qing and Zheng Yumian were sitting were not so pleasant to the ears.

"Look, this girl's breasts are so big and white." One of Zheng Yumian's friends is obviously a "breast lover" who has a special preference for certain parts of women.

His eyes were fixed on the beauties on the stage, with undisguised greed revealed on his face, and he looked as if he couldn't wait to rush onto the stage to feast his eyes.

"Look at No. 12, look at the legs, they are enough for me to play with for a whole night." Another friend of Zheng Yumian was focusing on something else.

"Tsk, you have never seen the world. Have you seen No. 8? Look at that little cherry mouth and her pitiful look. She's gonna take my soul away." Another person was not to be outdone and eagerly expressed his opinion.

Ma Qing sat aside, listening to these words, and thought it was quite funny. Zheng Yumian seemed to be accustomed to his friends' words, echoing everyone's words, commenting on the women on the stage as if they were commodities.

(End of this chapter)