Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 143 Three Oranges Released Simultaneously
Sunlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows into the general manager's office of Orange Technology. Chen Mo rested his fingers on the desk, a relaxed expression on his face.

Lin Junfeng, the deputy head of the legal team, had just finished a long and tortuous negotiation with Pingguo and was now standing in front of his desk, giving a detailed report on the results of his trip.

Although Chen Mo had already learned the result in advance via an overseas phone call, he still wanted to know the details of the process.

"So, you were actually talking to Cook, not Laubers?"

Chen Mo lowered his hand and tapped the table, leaning forward slightly as he caught the key information.

"Yes, Mr. Chen!"

Lin Junfeng nodded, a complex expression on his face.

“Mr. Laubus was very paranoid. At the beginning of the negotiations, he insisted that the ‘Pingguo Couple’ was a desecration of his ‘work of art’ and that we should pay the price. He was very emotional!”

"Then, after a heated argument, he fainted from anger and was subsequently diagnosed with a recurrence of complications from his liver transplant, making him unable to lead his work in the short term."

"Now that Wall Street supports Cook's acting CEO position, he's become much more rational and pragmatic."

Chen Mo's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

Does history seem to have been accelerated by the flapping of his "butterfly wings"?

This is not good news; he doesn't want to be nailed to the pillar of shame for blasphemy by Apple fans worldwide.

Tsk. If Roberts goes to heaven early, let's hope no Apple fans blame us oranges for it.

Chen Mo then waved his hand: "Forget it, Laubus's health is not something we should worry about. Let's talk about the key points of this negotiation. What did we get?"

Lin Junfeng perked up and reported, "At first, the other party's attitude was very tough, and they completely refused to reconcile."

"But a turning point came in Ouzhou."
An antitrust investigation has been launched against Google, and if found guilty, Google could face a fine of up to 30 billion euros.

Meanwhile, consumers in Ouzhou filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple, citing the "death grip" as a product defect and demanding a recall of more than 800 million Apple 4 units sold in Ouzhou.

Pingguo is urgently lobbying in Ouzhou, promising to provide official phone cases free of charge.

Under this pressure, I forwarded the letter from the Mannheim court accepting our lawsuit against Pingguo's official phone case for infringing on our structural patent to Cook.

He paused, then gave a triumphant smile.

"Mr. Cook is very pragmatic. He eventually agreed to our cross-licensing proposal, allowing Orange Technology to produce and sell the 'official co-branded' Apple Companion in China (i.e., the version with Orange 1Q pre-installed)."
However, they prohibit us from directly producing Apple 4 phone cases and from selling Apple Companion phones in overseas markets.

Regarding their previous lawyer's letter, Cook believes it did not cause any public reputational damage to Orange Technology, and therefore refuses to apologize or pay the symbolic 1 yuan compensation.

Chen Mo tapped his fingers lightly on the table, quickly weighing the pros and cons.

While losing some of the exclusivity of its structural patents, it gained official endorsement from Pingguo to produce its "companion" product, allowing it to legitimately sell its own oranges in China through official Pingguo companion sales.
This deal resulted in a small profit, so everyone is even.

"Cook also conveyed two requests!" Lin Junfeng added: "First, they are preparing to sue some vendors in North China who produce infringing Apple 4 phone cases, some of whom are our distributors, and they hope that we will not intervene."

Chen Mo chuckled: "Of course we won't interfere. We originally authorized the Orange 1 phone case patent. They went after Apple themselves, that's their own choice. If they dare to do it, they should dare to take responsibility!"

"The second thing!" Lin Junfeng's tone became slightly serious: "Kook subtly expressed Pingguo's interest in investing in Yuancheng and hopes that Yuancheng can enter their 'fruit supply chain' system."

"Investment? In the Apple supply chain?"

Chen Mo's eyes sharpened instantly, and he interrupted decisively.

"No! Absolutely not! He shouldn't even think about it!"

He knew the "Apple supply chain" operating model all too well. Apple was known for its strict penetration and control over core suppliers, and he would never allow any foreigner to get involved in the foundation of gaseous lithium batteries.

"When replying to Cook, we should be more tactful and say that Yuancheng is focused on its own technological development and has no plans to introduce strategic investors or join a specific industry chain at present."

"Understood, Mr. Chen!" Lin Junfeng nodded knowingly.

Shortly after Lin Junfeng left, Zhao Tiezhu, the head of the marketing department, and He Jian, the head of the Orange Treasure team, knocked on the door and came in together.

With a brisk and energetic expression, Zhao Tiezhu placed an exquisitely packaged box and several accessories on Chen Mo's desk.

"Brother Chen, as you instructed, through Lei Jun's connections, the trademark was successfully transferred to Jingdong three days ago. I also brought the mass production samples of Orange 1Q, as well as the 'Apple Companion' casing designed by our partner wholesalers based on the new license!"

As Zhao Tiezhu spoke, he opened the box, picked up a shell, and handed it to Chen Mo.

"Brother Chen, please take a look. If there are no problems, the first batch of goods will be sent to Jingdong warehouse!"

Chen Mo took it and examined it carefully.

The design of this new "Pingguo Companion" shell is significantly more sophisticated than the simple and crude "backpacks" from North China Power.

Thanks to the Orange 1Q's compact size (only one-third the size of the Apple 4) and ultra-thin thickness (only 5mm), the entire shell appears delicate and lightweight.

It features a built-in hidden cable design and an ultra-thin "backpack" space on the back for storing the Orange 1Q.

Even more ingeniously, this "backpack" can be opened at a certain angle from the side, transforming into a practical detachable support.

With its dual function as a power bank and stand, plus the built-in Orange 1Q itself being smaller, thinner, and equipped with a 920mAh gaseous lithium battery (self-charging in 32 seconds), this "official co-branded" product has taken its practicality and prestige to a new level.

Chen Mo then removed the Orange 1Q from its shell.

This little thing, about the size of a credit card, can be held in your hand.

The matte black ABS shell is paired with striking orange silicone buttons. The front features a centrally located 1-inch non-backlit LCD screen and a retro T9 keyboard, while the sides have USB 2.0 and mini B ports.

Overall, it looks exactly like a retro feature phone from the year 2000, but 5mm is still too thin, giving it a peculiar "paper-thin" feel.

"Excellent!" Chen Mo nodded in satisfaction. "Have the Nietzsche factory work at full speed to get the first batch of goods to the Jingdong warehouse within three days! We'll also take advantage of the Double Eleven sales!"

"Don't worry, Brother Chen!"

Zhao Tiezhu patted his chest, expressing his confidence.

"Right now, at the Nietzsche OEM factory, the brothers in our supply chain team have more influence than their own boss, Lu Laowu. Production capacity will definitely be given top priority!"

Mentioning Lu Laowu, he seemed to remember something and added, "By the way, Brother Chen, Lu Laowu saw that we were making Orange 1Q power banks and he got envious!"

"His Nietzsche 1 phone's sales lifecycle is almost over, so he's thinking of making a power bank to sell too, you see?"

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow and a playful smile appeared on his lips.

"What does Lu Laowu want to do?"

Okay!

Go find Ningde and use their battery cells to make Lu Laowu a super-large capacity Nietzsche 1C power bank with slow charging, around 5000mAh will do!

Zhao Tiezhu raised his left eyebrow, which had a scar, and asked with a smile, "Shouldn't we add a call function to the Nietzsche 1C as well?"

"Of course not!" Chen Mo shook his head with a smile; Nietzsche didn't calculate R&D points. Zhao Tiezhu had spent the past two weeks exploring Orange 1Q's supply chain and was quite familiar with power bank suppliers. After a brief thought, he immediately offered a solution:

Nietzsche 1C Power Bank

Battery cells: 40 units (two Ningde 18650 cylindrical cells, 2400mAh each)

Basic protection boards: 10 pieces

ABS universal mold shell: 5 pieces

Mainstream Micro USB interface: 15 pieces

"The total cost is 65 yuan, and the supply price is 75 yuan. After deducting labor and shipping costs, the profit is about 13.45%!"

Chen Mo thought for a moment and then added seriously.

"Whether it's the Nietzsche power bank or our Orange 1Q, both of them should get 3C certification for me. Safety comes first. This is our first time making power banks, so there's no need to skimp on the certification fee."

Although Zhao Tiezhu felt that Yuancheng Battery itself had been certified and Ningde was a major manufacturer, he immediately agreed when he saw Chen Mo's firm attitude.

"Understood! I'll have Zeng from the supply chain team handle it personally!"

Zhao Tiezhu left in a flurry with his mission, leaving only a somewhat somber He Jian in the office.

Although his expression remained largely unchanged, the gleam in his eyes revealed his inner excitement.

Two days ago, Chen Mo promised that after Appbao successfully launched a surprise attack on Ali's apps, he would separate Orange Treasure, which had already become profitable, from Orange Technology.

"President Chen, here's the latest data from Application Bao!" He Jian's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible pride as he handed over a report.

Chen Mo quickly browsed through the pages.

70% market share, an overwhelming monopoly!
54.18% of mobile app entry traffic, a core distribution channel!
With revenue of 361.2 million yuan and net profit of 77,000 yuan in October, the first mobile internet "infrastructure-level" unicorn prototype has emerged!

Its pioneering "unique search," "category search," and "user rating" mechanisms have established industry standards for secure distribution.

"very good!"

Chen Mo put down the report, a smile of approval on his face, but did not immediately express his support for Orange Treasure's independence.

Instead, he asked, "After we removed Ali's mobile app from the app store for review, what's been happening with it?"

He Jian pondered for a moment, organizing his thoughts.

"The other party seemed very quiet, with no official negotiations or private contact, as if this had never happened."

"Heh!" Chen Mo chuckled. "It seems Ah Li is quite efficient and has good information channels. She's figured out the ins and outs of App Treasure so quickly. Alright! I understand."

He stood up and patted He Jian on the shoulder.

"I, Chen Mo, never go back on my word. Come on, let me show you the new gift I've prepared for Cheng Bao's independence!"

He Jian's eyes shone even brighter as he silently followed behind Chen Mo.

The two walked outside to the Orange Treasure Group's work area, where Chen Mo clapped his hands, attracting everyone's attention.

"Brothers and sisters of Orange Treasure!" Chen Mo's voice boomed, "From today onwards, Orange Treasure Mobile Internet Studio is officially operating independently!"

"Wow!!!"

"Long live Orange Baby!"

"Long live President Chen!"

Cheers erupted instantly, especially from the group of veterans who had followed He Jian and Wang Teng south to vote for the oranges; they were so excited their faces turned red.

The employees of Laifen Company upstairs were startled again, peeking out and asking, "What's that mobile phone company downstairs up to? It doesn't look like it's going to go bankrupt as the internet says."

Under the curious gaze of the employees on the 13th floor, Chen Mo led the Orange Treasure team to the newly renovated area on the 13th floor of the building.

Behind a brand-new glass door lies a brand-new 800-square-meter office space!
Gong Yun, accompanied by Wang Jianjun, the building's property manager, was already waiting there, greeting them with a smile.

"Wow!!!"

"So big!"

"All of them are ours?"

The veterans of Orange Treasure were like country bumpkins visiting the Grand View Garden, curiously looking around at their new surroundings.

The spacious and bright open-plan office area features rows of brand-new workstations equipped with ergonomic chairs.

Several separate meeting/offices are separated by frosted glass and equipped with state-of-the-art projection equipment and individual desks.

The area by the window has been designed as a comfortable rest area, furnished with beanbag chairs and small coffee tables.

There's even a small tea room equipped with a coffee machine and a snack cabinet!
Although the total area is smaller than Orange Technology downstairs, this is entirely Orange Treasure Studio's own territory!

Property manager Wang Jianjun enthusiastically introduced the layout and facilities.

Chen Mo smiled and said to He Jian and Wang Teng, "From today onwards, this will be the office of Chengbao Mobile Internet Company. I have already paid the rent for the year!"

"Following up, as promised, Orange Technology will also invest 500 million yuan in Orange Treasure as seed capital!" He looked at the two men with a mocking expression: "From now on, we'll have to call you President He and President Wang!"

He Jian quickly waved his hand: "President Chen, you're joking. We'll always be branches that grow from the orange tree!"

On the other hand, tech geek Wang Teng grinned, revealing his bright white teeth, finally feeling like he had returned to the pinnacle of his life. Cheng Bao could finally stand on the stage and be compared with Chu Bao.

Gong Yun added with a smile, "Congratulations, Mr. He and Mr. Wang! You will need to build your own teams to take over the logistics, finance, and human resources work for Chengbao. If you need any help, feel free to contact me."

He Jian nodded earnestly: "President Gong, we will indeed need your help in the early stages, especially in terms of personnel. We will need your help in building the team!"

Wang Teng appeared somewhat shy when facing Gong Yun, only nodding with a chuckle.

Chen Mo looked around at the excited Orange Treasure team and announced the most important decision.

"The equity structure of Chengbao Company will be implemented as previously agreed: He Jian and Wang Teng will each hold 5%, the ten founding members will each hold 1%, and Chengzi Technology will hold 80%!"

As soon as he finished speaking, applause and cheers resounded throughout the new office. The employees of the neighboring Laifen company just laughed when they heard it. What a worthless shareholding system. It's not even strong enough to wipe your butt.

Laifen has not yet met its "destined" "chief designer," so it remains lukewarm at this point.

At this moment, the people of Orange Treasure no longer need to envy the equity incentives of the core team of Orange Technology; they now have a career and future that truly belong to them.

Orange thoughtfully built a new boat for it and gave it a helping hand. Orange's independent voyage has officially begun!
Orange, Far Orange, and Orange Treasure form a new Orange-themed fleet, hoisting their sails and sailing side by side.
Behind them, a small, dilapidated boat, unnoticed by Chen Mo, was frantically rowing after them.
Orange Science: Speak up for me! Speak up for me!
(End of this chapter)