"I came all this way, do you think I'd joke with you?"

"No! We've always worked together very well. We provide the LCD screens, and you provide the motherboards. The LCD monitors have always been paired with the Mi computers. Are you trying to ditch us and go it alone? And you expect us to provide you with the production line?" Li Xiangyang stopped eating, slammed his chopsticks on the table, and asked in a dissatisfied tone.

"You can still produce the computer monitors, but I want the LCD production line to make televisions. Rice-based televisions, understand?" Xing Baohua said.

"There are already enough TV manufacturers in the country, and you guys are still crowding in. Do you know how many companies are almost starving?" Li Xiangyang glared at Xing Baohua, hoping he could persuade the guy to give up his intention to make TVs and instead enjoy playing on his computer and mobile phone.

If Xing Baohua were to succeed in the television industry, Changhong would be cultivating a formidable competitor.

Seemingly sensing Li Xiangyang's concerns, Xing Baohua said, "I only make televisions for the overseas market. If Changhong can do the manufacturing for me and put my rice brand on it, then I'll pretend I didn't say anything." Xing Baohua picked up his glass and clinked it against Li Xiangyang's glass on his left.

Li Xiangyang didn't offer a drink, but instead said very seriously to Xing Baohua, "This matter is too big, I need to report it to the factory."

"Hurry up, I've already acquired our local Shuangxi brand TV factory. If you don't give me a production line to manufacture LCD panels, I'll have to order from overseas. To be honest, I hope you can make this money."

At this moment, Li Xiangyang picked up his wine glass and said to Xing Baohua, "I'll try my best to persuade the factory. However, I'd like to know why you want to make television?"

"We don't just make TVs; we make all four major appliances."

"Where is the market? Who are we benchmarking against?"

"The market is in Europe and America, and we are benchmarking against Sony."

"..."

Li Xiangyang remained silent for a long time after listening to Xing Baohua say that they should benchmark against the best practices.

He asked again, "Are you sure these four key components are targeted at Sony?"

Xing Baohua nodded.

"As far as I know, Sony doesn't manufacture white goods! Targeting TVs is one thing, but air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators—they don't even make them, so why are you targeting them?"

"Does the absence of something mean we can't target it?" Xing Baohua countered.

He then talked about his smart home, which is part of a whole series of plans.

"You come in and all you do is yell 'Turn on the TV!' That's so lonely! Add air conditioning, light controls, and a fan, and wouldn't that give it a high-tech feel?"

Li Xiangyang nodded and replied, "That makes a lot of sense. Changhong also manufactures these home appliances you mentioned. If we used them in Changhong, winning a national award for excellence would be a piece of cake. How about this: Changhong focuses on the domestic smart home market, and you focus on the overseas smart home market?"

"Not good at all! So you're trying to take advantage of me after I told you my plan?" Xing Baohua shook his head and quickly said. Were they holding back now to increase their bargaining power?

“We’re all brother companies. Changhong has also partnered with you to build a factory in central Shandong to support you. It’s just for producing TVs, right? Expand the factory a bit, and Changhong will help you with production,” Li Xiangyang said, patting his chest.