Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 124 Discussing the "True Dragon" Through Tea Brewing

In Shenzhen, the newly separated Longhua New District is operating independently, and the district head's office is filled with the aroma of tea.

Zhang Weimin, the newly promoted district head, hadn't even been happy for two days before his brows furrowed so deeply they could trap flies, and Li Bin, the director of the investment promotion office sitting opposite him, also looked worried.

"Old Li, this is driving me crazy!" Zhang Weimin spat out two mouthfuls of tea dregs and slammed the celadon cup down on the table. "Our Longhua was separated from Bao'an, and although it seems to have taken 40% of the industry and 60% of the exports, we haven't even managed to get a single 'leading enterprise' to command respect!"

"They're all labor-intensive factories, and now they're under immense pressure to transform. None of them can withstand it, and I'm not at ease with that!"

The higher authorities created the Takihawa New Area to facilitate industrial transformation.

Li Bin quickly refilled the water bottle for his superior: "District Chief, do you mean we need to find a leading enterprise that can keep things in check?"

"Nonsense!" Zhang Weimin counted on his fingers: "Look at Nanshan, it has Tencent and Zhongxing, internet and telecommunications giants, sitting firmly in one place, as stable as Mount Tai;

Futian has Ping An and Zhaoshang, financial giants;

Bao'an, my hometown, is also home to Luxshare and SF Express, one a king of OEM manufacturing and the other a king of express delivery.

Longgang is even more impressive, with Chrysanthemum Factory and BTD setting the benchmark for cutting-edge technology!
With these leading figures in charge, they have the confidence to do whatever they want in their district.

"And what about our Takika? A newborn baby, not even wearing underwear, anyone could come and spank our butts!"

Li Bin tentatively asked, "District Chief, didn't we get Foxconn's Longhua base from Bao'an?"

"That's a behemoth with an annual output value of 400 billion, more than 300,000 workers during peak season, and the leader in mobile phone and computer OEM manufacturing. That's enough weight, right? It should be qualified to be our leader, right?"

Zhang Weimin waved his hand dismissively, looking disgusted.

"Don't even mention it! It's a super sweatshop, relying entirely on people to work for others, with profits as thin as paper."

"Didn't you see the news about the 'ten suicides' last month? It gave me a huge headache! Its reputation is ruined. What kind of core competitiveness can a company like that have besides having a lot of employees?"

"You expect it to drive the transformation of our district? Nonsense! It's hard to say whether that Mr. Guo is even on our side. It can't be the leader!"

Li Bin wiped his sweat and brought up another one.

"And what about Linlang Apparel Trade Group? They make women's clothing, with annual profits of over 10 billion yuan. They control half of the domestic women's clothing market!"

"It also owns more than 700 companies, including big brands such as Masfield and Ying'er, as well as a bunch of top designers who have won the 'Golden Top Award'!"
With a complete industry chain, from textiles to fabrics, design to opening stores and selling goods, it's all done in one go. I heard they've even started doing cross-border e-commerce with Alibaba, and their goal for the next ten years is to become a global fashion landmark. Is that enough?

Zhang Weimin curled his lip: "Old Li, no matter how high-end a clothing manufacturer is, it's still just clothing, isn't it?"

The profits are good, and the brand is well-known, but the foundation is not solid!
Fashion is a risky thing; what's popular today is outdated tomorrow.

At its core, it's still the same old "clothing" and "trade," which doesn't align with our urgently needed transformation strategy supported by core technologies. No matter how beautifully it's dressed, can it solve the problems we encounter in industrial upgrading?

"No, no, this might be good as a star enterprise in the district, but it's far from being a leading company!"

Li Bin got a little anxious and played his trump card.

"District Chief! Chuanhui Technology! They specialize in industrial automation control, and are the leader in domestic servo systems. Their technology is absolutely top-notch!"
They're going public in September, with a valuation of 120 billion!
They hold a bunch of patents and have hundreds of R&D elites. They not only make elevator frequency converters, but also work in cutting-edge fields such as machine tools and new energy vehicle electronic control!

This is genuine cutting-edge technology with unlimited potential! This should be the 'true dragon' of our Takigaku, right?

Zhang Weimin stroked his chin, pondered for a while, and then shook his head.

"Chuanhui is good; it has a solid technical foundation and is a promising talent."

The turning point came immediately.

"However, its scale is still small. Its market share is still far behind those giants. The industrial control field is very complex. It has just emerged and has not yet truly become a force to be reckoned with."

Going public might give it a head start, but can we really expect it to carry the banner of our entire Longhua New Area's transformation right now?

Zhang Weimin shook his head: "Its little body is still too tender; it can't handle it!"

Li Bin was completely at a loss, his face contorted in despair.

"District Chief, your requirements are too high! You complain that companies that can provide employment don't generate profits, companies that generate profits don't have core technologies, and companies that have core technologies are too small. Give me a straight answer, what kind of company can be considered the 'true dragon' of our Longhua?"

Zhang Weimin suddenly stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the sky after the rain, his eyes shining.

"A true dragon! That must be someone who can stir up the winds and clouds and lead the future!"

Its roots must be planted in national strategy, its wings must ride the wave of disruptive technologies, and it must be a benchmark representing the future direction of industry!

After he finished speaking, he turned around, picked up the remote control, and "snap" turned on the large TV on the opposite wall.

The screen was replaying official news, showing the Great Hall of the People, where a high-ranking leader was presenting a young man with a certificate for the second prize of the National Technological Invention Award and patting him on the shoulder affectionately.

Then, the host's clear and articulate voice came through:
"The 45 projects that won the second prize of the National Technological Invention Award, including 'gas-state lithium battery', represent the top level of scientific and technological innovation in my country."
These key technologies, which have significant strategic importance and broad application prospects, will receive key support and comprehensive promotion at the national level after the awards are presented!

This marks a significant milestone for my country in the field of new energy…

"See that!" Zhang Weimin pointed at the screen, his voice trembling with excitement: "The real dragon is right here!"

Li Bin's eyes widened: "A gaseous lithium battery?"

“That’s right!” Zhang Weimin slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup shake. “Gas-state lithium batteries are a nationally certified gold standard, a revolutionary new technology that will revolutionize the future. The government has specifically requested that it be promoted as a key initiative!”

"I've done my research. The gaseous lithium battery patent technology belongs to Orange Technology. Although the developer, Chen Mo, is young, he has mastered the core technology and has the support of the smartphone business. His potential is amazing. He is exactly the 'real dragon' that we at Longhua have been dreaming of!"

He stared intently at Li Bin and gave the order decisively.

"Old Li, listen up. This investment promotion has only one goal: poach Orange Technology from me! We'll offer you the best terms! We'll give you whatever you want!"

"Give us land! Give us money! Give us favorable policies! Stop being stingy!"

land:
In the core area of ​​Shenzhen North Railway Station Business District, 50 mu (approximately 3.3 hectares) of land will be given to him at 40% of the benchmark land price, with the option of phased development!
In addition, there will be 5 square meters of customized factory space, rent-free for the first three years!

If they can't wait, they can move into any of the old factory buildings in the district, as long as they like them. The procedures are simplified and it's very fast!
money:
Corporate income tax is fully exempted for the first three years and reduced by half for the following three years!
Earnings from technology transfer are exempt from business tax!

In addition, a special loan of 5 million yuan was approved, with an interest rate 15% above or below the benchmark rate, and the government also subsidized 30% of the interest. Isn't that generous?

Infrastructure:

When Shenzhen North Station opens next year, we guarantee that a direct commuter line will be opened for it to Lemin Station on Line 4!

Dual-circuit power supply and high-speed fiber optic cable will be prioritized for their industrial park!
Talent:

The core team will be provided with 100 talent apartments, with rent charged at half the market price!

Children of senior executives will be given priority admission to the soon-to-be-built Shenzhen Foreign Languages ​​School Longhua Branch!

Resources:

They will be directly included in the list of top key enterprises in the "Industrial Powerhouse District" and can receive a reward of up to 30% for their R&D investment!

The district government's business jet project could be opened up to them as a testing ground for smart terminal technology!

Zhang Weimin waved his hand and said, "This set of policy measures will be valid until 2015. Others will at most give us a stingy three years, but we'll give us five years!"

"Old Li, whether our Longhua New District can turn things around depends on this crucial battle!"

"You go yourself! You must bring this 'real dragon' back to me!"

Li Bin was thrilled; these conditions were practically the entire district's resources were being used to nurture this potential dragon!

But the thought of competing with other established and strong districts in Shenzhen, or even other cities, especially poaching these up-and-coming tech talents at the forefront of the industry, immediately put him under immense pressure.

Li Bin's face fell again: "District Chief... Such an important task, and... I'm going to go alone?"

He felt like a cunning outmaneuver sent to deal with Tang Sanzang and his disciples, and was somewhat lacking in confidence. Zhang Weimin walked over, patted him heavily on the shoulder, his eyes full of trust and unquestionable authority.

"If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them. I trust you, Lao Li, to get things done. With the utmost sincerity from Longhua and this 'gift package,' go for it!"

"Whether our Longhua New District can soar to new heights in the future depends on whether you can invite this 'real dragon' into our doorstep!"

Li Bin took a deep breath, feeling the heavy burden on his shoulders, but also a surge of pride.

He nodded vigorously: "Understood, District Chief! I'll go prepare right away. Even if it costs me my reputation, I'll 'snatch' Orange Technology back for our Longhua!"

At Orange Technology, Gong Yun was overwhelmed by all the investment promotion calls and visitors.

Li Bin, director of the investment promotion office of Longhua New District, finally got through to Orange Technology's publicly listed phone number, only to be met with a polite but formulaic response from Xiao Zhou, the receptionist who answered the phone.

"Hello, thank you for your interest in Orange Technology. We are very sorry, but Mr. Chen is not currently in the company, and we are not at liberty to disclose his specific schedule!"

In just two days, Xiao Zhou no longer needs to read from an A4 sheet of paper; he can now speak fluently using formulaic phrases.

"Would you like to leave your information and purpose of visit? We will convey it to Mr. Chen as soon as he returns."

Li Bin felt incredibly frustrated, as if he had punched a piece of cotton.

He revealed his identity as the director of the investment promotion office of Longhua New District and emphasized that it was an "important cooperation," to which Xiao Zhou, the receptionist, simply repeated apologetically.

"I'm so sorry, Director, Mr. Chen is really not in the company."

Hmm! Don't even mention you being the director of the district's investment promotion office; even the director of the investment promotion bureau in Dongguang City next door, Sister Gong, would tell you that if General Manager Chen isn't here, then he's not here.

So, where did our rising star, Mr. Chen, go?

Beijing.

Having witnessed the battle for supremacy between Ali Ma and Fantasy CEO Liu, Chen Mo hadn't even had a chance to catch his breath when Gong Yun's call came through.

"Mr. Chen, the investment promotion teams in Shenzhen are practically wearing down our doorstep! From the district to the city, the phone keeps ringing, and some are even waiting for you right outside the company!"

Having figured out Chen Mo's personality, Gong Yun bluntly suggested, "Why don't you hide outside for a couple of days to avoid this storm?"

Chen Mo understood immediately.

A tall tree catches the wind!
Anyone in the investment promotion field with a modicum of sense knows that gaseous lithium batteries are currently a hot commodity.

As long as they can secure a share, the future development of the gaseous lithium battery industry is uncertain, but their immediate political achievements will certainly be impressive.

He made a decisive decision: "Sister Gong, you should stabilize the company first. Just say that I'm not in Shenzhen for the time being. I have some things to do in Beijing and will go back in a while."

Thus, Chen Mo felt at ease "staying" in the capital.

Lei Jun, being a very generous host, took Chen Mo to the temporary headquarters of his newly established "Xiaomai Technology" in Beijing—which was actually a 400-square-meter open-plan space rented in the Yingu Building in Haiding District, where the 13 founders were enthusiastically engaged in research and development.

In this place filled with entrepreneurial spirit, or rather, a simple atmosphere, Chen Mo witnessed Lei Jun and the founding team of Xiaomai huddled together, each holding a bowl of steaming wheat porridge, laughing and sharing it, jokingly calling it "Wheat plus rifles, crush Apple 4".

This scene has a rather ceremonial feel to it.

Chen Mo was watching the group of idealists drink porridge with great interest when his phone rang.

Upon closer inspection, it was a call from my second sister, who had married and moved to a remote mountain town.

"Hello, Second Sister?" Chen Mo answered the phone.

On the other end of the phone, the second sister's voice was filled with obvious hesitation and embarrassment.

"Xiao Mo, it's me, sis. Something's been going on at home lately... I'm a little short on cash... so..."

She hesitated for a long time before finally speaking in a low voice.

"When you started your business before, I lent you 100,000 yuan. Do you think you could pay back 50,000 yuan first? I know you're having a tough time, but if it's inconvenient, that's fine too. I'm not in a rush."

Chen Mo frowned immediately.

My second sister has a strong personality and would never bring up the matter of repaying the money unless absolutely necessary, much less be so hesitant and evasive.

"Sis, money isn't a problem, I'll transfer it to you tomorrow." Chen Mo's tone was calm: "What exactly happened at your family? What's going on between you and your brother-in-law? Are you facing some difficulties? Tell me the truth!"

Chen Mo felt that there was something very wrong with his second sister asking for exactly 10 yuan out of the 5 yuan.

"Oh, it's really nothing serious! It's just a little bit of money to tide me over." The second sister quickly denied it, her tone even more urgent: "Don't overthink it!"

The more she tried to cover it up, the more Chen Mo felt something was wrong.

His second sister's final words, "Don't overthink it," further fueled his suspicions.

Given my second sister's personality, she would never specifically mention it if it were just a normal cash flow problem.

“Sis, I’ve never been to Chongqing before, and I’ve never met your husband either. I’ll come visit you and do some sightseeing while I’m at it!” Chen Mo said firmly, “It’s settled then. I’ll fly there tomorrow. Send me your home address.”

"Oh dear! You really don't need to."

Her second sister was still anxiously trying to dissuade her on the other end of the phone, but Chen Mo's mind was made up.

I had just hung up with my second sister when my phone rang again.

"Hey Chen! Are you in Shenzhen? Can you do me a favor?"

Shen Yiwei's tone on the other end of the phone was familiar and relaxed; the two had exchanged numbers on the spot after their last hike.

"I'm in North China and I'd like to ask you about something. Do you know any stall owners who can recommend you, or do you have any inside information to share?"

Chen Mo rubbed his temples: "Brother Wei, what a coincidence, I'm in Beijing and won't be back in Shenzhen for a couple of days. I do know some of the stall owners, I'll ask them for you when I get back?"

"Oh? Having a good time in the capital! Alright, we'll talk when you get back!"

Shen Yiwei answered readily, without a trace of urgency.

Since Xiao Chen couldn't help out for the time being, he decided to fly to Shancheng first.

Although Shen Yiwei has not yet registered a company, the research and development team for the Blue Machine project has already put together a makeshift team, and what they need right now is a technical expert who can take charge.

He learned that there was a fellow extreme hiking enthusiast in the mountain city, and he planned to personally visit him three times.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mo walked to the observation deck of the five-star hotel.

The night wind made his temples throb, and while the lights of the capital city flickered outside the window, his thoughts drifted to the mountain city a thousand miles away.

His second sister's vague explanation of her difficulties on the phone made him vaguely feel that this trip to the mountain city would probably not be easy.

Back then, my parents didn't agree to her marrying someone from so far away, and my second sister had a falling out with the family. Now... sigh, I hope I'm just overthinking it.

He called the hotel front desk: "Book me the earliest flight to Shancheng tomorrow."

"Okay, Mr. Chen, the car will be waiting at the hotel entrance at six o'clock tomorrow morning."

Whether it was the investment boom in Shenzhen or the hustle and bustle in Beijing, he put them all behind him at this moment.

The most urgent task is to find out exactly what happened to my second sister's family.

As for Viagra's inquiries in North China?
Chen Mo's lips curled up slightly—based solely on Orange Mobile's distribution channels and profit sharing of accessories, nearly 40% of the stall owners in the strong North China market would give Orange Technology some face.

(End of this chapter)