Rebirth in Hong Kong: From Dessert Shop to Industrial Empire

Chapter 58 Injury (Seeking monthly votes and recommendations to continue reading!)

"Ah Hai, tell all franchisees and distributors that ramping up production capacity takes time. The Sacmi production line has not yet reached its limit, but the workers' limit is approaching."

Starting today, the supply volume for all channels will be allocated according to the proportions promised in the contract, and this will be strictly enforced.

Wellcome has 80 stores, and each store is guaranteed a basic quota every day;

Franchise stores are allocated goods based on region and size.
Standard stores and mobile outlets will maintain their existing supply.

Anyone, including Director Zhang from Wellcome, who wants additional production capacity, must wait until the next phase of capacity release.

Chen Bingwen arranged things methodically.

"Brother Wen, will Huikang have any objections?" Gao Zhenhai asked hesitantly.

Wellcome is a major distribution channel.

"Even if there are objections, they must be implemented!" Chen Bingwen said solemnly. "We are currently in a seller's market, and it is a fact that the supply of products cannot meet the demand."

But it is precisely at times like these that we must adhere to the rules.

Unprincipled gratification of individual channels will only disrupt our plans and cause internal conflicts.

If we follow the rules, no one will have anything to say.

"I'll figure out a way to increase production capacity."

Looking into Chen Bingwen's calm eyes, Gao Zhenhai felt reassured: "Understood! I'll go and inform them right away!"

Although the pressure of production capacity has reappeared, Chen Bingwen is even more aware that what is more important than production capacity is whether the market enthusiasm can be sustained.

After the initial surge in traffic, are consumers really willing to continue paying for this convenient sugar water?

The nationwide buzz generated by "Enjoy Yourself Tonight" came like a tidal wave, rising quickly and receding just as fast.

When bottled sugar water is no longer a novelty and the discussions on the streets gradually subside, the market's true reaction begins to emerge.

A week later, Ling Peiyi walked into Chen Bingwen's office with the latest sales report.

"Mr. Chen, the data is in." She placed the report in front of Chen Bingwen. "The sales of bottled sugar water through Huikang channels, ten franchise stores, and our own stores have declined slightly after reaching their peak."

Chen Bingwen did not immediately look at the report, but instead gestured for Ling Peiyi to sit down: "What is the magnitude? Let's analyze it in detail."

"The overall decline is about 8.5%." Ling Peiyi spoke clearly. "Looking at different channels, Wellcome Supermarket saw the most significant decline, reaching 12%."

The main reason for this is that the impulse buying and novelty effect brought about by "Enjoy Yourself Tonight" has weakened, and some customers have reduced their purchase frequency.

Secondly, some Wellcome stores reported that our bottled sugar water, stored in the refrigerated display case, was priced significantly higher than that of the same volume of soft drink. Some price-sensitive customers, after trying it for the first time, returned to choosing cheaper beverages.

She paused, then continued, "The decline in franchise stores was relatively small, about 5%."

The decline was mainly concentrated in several newly opened stores located in secondary core business districts.

In core business districts such as Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, sales remain strong, and have even seen a slight increase due to positive word-of-mouth and repeat purchases.

Sales at both self-operated standard stores and mobile outlets remained largely stable, with slight fluctuations.

"What about consumer feedback?" Chen Bingwen pressed.

“The marketing department conducted a small-scale sampling follow-up visit.” Ling Peiyi opened another document. “The positive feedback focused on the convenience, good taste, and thoughtful bottle cap design.”

Negative feedback mainly included the price being slightly high, the drinks becoming a bit too sweet after a while, and a desire for more flavor options.

Upon hearing this, Chen Bingwen showed no worry on his face, but instead revealed a relieved smile.

"Good! Very good!" He picked up the report and quickly scanned the declining numbers. "Director Ling, this data is better than I expected!"

Ling Peiyi nodded and smiled, "That's true."

"The market's enthusiasm has subsided, and sales have fallen from their peak. This is an inevitable trend and a sign that the market is returning to rationality." Chen Bingwen pointed to the report. "The decline is only 8.5%, and it is mainly concentrated among impulsive consumers and price-sensitive groups."

Meanwhile, the repurchase rate of white-collar workers, laborers, and housewives who value quality and pursue convenience has not declined significantly, as evidenced by the stability or even slight increase of franchise stores in core business districts and self-operated stores.

What does this mean? "

He asked himself the question and answered it: "This shows that our product's strength has withstood the test!"

Bottled sugar water has gained a firm foothold in the Hong Kong Island market!
It's not just a passing fad; it truly addresses consumers' pain points!

Ling Peiyi smiled and nodded, saying, "The previous peak was a traffic dividend. Now that the platform has fallen back, that's the real and sustainable market capacity for our products."

“That’s right!” Chen Bingwen affirmed. “Moreover, this platform is much better than I initially expected!”

More importantly, it has stabilized and begun to show a slow upward trend.

This indicates that the word-of-mouth effect is taking hold, and the loyal user base is expanding.

This gives me more peace of mind than the continuous surge in sales.

This proves that we've chosen the right path and laid a solid foundation!

"Mr. Chen, shouldn't we take some action next?" Ling Peiyi asked.

“Not bad!” Chen Bingwen nodded and looked at Ling Peiyi. “First, production capacity must break through 30,000 bottles per day as soon as possible and move towards 50,000 bottles.”

Secondly, we need to develop new flavors to enrich our product line. While red bean soup with tangerine peel, coconut sago, and mango pomelo sago are our basic offerings, Hong Kong residents have diverse tastes, and we need more choices.

We need to get Zhong Qiang and Professor Zhou's team to speed up their research and development so that classic products like sesame paste, almond tea, and sweet potato soup can be bottled as soon as possible!
Third, cultivate the distribution channels deeply!
Wellcome's decline reminds us that we cannot rely solely on hypermarkets.

"Convenience stores, convenience stores...we need to expand as quickly as possible." "Understood!" Ling Peiyi immediately took notes. "We haven't been pushing hard into the convenience store and convenience store channels before due to production capacity issues, but now we can start."

"Hmm." Chen Bingwen nodded. "Also, what's the progress on the global deployment of bottle cap patents?"

"Things are progressing smoothly on Mr. Fang's end," Ling Peiyi reported. "The Hong Kong Island patent has been accepted."

The PCT international application process has been initiated, and Robert's legal team is simultaneously advancing the national phases in major markets such as Japan, the United States, European countries, and Southeast Asia.

We expect to complete the initial layout of major markets within three months.

However, Mr. Chen, regarding the patent licensing matter…

"Patents are our nuclear weapons, but now is not the time to reveal them." Chen Bingwen waved his hand. "First, build a fence and enclose the territory."

When our production capacity and market position are more stable, and when those international beverage giants truly notice this market, that will be the time for us to wield the patent stick, collect 'tolls', or engage in strategic cooperation.

Now, let's keep a low profile, make a fortune, and consolidate our core business.

“Yes, Mr. Chen.” Ling Peiyi understood immediately.

Just then, the phone on the table suddenly rang.

Chen Bingwen picked up the phone and heard Wu Siyuan's anxious voice: "Mr. Chen, something's happened!"
Ah Long, Ah Long got injured while filming! He hurt his eye! He bled a lot! He was taken to the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital!

Eye?

Chen Bingwen was stunned.

Is Jackie Chan injured?
It's still about the eyes!

"How badly are you injured? What exactly happened? Is your eye okay?" Chen Bingwen asked, trying to calm himself down.

"During an action scene, I was kicked in the left eye by Hwang Jang-lee! The bone was exposed and the bleeding wouldn't stop!"
They were just lifted onto the white car. I wonder if their eyes are okay!

Cheng Long's injury left Wu Siyuan somewhat incoherent.

"Calm down, Mr. Wu!" Chen Bingwen shouted, knowing that panic wouldn't solve anything. "Are you in the hospital right now?"

"I'm on my way to Yanghe..."

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Chen Bingwen made a decision without hesitation. “Contact the best surgeons. Don’t skimp on the necessary expenses!”

No matter what method I use, saving my eyes is the top priority!

"Great! Great! I'm already in contacting them!" Wu Siyuan seemed to have found his pillar of support.

"Wait for me to come over." Chen Bingwen hung up the phone, his expression grave.

"Director Ling, Jackie Chan, the male lead of 'Drunken Master,' was seriously injured on set, damaging his eyes. I must go to the hospital immediately to see him."

The factory's daily operations, especially the bottling line production and quality control, will be entirely entrusted to you.

Chen Bingwen quickly made arrangements, "For non-urgent decisions, you handle them according to the situation; for major matters, I will make the final decision when I return."

Hearing Chen Bingwen's words, Ling Peiyi was also somewhat surprised, but she quickly regained her composure: "Yes, Mr. Chen. Don't worry, I will personally oversee the quality and safety of the production line. Mr. Cheng's condition is urgent, I will take care of things at the factory."

Chen Bingwen nodded. "Very good."

Without uttering any further words, he turned and strode out of the office.

When Chen Bingwen arrived at Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital.

Wu Siyuan was pacing back and forth in the corridor.

Several crew members sat dejectedly on a bench.

"Mr. Chen!" Wu Siyuan rushed over to Chen Bingwen as if grasping at a straw. "Ah Long is getting stitches inside! The doctor said..."

"Mr. Wu, calm down!" Chen Bingwen pressed down on his shoulder and said in a deep voice, "What did the doctor say? What's wrong with your eyes?"

Wu Siyuan, panting heavily, said, "The doctor said it's fortunate! The eyeball wasn't injured! It was a small artery above the brow bone that ruptured. The location is quite unusual, so the bleeding was significant and looked frightening. They're stitching it up to stop the bleeding now."

The huge weight on Chen Bingwen's heart instantly lifted.

The eyeball wasn't injured! That's incredibly fortunate!
He immediately asked, "Did the doctor mention any potential long-term effects? How long will it take to recover?"

Wu Siyuan composed himself slightly and wiped away his sweat: "The doctor said that once the wound is treated, the bleeding is stopped, and it's stitched up, I can remove the stitches after a few days of rest. That's right... that's right."

His face showed a complex expression that was hard to describe, and he hesitated to speak.

"What is it?" Chen Bingwen pressed.

“That’s right.” Wu Siyuan lowered his voice and pointed to the area above his left eye, “The doctor said that after the stitches were done there, plus the swelling caused by the ruptured blood vessel and the subsequent scarring, Ah Long’s left eye will become a double eyelid! And it won’t go back!”

Chen Bingwen was taken aback: "Double eyelids?"

He immediately recalled that Jackie Chan originally had a signature single eyelid, which was one of the characteristics of his early screen image.

Wu Siyuan nodded with a pained expression: "Yes! The doctor said this is an unavoidable change after the trauma. My right eye is still a single eyelid, but my left eye has become a double eyelid!"
"What will we do about close-up shots in future films? The audience will immediately notice the difference!"

Just then, the emergency room door opened.

　Sorry for the delay in finishing. I'll update this now and revise it tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)