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Seeing Xiao Ran transform from an ordinary salesperson into the chairman of Yuxueqing Daily Chemical Group, Liu Yuan felt very uncomfortable.

To say that I am not envious is a lie.

Just two years ago, the two of them were crammed into that small single room, struggling to make ends meet.

Now Xiao Ran drives a company car, moves into a three-bedroom luxury house, and goes to company meetings every day in a suit and tie, constantly talking about "our group" and "our brand".

Liu Yuan, on the other hand, was a sales manager who earned a few thousand yuan a month, lived in a rented house, and took the bus to and from work.

The gap widened immediately.

"Old Xiao, you're a big boss now." Liu Yuan said half-jokingly during their meal that day.

Xiao Ran waved his hand, "What big boss? We're all just working for President Su. He owns 60% of the company's shares. I'm just a high-level employee."

"That's still better than us! Look at you, you're managing dozens of people, driving a company car, and living in a company-rented apartment. And me? I'm still doing sales and having to put up with people's attitudes."

"Don't worry, there will always be opportunities." Xiao Ran comforted him. "President Su is the kind of person who is willing to give opportunities as long as you have ideas and abilities."

"I know," Liu Yuan said, taking a sip of his drink. "But...where is the opportunity?"

In fact, Liu Yuan has been thinking about this matter recently.

Xiao Ran succeeded because he came up with the soap idea and persuaded Suning to invest.

What about Liu Yuan? What are his thoughts?
After thinking it over and over, I actually came up with an idea.

When he was doing business before, he often went to a KTV called "Paradise" to entertain clients.

That KTV is in Luohu District. It has nice decor, good sound system, and is always very popular.

But I recently heard that the owner has gambling debts and wants to transfer ownership of the KTV.

KTV... Liu Yuan is an expert in this industry.

During his years in Shenzhen, he frequently accompanied clients to karaoke bars.

He knows exactly which store has the best sound system, the best service, and the prettiest girls.

If I could take over Paradise KTV and run it myself...

Liu Yuan was tempted.

But he had no money.

Taking over a KTV would cost at least one or two million, and renovations and upgrades would also cost money. Where would he get that much money?

The only option is to find investors.

After much consideration, I still choose Suning.

With Xiao Ran's example right in front of them, if you have an idea, go to Suning. As long as the plan is feasible, Suning is willing to invest.

Liu Yuan decided to give it a try.

……

The next day, Liu Yuan went to find Su Ning.

"President Su, I have an idea that I'd like to share with you." Liu Yuan was a little nervous.

"Go ahead and speak," Su Ning said, who was looking at the documents.

Liu Yuan explained the situation of Paradise KTV, saying, "I want to take it over and run it myself. The entertainment industry in Shenzhen is developing very rapidly now, and the KTV business is very profitable. Paradise has a good location and nice decor. As long as we improve the service and upgrade the equipment, we are sure to make money."

Su Ning put down the documents and looked at Liu Yuan, "You want to open a KTV?"

"Yes. I've been doing sales for the past few years, and I often go to KTVs, so I'm very familiar with this industry. I know what customers want and how to run a business."

"How much is it?"

"Taking over a KTV will probably cost 1.5 million. Then we'll need to renovate, upgrade the equipment, and prepare another 200,000 to 300,000 in working capital. That'll bring the total to 2 million."

"Two million..." Su Ning hesitated, "How many shares can you get?"

"I..." Liu Yuan hesitated for a moment, "I can put up 100,000 yuan, which is all my savings. A 5% stake?"

"Five percent?" Su Ning laughed. "Liu Yuan, you're trying to get something for nothing!"

Liu Yuan blushed. "President Su, I know I don't have money. But I have the ability and experience. And I can guarantee that as long as I run it, I can break even within a year and double my profits within two years."

"On what basis can you guarantee that?"

"Based on my understanding of this industry, there are many KTVs in Shenzhen now, but most of them have poor service and equipment. Paradise has a good foundation, and as long as we make improvements, we can stand out. Moreover, I can introduce some new features—such as membership systems, themed private rooms, and better sound systems."

Su Ning didn't speak, but tapped her fingers lightly on the table.

He was thinking about the plot of the original drama.

In the original drama "Ten Years of Love", Liu Yuan did indeed later go into the entertainment industry, opened a nightclub, and made a lot of money.

But that was several years later, and the process was very complicated.

Now, Liu Yuan had thought of this path in advance.

Should we invest?
"The KTV industry is a murky business," Su Ning said hesitantly. "You need to cultivate relationships with both the legitimate and criminal worlds. Do you have connections in that area?"

"Yes. I've gotten to know quite a few people over the years in sales. I have connections in the industry and commerce bureau, the public security bureau, and the tax bureau. And... I can hire some people with connections as consultants and give them shares."

"Hmm." Su Ning nodded. "Also, these kinds of places are prone to trouble. Gambling, prostitution, drugs—getting involved in just one of them is the end of you. Can you guarantee nothing will happen?"

"I can guarantee that we won't do anything illegal. We'll just sing, drink, and chat legitimately. There may be prostitutes, but they'll only accompany you for drinks, not for sex, or they'll arrange it themselves. Gambling is absolutely out of the question, and drugs are even more out of the question. Safety first, and we'll operate legally."

Su Ning looked at Liu Yuan and noticed a light in his eyes—the light of a desire for success.

Just like Xiao Ran back then.

“Okay.” Suning made the decision. “I will invest two million, taking 85% of the shares. You will contribute one hundred thousand, taking 5% of the shares. The remaining ten percent will be management shares for you and the future management team. You will be the legal representative and general manager, fully responsible for the operation.”

Liu Yuan was stunned. He thought Suning would try to lower the price or haggle.

I didn't expect it to be so straightforward.

"President Su, you...you're really willing?"

"I'm willing. But there are a few conditions."

"You say."

"First, operate legally. You must not get involved in prostitution, gambling, or drugs. If anything goes wrong, you will be fully responsible."

"Second, financial transparency. Monthly reports are required, and I need to see them. I need to know clearly how the money was spent and how it was earned."

"Third, I'm in charge. Major decisions must be approved by me. You're responsible for day-to-day operations, but I'll control the direction."

"Fourth, if there are losses, you are responsible. If there are losses for three consecutive months, I will withdraw my investment, and you will be out of here."

The conditions were very strict, but Liu Yuan was able to accept them.

"Okay! I agree!"

“Alright.” Su Ning called over A Fu. “Boss Fu, go check on Paradise KTV. If there are no problems, then discuss the acquisition. Keep the price under 1.5 million.”

"Yes."

After Afu left, Liu Yuan was so excited that he couldn't speak.

"Thank you, Mr. Su! Thank you!"

"Don't thank me too soon. The investment is for you to make money. If you don't make money, nothing I say matters."

"I will definitely work hard! I will never let you down!"

"Go ahead! Wait for news from Boss Fu."

Liu Yuan walked out of the office, feeling completely adrift.

A two million investment!

Five percent of the shares!
General manager!
He's going to be a boss too!
Although the shares are not many, and although I am still working for Suning, the significance is completely different.

This is his own business.

Liu Yuan is finally going to turn things around!
……

The news spread quickly.

"Have you heard? Liu Yuan is opening a karaoke bar!"

"President Su invested two million, and Liu Yuan will be the general manager!"

"My God, another one is about to make a fortune!"

"That Liu Yuan kid is really lucky."

The sales department colleagues were incredibly envious.

"Manager Liu, can we go to your karaoke bar to sing for free from now on?"

"Yeah! Yeah! Can you give me a discount?"

Liu Yuan smiled and replied, "No problem! Everyone gets a 20% discount!"

He was so happy! He was finally going to make it big.

Although I was a few months later than Xiao Ran, I managed to catch up.

That's how Shenzhen is; when opportunity knocks, seize it, and you can turn your life around.

He's got the job now, so he has to work hard and not be worse than Xiao Ran.

……

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ran specially invited Liu Yuan to dinner.

"Liu Yuan, congratulations!" Xiao Ran raised his glass. "From now on, you're General Manager Liu!"

"What Mr. Liu? I'm just working for Mr. Su." Liu Yuan said modestly, but his face couldn't hide his smugness.

"It's all the same, we're all bosses now. I know a little about the KTV business, it can be very profitable if you do it well. If you work hard, you'll definitely succeed."

"Yes, I'll definitely do my best. Lao Xiao, I can't be too much worse than you. You go into daily chemicals, I'll go into entertainment, let's each do our own thing and see who succeeds first."

"Okay! Let's have a competition!"

The two of them clinked their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

They were all holding back a lot of energy.

You must be better than your opponent, and more successful than your opponent.

This is a rivalry between brothers, and also a source of motivation.

Suning sat in his office, looking out the window at Shenzhen, and smiled.

Xiao Ran is in the daily chemical industry, and Liu Yuan is in the entertainment industry.

Both of them started their journey.

Let them go out and try.

If you succeed, you'll make your own money.

Even if I fail, I won't suffer a significant loss.

A sure-profit trade.

Moreover, seeing these former classmates and rivals now working for me and making money for me...

This feeling is not bad.

……

Within three months of its launch, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 mobile phone sold over 300,000 units. This figure shocked the entire industry.

What does 300,000 units mean?
In 1994, the total sales volume of mobile phones in China was only a little over one million units.

The Shenzhen-Hong Kong joint venture alone accounts for a quarter of the total.

What's even more alarming is that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 is priced at only 3,999 yuan, which is only one-third of the price of foreign brands.

But its performance is by no means inferior—it has a good signal, long standby time, and a color screen.

Consumers vote with their feet.

If you can spend 4,000 yuan to buy a high-quality domestic product, who would be willing to spend more than 10,000 yuan to buy a foreign product?

International mobile phone giants are getting restless.

Nokia was the first to come knocking.

The general manager of Nokia China personally came to Shenzhen to meet with Suning.

"Mr. Su, I've long admired your name." The other person was a Finn named Hansen, who spoke fluent Chinese. "The success of Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 has shocked us."

"Mr. Hansen, you flatter me." Suning said politely, "Nokia is a world-renowned brand, and we should learn from you."

“Learn from us?” Hansen smiled wryly. “Now it’s our turn to learn from you Shenzhen-Hong Kong. Our Nokia 2210, which we just released this October, is priced at 9,800 yuan, and its sales… are dismal. Compared to Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1, it’s far too rudimentary.”

Suning knows about the Nokia 2210.

That was Nokia's first mobile phone in China. It had simple functions, was expensive, and sold poorly.

“Mr. Hansen, the Chinese market has its own characteristics,” Suning said. “Consumers value cost-effectiveness. Your products are very good, but the prices are too high.”

“So I want to cooperate with Shenzhen and Hong Kong,” Hansen said. “Nokia has the technology and the brand. Shenzhen and Hong Kong have the market and the distribution channels. We can jointly build a factory to produce mobile phones that are more suitable for the Chinese market. You will be responsible for sales, and we will provide the technology.”

Su Ning sneered inwardly.

Joint venture? That sounds nice, but really it's about valuing the technology from Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Once Nokia learns their technology, it can bypass Shenzhen and Hong Kong and go it alone.

Foreigners are too familiar with this kind of tactic.

“Mr. Hansen, Shenzhen and Hong Kong have their own R&D teams and their own technology,” Suning said. “We don’t need a joint venture.”

Hansen was taken aback. "Mr. Su, you may not understand, but mobile phone technology is very complex. Chips, radio frequency, software... these core technologies, you..."

“We have all of those,” Su Ning interrupted him. “The chips for Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 are designed and manufactured by ourselves, the screens are manufactured by ourselves, and the system is developed by ourselves. Although they are not as advanced as yours, they are sufficient.”

Hansen's expression changed; he hadn't expected that Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics had already mastered so much technology.

This is impossible!
How could a Chinese company possibly master the entire mobile phone technology in such a short time?
This has almost created a complete mobile phone industry chain, which is absolutely a miracle.

"President Su, are you sure... these were all developed by you?"

“Confirmed.” Su Ning nodded. “If Mr. Hansen doesn’t believe me, he can visit our R&D center. Our laboratories and our production lines are all open to the public.”

Hansen was silent for a moment, then said, "What about technology licensing? We can license Nokia's patents to you, and you'll pay patent fees. That way, you can use more advanced technology to produce better phones."

"Not for now. The technology in the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 project is sufficient. We will consider cooperation when we need more advanced technology."

Having said that, Hansen knew it was hopeless.

"Mr. Su, you are very confident. But I must remind you that the mobile phone industry is highly competitive. Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson... these international giants will not sit idly by and watch you grow stronger. They will fight back."

"Welcome to the counterattack." Suning laughed. "Market competition is normal. We're not afraid."

Hansen left, looking very unwell.

……

Next up was Ericsson.

Ericsson's representative was more direct: "Mr. Su, we can acquire Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics. The price is negotiable, 500 million, 1 billion, we can talk about it."

Suning directly refused, stating, "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics is not for sale."

“Mr. Su, you need to think this through,” the other party said. “The mobile phone industry requires a lot of capital and global channels. Ericsson can provide these resources to Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It will be very difficult for you to do it on your own.”

"We will do it even if it's difficult," Suning said. "This is a Chinese brand, and we want to make it bigger and stronger."

"Well... surely we can cooperate on technology? We'll provide the base station technology, and you can manufacture the phones. That way, your signal will be much better."

"Thank you, but we have our own base station partners."

Ericsson also got a cold shoulder.

Finally, Motorola arrived.

The Motorola representative was the most arrogant, saying, "Mr. Su, Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 infringes on several of our patents. If we sue, you will lose badly."

This is a threat.

Suning sneered, "Which patents were infringed? Do you have any evidence?"

“We are gathering evidence,” the other party said. “But if we cooperate, all of this can be discussed. Motorola can license your patents on the condition that we own 49 percent of the shares.”

“Impossible,” Suning said. “Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics will not allow foreign capital to take a controlling stake.”

"Then you can just wait to be the defendant!"

“Go ahead,” Su Ning said. “China has its laws, and Shenzhen has its courts. We will see this through to the end.”

The Motorola representative stormed out in anger.

Three international giants, three attitudes...

Nokia wanted a joint venture, Ericsson wanted to acquire it, and Motorola wanted to threaten it.

But Suning didn't agree to any of them.

These foreign companies have ulterior motives. Joint ventures are a pretense; their real intention is to steal technology. Acquisitions are a pretense; their real intention is to eliminate competitors. Threats are a pretense; their real intention is to force you to submit.

You cannot back down; if you give in one step, you will have to give in every step.

Ultimately, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics will become an OEM for foreign brands, earning only a meager living while the lion's share goes to foreigners.

This is not what Suning wants.

……

The news sent shockwaves through the industry.

"Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has rejected Nokia's joint venture proposal!"

Ericsson wanted to acquire Suning, but Suning flatly rejected the offer!

"Motorola threatened to sue, but Suning wasn't afraid at all!"

"Tough! Really tough!"

Domestic media outlets overwhelmingly praised it.

The People's Daily published a commentary: "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics adheres to independent innovation and refuses foreign control, demonstrating the backbone of Chinese enterprises."

The Economic Daily reported: "International giants are besieging Shenzhen and Hong Kong electronics companies, but Suning is responding calmly, demonstrating the confidence of Chinese entrepreneurs."

The Shenzhen Special Zone Daily went even further: "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics, the pride of Shenzhen, the hope of Chinese stunts!"

Consumers also support it.

"Support Shenzhen and Hong Kong! Support domestic products!"

"Foreign brands are too arrogant; someone should teach them a lesson!"

"The Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 is easy to use and cheap, so why should foreigners point fingers at it!"

Sales of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 have surged again.

Many people who originally wanted to buy foreign brands are now buying Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1 instead.

"Just for Suning's backbone, I'm going to buy one!"

"Support domestic products, starting with me!"

"Let foreigners see that China can make good mobile phones too!"

The international giants were dumbfounded; they had originally intended to exert pressure and force Suning to back down.

The result was the opposite; it actually helped promote Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics.

Now, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics has become a representative of "national brands," and consumers are more supportive of it.

"This Suning... is not simple." Nokia's Hansen said in an internal meeting, "He not only understands technology and the market, but also public opinion. We underestimated him."

"What do we do now?" the subordinate asked.

"We need to accelerate the development of new products," Hansen said. "Our technology is more advanced than theirs, and as long as we can bring down the price, we can regain the market."

"But the cost..."

"We must reduce costs, no matter how high they are!" Hansen said. "We can't afford to lose the Chinese market!"

Ericsson and Motorola are also trying to find a solution.

But they all face the same problem: high costs that cannot be reduced.

Made overseas, shipped to China, tariffs, distribution costs...

With each layer of markups, the price simply cannot compare to that of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

Building a factory in China? That would take time and require investment.

By the time they finish building their factory, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Electronics may have already captured the market.

"This Suning... is a nightmare for us," a Motorola representative complained on the phone.

"There's no other way but to fight it out," headquarters replied. "Develop new products, reduce costs, and wage a price war with them."

"But……"

"No buts! We must conquer the Chinese market!"

International giants have begun to take action.

But Suning had anticipated this.

“They will definitely lower the price and release a new model,” Suning told Afu. “So we can’t stop. The development of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong 2 needs to be accelerated; it needs to be better and cheaper than their new model.”

“Yes, Master,” Afu said. “Dr. Wang said that the sample of Shenzhen-Hong Kong 2 has been completed and is being tested. Its performance is 50% higher than that of Shenzhen-Hong Kong 1, and the cost has been reduced by 10%.”

“Okay.” Suning nodded. “When they lower their prices, we’ll release Shenzhen-Hong Kong 2. We’ll use a new product to compete with their old one. Let’s see who’s faster.”

"clear."

Suning walked to the window and looked out at Shenzhen.

This city is witnessing a war.

The war between Chinese brands and international giants.

More importantly, Suning possesses the most valuable asset of this era: an understanding of the future.

We know how mobile phones will evolve, how the market will change, and what consumers need.

This is my greatest advantage.

Even the most powerful international giants are still feeling their way across the river.

Suning, on the other hand, already knew the true appearance of the other side of the river.

...(End of chapter)