Video Editor

Suning never expected that Huang Tianba would take the initiative to come to them.

That afternoon, Huang Yunyun knocked on the door and came in. "President Su, there is a Mr. Huang outside looking for you. He says he is... a friend of your father."

"Mr. Huang?" Su Ning was taken aback. "What's his name?"

"Huang Tianba".

Su Ning raised an eyebrow. Huang Tianba? What's he doing here?
"Let him in," Su Ning said.

A few minutes later, Huang Tianba walked in.

In just one month, Huang Tianba looked ten years older.

His hair had turned mostly white, his eyes were sunken, and his clothes were wrinkled; he had completely lost the air of a boss he used to have.

"Uncle Huang? What brings you here?" Su Ning stood up and greeted him warmly. "Please have a seat. Yunyun, pour some tea."

Huang Tianba was stunned.

He thought Suning would treat him coldly, mock him, and ridicule him.

I didn't expect Suning to be so polite, even calling him "Uncle Huang".

“Mr. Su…” Huang Tianba was a little at a loss.

"Uncle Huang, you're being too polite," Su Ning said with a smile. "You and my dad have been old friends for many years, just call me Xiao Su. Come, have a seat."

Huang Tianba sat down on the sofa, rubbing his knees with both hands, looking very uncomfortable.

Huang Yunyun brought in the tea, put it down, and then left.

"Uncle Huang, have some tea." Su Ning pushed the teacup over. "This is Tieguanyin that my dad brought back from Fujian. Please have a taste."

Huang Tianba picked up the teacup, his hand trembling slightly.

He took a sip; the tea was indeed good, but he had no interest in appreciating it right now.
"Xiao Su...I..." Huang Tianba hesitated, unable to finish his sentence.

"Uncle Huang, you've come today because you need something?" Su Ning asked. "If you need anything, just say so. I'll definitely help if I can."

Huang Tianba looked at Su Ning, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

Suning's attitude was clearly to save face for him.

He knew perfectly well that Tianba Electronics and Shengang Electronics were competing against each other, and he knew perfectly well that Tianba Electronics was sabotaging him behind his back, but he pretended not to know and treated Tianba Electronics with the respect due to an elder, even if it was only on the surface.

This composure made Huang Tianba feel both ashamed and admiring.

"Xiao Su, I...I'm here to apologize." Huang Tianba finally said, "Before...I was wrong. I shouldn't have competed with you for market share, and I shouldn't have used those underhanded tactics. I...I was wrong."

“Uncle Huang, what are you saying?” Su Ning waved his hand. “Competition in the business world is normal. You do your business, I do mine, it’s fair competition, there’s no right or wrong.”

“But…” Huang Tianba wanted to say that his methods were not honorable.

But the words stuck in his throat.

“Uncle Huang, it’s perfect that you’re here. Let me show you around my factory.” Su Ning stood up. “You’re a senior colleague, please give me some pointers.”

"This...this is too much..."

"It's alright, let's go!" Su Ning warmly pulled Huang Tianba outside.

……

The two then went to the production workshop.

The workshop was very clean and tidy.

The workers, dressed in uniform work clothes, wearing masks and gloves, were busy on the assembly line.

The machines hummed rhythmically, and everything was in perfect order.

"This is a chip mounter, imported from Germany, and it has very high precision," Suning explained. "This is the assembly line, and this is the testing line. Every pager undergoes eighteen inspection processes before leaving the factory, with a pass rate of over 98%."

Looking at the advanced equipment and the workers' earnest expressions, Huang Tianba felt even worse.

Thinking of his own Tianba Electronics, the equipment was second-hand, the workers were temporary hires, and the management was a complete mess.

Compared to this place, it's like heaven and earth.

"Uncle Huang, what do you think?" Su Ning asked.

"Good...that's really good." Huang Tianba smiled bitterly. "Xiao Su, your factory is much better than mine. I...I didn't lose unjustly."

“Uncle Huang, you’re too modest,” Su Ning said. “My factory is new, with new equipment and management. Yours is an old factory with experience and established channels. Each has its own strengths.”

Huang Tianba knew that Su Ning was giving him a way out.

What do you mean by old factory or new factory? Tianba Electronics has only been open for a few months, how can it be considered an old factory?

"Xiao Su, don't try to comfort me," Huang Tianba said. "I know I've lost miserably. My equipment is inferior to yours, my quality is inferior to yours, my management is inferior to yours, and even... even my methods are inferior to yours."

"I really didn't expect that someone as young as you could be so steady and ruthless. All my little tricks must be a joke to you, right?"

“Uncle Huang, you’re too kind,” Su Ning said. “The business world is like a battlefield, where everyone has to rely on their own abilities. I’ve also experienced your methods. To be honest, if you hadn’t lowered the prices so drastically, I might not have been able to open up the market so quickly.”

This is a clever way of putting it; it acknowledges the competition while also giving the other side face.

Huang Tianba shook his head. "Alright, Xiao Su, don't hold back. I'm here today because I need your help."

"You say."

“My Tianba Electronics… can’t hold on any longer,” Huang Tianba said with difficulty. “Equipment, factory, workers… the whole thing. I want to… sell it to you.”

After saying this, he lowered his head, not daring to look at Su Ning.

This was Huang Tianba's last shred of dignity.

He sold the company he founded to a competitor, to a younger person.

Shameful.

But no way.

Banks are pressing for payment, suppliers are demanding payment; if he doesn't sell soon, he'll be left with nothing.

"Uncle Huang, do you really want to sell?" Su Ning asked.

"Okay." Huang Tianba nodded. "At market price... no, at half price. Just give me whatever you think is fair. As long as I can pay off my debt, you can handle the rest."

He thought Suning would try to lower the price and take advantage of him.

After all, Huang Tianba is now a drowning dog, and anyone can kick him while he's down.

“Uncle Huang, what are you saying? Tianba Electronics is your life's work, how can I buy it at half price? How about this, I'll have someone appraise it, and we'll go with the market price. Whatever it is, that's it, not a penny less.”

Huang Tianba suddenly raised his head, unable to believe it, "Xiao Su, you...you're serious?"

"Of course. You and my dad are old friends, I can't take advantage of you. Besides, business is business, and personal relationships are personal relationships. I will definitely give you what I owe you."

Huang Tianba's eyes reddened.

He has lived for over fifty years and spent more than a decade in the business world. He has seen far too many people who kick someone when they're down and take advantage of someone's misfortune.

Unexpectedly, the one who ultimately helped him out was the very opponent he had always wanted to suppress.

"Xiao Su, I...I really don't know what to say." Huang Tianba's voice choked with emotion. "I was wrong before, I..."

"Uncle Huang, what's past is past." Su Ning patted his shoulder. "Let's look forward."

"Hmm, hmm." Huang Tianba rubbed his eyes. "Xiao Su, don't worry, I've got the equipment, factory, and workers all set up. You can take over anytime."

“Okay.” Su Ning nodded. “Also, Uncle Huang, I heard you own a few plots of land in Shenzhen?”

Huang Tianba's heart skipped a beat. "Yes... there are a few. In Longgang and Bao'an. I bought them when they were cheap, thinking of developing them later."

“The market is good right now,” Su Ning said. “If Uncle Huang is willing, I’d like to take it over too. At market price, I won’t lose you anything.”

Huang Tianba understood.

Suning is giving him a dignified way out.

The money from acquiring Tianba Electronics might not be enough to pay off his debts.

With these few plots of land, he can retire unscathed, and might even have some money left for retirement.

"Xiao Su, you...you really are..." Huang Tianba was so moved that he couldn't speak.

“Uncle Huang, don’t overthink it,” Su Ning said. “I just think those properties are in good locations and have potential for appreciation. If you’re willing to sell, I’ll buy them. If you’re not, that’s fine too.”

"Yes! Yes!" Huang Tianba quickly said, "I have no use for my land. I trust you with the money."

“Okay, let’s do it together,” Su Ning said. “I’ll have the legal and finance departments come over to coordinate with you. We’ll do the assessment, sign the contract, and complete the formalities. Let’s get it done as soon as possible so you can have peace of mind.”

"Okay, okay." Huang Tianba nodded repeatedly.

The two returned to the office, where Suning called Afu and the CFO Acai to discuss the acquisition.

Huang Tianba sat to the side, watching Su Ning make arrangements in an orderly manner, and felt a mix of emotions.

This young man is magnanimous and thoughtful.

They could have crushed him, but instead chose to give him a helping hand.

This magnanimity and vision far surpasses that of someone who has only lived half a lifetime.

"Uncle Huang, please have some tea." Su Ning poured him another cup of tea. "The procedures may take a few days, so please don't worry. You can stay here with me for the next few days, and I'll have someone make the arrangements."

"No need, no need," Huang Tianba waved his hand. "I'll just go back and wait."

"How about we invite my dad out? We can sit down and have a drink."

"Xiao Su, I...I really have no face to see your father." Huang Tianba, utterly ashamed to face Su Dahai, quickly turned to Su Ning with a bitter smile and said, "Back then, your father and I fought to the death, and now...I've lost to you again. I..."

“Uncle Huang, you’re wrong,” Su Ning said. “In business competition, there are winners and losers. You may lose today but win tomorrow. My dad always says that in Shenzhen business, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. Now that you’ve sold the company to me, we’re partners. There might be opportunities to cooperate in the future.”

Looking at Su Ning, Huang Tianba suddenly realized that he was really getting old.

This young man's vision has far surpassed his own.

“Xiao Su, you’re right,” Huang Tianba said. “If you ever need my help, just let me know. I’ve been in Shenzhen for over a decade, so I have some connections.”

"Then thank you in advance, Uncle Huang," Su Ning said with a smile.

……

Acquiring Tianba Electronics would require a large sum of money.

Suning went to the bank to discuss a loan.

The bank manager's surname was Chen, he was in his fifties, and he wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses.

He had long heard of the reputation of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics and knew that Suning was Su Dahai's son.

"Mr. Su, it's an honor to meet you." President Chen said politely, "I heard that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' pagers are selling very well!"

"It's alright, so-so." Su Ning handed over the documents. "President Chen, I'd like to apply for a loan to acquire Tianba Electronics and expand our production scale."

President Chen took the documents and looked at them carefully.

The information is very complete: Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' financial statements, sales data, market analysis, acquisition plans, repayment plans, etc.

"Five million?" President Chen looked up. "President Su, that's a considerable sum!"

“It’s not small,” Su Ning said, “but it’s worth it. Tianba Electronics has existing factory buildings and equipment, which can be used after renovation. With the acquisition, our production capacity can double and our costs can be reduced by 20%. This investment can be recouped in six months.”

President Chen pondered for a moment, "President Su, as you know, bank loans are tightening now, and the approval process is very strict. Five million... is not a small amount."

"That's why I've come to you, President Chen. Shengang Electronics currently has monthly sales of three million and net profit of one million. After acquiring Tianba Electronics, monthly sales can reach five million and net profit of two million. I will repay the five million loan within one year. The interest will be calculated at the highest rate."

President Chen was tempted.

Paying off the loan in one year with high interest rates—such high-quality customers are rare.

“Mr. Su, your father’s Dahai Building Materials also has an account with our bank,” said Branch Manager Chen. “Out of respect for your father, I’ll approve this loan. However…”

"Please go ahead, President Chen."

"There must be collateral. Although we trust you, the rules can't be broken." "Of course," Su Ning said. "I'll use the equipment and inventory from Shengang Electronics as collateral. In addition, my factory in Lanyuan Village can also be used as collateral."

“Okay.” President Chen made the decision. “It’s settled then. The money will be in your account within a week.”

"Thank you, President Chen."

The loan was approved quickly.

……

A week later, the acquisition formalities were completed.

Tianba Electronics has officially merged into Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics, becoming its second factory.

The three plots of land under Huang Tianba's name were also transferred to Shengang Electronics.

After receiving the money, Huang Tianba paid off his bank loans and supplier debts, leaving him with over three million yuan, which prevented him from going bankrupt and jumping into the sea.

"Uncle Huang, please come to Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics often in the future."

"Definitely." Huang Tianba held Su Ning's hand. "Little Su, thank you. If it weren't for you, my life would be over."

"Uncle Huang, you're too kind," Su Ning said. "Take care of yourself."

Watching Huang Tianba's luxury car drive away, Su Ning smiled.

That was a brilliantly fought battle.

Not only did they defeat their opponents, but they also seized their assets, including their land.

Most importantly, it earned a reputation.

Now everyone in Shenzhen's business community knows that Su Ning, the boss of Shengang Electronics, is generous and follows the rules.

Even when their opponents are in trouble, they don't kick them when they're down; instead, they lend a helping hand.

This reputation is worth more than any amount of money.

Su Dahai had naturally heard about Su Ning's act of repaying evil with kindness. "Su Ning, I didn't expect you to be so mature?"

"I never expected Huang Tianba to come to my door begging for mercy."

"Hmph! He's desperate! Nobody wants to take over his mess."

"That's true! Sometimes saving face is worthless when it comes to survival."

"What are your plans next?"

"Consolidate the harvest! Expand production capacity."

"Well, I'm relieved to see you so lucid."

……

Then Suning put Afu in charge of the transformation of Tianba Electronics.

"Replace all unusable equipment. Modify the production line according to the standards of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics, and standardize the quality inspection process as well," Suning instructed. "Workers who want to stay will be trained and put to work. Those who don't will be paid three months' salary and dismissed."

"Understood," Afu said. "What about the management system?"

“We will completely copy Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics.” Suning said, “Attendance, performance, rewards and punishments will all be unified. We want the products produced in the branch factory to be exactly the same as those in the head office, with no difference in quality whatsoever.”

“Yes,” Afu said. “What about the three plots of land?”

"Let's leave it for now," Suning said. "Land prices in Shenzhen will continue to rise, so there's no rush to develop it now. We'll talk about it when the time is right."

"clear."

The renovation work is progressing very quickly.

Equipment upgrades, production line adjustments, worker training...

A month later, Tianba Electronics, officially renamed the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics Second Factory, officially started production.

The first batch of products rolled off the production line with a 97% pass rate, which is about the same as the head office's level.

"Master, it's a success," Afu reported. "The branch factory's production capacity has reached 80% of the main factory's. Together, the two factories can produce 30,000 units per month."

30,000 units.

It has tripled compared to before.

"What about the cost?" Suning asked.

"With larger raw material purchases, suppliers offered discounts. Plus, with economies of scale, the cost of each pager dropped to 720," Afu said. "Now we sell them for 1,500, with a profit of 780 per unit."

“Okay,” Suning said. “Next, lower the price.”

"Price reduction?"

“Yes.” Suning nodded. “With increased production capacity and reduced costs, we can use our price advantage to seize more market share. Version 1.0 will be reduced to 1,300. Version 2.0 will be reduced to 1,600.”

Afu quickly calculated, "If it's 1300, the profit per unit is 580. If it's 1600, the profit per unit is 880. The profit margin is still quite large."

"Not only will we lower prices, but we'll also run promotions," Suning said. "Buy two and get a free battery, buy three and get a free charger. For company purchases of ten or more, get a 10% discount."

"Won't this damage the brand image?"

“No,” Suning said. “We lowered prices because of reduced costs, which is a good thing for consumers. Besides, our quality speaks for itself, and the price reduction won’t make people think it’s a low-quality product.”

"understood."

……

The following day, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics announced a price reduction across its entire product line.

Version 1.0, reduced from 1,500 to 1,300.

Version 2.0, reduced from 1800 to 1600.

At the same time, various promotional activities will be launched: buy-one-get-one-free, discounts, lucky draws...

The news sent shockwaves through the market.

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has lowered its prices! You can buy it for only 1,300!"

"And the quality is so good, isn't this a bargain?"

"Buy it now, the price might go back up in a few days."

Sales skyrocketed.

Consumers who were hesitant before are now buying without hesitation.

Those who regretted buying from Tianba Electronics before are now exchanging their purchases for Shenzhen-Hong Kong products.

In one month, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics sold 25,000 pagers.

Sales revenue was 32.5 million, and net profit was over 14 million.

It set a new record.

But this is not enough.

Suning called a meeting with its sales department.

“We already have a 60% market share in Shenzhen,” Suning said. “But how big is Shenzhen? How big is China? We need to go global and sell nationwide.”

Sales Manager Li Xiao said, "Mr. Su, we have already set up offices in Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Foshan, and the results are good. Next, we plan to go to Zhongshan and Zhuhai."

“That’s not enough,” Suning said. “We need to go to Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu. All the big cities.”

“But Mr. Su, those places are too far away, and we don’t know the area at all…”

“Find distributors,” Suning said. “We provide the products, they handle the sales. We offer discounts, they make money. It’s a win-win situation.”

Li Xiao's eyes lit up. "That's right! Let's find distributors! It's much better for locals to sell local products than for us to sell them ourselves."

“That’s right,” Su Ning said. “Manager Li, you take the team and travel all over the country. Select two or three key cities in each province and talk to reputable distributors. We can offer preferential terms, but there’s one condition—they must sell at our prices. No price gouging and no selling counterfeit goods.”

"understand!"

"In addition," Suning added, "we will set up offices in key cities to be responsible for after-sales service and market supervision. We can't let dealers run rampant."

"it is good!"

……

Over the next few months, the sales team of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics traveled all over the country.

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xi'an, Shenyang...

We found distributors in every city and signed agency agreements.

The distributors are very proactive.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong pagers are of good quality, reasonably priced, and have advertising support, so they sell very well.

One unit can earn two or three hundred yuan, which is much better than selling other electronic products.

By the end of the year, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics' dealer network had covered more than 30 cities across the country.

Monthly sales exceeded 50,000 units.

Monthly sales of 65 million and net profit of 25 million.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has become a leader in the pager industry.

Suning's name began to spread throughout the national electronics industry.

"The owner of Shengang Electronics is only in his early twenties, impressive!"

"I heard his father is Su Dahai, who works in building materials. I never expected his son to be so successful in electronics."

"They're truly skilled. Their products are high-quality, reasonably priced, and their marketing is excellent. You can't argue with that."

Su Ning had heard about these discussions, but he didn't care.

He's concerned about the next step.

Although the pager market is large, it will eventually become saturated.

Moreover, he knew that in a few years, mobile phones would become widespread, and pagers would be obsolete.

He needs to plan ahead.

"Ah Fu, how's the mobile phone project going with the R&D department?" Su Ning asked.

"It went very smoothly," Afu said. "The prototype is already finished, and its functions are much better than the current pagers. It can make calls, send text messages, and even play simple games."

"What about the cost?"

"It's still quite expensive right now, over two thousand yuan per unit. The main reason is the high cost of the chips."

“It’s okay, let’s focus on R&D first and gradually reduce costs,” Suning said. “When the time is right, we’ll launch the phone. Pagers are for now, phones are for the future. We can’t just focus on the present; we have to look to the future.”

"clear."

Suning stood by the office window, looking out at the brightly lit Shenzhen.

This city is developing at an unprecedented pace.

And he, too, had to keep up with this pace.

No, it needs to exceed this speed.

Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics cannot just make pagers.

We want to make mobile phones, computers, and all kinds of electronic products.

We aim to become the Sony and Samsung of China.

...(End of chapter)