I can become stronger by paying salaries. I have one billion employees!

Chapter 321 The Indian Expedition Team is Completely Annihilated! Chen Yansen: What kind of dream is this guy having?

On October 1st, the Orange Smart Living Store officially opened.

Zhou Shouzhi has completed the first phase of its business layout in 32 core business districts, covering major cities such as Yanjing, Jinling, Luzhou, Shanghai, and Wuhan, reaching a consumer population of over 3000 million.

At 8:40 a.m., before the directly operated store opened, a long queue had already formed at the entrance, mainly composed of young people who gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing with their friends while waiting.

"Sister Ling, there are so many people ahead, let's go take a look."

Holding his boss's hand, Zhang Peng strolled along Jinling Road Pedestrian Street. When he saw the dense crowd ahead, the young man's curiosity could no longer be suppressed.

"Okay."

Chen Fengling smiled gently, feeling the warmth of the other person's palm, and her heart fluttered.

She is ten years older than Zhang Peng, successful in her career, mature and intellectual, and well-maintained, still voluptuous and charming. How could a young man fresh out of school resist the gentle charm of an older sister?

One was as fierce as a tiger at thirty, the other as fierce as a wolf at twenty. After watching a movie together, they ended up sleeping in the same bed without even realizing it.

But Ping-An forbids office romances, even if they belong to different departments. Therefore, the two of them have to work hard to play the roles of manager and subordinate at the company.

But once they return to their rented apartment, their hierarchical relationship immediately reverses.

"Sister Ling, this is Orange Technology's offline direct-sale store. It just so happens to be open today. Shall we go in and have a look?"

Only after getting closer did Zhang Peng discover the Orange Smart Living Pavilion at the very front of the line.

“Don’t you like the Moss smart speaker? I’ll buy you one.” Chen Fengling nodded slightly and said proactively.

"Actually, I don't really like it that much, Sister Ling. I can't keep letting you spend money on me." Zhang Peng scratched his head and declined apologetically.

My sister is indeed wonderful, has a variety of ideas, and is very considerate. She often buys him gaming laptops, sneakers, and clothes, and she also covers most of his expenses for rent, food, and travel.

What if your sister wants to spend money on you?

Chen Fengling whispered in Zhang Peng's ear, asking softly.

Zhang Peng smiled slightly. Being a gigolo in his early twenties didn't seem so bad.

At nine o'clock sharp, the store staff slowly opened the glass door, and passersby filed in. The two of them followed behind the line and walked into the store together.

On the brand-new booth, various products from Orange Technology were displayed, ranging from mobile phones to speakers, headphones, power banks, and digital accessories. Although the variety was limited, each color of Orange mobile phone was neatly arranged according to its model.

Li Yunzhu stood in front of the repair counter, looking at the large number of customers in the store, a bright smile appearing on his face.

Six months ago, he worked in Shenzhen. After a period of hard work, he moved to Shanghai. Although he was still working, his treatment had changed dramatically.

"Moss." Zhang Peng approached a Moss smart speaker and called out a welcome greeting.

“Master, I’m here! What are your orders?” Moss responded immediately.

"Will it rain in Shanghai tomorrow?" Zhang Peng asked with great interest as he tried it out.

"The weather in Shanghai tomorrow will be: light rain turning cloudy, with a high of 24 degrees Celsius and a low of 1 degree Celsius. The relative humidity will be 60%, the UV index will be at its lowest, and the air quality will be 24. There will be a small amount of rain between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM, so please bring an umbrella when you go out."

After receiving a voice command, Moss converts it into text information, then uses AI algorithms to analyze the search results, and finally uses speech synthesis technology and a speaker to provide the answer to the user.

The process may seem long, but in practice, this 'thinking' process only takes two or three seconds.

Seeing this, Chen Fengling called over a staff member and asked them to get a brand new Moss smart speaker, which she planned to give to her boyfriend.

"The Orange C3 16GB version is priced at 2899 yuan. Order now and receive a free Bluetooth headset worth 99 yuan. Limited quantities available, first come, first served!"

"Qingcheng D1S with 8GB RAM, priced at 999 yuan, comes with a free phone case and tempered glass screen protector with your order, today only!"

"Orange D1 with 4GB memory, priced at 799 yuan, comes with a free phone case with your order!"

"..."

In addition to the products, there were also promotional posters on the display stand. Although most of the free gifts were not valuable, they at least gave customers a reason to buy on the spot.

"Give me a 64GB version of the Orange C3, and can I exchange the Bluetooth headset for a power bank?"

"I want a Qingcheng D1S!"

Does the Moss smart speaker still have a white version?

Store manager Xu Hao and six sales assistants were instantly busy. The Qingcheng D1S and Chengzi C3 were the best-selling products, and more than 100 units were sold in just one hour.

Even though the Orange C1 has been on the market for over a year and its price has dropped to 1399 yuan, and the Orange C2 has been on the market for over half a year and its price has dropped to 2399 yuan, people are still scrambling to buy them.

Orange Technology's marketing and branding departments contacted a group of bloggers in the digital, technology, and internet business circles in advance to generate buzz for the launch of the smart living store.

High-definition images of queuing, shopping, and ordering scenes were successively released on platforms such as Weibo, Youku, and Toutiao, creating an atmosphere of booming sales.

Despite this fact, even the best wine needs advertising, and increasing exposure is not necessarily a bad thing.

Meanwhile, Lei Yijun, who had been busy for more than half a year, brought Xiaomi's founding team to Hainan Island for a vacation.

At that moment, he was lying on a beach chair, enjoying the sea breeze.

"Mr. Lei, Orange Mobile has opened an offline direct-sale store." At this moment, Li Wanqiang, who was wearing floral shorts and a vest, suddenly spoke up.

"Let it open, it should have been opened a long time ago," Lei Yijun replied casually.

As early as March, Xiaomi opened its first batch of Xiaomi Home stores in six locations: Guanzhou, Xingsha, Youxi, Dongguan, Qizhou, and Lvda.

When it comes to making mobile phones, Xiaomi started a year earlier than Orange Technology, but Orange phones were launched and sold two weeks earlier than Xiaomi phones. Later, with the investment and supply chain resources of DST, it managed to become the number one mobile phone brand on the Internet.

In the domestic market, not to mention Xiaomi, OPPO, and Meizu, even Huawei, ZTE, Coolpad, and Lenovo are no match for Orange phones.

"Mr. Lei, Orange Technology's directly operated stores will definitely steal some of our offline orders," Li Wanqiang continued to remind us.

"I know, but I can't stop Chen Yansen from opening offline direct-sale stores," Lei Yijun shrugged, looking helpless.

“That’s true!” Li Wanqiang plopped down in his chair and stared blankly into space.

Some of the thuggish tricks that work on Zhou Hongyi can't be used on Chen Yansen.

After all, Chen Yansen is known in the industry for being vengeful. When Meituan announced its entry into the food delivery market and challenged Kuaipao, Chen Yansen relentlessly pursued Wang Xin.

Meituan, which should have turned a profit in Q3, suffered another loss of more than 6000 million yuan due to being passively drawn into a subsidy war.

They've even lost their title as the industry leader!

Under the intense competition of Kuaipao, more than half of the already few group-buying websites have been eliminated. Now, only Dianping, Meituan, Lashou, and Kuaipao remain, while Wowotuan is barely alive, and the rest of the competing websites are on their death countdown.

Li Wanqiang dared to criticize Zhou Hongyi, but dared not provoke Chen Yansen in the slightest.

"By the way, when will the research report on the Indian mobile phone market be ready?"

Lei Yijun sat up abruptly and looked at Li Wanqiang, asking a question.

Upon hearing this, Li Wanqiang's face froze, and he said awkwardly, "Of the five marketing department colleagues who went on a business trip to India, four were hospitalized with acute diarrhea, and the remaining one suffered from food poisoning. So I found two more third-party consulting agencies, and it is estimated that it will take another week."

Acute diarrhea?
Food poisoning?

Lei Yijun was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized: "Didn't we tell them to just eat and stay at the hotel?"

"They don't know what happened either; it's probably impossible to guard against," Li Wanqiang said with a wry smile, spreading his hands.

“Mr. Lei, I have a friend who works at Micromax, a mobile phone company in India. He gave me a general overview of the local market, but the data is incomplete and not necessarily accurate.” Lin Bing, who had just returned from the beach, spoke up after hearing their conversation.

"Tell me about it. I've heard that the mobile phone market in India is similar to that in China."

Lei Yijun nodded in agreement, signaling Lin Bing to continue.

He had heard of Micromax, the largest local mobile phone manufacturer in India, with a 9.1% market share.

"India has a total population of 12.3 billion and 8.4 million mobile phone users, of which 2900 million are smartphone users. The penetration rate is less than 3%, which is equivalent to the level in China three years ago. It is just starting out, and the market capacity has a high upper limit."

Lin Bing sat on a beach chair and spoke slowly and deliberately.

"2900 million? That's less than 3000 million!" Li Wanqiang was quite surprised.

"The domestic smartphone market has grown from nothing to something in just two or three years. If we can successfully enter the Indian market, Xiaomi phones may very well become popular both domestically and internationally! In the first quarter of 2011, smartphone shipments in India were 2.6 million units, while in the third quarter of this year, they grew to 4.4 million units."

Lin Bing nodded and said.

Indian mobile phone brands include Micromax, Karbonn, and Spice, but their market share is not high. Over 30% of the market share is held by Sansa Star, while brands such as Nokia and Sony can also occupy 5% to 10% of the market share.

In his view, India is like China two years ago, with great potential!

After listening, Lei Yijun couldn't help but show a hint of excitement. In China, he was overwhelmed by companies like Orange, Shanxing, Apple, and Huawei. Perhaps opening up overseas markets would be a major turning point for Xiaomi's development.

The three chatted on the beach until it got dark and the sea breeze turned cold.

Afterwards, as soon as Lei Yijun returned to the hotel, he immediately called a video conference to prepare to draw a group of people from the marketing, operations and technology departments to go to India to explore overseas markets.

at the same time.

It's still noon in Oslo, the northernmost city in the Northern Hemisphere.

In an executive suite on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chen Yansen sat on the sofa, gazing at the Royal Palace of Oslo and the National Gallery in the distance, planning his afternoon's itinerary.

The journey from Shanghai to Copenhagen, and then a connecting flight to Oslo, took a full day.

He didn't feel anything, but Song Yuncheng fell asleep as soon as he touched the bed.

Autumn is in full swing outside the window, with maple and ginkgo leaves intertwined along the roadside, creating a scene of golden yellow and fiery red.

The scenery in this run-down place is nice, but there are really few people.

Even though the Radisson Blu Hotel is located in the heart of Oslo, there are very few pedestrians passing by.

"Buzz buzz buzz—!"

The cell phone on the coffee table suddenly rang.

Chen Yansen picked it up and saw that it was Liu Zhiping from Penguin.

"Martin, what's up?" Chen Yansen asked.

As their net worth, status, and industry influence changed, his private way of addressing Liu Zhiping changed from the initial "President Liu" and "Brother Martin" to "Martin".

"WeChat is about to develop a payment function, and may draw inspiration from Orange Pay in terms of function design and operation promotion."

Liu Zhiping said it in a very tactful way.

Given the good working relationship between Tencent and Senlian Capital, Ma Wenteng decided to consult with Chen Yansen before making any moves.

If it were any other company, Ma Wenteng wouldn't have been so polite; he would have just copied it without hesitation.

"It's okay, I also drew inspiration from Ma Liyun anyway."

Chen Yansen said lightly.

"I knew Mr. Chen wouldn't mind," Liu Zhiping said with a sigh of relief and a smile.

If I mind, then you won't copy it?

Chen Yansen scoffed. Everyone here is an adult. The penguin didn't want to break off relations, so it chose a more dignified way of competing. There was no need for him to expose it.

Otherwise, it will be awkward for both of us.

After all, Kuaidi Dache's Series C funding and Kuaipao's Series B funding plan both relied on Tencent's financial support.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Liu Zhiping, upon learning that Chen Yansen planned to visit Spotify's headquarters, immediately patted his chest and said that he had a good relationship with CEO Daniel Ecke and would introduce him to Chen Yansen.

Chen Yansen smiled and did not refuse the other party's kindness.

In fact, the collaboration between Orange Technology and Spotify is no less extensive than that between Penguin Music and Spotify.

Nearly 300 million Alexa smart speakers have been sold in the European and American markets, which is equivalent to adding 300 million paid subscribers to Spotify, undoubtedly providing a huge boost to Spotify's financing.

Upon receiving news of Chen Yansen's visit, Daniel Eck immediately returned to the Stockholm headquarters from the United States.

The Nordic market is too small. In order to enter the music streaming market in the United States, Daniel Ek shifted his market focus to Europe and the United States two years ago, and he is usually based in Manhattan, New York.

This demonstrates the importance of Alexa smart speakers to Spotify.

At this point, eight months had passed since Spotify received its last round of funding.

Daniel Ek desperately needs additional funding to purchase music copyrights and compete with iTunes and Pandora for market share.

Therefore, the ecosystem licensing partnership with Orange Technology is particularly important. Once a long-term contract is signed, Daniel Ek can take the opportunity to increase Spotify's valuation and obtain more funds from investors.

Ten minutes later, Chen Yansen hung up the phone.

"Chen Yansen, be good, call me Mom!"

Lying on the bed, Song Yuncheng suddenly uttered a soft, sleep-talking phrase.

Ordinary people couldn't hear it at all, but Chen Yansen's hearing was so good that he didn't miss a single word.

His face darkened, and he thought to himself, "What kind of dream is this guy having?"

On their first day in Norway, Chen Yansen read to pass the time, while Song Yuncheng lay in bed fast asleep.

It wasn't until 7:30 p.m. that Song Yuncheng finally opened her eyes, still half asleep.

"Did you dream?" Chen Yansen asked with a smile as he sat on the edge of the bed.

"How did you know?" Song Yuncheng asked in surprise.

"You talked in your sleep all afternoon, calling me 'Dad' 17 times." Chen Yansen said with a serious face, making up a story on the spot.

"Hehe, you just love to talk nonsense. You were the one who called me..." Song Yuncheng realized what was happening instantly and quickly shut up.

"What should I call you?" Chen Yansen asked with a half-smile.

"It's nothing, I've forgotten! I used to remember, but I couldn't remember when you started talking," Song Yuncheng said, her ears turning slightly red as she offered a haphazard explanation.

Chen Yansen smiled and didn't press the matter further.

After having dinner at the hotel, the two drove to nearby Lake Sognsvann to see the aurora borealis.

At the same time, after receiving a $4 million investment from OTPP, Liu Qiangdong began actively preparing for JD.com's Double Eleven promotion, hoping to regain its position as the number two e-commerce platform!
(End of this chapter)