Siheyuan’s Journey Through the Ages
Chapter 178 The biddings that followed
Chapter 178 The biddings that followed
In Polestar Electronics’ spacious and bright office, the atmosphere is a little solemn.
Feng Zhicheng looked worried and frowned. He looked at his boss sitting behind his desk and couldn’t help but say, “Ordering 100,000 sets at a time, isn’t that too risky, boss?”
His tone was full of worry and caution, and his eyes revealed his doubts about this decision. Feng Zhicheng knew the importance of this decision and had to remind him solemnly, “Although we can definitely get a big discount if we order this quantity at one time, but…” He hesitated, as if thinking about how to express his concerns more clearly.
Ma Qing was sitting in the boss chair, looking down at a document. When he heard Feng Zhicheng’s words, he looked up, a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes, and he raised his hand to interrupt Feng Zhicheng’s advice, “It seems that you still don’t have much confidence in our products.” There was a hint of dissatisfaction in his tone, but it also revealed his confidence and determination in his products.
“I have confidence, but it’s hard to say about the market, boss. You see, the results of this market research show that the competition in the mid-range radio market is quite fierce. Although our all-plastic molded shell can reduce costs and has a bright design, consumers’ brand awareness and loyalty account for a large proportion in purchasing decisions. We are a new brand and may face certain resistance when entering the market. What if…”
Feng Zhicheng hurriedly explained, and as he spoke, he handed the market research report to Ma Qing, his face full of worry. He knew the uncertainty of the market, and the market feedback of new products was difficult to predict. In case of unexpected situations, the company might face huge risks.
Ma Qing took the report, glanced at it quickly, then put it down, walked to the window, looked at the busy city industrial zone outside the window, and said confidently: “Don’t worry, my general manager, we have a one-time full plastic mold shell. Our cost is already advantageous, plus the design highlights and pricing. I position this product as a threshold player in the mid-range radio. If it still can’t sell well, I’ll accept it.” He is confident in the cost control and design advantages of this product and firmly believes that it will have a place in the market.
“What’s more, the current electron tube technology is very mature, and there will be no major technological innovation in the short term. Even if our product doesn’t sell well, our next product will use it.”
Ma Qing turned around, looked at Feng Zhicheng, and continued: “Of course, I don’t think this situation should happen. I have full confidence in Polestar-XJ001.” After that, he walked to the display stand where Polestar-XJ001 was placed and gently patted the brand new shell of Polestar-XJ001, as if he was touching a precious work of art.
Then, he turned on the radio that was full of his expectations, and instantly, Teresa Teng’s charming voice came out from the speaker.
In 1969, Teresa Teng became an artist under the Hong Kong Wen Zhi Records Company. In that era full of opportunities and challenges, with the help of conductor Wen Jiubo, she opened an important chapter in her musical career.
It took her two days to complete the recording of 12 songs, which were included in three mini albums, “The Wall”, “Autumn Night” and “Fire of Love”. Each album seemed to be a puzzle of her musical dream, piecing together her brilliant singing career piece by piece.
Ma Qing listened to the song quietly, immersed in the beautiful melody. When the song was over, he came to his senses and said to Feng Zhicheng, “Based on this tone, what are you still worried about? You should focus on how to reduce costs while ensuring quality and quantity. I will take care of the sales. We will divide the work and do our own work well.” His eyes were full of expectation and trust.
“I understand, boss, don’t worry, I, Feng Zhicheng, have requirements for what I do.” Feng Zhicheng straightened his back and patted his chest to assure. His face showed a firm expression, as if he had made up his mind to go all out to complete his task and live up to the boss’s trust.
After seeing Feng Zhicheng off, Ma Qing stood alone in front of the bright window of the office. He looked into the distance through the glass, thinking about how to take each next step. At this moment, he kept thinking about various plans and possibilities in his mind.
One month later, Yaguang Zhisu’s Rubik’s Cube bidding will be held. Now, the Rubik’s Cube has been successfully launched in more than 200 supermarkets under Baixin Supermarket.
Those colorful and beautifully designed advertising posters have already been posted, attracting the attention of many consumers.
Moreover, the Rubik’s Cube has obtained the authoritative certification of the Hong Kong Education Department. Coupled with the vigorous promotion and coverage of the Rubik’s Cube on ATV, all of this makes Ma Qing firmly believe that Yaguang Zhisu’s Rubik’s Cube bidding will be fruitful and fruitful.
At the same time, Ma Qing was also thinking about when his radio should be put on the market. He once thought about whether to postpone the launch time.
However, he quickly rejected this idea. No, there is no need to do this! After all, the two products are in completely different tracks and belong to two different companies.
Why should I deliberately stagger the time? There is really no reason to do so, it is completely unnecessary! Ma Qing realized that there was a flaw in his thinking on this issue.
Thinking of this, Ma Qing hurriedly made a phone call in the office: “Doug? Are you free now? Let’s meet. What? Meet at the poker club? Okay, see you in the afternoon.”
Doug Williams is the East Coast agent of Kyoho Plastics and also the record holder for the highest franchise fee of Kyoho Plastics.
At first, he was a trader personally received by Ma Qing in the product room of Jufeng Company. After that bidding meeting, the two met frequently and gradually established a close partnership.
The Williams Trading Company of Doug Williams’ family is definitely one of the top 50 international traders in North America. This is also the important reason why Ma Qing deliberately made friends with him.
Of course, Doug Williams was also very happy to have a good relationship with Ma Qing. From the fact that he was willing to pay such a high franchise fee to Jufeng Plastics, it can be seen that this person has a very sharp vision. Of course, this is entirely Ma Qing’s own inner thoughts.
The “Rational Players” Poker Club is filled with a unique atmosphere. As soon as you open the door, the deep and rhythmic background music enters your ears, as if telling countless wonderful stories and fierce duels.
The lighting was slightly dim, creating a mysterious atmosphere just right. Several unique chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft light and illuminating the neatly arranged poker tables.
Around each table sat players with focused expressions. Some of them had calm faces, their eyes revealing deep thoughts; others were a little nervous, staring closely at the cards in their hands, with beads of sweat slightly oozing out of their foreheads. Chips of various colors were placed on the table, shining attractively under the light. In the corner of the club, there were comfortable sofas and coffee tables for players to exchange their experiences during their breaks. Sitting on the sofa were several players who had just finished a game. While drinking drinks, they enthusiastically discussed the previous battle situation, with excitement on their faces.
The air is filled with the faint smell of tobacco and coffee, which makes people feel a little relaxed in the tense atmosphere. The waiters are dressed in neat uniforms and shuttle between the tables, providing efficient and thoughtful services to the players. The entire poker club reveals a strange silence. It is more like a private library than a private casino.
This was not the first time Ma Qing came here. He waved to a familiar waiter and said, “Which private room is Doug in? Take me there.”
“Please follow me, Mr. Ma.” The waiter took the tip from Daqiang, smiled slightly, and led the way to the private room. Ma Qing followed in with a bodyguard holding a paper box.
Walking into this poker room, a quiet yet tense atmosphere hits you.
In the center of the room, there is a grand card table. Made of dark solid wood, the wood grain is clearly visible, exuding a mellow texture. The tabletop is spacious and flat, like a stage waiting for a story to unfold.
The green velvet covering the table top is delicate and soft, which not only adds a sense of luxury but also allows the playing cards to slide more smoothly on it.
There are several exquisite high-back chairs placed around the card table. The chair seats are also made of soft material. They are extremely comfortable to sit on, allowing people to immerse themselves in the card game for a long time without feeling tired.
On one side of the card table, there is a cozy lounge, which is separated from the card table area by an exquisite screen, ensuring a certain degree of privacy without making people feel depressed.
There are comfortable sofas in the lounge, the color of which matches the style of the card table. There are several soft cushions on them, so people can lean on them and relax when they are tired.
In front of the sofa is a small coffee table with some drinks and snacks on it for players to enjoy during their breaks. In the corner of the lounge is a unique floor lamp with soft and warm light, creating a quiet and comfortable atmosphere for the entire lounge.
“Hey, Mr. Ma, you’re here, come over and play a few hands.” Doug Williams, who was sitting next to the card table, greeted Ma Qing warmly. Ma Qing signaled the bodyguard to put the paper box in the lounge and walked to the card table alone.
“Texas holdem. What’s up, Doug? You don’t want to play stud poker anymore but Texas hold’em.” Ma Qing found an empty seat and sat down, then asked the dealer to exchange chips for 1000 Hong Kong dollars.
“Haha, I didn’t expect that Mr. Ma also knows Texas Hold’em. It’s popular nowadays. The first official World Series of Poker will be held next year at Benny Binion’s Horseshoe Casino in Las Vegas. It will be Texas Hold’em. I will definitely participate in the competition then. Maybe I can win the championship.” Doug Williams boasted.
Texas Hold’em began in the town of Lobos, Texas in the early 20th century. It is said that in order to kill time, the locals invented a poker game that could be played by many people at the same time, and thus Texas Hold’em was born. In 1925, Texas Hold’em was first introduced to Dallas, Texas, and later to Las Vegas, where it has been developed ever since.
Since the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which features unlimited-bet Texas Hold’em as its main event, landed in the United States in the 70s, the annual event has made more and more people familiar with Texas Hold’em, which is also a sign that Texas Hold’em is becoming popular on a large scale.
With the live broadcast of various international competitions on television and media, especially the dissemination and promotion on the Internet. In the United States, if someone says he is playing poker, he is most likely playing Texas Hold’em. Texas Hold’em is favored by chess and card enthusiasts from all over the world for its easy-to-learn but difficult-to-master characteristics.
In Hong Kong, a place full of unique customs, most people are keen on poker games such as Stud. However, in the circles of Americans such as Doug Williams, Texas Hold’em is more popular.
A round of cards ends, and a new round begins quickly. Ma Qing throws a blind bet into the pot. Since having Xiao Qi, Ma Qing has lost interest in any gambling. When you have a God’s perspective, the charm of the unknown disappears. Ma Qing plays cards purely to kill time and satisfy social needs.
“Mr. Ma, is there something that made you contact me this time? Usually I’m the one who contacts you first.” Doug Williams also threw a blind bet into the pot and said jokingly.
“Really? That’s really my fault. I’m really an unqualified friend.” Ma Qing responded.
Doug Williams smiled. He felt that after such a long period of contact, he had some understanding of the Chinese businessman in front of him.
Ma Qing is an extremely cautious and talented person. Most importantly, he believes that Ma Qing has paranoia and always brings bodyguards with him wherever he goes. People who don’t know him think that Ma Qing has an extraordinary background.
In fact, Doug Williams found out through investigation that Ma Qing was actually a grassroots inventor. Of course, now he is wealthy enough to be his partner.
At this moment, the atmosphere at the table was tense and subtle. The other players were also concentrating on looking at their cards, thinking about their next move.
The conversation between Ma Qing and Doug Williams separated the two from the tense card game. “Let’s play cards first. I do have something good to give you. Consider it my apology as a friend.” Ma Qing followed Doug Williams’ words.
Doug Williams looked at the cards in his hand and threw a few more chips into the pot. “Really? Then today is my lucky day. I’m going to win a double kill in the casino mall.”
(End of this chapter)