Tech startup: I really do make mobile phones!

Chapter 189 The Girl's Promise

"Communications World" is a weekly magazine in China that focuses on the analysis of the mobile phone industry and has considerable influence in the industry.

At this moment, the editor-in-chief's office in the weekly magazine was filled with smoke, and the air was heavy.

The editor-in-chief placed a newly received internal newsletter flat on the table, tapped the paper lightly with his fingertips, and looked at the senior editor sitting opposite him.

"The news of 4G in China is getting closer and closer!"

The editor-in-chief spoke, his tone carrying a hint of deliberation.

"FishMotion has completed testing of nearly 9 access points in four locations: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and Hangzhou."

It is estimated that next year, operators will fully launch large-scale 4G base station construction.

Which manufacturers do you think will be among the first to receive 4G phone licenses?

The editor, well-informed, immediately chimed in: "Boss, as is customary, the four major companies—Fantasy, Chrysanthemum, China, and Cool—have deep roots and are definitely going to get a spot. It's a sure thing that each of them will get one!"

The editor-in-chief nodded, signaling him to continue.

"As for the rest," the editor said thoughtfully, "'The four best small factories'—Cheng, Ni, Lv, and Duo—are also very likely, especially Cheng, whose sales and reputation are basically the top among the small factories."

The editor-in-chief smiled and blew a smoke ring.

"Did you forget some of the most promising new players this year in your list? Meizu, Lanji, and that Xiaomai that sold out as soon as it was released!"

The editor looked troubled: "Boss, the four major factories have already taken up four slots. We can't possibly use all seven of the remaining smaller factories, can we?"

The key issue is that the 4G currently being promoted by operators is still in beta, not a formal commercial version.

Each company's submitted 4G SOC chip needs to be specifically matched and debugged with the SIM card, which requires a lot of investment and makes it impossible to release it on a large scale.

As a result, only a few manufacturers will be able to obtain 4G trial slots; it's impossible for every manufacturer to get one. Industry insiders speculate that there will be around 6 to 7 slots.

"Of course we can't include all of them!" the editor-in-chief analyzed confidently. "In my opinion, Orange will definitely be included. Its sales volume and technical strength speak for themselves; there's no doubt about it!"

"Firstly, Nietzsche's brand image is a bit...unpleasant. Secondly, apart from consumers, who in the industry doesn't know that it's essentially a rebranded version of Orange? The higher-ups won't approve of the 'dual-brand' deal; it'll most likely be eliminated to make way for Orange!"

"Both Green Factory and Blue Factory are from the same 'Step by Step' system, and they have the same problem: 'one factory with two machines.' In terms of seniority, Green Factory is more likely to be involved."

"Dovy was at the bottom of the pack last year, and this year its sales were overtaken by Wheat in just two months. It's really in trouble!"

"Xiaomai, apart from its delayed release, completely outclasses Duowei in terms of product strength, sales volume, and buzz, and is very likely to snatch its spot!"

"As for Meizu, Lao Zhang is still running a family business. He has no connections and doesn't know how to handle things. It's one thing to mock Xiaomai for copying homework, but he also has to mock the locals. Anyway, he's going to have a tough time!"

Actually, the locals originally intended to make up for the lack of a certain amount of money.

After all, when Lei Jun operated under the guise of investment, they helped suppress Meizu.

But later, when Wheat 1 was launched in Beijing, the locals realized that Lei Jun had stood them up and planned to give Meizu some compensation.

But who would have thought that Lao Zhang would start attacking people online, not only criticizing Xiaomai, but also mocking locals.
Is there any talk of compensation?
They didn't make things difficult for him on the spot; that's already showing him a lot of leniency!

After careful consideration, the editor-in-chief made the final decision.

"Therefore, the seven most likely companies are: the four major manufacturers (Huan, Ju, Zhong, and Ku), plus Orange, Green Factory, and Wheat, making it exactly seven!"

Therefore, the latest issue of "Communications World" magazine featured the logos of these seven companies on its cover, arranged in a striking "four on top, three on the bottom" layout.

The headline reads in large print: "The 4G mobile phone era is coming, who will dominate?"

Subheading with a dash: "Predictions from the First Batch of Pilot Manufacturers"

The new magazine was quickly distributed to various newsstands.

At the newsstand next to the subway entrance, this magazine with a dazzling cover was hung in a relatively inconspicuous position, and the best-selling items were the celebrity gossip section.

Wearing a pink arabesque hat with small white wings on the sides of the brim, Xiaoyu immediately spotted the familiar orange logo on the cover.

She tugged at her friend Xiao Quan: "Xiao Quan, Xiao Quan! There's a section of the subway line 7 with terrible signal. Let's buy a magazine to read on the way! So we won't be bored!"

An Xiaoquan shook his head, his expression indifferent: "I'm not watching, I'm going to sleep!"

"Then wait for me!"

Before she could object, Shi Yutong skipped to the newsstand like a happy little bird, and soon ran back with the freshly printed magazine in her hand, proudly showing the cover to An Xiaoquan.

"Look! There's a news report about oranges!"

An Xiaoquan glanced back and said indifferently, "Let's go, if we linger any longer to visit Xiaowei, we'll miss evening self-study!"

"Okay, okay!" Shi Yutong pulled An Xiaoquan along as they walked onto the subway escalator.

Ah, the little wings on Lala's hat flapped with her steps.

Inside the subway car, Shi Yutong was intently flipping through a magazine.

She noticed that An Xiaoquan would occasionally cast curious glances at her, so she giggled and squeezed in, saying, "You're just kidding! I knew you wanted to see it too! Best buddy, let's watch together!"

The magazine provides a detailed analysis of the current landscape of the domestic smartphone market:

The traditional four major manufacturers (Fantasy, Chrysanthemum, Zhong, and Cool) are fiercely competing for their positions, while the pattern of the four smaller boutique manufacturers (Orange, Ni, Green, and Duo) is being broken.

Orange remains the leading small manufacturer, but it is facing strong challenges from Wheat. Green Factory's sister brand Blue Machine is officially rising, and the old-brand niche boutique Meizu has also joined the battle.
当时雨桐看到“7月份销量：小麦1（156万台）碾压橙子2（148万台）”的数据时，忍不住和小姐妹感慨。

"This wheat phone is amazing! Its sales are so much higher than the orange one!"

She carefully examined the specifications of the Wheat 1 and was even a little tempted.

After all, the Wheat 1 was designed for the mid-range market from the beginning, and in terms of configuration alone, it will definitely crush the Orange 2, which is aimed at the lower-end market.

You get what you pay for!
But when Yutong took out her Orange 1 phone and looked at it, she immediately became more determined.

"A son doesn't despise his mother for being ugly, and a dog doesn't despise his home for being poor! I, Shi Yutong, will never betray Chengzi!"

The Orange 1 phone in Xiaoyu's hand was a gift from Orange, the market researcher uncle!
The two girls then looked at predictions and analyses about 4G phone manufacturers for next year, still a little confused about the concept of "4G": "Does it mean... faster internet speeds?"

It's clear that their understanding of 4G is still superficial. They are completely unaware that the iteration from 3G to 4G is not just an improvement in network speed, but also a fundamental change in the mobile content ecosystem.

In the past, mobile phone content was mainly text and images, but it will gradually evolve towards a combination of text, images, and videos. This is an inevitable stage in the development of the mobile phone content ecosystem.

The two got off at Huangmu Station and quickly arrived at the Second Hospital ward.

Xiao Wei, pale-faced, lay half-reclined on the hospital bed while her mother peeled an apple beside her.

Seeing her two good friends arrive, Xiaowei smiled happily and struggled to sit up.

Shi Yutong quickly stepped forward and took her hand: "Xiao Wei! Don't move! You just had surgery!"

An Xiaoquan quietly brought two pillows and carefully placed them behind Xiao Wei.

Xiao Wei's mother brought fruit to the two girls, and Shi Yutong accepted it gracefully, saying, "Thank you, Auntie!" Then she began to eat heartily.

An Xiaoquan shook his head, thanked him softly, and said he wouldn't eat.

Seeing Shi Yutong wolfing down her food and still wanting to take more, Xiao Wei couldn't help but laugh weakly and tease her.

"Xiaoyu, you came to visit a patient, and not only did you not bring a gift, but you also ate and took things! Humph! Are you not my best friend anymore!"

"How could I not be!" Shi Yutong finished eating her apple and proudly pulled out her Orange 1 phone: "Look! I knew you were sick and missed the Orange 2 launch event, so I specially downloaded the whole video for you!"

As she spoke, she squeezed onto the hospital bed and watched the press conference video with Xiao Wei.

An Xiaoquan silently held Xiao Wei's other hand, which was bruised and cold from the injection, and gently stroked it, hoping to ease her pain.

Xiao Wei smiled at An Xiaoquan and gestured for her to sit to her right.

Seeing her daughter smile, a rare sight, surrounded by her friends, Xiaowei's mother turned away and quietly wiped her eyes. The three of them watched the press conference together.

Xiao Wei said softly, "The host of that press conference was so cool and confident. If one day I could have the courage to stand on such a stage and speak eloquently in front of everyone, how wonderful that would be!"

Shi Yutong pinched her pale little face: "Then you have to keep going! Get well soon! Orange Company is getting bigger and bigger now, and you won't be able to get in without a good degree in the future!"

Xiao Wei was amused by her and nodded gently.

"I'll work hard and get better as soon as possible. Then we'll go to the same university and work at Orange together after graduation! Xiaoyu, you shine brightly on stage, and I'll write your plans and copywriting behind the scenes!"

"Haha!" Shi Yutong laughed, the little wings of her ala hat swaying. "Little Wei is such an introverted coward, even though she really longs for the stage! But I promise you! Pinky promise!"

The two girls solemnly made a pinky promise, a vow that belonged to the dreams of young girls.

Because Xiaowei needed to rest, the two could not stay long.

Soon, An Xiaoquan pulled Shi Yutong, who was still chattering and trying to make Xiao Wei happy, away.

On the way back to school, the lively Shi Yutong was silent for a while, and then she started planning for An Xiaoquan with great interest.

"When I graduate from high school next year, my mom said she'll give me the rent from those two small workshops in North China as pocket money! I'll treat you and Xiaowei to a graduation trip then!"

She started to imagine where to go for fun, but considering Xiaowei's health, she couldn't climb mountains, so she could only go to places accessible by car.
Before long, the two returned to school for evening self-study.

Meanwhile, in a private room on the second floor of a restaurant outside the west gate of Shenzhen University, Chen Mo was having a simple meal with his "former" graduate advisor, now Dean Lin.

Teacher Lin took a sip of tea and asked, "Did they notify Orange about the meeting in August regarding the pilot 4G phone manufacturers?"

Chen Mo nodded and spoke with a smile.

"The official notification hasn't arrived yet, but I already know about it."

Teacher Lin laughed: "I knew you were better informed than this old fogey. Why don't you go yourself?"

Chen Mo instinctively shook his head.

"Teacher, as you know, I have too many things to do and can't get away in person. I'll have Zhao Tiezhu, the head of the marketing department, go in my place!"

Teacher Lin then asked, "What about the other thing? Chengke's MYT-3.0 high-precision gyroscope was selected for this year's National Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize), awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Did you know that?"

"Huh?" Chen Mo was genuinely surprised: "I really didn't know that."

Teacher Lin smiled smugly.

"Finally, there's something you don't know!" he continued, "Are you going to collect this award?"

Chen Mo thought for a moment and said, "Just let Zhou Mingzhe, the technical director of Orange Technology, go instead. He's the one who developed this technology!"

Teacher Lin shook his head helplessly: "Why can't you get it, kid!"

After a moment's thought, Chen Mo suddenly realized.

"Teacher, do you mean I need to go in person? But last year's special circumstances were understandable, but it's unnecessary this year, isn't it?"

Teacher Lin lowered her voice: "You've been focusing on your own little corner of the business world, haven't you been paying attention to the big events lately?"

"event?"

Chen Mo frowned and quickly went through the recent news in his mind:
During their visit, the Gezi Charity Foundation issued an open letter stating that global division of labor and cooperation are essential for healthy development!
North American President Blair visits on the eve of the election?
Also, there's a rumor about a possible maiden flight of China's domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet? The admiral's famous explanation: the J-10 is a modified version!

Blake and Gates left hastily, with the official statement being: "The two sides had a frank exchange, but we have reservations about the conditions proposed by North America."

Simply put, they couldn't reach an agreement, but
He caught the key point and tentatively asked in a low voice, "The 863 Program of the new era?"

Teacher Lin nodded approvingly: "Xiao Mo, you truly deserve to be my smartest student, your comprehension is exceptional!"

He continued, "You're about to graduate with your master's degree. I remember the second batch of defenses is in September. Submit your final thesis to me as soon as possible!"

"Huh?" Chen Mo's expression turned strange: "Teacher, I remember I dropped out of school last March, right?"

Teacher Lin feigned surprise and raised an eyebrow.

"Really? I seem to remember that you switched to a part-time postgraduate program due to family difficulties. It's clearly stated in your academic record!"

"is it?"

Chen Mo raised his eyebrows, understanding dawning on him.

Professor Lin patted his chest and said, "I am the dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Shenzhen University. Do you think I don't know whether you are a part-time graduate student or not?"

However, Chen Mo hesitated for a moment before finally speaking up and emphasizing.

"Professor Lin, I will definitely focus my energy on business and academia from now on."

"Haha!" Teacher Lin laughed: "Xiao Mo, do you think the status on your student record is something that a mere dean of an ordinary university can decide on his own? This is the order from above!"

"Okay, fine!" Chen Mo understood and had no choice but to agree.

Teacher Lin reassured him, "Don't worry, it won't interfere with your business. As long as you improve your education and academic background, it will be of great benefit to both your company's image and how you deal with certain public opinions!"

"Sometimes, these soft skills are more effective than your hard skills!"

Last August, during the Chen Mo gaseous lithium controversy, many rumors focused on questioning Chen Mo's academic qualifications. After all, it was truly challenging for ordinary people to understand that an undergraduate student could develop such a cutting-edge technology as gaseous lithium.

"Okay, I understand. I'll follow the instructions from above!" Chen Mo nodded.

He always had a vague feeling that what Liu Mingzhen longed for and could not obtain was getting closer and closer to him.

But then Chen Mo thought about it again and couldn't help but complain to himself: Damn it! I just wanted to do my job well and sell my phones. I really didn't intend to get involved in all the complicated things in your academic world!
After dinner, Chen Mo walked out of the second-floor restaurant and took a deep breath of the night air.

Looking at the bustling and energetic students on the Shenzhen University campus, he smiled and said to Xiao Zheng, "I don't want to take the car anymore, I want to walk around and take a stroll!"

Xiao Zheng nodded and followed at a distance.

On the other side, Shi Yutong, having finished her evening self-study session, walked home alone with her schoolbag on her back, somewhat silently.

"Hey! Little brat! It's you again!" A slightly teasing voice called out to Shi Yutong, who was looking down.

Shi Yutong turned around and saw Chen Mo: "Oh, it's you, Uncle!"

Today, her reaction seemed rather lukewarm!

"Uh," Chen Mo was a little surprised: "Did the little girl take the wrong medicine today? She's not being sarcastic at all? This level of barrage is unlike you!"

"Hmph!" Shi Yutong raised her little head, flapped her wings, and immediately entered battle mode: "Your Orange Company is thriving, but Uncle, you're only getting off work at this hour. You must not be an important person in the company!"

"Haha!" Chen Mo laughed: "That's right! This is the sharp-tongued little girl I know! Why are you looking so dejected today? Did you fail your exam? Did the teacher scold you?"

"Hmph! No way!" Shi Yutong retorted immediately.

The two of them started their usual banter again. For Chen Mo, this was one of the few moments in his busy life where he could feel the breath of youth, and it was a rare mental break.

Finally, we arrived at that familiar intersection again.

Shi Yutong suddenly stopped, grabbed her backpack straps with both hands, and asked an unexpected question.

"Uncle! Do you think people have souls after they die?"

"Soul?" Chen Mo was taken aback for a moment, then chuckled and said, "You little brat, you have a long life ahead of you, why are you thinking about these things?"

Not getting an answer, Shi Yutong pursed her lips and ultimately said nothing. As usual, she skipped into the alley, waving goodbye to Chen Mo with her back turned.

Chen Mo watched her disappearing figure and scratched his head: Teenage girls are really hard to understand.
Oh well! I guess every age has its own troubles!
He turned around and walked back towards his apartment.

The city's neon lights shimmered behind him, outlining a vibrant and unknown future.

(End of this chapter)