Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 154 The Quietly Dissipating Gloom

Shenzhen, 12th floor of Huabei Qiang Electronics Building, office of the general manager of Orange Technology.

Chen Mo sat behind his large desk and habitually opened a portal website to browse the news.

His gaze first fell on the hot topics section below the front-page news.

Breaking News! Wanda Group's CEO, Wang Jianlin, secretly meets with a major European capital firm; a mysterious €3 million acquisition could impact the lifeline of Chinese football.

The accompanying picture shows Lao Wang walking out of a top Spanish club with a triumphant air.

The comments section was buzzing with excitement:
"Mr. Wang is awesome! That's real money power! This pot of soup is definitely saved!"

"Waiting for the world's sixth largest super league! Old Wang's maneuvering is phenomenal!"

"Wake up, upstairs! Wanda FC was sold a long time ago. What does buying Ouzhou FC have to do with Chinese football? But Old Wang's spending is really extravagant!"

"No matter what, I support Mr. Wang in buying the team back!"

Fantasy Goes Up! CEO Liu Raises Motorola's Price to $14 Billion, Is the Rise of a Domestic Mobile Phone Giant on the horizon?

The news report detailed Fantasy's "boldness" in proactively raising its offer by $2 million to expedite the acquisition process.

Because of the interview with Academician Ni in the previous episode of "Lu Yu's Appointment," the comments section was somewhat mixed, and some different opinions finally emerged.

"Support Mr. Liu! Recreate the IBM legend and make the fantasy phone one of the top three in the world!"

"Have you seen 'Lu Yu's Appointment'? Academician Ni's words make some sense. Isn't this acquisition a bit too hasty? And to be fair, why are Fantasy computers cheaper overseas than in China?"

"What do you commoners upstairs know? This is Mr. Liu's visionary business strategy! Besides, Motorola's technology and brand are worth the price! Fantasy phone, the pride of Chinese-made phones!"

"Hopefully this time it won't be like the IBM acquisition, where it was all an empty shell, leaving only a brand name."

"What's the sour grapes upstairs? IBM's brand alone is worth $20 billion! I'm just waiting for the fantasy phone to crush Apple's Samsung!"

"Spending money like water! Ali Ma announces the full launch of the 'Big Peach Treasure' strategy, ushering in the era of Ali's global buying spree!"

News reports portrayed Ali as having the ambition to expand into the global market with huge investments, spending money like water to acquire foreign companies.

The comments section was filled with anticipation:
"Jack Ma is awesome! From now on, we can buy everything in the world from home!"

"China's internet giants are finally going global! A moment of triumph!"

"Buy, buy, buy! Support domestic products! Oh no, support Chinese internet companies going global!"

"I hope we can bring down prices in domestic brick-and-mortar stores, instead of just focusing on shopping abroad and forgetting our original purpose!"

Chen Mo quickly scanned the three news articles and the noisy comments below, a subtle smile curving his lips.

The glitz and clamor of the domestic business world seem somewhat distant to Orange, but that's alright. Standing in a corner where no one pays attention, quietly taking root and developing, it's not easy to be hit by the sudden storms.

He moved the mouse, paused for a moment, and then clicked on the major news that occupied the front page—a video announcement released by state media.

As soon as the video loaded, a blue announcement background with simple text appeared, followed by a serious voiceover: "Upon investigation, the former State Railway..."

"Knock knock knock!" The knocking sound rang out at that moment.

Chen Mo closed the video page and regained his composure: "Go in!"

The office door was pushed open, and Gong Yun, the head of the logistics department, Jiang Yu, the deputy head of the technology department, Lin Junfeng, the deputy head of the legal team, and Lin Xiaoxia, the representative of the marketing department, appeared capable and intellectual with their signature high ponytails and black-rimmed glasses.

They filed in, ready to report on their work over the past period.

Chen Mo's gaze swept over Lin Xiaoxia, slightly surprised: "Lin Xiaoxia? Where is your department head, Zhao Tiezhu? Didn't I ask him to come?"

Lin Xiaxia stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke with a hint of apology.

"Mr. Chen, I'm sorry! Mr. Zhao didn't seem to be feeling well after returning from Yunnan Province. He went to see a doctor this afternoon, and he specifically asked me to come and report to you on the marketing department's situation on his behalf!"

"Are you sick?" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, quite surprised.

Zhao Tiezhu, that kid, is as energetic as an ox. He rarely even catches a cold, but this time he's so sick that he has to see a doctor.
Moreover, when the two parted ways in Xishuangbanna, this kid even energetically performed a backflip for himself.
"Is it serious? What kind of illness is it?"

Lin Xiaxia pushed up her glasses, her expression slightly subtle, and hesitated before saying, "President Zhao himself said it's not serious, just some minor stomach problems due to the change in environment!"

She seemed to think the reason was a bit far-fetched, and hesitated when she said it.

Although Chen Mo had some doubts, it was time to discuss serious matters, so he nodded and decided not to delve into the matter.

"Alright, then you can start right away!"

Lin Xiaoxia opened the folder and gave a clear and organized report.

"The main product currently sold by the marketing department is still the Orange 1Q power bank, with monthly sales remaining stable at around 50 units."

Currently, Nietzsche and our company are the main manufacturers of this type of product on the market.

Nietzsche focuses on the low-price, lower-tier market, while we position ourselves as "Apple's companions," operating independently with no strong competitors and experiencing stable business growth.

"On the supply chain side, with the support of the supply chain management system (SRM) provided by Wheat, we have used the small production volume of Orange 1Q to train the team and have initially realized the application of the full-link digital middle platform from supply chain to warehousing to sales."

Now, the movement of any batch of products within 168 hours can be tracked in real time, resulting in a significant improvement in efficiency.

Chen Mo nodded approvingly: "Very good! Using a small-scale product like Orange 1Q to train and familiarize everyone with the system will prevent chaos when Orange 2 is mass-produced. Your marketing department's approach is spot on!"

Then, he immediately asked.

How is the newly established "Smart Orange Centralized Procurement" business team, which is responsible for external communication, progressing?

The "Zhicheng Unified Procurement" that Chen Mo mentioned at this moment is no longer the "Unified Procurement Alliance" that was ambitious last September, which aimed to integrate the domestic mobile phone self-developed industry chain and attracted the siege of two major business leaders.

Now, it's more like a pragmatic internal distribution channel, specifically helping Orange Group's physical component companies (such as Far Orange and Orange Technology) sell their products and expand their sales channels.

Simply put: Orange's own phones (Orange 2) use the latest and cheapest generation of technology, while "Smart Orange Procurement" is responsible for selling the previous generation of technology to other mobile phone manufacturers through normal market negotiation.

"Smart Orange Centralized Procurement" is another independent channel opened up by Orange Group in the field of mobile phone components to "digest production capacity and earn profits".

It directly shares its Smart Orange Supply Chain Management System (SRM), which is essentially a modified wheat product, with other companies that want to purchase Orange-related components.

This Smart Orange Supply Chain Management (SRM) system is now dynamically updated 168 hours a day, enabling tracking of annual production capacity of 2000 million units.

Zhicheng Procurement will continue to optimize the system and provide customers who place orders with a one-stop service for Orange Group mobile phone component suppliers, from order placement to procurement, quality supervision, and final delivery, free of charge.

Lin Xiaoxia turned to the next page: "Currently, the external business of Zhicheng's centralized procurement is mainly handled by Zeng Baifang, the team leader of our marketing department."

"As instructed by you at the year-end meeting, Mr. Chen, he is looking for buyers in the mobile phone industry for the Yuancheng Generation 1 mobile phone gaseous lithium battery (800mAh)."

"The latest development is that Mr. Shen from Lanchang officially placed an order for 1.5 million batteries in early January!"

She explained the operating procedure in detail:
"This order was negotiated directly between Team Leader Zeng and General Manager Xu of Yuancheng."

The cost price of this battery in our internal supply chain is 58.7 yuan, and Far Orange has a 3% profit margin.

As an intermediary channel, Zhicheng Procurement will only charge a 3% procurement service fee according to your requirements.

Ultimately, the price offered to Mr. Shen of the Blue Factory was 65.6 yuan per piece, with Far Orange's actual profit being approximately 13%.

After listening, Chen Mo smiled at everyone, half teasing and half sighing.

“Look, after the price control on Yuancheng mobile phone batteries was lifted, even our own centralized procurement channels could only reduce the price by 13%.”

Gaseous lithium battery technology is cutting-edge, but its cost is also incredibly high!

He didn't dwell on it and instructed Lin Xiaxia, "Mr. Shen from Lan Factory is a good friend of mine. This order must be handled well to ensure smooth supply and avoid any mishaps. Have Zeng take good care of it."

"Understood, Mr. Chen. Team Leader Zeng will be following up on everything!" Lin Xiaxia replied, then reported, "There's one last thing that requires your personal approval, Mr. Chen!"

"Oh! Tell me!"

"Our official Weibo account has been unblocked, and Taobao has also quietly relaxed the restrictions on listing our Orange 1Q products on their online store. Should we relist and sell our Orange 1Q products?"

This is good news for the orange accessory vendors in North China.

Chen Mo pondered for a moment.

The competitive environment in China emphasizes "fighting without breaking apart," and everything must give way to harmony.

Since the other party has already quietly shown goodwill, there's no need for us to remain at odds.

"Let's put it on the app store!" Chen Mo made the decision. "Just operate it normally!" He thought for a moment and then added, "I'll call He Jian from Chengbao later and ask them to reinstate the Ali-related mobile apps on App Store as well. This matter should be put on hold for now!"

Next, Gong Yun reported on logistics and finance.

"General Manager Chen, the logistics department is currently operating normally."

In terms of finances, the company currently has an average daily revenue of approximately 3.162 million yuan, an average daily expenditure of approximately 3.132 million yuan, and a daily net cash inflow of approximately 300 million yuan.

As of now, the company's cash pool has accumulated to approximately 36.8 billion yuan.

"It should be noted that the main fixed expenditure is channel maintenance costs, which will not decrease because Orange 1Q's shipment volume is lower than Orange 1."

Chen Mo expressed satisfaction: "It's quite good that we can still maintain a net inflow of 300 million yuan per day during the off-season."

"I heard that the small hair dryer company upstairs only turned a profit last month, and they were so happy to throw a celebration party after making 30 yuan!"

Upon hearing this, Gong Yun's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint smile.

"Yes! The new lead designer at the small company next to Orange Treasure is really talented. They made the hair dryer look very stylish, and they also have some unique technical skills."

"During last month's e-commerce New Year shopping festival, they briefly rose to the top 3 of the sales rankings and became quite popular."

"Oh? That's alright!" Chen Mo raised an eyebrow, indicating that he understood, but didn't pay much attention.

His focus quickly shifted to technology: "Jiang, I sent you the final mass production parameters of the MYT-2 gyroscope and MYW-1 micro motor a week ago. How is the development progress of the Orange 2?"

Jiang Yu, holding the documents, began his calm report.

"Mr. Chen! The main hardware design and configuration have been initially completed, and we are now entering the final integration and testing phase."

The special K3V2c engineering sample from the Maritime Silk Road has arrived. We've conducted multiple rounds of actual testing, and its performance and stability meet the installation standards of the Orange 2.

"The chip is the brain of the mobile phone, and we must keep a close eye on this!" Chen Mo emphasized.

"Although the special edition K3V2c has half of the originally planned aggressive computing performance, its power consumption and heat generation are better controlled. You must work closely with Haisi to achieve the best possible adaptation and optimization for Orange OS and squeeze every last drop of potential from this chip!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Chen, our technical department will do its utmost to ensure a perfect fit between the OS and the chip!" Jiang Yu solemnly promised.

Finally, Lin Junfeng from the legal team brought some good news.

"President Chen, we have good news. Li Dalai, the newly appointed president of Yudong, has contacted us and proposed an out-of-court settlement!"

His relaxed smile seemed to dispel the gloom that had been lingering on everyone's faces.

"They are willing to compensate us for 1 million yuan in damage to our business reputation. President Li also privately revealed that he is willing to appropriately increase our Orange Mobile's share in the second round of national subsidy allocation this year. However, they made it clear that they will not issue a public apology!"

After listening, Chen Mo smiled knowingly and waved his hand.

"Alright, let's leave it at that! After all, they're our 'favorite son,' so saving face is more important than substance. We've secured real compensation and a share of future government subsidies, so this result is acceptable. Let them implement the settlement agreement and compensation as soon as possible."

Knowing that Orange's biggest "difficulty" had disappeared, the atmosphere in the office immediately became much more relaxed.

Gong Yun, Jiang Yu, Lin Junfeng, and Lin Xiaoxia all smiled.

Since September of last year, the dark cloud that had been hanging over Orange Technology has finally dissipated completely with subtle changes in the landscape and changes in senior management.

Oranges have once again gained a precious respite and room for development.

The phrase "fighting without breaking apart" simply means that Ahri and Chengzi are currently facing their own troubles, and that Chengzi is not strong enough, so everyone is at peace for the time being. Once Chen Mo gets the chance, he will definitely give them a good beating.

Meanwhile, at a nearby affiliated hospital of Huabei Qiang, the proctology department...

In stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere in the Orange Technology office, suppressed cries of pain could be heard coming from the dressing room of the proctology department.

"Ouch! Be gentle! Doctor! Be gentle! You're going to kill me!"

The sound was so penetrating that it startled the patients waiting in line outside for their dressing changes. They looked at each other in surprise, instinctively covering certain parts of their bodies, their eyes filled with sympathy and a hint of relief.

A moment later, the door to the dressing room opened, and Zhao Tiezhu, pale-faced and unsteady on his feet, shuffled out in an extremely strange posture, grimacing.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, as if he had just been pulled out of the water.

In the doctor's office, Zhao Tiezhu handed over the X-ray films he had just taken.

The doctor examined him carefully and said calmly, "Mr. Zhao, you've emptied your bowels very cleanly this time. This is the last course of treatment to assist with bowel movements."

"However, I still have to solemnly remind you." The doctor pushed up his glasses, looked at Zhao Tiezhu, and said with a hint of helplessness and warning, "In the future, absolutely, absolutely do not consume such large amounts of bamboo again!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tiezhu's face turned green, and he began to complain loudly.

"Doctor! Do you think I wanted to eat that stuff?! I'm a victim too! Who knew their village custom was that the engagement token from the wedding had to be eaten intact during the divorce?"

Then, at the hospital, the doctor learned another strange and interesting story.

That's right! This is the final outcome of Zhao Tiezhu's "romantic encounter" after he and Chen Mo parted ways in Xishuangbanna.

This kid, relying on his audacity and thick skin, continued to "roam" around Xishuangbanna after Chen Mo left.

As a result, his joy turned to sorrow, and he was captured and taken back by his three "brothers" who were carrying machetes and filled with anger.

Faced with the desperate choice of either having his leg broken and staying to be a son-in-law and raise his children, or going to the other side of the river to be slaughtered, Zhao Tiezhu's will to survive exploded instantly!

He chose the third path: to "get married" first to save his life!
Under the witness of the village elder, a "wedding" full of ethnic customs was hastily held.

According to the village custom, the bride and groom exchange tokens of their love.

Zhao Tiezhu looked at the dazzling array of silver ornaments, fabrics, and a pile of bamboo of varying lengths and thicknesses in front of him.
On a whim, with the simple idea of ​​"choosing the biggest one," he picked the longest, thickest, and sturdiest green bamboo and solemnly handed it to the "burning monk."

Three days later, feeling that the "heat" had died down a bit, Zhao Tiezhu learned about another important custom in the village: marriage was allowed, and so was divorce!

Provided both parties agree and the "ceremony" is completed.

So he persuaded Shaoduoli and, steeling himself, went to the village elder to ask for a "divorce".

The village elder stroked his beard, looked at this arrogant outsider, and then at the "Shaoduoli" with a complicated expression. Perhaps he also thought the boy was too noisy, so he finally agreed.

The divorce ceremony was simple: the tokens of love were returned!

When the village elder pointed to the green bamboo, which was as thick as Zhao Tiezhu's forearm and more than a meter long, and was placed in the main room, indicating that he should "return it as is," Zhao Tiezhu was dumbfounded!
"Returning it as is" does not mean returning the bamboo, but rather that the groom must eat the whole bamboo that he gave away as a token of love!
This symbolizes "swallowing the bitter pill and settling all scores"!
In order to save his leg and his life, and to return to Shenzhen to continue serving Brother Chen, Zhao Tiezhu, a fierce man who was "first in pole climbing in elementary school," unleashed astonishing potential in despair.

He gritted his teeth, ate some rice wine, and spent an entire day swallowing the incredibly tough, fiber-rich green bamboo whole!

The consequence is that Mr. Zhao is now leaning against the wall in the proctology department, pale-faced and wailing incessantly.

The high fiber content of bamboo far exceeds the digestive capacity of the human digestive system, causing severe intestinal obstruction and other problems.
Well, indescribable damage.

"Bamboo is rich in crude fiber and has an extremely hard texture!"

The doctor was still patiently explaining things to him.

"The human body lacks effective digestive enzymes to break down these substances. Forcing large amounts into the body not only prevents nutrient absorption but also acts like a steel wool pad, scraping and blocking the intestines, greatly increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract!"

Clearly, the doctor was well-informed and didn't believe Zhao Tiezhu's absurd "excuse" at all.

"Mr. Zhao, you have the freedom to choose your life, but this is simply playing with your health!"

Zhao Tiezhu didn't immediately grasp the doctor's underlying meaning, and could only grit his teeth and nod: "I know, I know! Doctor, I promise! In this life, no, in the next life! I'll avoid bamboo like the plague!"

He had cursed those three brothers-in-law and that damned bamboo a thousand times in his heart.

This trip to Xishuangbanna truly left him with a profound and unforgettable lesson.

After leaving the hospital, Zhao Tiezhu called the manager of the Futian CBD serviced apartment he was renting and asked them to send a car to pick him up.

These CBD serviced apartments are somewhat like long-term rentals of five-star hotels, complete with convenient business facilities and high-quality lifestyle services.

These types of residences are usually well-equipped, with gyms and butler services, and the monthly rent is as high as 1.2 yuan. Even Chen Mo's luxury apartment is not as good as Zhao Tiezhu's.

This is mainly because, ever since his ex-girlfriend, the seamstress, ran off with his savings, Zhao Tiezhu has spent all the money he has, except for sending money home, and never saves any.

In Zhao Tiezhu's apartment, there is an acrylic display shelf with ambient lighting in the living room, on which sits an exquisite orange pulp ornament.

002—A cartoonish, chibi-style Zhao Tiezhu, grinning mischievously, carries a slightly exaggerated orange-shaped mobile phone model.
Next to the ornament, he placed a piece of green bamboo wood engraved with unknown characters, perhaps a fragment of a divorce certificate? Or maybe a marriage certificate?
In any case, Zhao Tiezhu didn't have a proper marriage/divorce certificate.

(End of this chapter)