Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 145 Who will win the flower?
Early winter in Shenzhen is always shrouded in a damp cold that is not found in the north—a chill that seeps into your bones.

To put it simply, the cold in the north is a "physical attack," but you can withstand it by wearing an extra cotton-padded coat. The cold in the south is a "magical attack," with built-in "armor-piercing" properties. No matter how much you wear, it feels like you're not wearing anything at all, making people cry out that they can't stand the cold!
Li Qiaoli pulled her suitcase out of the airport, settled into a hotel, and leisurely strolled around for two days.

The city's vibrant energy and ubiquitous entrepreneurial atmosphere revitalized her spirit, which had been dormant for half a year.

It's time to make a comeback and do something!
At noon, Li Qiaoli arrived at the 13th floor of the Huabei Qiang Electronics Building, following the address given by Wang Teng.

Standing at the elevator entrance, she looked left and right and clearly found a company on the left.

Wang Teng only mentioned the 13th floor, but didn't specify the details.

She walked toward one of the offices, which looked a bit cramped, where a somewhat inexperienced young woman sat at the reception desk.

"Hello, I'm here for the interview for the lead designer position!" Li Qiaoli said with a smile, her voice gentle.

The receptionist paused for a moment, then asked: "Interview? Design lead? The company hasn't posted any job openings recently."
But looking at the elegant and well-dressed lady in front of her, she dared not be negligent: "Please wait a moment, I'll go get the boss!"

In Laifen Studio, Ye Xinghong and Liu Zhiyu were frowning with worry because of the mountain of returned goods and the blow from Taobao users' comments that "appearance is justice".

When the receptionist said that someone had come to interview them for the "lead designer" position, their eyes lit up instantly!

This is like a pillow delivered to someone who's about to fall asleep!
"Please come in quickly!" Ye Xinghong hurriedly stood up.

Li Qiaoli was invited into the simple meeting room. Seeing the eager gazes of the two founders, she had a vague feeling that something was wrong. She didn't see Wang Teng and He Jian.

But she still maintained a polite smile.

"Miss Li, please have a seat! It's an honor to have you visit our humble abode!" Ye Xinghong greeted her warmly. "May I ask where you worked before, Miss Li?"

Li Qiaoli presented her resume:

Graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2001.

2002-2008年，在摩托萝拉做产品设计师，参与过平价机V191的外观设计、音乐机ROKR E2的UI/UX交互设计、商务机A1800的主设。

From 2008 to 2010, I served as the lead UI/UX designer at TouchPal.

In summary: proficient in both software and hardware, a seasoned expert!
Ye Xinghong and Liu Zhiyu exchanged a glance, both seeing ecstasy in each other's eyes.

This is exactly the main character that Laifen was destined to meet!
Liu Zhiyu couldn't wait to take out their first-generation hair dryer prototype, which users complained was "extremely ugly," and carefully placed it in front of Li Qiaoli.

"Ms. Li, look, this is our independently developed noise-reducing high-speed hair dryer. In terms of technology, it is absolutely comparable to international big brands like Dison, and its cost and selling price are only one-third of theirs!"

"It's this appearance that's causing the market's low acceptance. Can you give me some pointers?"

Liu Zhiyu is a tech guy, he doesn't understand the intricacies of business. He just used "you" directly, revealing all his cards before any negotiation even started.

Looking at the clumsy, drab, and utterly uninspired hair dryer in front of her, Li Qiaoli became even more certain that she had come to the wrong place.

However, her good professional ethics prevented her from pointing it out immediately.

She picked up the hair dryer, carefully examined its structure and grip, and inquired about the target user group and comparable products.

"If we're talking about benchmarking against Daisen, our target users should be middle-to-high-end consumers who pursue a high quality of life. Daisen's design language is simple, technological, and sophisticated."

Li Qiaoli began to speak eloquently, and based on the defects she observed in the prototype, she gave clear directions for improvement:
"First, the overall shape should be smoother and more ergonomic, and the sharp edges should be reduced."

"In terms of color scheme, we can use more textured frosted metallic colors or low-saturation Morandi colors to avoid a cheap plastic feel!"

"In terms of details, the design of the air inlet and outlet should be more refined to reflect a sense of technology, and the button layout should be simple and intuitive to improve the user experience."

"Most importantly, you need a signature design language that people can remember at a glance, such as a unique air vent shape or the curve of the grip area."

Ye Xinghong and Liu Zhiyu's eyes lit up as they listened to the proposed plan, already feeling that the revised version would be stunning.

This is exactly what they lack most in Finland right now: a master designer who can perfectly blend technology and aesthetics!
“Miss Li!” Ye Xinghong interrupted her excitedly, “You’re absolutely right! To be honest, we at Laifen are in dire straits right now, and what we need most is a design master like you who can turn lead into gold!”

"Although...although we are currently facing a very tight cash flow," he said, his face showing embarrassment, "we are willing to offer our utmost sincerity!"

"We invite you to become a co-founder of Laifen, and will give you 30% of the shares. We will also sign a concerted action agreement, and the three of us will have veto power over all major company matters!"

Liu Zhiyu nodded vigorously, his eyes full of sincerity.

At this point, they had no other bargaining chips besides equity.

"Veto power"

A slight thought crossed Li Qiaoli's mind, reminding her of the unpleasant experience of being the first to be eliminated during the Treasure Hunt event.

The two founders of Laifen truly demonstrated great sincerity and trust in this condition.

She remained silent for a few seconds, looking into the eager and sincere eyes of the two founders before her, and finally shook her head gently, revealing a slightly apologetic smile.

"Mr. Ye, Mr. Liu, thank you so much for your trust and kindness. However, to be honest, I actually came to the wrong place today. I came to the interview room next door!"

The smiles on Ye Xinghong and Liu Zhiyu's faces froze instantly, and a huge disappointment welled up in their hearts.

"Oh! I see."

Ye Xinghong gave a bitter smile, then forced himself to stay alert.

"No problem at all! Miss Li, Laifen's doors are always open for you. If you're next door... well, if there's an opportunity in the future, you're welcome to come and chat again anytime!"

"Thank you, Mr. Ye and Mr. Liu!" Li Qiaoli said politely and left through the rather shabby gate of Laifen.

Sure enough, after walking to the other end of the elevator, there was another sign hanging there – Chengbao Mobile Internet Co., Ltd.

"Orange Baby."

Li Qiaoli murmured the name, a complex smile playing on her lips.

It seems that He Jian and Wang Teng still can't let go of that petty rivalry!

Overseas returnees and local returnees.
She shook her head. This time, she wouldn't be foolish enough to play the peacemaker who did all the work for nothing.

Orange Treasure has no reception desk, and its open-plan office area appears much more spacious and brighter than the one next door.

Li Qiaoli had just stood at the door looking around when a figure swayed over.

This was a man who seemed a bit cynical, around thirty years old. A faint scar on his right eyebrow bone didn't make him look fierce; instead, it added a touch of roguishness.

He fiddled with an exquisite Doppelganger lighter in his hand, looking Li Qiaoli up and down, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"Hello! Beautiful lady! Are you looking for someone or lost? There are only two companies on this floor!"

Li Qiaoli wasn't annoyed by his appearance; instead, she found it amusing.

She smiled and said, "Hello, I'm looking for Wang Teng. Could you please call him for me, or give me directions?"

"Hey! Looking for Fujiko?"

Zhao Tiezhu raised an eyebrow, deftly twirling the lighter between his fingers: "No problem! I, Zhao Tiezhu, have always been the most enthusiastic to help others, especially beautiful ladies. This way, please!" He bent down and made an exaggerated gesture of invitation.

As Li Qiaoli followed him inside, she asked casually, "Is Mr. Zhao one of Chengbao's people?"

"I am not Chengbao's person, but Chengbao is our person!"

"Haha!" Li Qiaoli was amused by Zhao Tiezhu. This guy always had a way with women his age.

"How did Wang Teng introduce me to Mr. Zhao? Did he say I came south to visit an old friend?"

"Of course!"

Zhao Tiezhu laughed heartily, but his eyes became much more serious. This really is his future colleague. Well, he'd better not mess with the people around him.

"That kid Fujiko never mentioned knowing such a stunningly beautiful woman as you. He only said that he wanted to recruit a top talent in the design industry to oversee things. Could it be that you are the Sister Li that Fujiko and He Jian can't forget?"

He asked tentatively, his playful smile fading somewhat.

The fact that both He Jian and Wang Teng valued this person so much, especially since she was a woman, told Zhao Tiezhu that she was no ordinary person and must be the design guru.

Li Qiaoli smiled, neither admitting nor denying: "It's not that I can't forget you, it's just that we worked together before!"

Hmm! If it weren't for Wang Teng acting as a middleman, Li Qiaoli probably wouldn't have wanted to see He Jian, that treacherous villain who stabbed her in the back.

"Haha, that's it!"

Zhao Tiezhu immediately became serious and led Li Qiaoli through the work area.

"Fujiko is tinkering with his little thing over there. Sister Li, this way please, watch your step!"

He toned down his wild side and became a competent guide, focusing on leading Li Qiaoli to Wang Teng before going to breathe in Cheng Bao's "free air".

Meanwhile, near the Shenzhen Bay Talent Park, in front of that small restaurant.

Three fully equipped figures, carrying heavy backpacks and trekking poles, their faces flushed and sweaty from exercise, finally reached the finish line.

These three fully armed figures are Chen Mo, Shen Yiwei, and Jiang Yu.

The three of them took out their water bottles, unscrewed the lids, and "inspected" each other.

"puff!"

Chen Mo looked at the pitifully small amount of water left in Shen Yiwei's water bottle and burst into laughter without any mercy: "Hahaha! Brother Wei! Are you any good or not? It's your treat again today, you can't escape it!"

Shen Yiwei looked at his empty kettle, then at Chen Mo's and Jiang Yu's kettles which still had a little less than half a kettle of water, and sighed helplessly, making up an excuse.

"Sigh, I've been holed up in the company doing R&D every day lately, and I haven't been exercising enough. My legs can't keep up with you guys anymore!"

Jiang Yu, standing to the side, couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle as he watched the two big bosses bicker like children.

Chen Mo shook his water bottle smugly: "If it's no good, it's no good. Stop making excuses. I've been cooped up in the office for the past three months!"

As the year draws to a close, the controversy surrounding Chen Mo and Chengzi seems to have eased somewhat.

Shen Yiwei finally had the opportunity to organize his beloved extreme hiking activity again, and took the opportunity to meet with Chen Mo to discuss some matters.

This time, they followed the same established path. Shen Yiwei focused on the experience, while Chen Mo was more looking forward to the unknown new scenery.

As a fellow tech enthusiast, Jiang Yu was naturally also temporarily recruited by Chen Mo.

The three of them slammed their heavy backpacks and trekking poles against the corner of the wall with a thud, then collapsed onto the small stools by the door like deflated balloons.

Taking small sips of the last bit of water in the pot, I felt the soreness in my muscles after exercise and the cool comfort of the evening breeze, a sense of immense satisfaction amidst my exhaustion.

Shen Yiwei nudged Chen Mo's brand-new Altta hiking boots with his toe. He had brought them back for Chen Mo from North America. "Hey, you little rascal! If you hadn't been wearing these shoes, could you have run this fast today? You got a free ride on the gear!"

Chen Mo retorted without backing down: "You're the best gear enthusiast among the three of us. It's not like you're wearing shoes that aren't on properly. A loss is a loss!"

At this moment, the restaurant owner poked his head out and grinned at Chen Mo and Shen Yiwei, two regular customers: "Awei, Xiao Chen, the usual? Salt-baked chicken with sand ginger, water chestnut and sugarcane juice with Imperata cylindrica root, and two large bowls of rice?"

Chen Mo pointed to Jiang Yu, who was still wearing a hat and covered up quite well, and said, "Boss, this is a three-person serving today! This brother is one of us too!"

"Haha! Okay! Coming right away!" the boss readily agreed.

Steaming hot, fragrant salt-baked chicken and refreshing sugarcane juice were soon served.

The three of them swung their arms and devoured everything in a whirlwind.

"Hey Wei, what's the progress on your Blue Machine V1? I heard the engineering prototype is already out?"

Chen Mo asked indistinctly while gnawing on a chicken leg.

"Your information network is quite impressive!" Shen Yiwei didn't hide anything: "Yes, it's almost ready. Internal testing and optimization are underway, and the initial launch is scheduled for March next year!"

He immediately pressed on, "Don't just talk about me, what about the batteries you promised me? When are you going to supply them? My mass production is just waiting for the rice to cook!"

This was one of the main reasons why Shen Yiwei specifically asked Chen Mo to come out today.

Chen Mo put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and looked at Shen Yiwei with sincere eyes.

"Brother Wei, don't worry! When I was in trouble, you were the first to contact me. I'll remember that kindness. As for the battery supply, I promise I'll arrange everything perfectly for you around January next year!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Yiwei smiled with satisfaction and patted Chen Mo's shoulder forcefully: "Good! That's right! It wasn't for nothing that I risked the pressure from my two senior brothers to tip you off!"

"That's right! I, Chen Mo, am known for my loyalty!"

Chen Mo smiled confidently, picked up the sugarcane juice, and took a big gulp.

"Actually, Viagra! I think it will pass quickly."

"Oh?" Shen Yiwei raised an eyebrow, his expression inquiring. "How can you be so sure? Things up there can be unpredictable."

Chen Mo blinked mysteriously, lowered his voice, and spoke with a hint of smugness.

"Brother Wei, broaden your perspective. Got it?"

Then, even if they don't get divorced, there will inevitably be bumps and bruises later on.

When three grown men get together, the conversation inevitably veers towards some more "in-depth" topics.

Chen Mo analyzed the situation with great confidence, and concluded at the end:
"Just watch, once January is over, Ali Ma, Liu Zong of Fantasy, and Lao Wang will definitely find a way to transfer their family's money out of the country. And they will absolutely have to keep a low profile and be very discreet. Don't be fooled by how lively they are now; they'll all have to behave themselves for a while!"

Shen Yiwei and Jiang Yu looked at each other, skeptical, as they listened to Chen Mo's confident "analysis and prediction."

But looking at Chen Mo's confident and composed demeanor, it seemed that this kid always knew something that others didn't.

Outside the window, the city lights of Shenzhen are just coming on.

In the small restaurant, the aroma of salt-baked chicken mingled with the sweetness of sugarcane juice as three tired yet content men discussed the turbulent political situation that was about to unfold in 2011.

(End of this chapter)