Old Liu knew exactly what kind of person Lu Feng was. He only came over at this time to watch the show, and it was unlikely that he would help him.
Do you have any other plans?
Mr. Liu was a bit confused, but at this crucial moment, it wouldn't be bad to have someone to chat with.
"Mr. Lu, I don't quite believe you'll help me, but I'm very interested in discussing your theories on technology-industry-trade and trade-industry-technology. Back then, your debate with a group of people in the television industry caused quite a stir. Today, Jiafeng Electronics has over 100,000 employees, spanning multiple industries, and is a leader in electronics, communications, materials, and the industrial chain. I want to ask you, Mr. Lu, have you made any money?" Mr. Liu asked, staring at Lu Feng.
"No, we're still short of money. The money we earn each year isn't enough to cover the expenses for the following year. We earn less and spend more," Lu Feng replied.
"This is the drawback of the technology-industry-trade model: excessive R&D investment, too little profit, and the company becomes a huge burden on society. What good is such a company to society? It's just throwing money into a bottomless pit." General Manager Liu looked at Lu Feng and said, "The technology-industry-trade model won't work!"
"It works. Actually, these two are based on a very simple principle: whether it's bitter first and then sweet, or sweet first and then bitter. For technology, industry, and trade, the sweetness comes first and the bitterness comes later. You invest a lot of profits in research and development and live frugally, but you'll be comfortable later. For trade, industry, and technology, you make money and enjoy it first, but life is tough later on." Lu Feng took a sip of coffee and said, "Businesses and people are the same."
"Oh? I've never heard of that analogy before. Can you explain it?" President Liu asked, sipping his coffee.
“We’re just two apprentices. I’m the one who works hard and studies diligently. I earn two hundred yuan a month, and I use all my money to buy learning tools and materials to learn more. You, on the other hand, think these things are useless. If you want a raise, you have to curry favor with your master or boss. You spend your money on gifts and bribes, and of course, your salary will skyrocket. But let me tell you, years from now, there will be a world of difference between us. No boss will protect you forever; times change.” Lu Feng looked at him and said, “What do you think?”
"I think this analogy is inappropriate and boring. We are listed on the stock exchange, and we need to be responsible to our investors. Listing on the stock exchange is also a responsibility to the company. We want to go far. It shouldn't be about one person being obsessed with the present. Trade, Industry and Technology is not lacking in technology, but rather about getting rich first."
"Who got rich?" Lu Feng asked.
“Let’s not talk about these things!” President Liu waved his hand, picked up his coffee, took a sip, and said, “If you’re just going to talk to me about these things, I don’t think it’s necessary.”
"It's what you wanted to talk about." Lu Feng couldn't help but laugh and said, "Just a little joke. I heard you haven't been getting along very well with President Ni lately? Is there some kind of argument, or have you already decided to part ways?"
"It's just a difference in development philosophy. I still hope he can stay, after all, Lenovo has made contributions. Of course, I hope Zhu Lidong will come back even more." President Liu changed the subject and spoke about Zhu Lidong.
“I dare not let Zhu Lidong go back now. You know, our company relies entirely on financing to survive, and the other part is the marketing department's profits. He still has to make money for me. How about this? I'm sorry for what happened with Zhu Lidong. I'll try to persuade President Ni on your behalf as an apology.” Lu Feng looked at him and asked, “How about it?”
"You're going to persuade him?" President Liu looked at Lu Feng with the feeling of a weasel visiting a brothel, as if the offer was delivered right to his mouth. But at this moment, he didn't care. If Lu Feng said a few good words in the middle and they could hold on for a few more months, wouldn't it be a good ending for them to part ways gracefully?
“Alright, then I’ll trouble you, Mr. Lu. If he insists on leaving, I will give him what he deserves without hesitation. No matter where he works in the future, I will support him and we will still be friends,” Mr. Liu said in a deep voice.
“Okay, no problem, I’ll definitely give you a good talking to.” Lu Feng readily agreed.
The dispute between Liu and Ni was essentially a debate between technology-industry-trade and trade-industry-technology. Before 1994, Ni Guangnan, as one of the directors, had been in charge of the company's R&D progress and had invested heavily in R&D.
As the company went public, Mr. Liu wanted to accelerate the company's profitability and expand the market. He first purchased intellectual property licenses to capture the market and then used the market to drive technological advancements. As the asset size grew, he replaced R&D with purchasing in the technology field.
Whether it was the later acquisitions of IBM, CCE, Fujitsu PCs, or Motorola's mobile phone business, he was trying to acquire core technologies. It's just a pity that he didn't know that acquiring real core technologies is not something that can be done with money. It requires a series of means such as powerful ships and cannons, illegal seizures, etc.
"Where is President Ni now?" Lu Feng stood up and asked.
"Tianyue Hotel!"
Lu Feng exchanged a few polite words, went downstairs, and headed straight for the Tianyue Hotel. After asking at the front desk, he went upstairs and met the gaunt middle-aged man for the first time.
"President Lu?" Ni Guangnan opened the door and was somewhat surprised to see Lu Feng.
"Hello Academician Ni, first of all, congratulations on being elected as an academician." Lu Feng walked in, shook hands, and said, "I am here to see you on someone's behalf."
"President Liu?" Ni Guangnan pointed to the sofa over there and said, "Please sit down!"
The two sat down, and he poured Lu Feng a glass of water. In 1994, Ni Guangnan and Lenovo's senior management first had a disagreement on direction, but they did not part ways. He did not leave Lenovo until 1999, which was a five-year adjustment period!
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