Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 172 Competitors (Seeking monthly votes, recommendations, and subscriptions!)
“Of course,” Chen Bingwen nodded with a smile, “we will prepare a detailed cooperation plan.”

We have great respect for Ms. Lin's professional value.

Wang Manling, who was listening nearby, chimed in with a smile, "It seems like this is a win-win collaboration."

Chen Ji's products paired with Brigitte Lin's image are indeed a perfect match.

It might even start a new trend.

In the ensuing conversation, Chen Bingwen didn't talk about endorsements anymore, but instead shared more about Chen Ji's brand philosophy, which Lin Qingxia and Wang Manling found very novel.

Chen Bingwen's extensive knowledge and humorous conversation kept the dinner atmosphere pleasant throughout.

He could discuss media trends with Wang Manling, chat about filmmaking with Cheng Long, and comfort and respect Brigitte Lin in an appropriate way.

Lin Qingxia didn't sense any businessman's eagerness for quick success in him; instead, she felt a trustworthy composure and wisdom.

By the end of dinner, the weariness on Brigitte Lin's face had disappeared, and her smile was much more genuine.

Before parting, she said to Chen Bingwen, "Mr. Chen, thank you for what you just said. I have benefited a lot from it."

"Thank you, Ms. Lin. I look forward to a pleasant collaboration."

"Just call me Qingxia!"

Chen Bingwen was slightly taken aback, then nodded and smiled readily: "Okay, Sister Qingxia."

Then you can just call me Bingwen.

This subtle change in how they addressed each other instantly shortened the distance between them.

Brigitte Lin smiled too, this time her smile was more relaxed and natural, less formal.

Watching Brigitte Lin and Wang Manling get into the car and leave, Cheng Long put his arm around Chen Bingwen's shoulder and said with a smile, "Mr. Chen, you're really something!"
I think Brigitte Lin is in a much better mood tonight.

You have such a mouth, you can talk the dead back to life!
He's also a master at negotiating business!

Chen Bingwen smiled and said, "It's just about putting yourself in someone else's shoes and communicating sincerely."

What she needed during this period was not sympathy or preaching, but an environment and dialogue where she could feel respected and see new possibilities.

Thank you for your plans tonight.

"It's nothing! It would be best if it could help Brigitte Lin and facilitate cooperation!" Cheng Long waved his hand generously.

The endorsement contract between Brigitte Lin and Chen Ji Foods was finalized and signed within just three days thanks to the efficient efforts of both parties.

The contract stipulates that Brigitte Lin will become the Asian brand ambassador for all of Chen Ji Foods' product lines for a period of two years.

The endorsement coverage extends to major Chinese markets including Hong Kong Island, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Considering Brigitte Lin's situation, no media reporters were invited to the signing ceremony.

The day after the ceremony, Ling Peiyi took a copy of Brigitte Lin's endorsement contract to Chen Bingwen's office.

She placed a copy of the contract on Chen Bingwen's desk and then said, "Mr. Chen, Ms. Lin is currently in Hong Kong Island taking a break, so her schedule isn't too tight."

I think we should strike while the iron is hot and shoot the commercial as soon as possible?
This will allow us to coordinate with our upcoming marketing activities.

Chen Bingwen picked up the contract but did not answer immediately.

He thought about Brigitte Lin's recent emotional fluctuations and felt that although Ling Pei-yi's suggestion was reasonable, out of respect, he should still personally confirm the other party's wishes and state of mind.

"Yes, time is important, but we must also respect our partners."

Chen Bingwen nodded, picked up the phone on the table, and dialed the number for Brigitte Lin's hotel room. "I'll ask her what she thinks myself."

The call was quickly answered, and Brigitte Lin's gentle voice came through: "Hello, Bingwen?"

"Sister Qingxia, did I disturb you?"

Chen Bingwen said with a smile, "Director Ling just suggested to me that we take advantage of your stay in Hong Kong these few days to put the advertising shoot on the agenda."

I know you need rest lately, so I wanted to ask you what you think in person. Don't force yourself; let your condition guide you.

Lin Qingxia answered almost without hesitation on the other end of the phone: "No problem!"

Work is urgent, and I'm ready to cooperate at any time.

Having something to do actually makes me feel more fulfilled.

"Just let me and your agent know the time and plan you've decided."

Her voice sounded much brighter than it had been at the dinner party a few days ago.

“Okay! It’s settled then.” Chen Bingwen nodded. “I’ll have Director Ling contact your agent to finalize the filming plan and schedule as soon as possible. Thank you for your hard work.”

"It's not hard, it should be."

After hanging up the phone, Chen Bingwen said to Ling Peiyi, "She's fine on her end, she's in good condition."

You immediately make arrangements, assemble a filming team, finalize the creative script and location, and get started as quickly as possible.

Regarding the budget, we will adhere to the highest standards to ensure the best possible results.

"Understood! I'll take care of it right away."

Just as Chen's team was busy preparing for Brigitte Lin's advertisement shoot.

That afternoon, a call came to Chen Bingwen from the marketing department.

The caller was the marketing manager in charge of channel inspections. "Mr. Chen, our grid promoters have discovered that the functional beverage launched by Taohua Datong has already started selling in some convenience stores this morning!"

Chen Bingwen frowned: "Taohua Datong? Has the news been verified?"

"It's been verified! We've received the product." The channel manager confirmed. "The product is called 'Jin Neng,' the main color of the packaging is orange, and the bottle shape is very similar to our 'Pulse,' but the differences are obvious upon closer inspection."

Priced at HK$3, that's 5 cents cheaper than ours.

"Buy a few bottles immediately and send them to my office, and also send a few to Professor Zhou in the R&D department," Chen Bingwen quickly ordered. "In addition, immediately organize manpower to find out its distribution scope, key channels, and initial sales response."

I need to see the detailed report as soon as possible.

"Yes, Mr. Chen!"

In less than half an hour, several orange bottles of "Jineng" energy drink were placed on Chen Bingwen's desk.

Almost simultaneously, Ling Peiyi, Fang Wenshan, Gu Yongxian, and Li Weiming were also summoned to the office.

Chen Bingwen picked up a bottle and examined it carefully.

The packaging design attempts to mimic the vibrancy of "Pulse," but the materials and printing precision are somewhat rough.

He unscrewed the bottle cap, poured a little into the cup, and savored it.

“You all should try some.” He handed the bottle to the others.

After tasting it, Vincent Fang frowned and said, "It's a bit too sweet, the artificial flavor is too strong, and the taste isn't as refreshing as our 'Pulse'."

After carefully examining the bottle, Gu Yongxian said, "The bottle shape is different, so it shouldn't constitute an infringement of appearance rights."

However, the category name 'functional beverage' and its overall style are heavily imitative.

After everyone had tasted the food and shared their opinions, Chen Bingwen put down his cup and looked at everyone: "Everyone understands the situation now."

Taohua Datong acted quickly, launching a price war to penetrate our core market.

As he spoke, he turned to Li Weiming: "The public relations department and the marketing department should immediately do three things: First, comprehensively monitor the distribution progress, terminal prices and promotional activities of 'Jineng';

Second, a sample survey was conducted to gather feedback from the first batch of consumers regarding their purchases and their willingness to repurchase.
Third, assess the extent of the impact on our existing 'Pulse' sales.

I need to see the preliminary data by noon tomorrow.

"Understood, I'll arrange the manpower immediately." Li Weiming nodded in agreement and quickly left the office.

"Director Fang," Chen Bingwen said, looking at Fang Wenshan, "you coordinate finance and supply chain to calculate our cost structure."

Let's see if there's room to cope with price competition while ensuring quality, or what aspects can be optimized.

But remember, quality is the bottom line; you can't sacrifice taste for a lower price.

"Okay, I'll go back and do the calculations right away." Fang Wenshan accepted the order and left.

“Attorney Gu,” Chen Bingwen said to Gu Yongxian, “you should focus on the legal aspects.”

Carefully examine the packaging, slogans, and any areas where 'Jin Neng' might be ambiguous.

Once any suspected infringement or unfair competition is discovered, evidence must be secured immediately.

"Understood, I will keep a close eye on it," Gu Yongxian replied solemnly.

Finally, Chen Bingwen said to Ling Peiyi, "Director Ling, if possible, please expedite the advertising shoot for Ms. Lin."

We need a stronger brand influence to cope with the competition.

At the same time, please communicate with Xu Shiwen to see how Watsons' channels can cooperate and whether they can provide us with more support in terms of terminal display and promotions.

"No problem, Mr. Chen. I'll go discuss it with Manager Xu right away and also urge the advertising team to speed things up."

Ling Peiyi also got up and left.

Only Chen Bingwen remained in the office.

He picked up the bottle of "Jineng" again and examined it carefully.

Taohua Datong's entry into the functional beverage market was faster and more direct than he had anticipated.

With a price reduction of 5 cents, it is very attractive to price-sensitive consumers in convenience stores.

A few minutes later, Zhou Zhiyuan rushed over with several preliminary test reports: "Mr. Chen, the preliminary results are in."

"What was the result?" Chen Bingwen asked.

"In terms of ingredients, they did not directly copy our formula." Zhou Zhiyuan pointed to the data in the report, "The ratio of caffeine and B vitamins is different from our 'Pulse'."

It's sweeter because it uses a mixture of cheaper sugar and saccharin, and it also has a stronger artificial flavor.

Their costs are definitely much lower than ours.

"What about the taste? How's the lasting power?" Chen Bingwen was more concerned about the user experience.

"The initial taste is stimulating, but it is too sweet and not refreshing enough."

It should have some energizing effect, but judging from the ingredients, its lasting effect may not be as good as our carefully formulated 'Pulse'.

Of course, this requires more time and consumer feedback to validate.

Zhou Zhiyuan analyzed the situation objectively.

"Okay, let's continue with a more detailed analysis."

"In particular, find out their weaknesses in terms of taste," Chen Bingwen instructed.

"Okay, I'll have the lab staff work overtime to test it!"

In the evening, Li Weiming returned with the preliminary results of the first round of market research.

"Mr. Chen, we've got the initial picture."

Li Weiming reported rapidly, "'Jineng' is currently mainly concentrated in convenience stores in the traditional advantageous areas of Taohua and Datong, covering about 30% of the outlets in Hong Kong."

The price is indeed HK$3.

Because of the low price and the support from Taobao's Datong distribution channels, sales on the first day of listing looked good, with many stores reporting decent sales.

(End of this chapter)