Chapter 274: Only Useful Things Are Worth the Effort (Bug Fixing): I hope you can get my order.
The amber-colored wall lamp cast a halo of light on the walnut wainscoting, like rings of a tree, while the central grand piano played a jazz melody adapted from "Jasmine Flower."
Yamashita Shichiro straightened his back slightly, and through the bone china plate with blood still seeping from the medium-rare steak, his gaze swept over the eel plate opposite him.
Oh no! The eel skull is stuck in the rice at a 45-degree angle. This is terrible! Every chef of the Kanto school would frown upon seeing this and would never welcome such a rebellious guest again.
But Yamashita Ichiro could tolerate it because the Chinese businesswoman who did so was offering him a delicious bait.
However, he didn't immediately take a bite. Instead, he adopted a more serious demeanor: "Sorry, Miss Wang, in-vehicle displays are not Sharp's strategic direction in China."
Wang Xiao smiled slightly, placing his hand on the white linen tablecloth and lightly touching the subtle gold-embossed lion logo: "Sharp's core business in China is home appliances and calculators, right? But it seems that Panasonic and Sony are doing better in these areas."
Yamashita Shichiro's pupils contracted slightly; what she said was true.
Sharp has been relatively slow in its expansion into the Chinese market.
Leaving aside Panasonic, which is almost synonymous with Japanese goods in China due to its special political significance, even Sony is stronger than Sharp in the home appliance sector.
As for Sharp's prized calculators, sales also fell short of expectations from Ichiro Yamashita and the company due to their high price.
Wang Xiao used her fingers as a metronome, gently tapping the rhythm of the piano piece, and said with a smile, "Mr. Yamashita, haven't you thought about expanding your business scope?"
Southern cities in China generally do not have the habit of providing heating in winter, but the Jinning Grand Hotel, as a high-end venue catering to foreigners, had its Western restaurant so warm that even Yamashita Ichiro, who was wearing a suit, felt a bit hot.
The bass notes of the piano vibrated so loudly that the tassels of the crystal chandelier trembled slightly, casting a misty shadow on the face of the Chinese businesswoman opposite.
He picked up his glass, took a sip of chilled white wine, and then spoke again: "So, Miss Wang, how do you plan to get Sharp into the Chinese in-vehicle display market?"
He had ample reason to suspect that the Chinese businessman was cheating.
Indeed, since arriving in China in 1992, he has met all sorts of Chinese businessmen. They are almost divided into two extremes.
One type is the pedantic and conservative state-owned enterprise cadre, who is like a Belikov trapped in a shell.
Another type is the self-employed individual who talks a lot of nonsense, dares to boast about anything, and dares to travel the world with just a briefcase.
The Miss Wang in front of us, in Chinese terms, can probably be categorized as the latter, who has become quite successful.
No matter how big she becomes, her core values probably won't change.
Yamashita Ichiro was genuinely curious about how she was going to keep going. In-car displays belong to the high-end market, and in China, cars are still an unattainable dream for most people.
Wang Xiao didn't beat around the bush, and wasn't even afraid to reveal his sales secrets, giving a straightforward answer: "Sell it to me, and put it in my taxi."
"My company operates almost all the taxis in Jiangdong Province and Xiaozhou."
"If you can sell me the in-car displays, then all the passengers in these taxis will be able to experience Sharp displays."
“China is not like Japan. In China, passengers who can afford to take taxis are all well-off. And they are the entire audience of private cars.”
Yamashita Ichiro's fingertips traced the gold rim of the bone china plate, cutting off her seductive charm: "China does not allow private individuals to purchase cars."
Wang Xiao smiled, the crystal chandelier on the ceiling reflecting a golden glitter in her eyes: "Isn't that even better? Mr. Yamashita, the fact that it's not allowed yet means you still have time to make your plans."
She picked up the rough earthenware cup; the amber-colored yellow wine was slightly hot to the touch and emitted a rich aroma.
The caramelized sweetness of the eel sauce, combined with the mellow aroma of Shaoxing wine, assaulted Yamashita Ichiro's nostrils.
He subconsciously pursed his lips: "Our EL-506S calculator is priced at 280 yuan, while the monthly salary of a worker in China is only three or four hundred yuan."
"So the in-car display can be worth 2,800 yuan—my taxi passengers are willing to pay 10 times more for 'Japanese technology'."
As she brought the wine glass to Wang Xiao's lips, a slight smile appeared on her face. "I wonder if Mr. Yamashita would be interested in taking my order?"
Yamashita Ichiro subconsciously pursed his lips and loosened the tie around his neck: "Miss Wang, this is not an easy matter. All I can say right now is that I will try my best to find a way."
Wang Xiao took a sip of the rice wine. Hmm, the plum wine tastes good.
She put down her cup, her smile deepening, and extended her hand: "Of course, I believe in Mr. Yamashita's determination, courage, and speed of action. Well, I believe we both look forward to finalizing our order before China allows private car purchases."
Yamashita Ichiro's eyes darkened.
He suspected that the wealthy Chinese businessman was implying that it wouldn't be long before China lifted restrictions on private car purchases.
This is very likely.
Last year, China Fortune Land Development Co., Ltd. urgently halted the overheated real estate market.
However, money always needs to go somewhere. If it doesn't flow into houses, it's most likely to flow into cars.
Moreover, the abolition of grain coupons in China last year was itself sending a huge signal—that is, the restrictions on private consumption in this ancient country are gradually and completely disintegrating.
He extended his hand and politely shook the hand of the Chinese businesswoman: "Miss Wang, I wish us a pleasant cooperation."
When the bell on the bridge over the river rang eight times, Wang Xiao personally helped Yamashita Ichiro into a taxi while he was in a wheelchair.
He needed to catch the last train at nine o'clock to return to the Shanghai office.
The streets reeked of sulfur from firecrackers, and red firecracker confetti littered the ground. Across the street, a department store was illuminated by string lights in red, green, and blue, which refracted into tiny spots of light on the glass.
It's still the New Year, and the atmosphere of the Spring Festival is everywhere.
Wang Xiao waved to him with a smile: "Mr. Yamashita, I look forward to having Sharp monitors installed in the taxis before summer."
Looking at the driver who was respectfully greeting Wang Xiao, Yamashita Ichiro smiled as well: "I am willing to do my best to make this expectation come true."
The taxi drove away, and only then did the wheelchair turn around and return to the hotel entrance.
Ivanov, who hadn't shown his face at all during the negotiations, sighed softly: "2800 vehicle-mounted displays, the Japanese really know how to make money. Very good, they've saved our poor Lada and Muscovites."
Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao nodded to themselves inwardly. The Japanese devils were really robbing people. They actually had the nerve to sell such a small monitor for more than two thousand yuan.
But they couldn't understand anything about saving the Rados and the Muscovites.
The taxis are running perfectly fine on the streets, what do they need to be saved from?
Seeing the two bodyguards staring at each other, Wang Xiao looked up and gestured to Tao Yafen: "Tell them what the boss means."
Tao Yafen only returned to her hometown from Tokyo on New Year's Eve.
As it turned out, it would have been better if she hadn't gone home; going home only brought more trouble. Her ex-boyfriend's family nearly wrecked her house.
So on New Year's Eve, when she received a pager from her boss telling her to come to Jinning immediately, she packed her bags and set off again without stopping.
As for why he only showed up now?
Of course, this was due to the transportation conditions in 1994. She traveled from her hometown by diesel-powered wheelchair, then a minibus, then a bus, and finally a train, changing stations along the way, before arriving in Jinning City.
She had only just finished a bowl of chicken noodles and hadn't even had a chance to glance at the night view of Jinning when the boss asked her a question on the spot.
Yang Tao glanced at her secretly with a hint of sympathy; she was familiar with the feeling of being called on by the teacher in class.
She cut her vacation short and returned to Jinning on her own.
When she called Chen Yu to wish him a Happy New Year, she learned that her boss was also busy during the holiday. This immediately put her on high alert, and she left home right away.
The good news is that her family is very supportive of her work, hoping that if she does well, she can help her family in the future.
The bad news is that it's the Lunar New Year, and not many cars are driven. We finally found a car, but it broke down halfway through the trip.
On the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year, the entire busload of people were shivering from the cold; it was a truly miserable sight.
So she could only go to the boss to report for duty one after the other, just like Tao Yafen.
Seeing that her new colleague looked a little confused, Yang Tao figured that he probably didn't understand Russian, so she offered to help translate what the male boss was saying.
Tao Yafen spoke first: "Are you talking about installing monitors in taxis? I'm just starting to learn Russian, and I'm not very good at it yet."
Yang Tao's heart skipped a beat, and she tensed up completely.
She knew that Tao Yafen was a management trainee recruited by the boss when he was in Japan, trained to be placed in the LCD screen factory so that she could work with the Japanese engineers.
So it's normal for her to speak Japanese, but why does she also speak Russian?
"Just started learning" means she only began learning after meeting her boss.
Given the boss's personality, it's unlikely he'd ask her to learn Russian as well.
Therefore, the only explanation is that Tao Yafen learned it on her own initiative.
What are top students afraid of? They're afraid of another top student who's even more academically brilliant than them.
Yang Tao was absolutely terrified.
Seeing the boss nod, Tao Yafen finally answered the question.
Of course, she was speaking in Chinese; her Russian was far from sufficient to give lengthy answers to questions.
"Because passengers want taxis to be more stylish, Sharp's in-car displays are more stylish."
She said it quite subtly.
In plain terms, Soviet cars were technologically outdated, frequently requiring repairs, and their designs were not particularly attractive. While this was acceptable in the north, they didn't appeal to the aesthetic sensibilities of southerners.
In the past, there were few cars, and even if there were no fish or shrimp, it was fine as long as you could catch a car that could be used as a taxi.
But over time, won't passengers have higher expectations and choose more upscale and attractive taxis?
However, the company couldn't simply replace all the Soviet cars; that would be too costly and a waste.
In this situation, if taxis want to upgrade, they have to innovate on the existing model.
Unfortunately, Japanese products are now synonymous with high-end, classy, and sophisticated in China. Installing a stylish monitor on an old Soviet car can instantly increase its value.
This is similar to a situation she had heard of where some taxis, in order to attract customers and meet their higher demands, would even install mobile phones in their vehicles.
Tao Yafen added, "So, while a monitor costing over two thousand yuan may seem expensive, the boss is actually getting a lot for a little money. The two thousand yuan buys more than just a monitor—"
She glanced at the prominent price list of KFC across the street, "It's also the illusion of overpriced American-style fried chicken meals."
Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao were deeply impressed.
No wonder the boss spotted her in Japan last summer and immediately recruited her as a management trainee.
These college students are definitely bright.
Just from a seemingly random remark by their male boss, people could see the underlying meaning.
Even his flattery was executed flawlessly.
Tao Yafen further explained, "When I took a taxi in Japan, I saw these taxis with displays, and they definitely felt different from other taxis. Now that fewer people take taxis in Japan than before, this type of car has a competitive advantage."
Wang Xiao nodded: "Anything else?"
Yang Tao swore she didn't mean to interrupt her colleague; she had simply been trained to do so as a conditioned reflex: "Also, advertising on the display screen is more effective. Passengers sitting in the car are too bored just staring at the advertisements printed on the back of their seats. It's not as vivid as the advertisements on the display screen, which have dynamic images and sounds and leave a deeper impression."
After she said it, she realized she had spoken out of turn and quickly apologized to Tao Yafen: "I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself."
Tao Yafen wasn't angry; instead, she corroborated her statement: "That's right. I saw an advertisement for oden on the taxi display screen, which is why I went to 7-Eleven to eat oden."
Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao suddenly realized what was going on.
So, the boss not only doesn't have to spend any money to install monitors in taxis, but he can actually make money from it!
The boss doesn't even need to put up any money, because he can sell the advertising space on the LCD screen in advance and use that money to pay Sharp.
Only now did the two bodyguards realize the true value of that saying: "Integrate resources and maximize your advantages, and you will win."
Just like the people of Shanghai, they can make the most of even the smallest things.
As a result, they both felt they could write a thousand-word reflection on this matter.
The boss still wouldn't let her off the hook with her future executives: "Anything else? Aren't there any downsides besides the benefits?"
Tao Yafen has an advantage in answering this question, after all, she has taken similar taxis before, and Japanese media have also reported on it.
So she immediately gave the answer: "Attention. A driver's attention is easily affected by the display screen, increasing the risk of traffic accidents."
Wang Xiao nodded: "Then what should we do?"
Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao started worrying about the other person again. It was fine if the advertisement was printed on the back of the driver and passenger seats, as only passengers in the back could see it.
If this were placed in the front, it would definitely affect the driver.
Tao Yafen remained calm: "Playing ads repeatedly. For passengers, ads are novel and they're willing to watch them. But for drivers, they're already tired of these ads and have no interest in watching them at all."
She experienced firsthand the terrifying power of relentless advertising while in Japan.
Every time I board the tram, the roof and the sides of the carriage are covered with advertisements flying in from all directions, more terrifying than Mount Tai pressing down on me, almost like the Yin-Yang Bottle in "Journey to the West".
Even Sun Wukong had to rely on the three life-saving hairs bestowed by Guanyin Bodhisattva to squeeze through the small hole and escape. Otherwise, he would have been melted into pus and blood.
Everyone was amused by her analogy.
Wang Xiao smiled and nodded, but still showed no intention of ending the topic: "So, how should the frequency and timing of the advertisements be arranged? What should the advertising style be? How loud should the volume be?"
Tao Yafen got stuck, and Yang Tao couldn't get a word in edgewise.
When asked this question, none of them knew the answer, and they could only look at the boss expectantly.
Wang Xiao chuckled and said, "Why are you looking at me? How would I know? Without scientific research, even a god couldn't give an answer to this kind of thing. What I'm saying is that when doing things, it's not enough to just think about it; you have to think about it in detail. Only by thinking about it in detail can you maximize efficiency."
The elevator doors opened, and the warm yellow downlights illuminated the walnut wood wainscoting, filling the room with a cozy atmosphere. The wheelchair rolled onto the burgundy plush carpet, and the aluminum doors closed, locking her words in the confined space: "Remember, think one step ahead; your profits could easily increase by 10% or even more. Compared to rashly starting a new business, this requires less investment, carries less risk, and yields higher returns."
Yang Tao stared blankly at the small palace lantern in the elevator car. The red tassels swayed slightly as the elevator moved, and her thoughts drifted along with them.
Think things through carefully to maximize benefits.
Without expanding into new businesses, how can she maximize her profits while based in Beijing?
As the elevator buttons lit up one by one, Tao Yafen was also trying hard to recall her experience of taking a taxi in Japan. What was the length and frequency of the advertisements back then?
Unfortunately, before she could come up with an answer, the boss, as if he could read her mind, stopped her from thinking any further: "Don't try to apply the Japanese experience, because the situation of taxi passengers in Tokyo is different from that here."
The elevator doors opened, and the wheelchair rolled onto the beige marble floor.
Wang Xiao turned his head, raised his eyes, and looked at his slightly apprehensive subordinate: "This is another thing I want to remind you of. Having lived in Japan is an advantage for you. I hope you make good use of it and don't let it become a constraint."
The wheelchair passed the red brocade screen at the elevator entrance. Her fingers gently traced the golden seal script characters for "good fortune and happiness" embroidered on it, and she smiled slightly. "Don't make the mistake of getting sick while studying abroad. You can refer to their research methods, but never copy the research report verbatim."
Ivanov smiled at his subordinates, playing the role of a harmless good guy perfectly, and personally pushed Wang Xiao back to the suite.
Unfortunately, even with the door closed, the room wasn't exactly cozy or comfortable.
Even without any unexpected guests, the boss can still act as someone else's unexpected guest by calling to check up on things.
At this very moment, it's afternoon tea time in Moscow, but those remaining on duty can never steal a moment of peace. The boss's overseas calls are like a Siberian blast, capable of freezing the radiators in the Moscow office.
How is the coordination between the scientists? What are their requirements, when do they plan to depart, and when will they arrive? When is the plan to officially begin work?
The assistant on the other end of the phone seemed a little embarrassed and stammered, "We are still working on it. It's hard for some scientists to leave their homeland, and they are under a lot of mental pressure."
Wang Xiao had no interest in empty platitudes and vague pleasantries.
For her, the idea that she couldn't bear to leave her homeland was just an excuse. What does "unwilling to leave her homeland" even mean? It's human nature to strive for higher positions and for water to flow downhill.
When you see an opportunity for rapid advancement, who doesn't pack their bags immediately?
If you try to be dramatic, your family will kick you out. Hurry up and get on board, or you'll miss your chance.
"What are their demands? Stop spouting politically correct platitudes."
The assistant then reluctantly gave an answer: "They...they don't really want to come to China; they want to stay in Russia."
Wang Xiao made a quick decision: "Then what about Hong Kong? How about hiring them with Hong Kong companies and signing contracts with them at Hong Kong salary standards?"
The assistant on the other end of the phone quickly said he would ask right away.
Eight hours later, the phone rang back with a positive reply: Hong Kong was fine; they were willing to sign a contract with the Hong Kong company to work there.
Ivanov felt too ashamed to look at the king, who had just washed off his face mask.
Why can Hong Kong do this? It's not a matter of political ideology, but rather the ridiculous arrogance of a great power mentality.
Even today, Russia still thinks it is the Soviet Union, clinging to a decadent arrogance.
These people fawn over Europe and America while simultaneously putting on airs and expecting to be fawned over by their former underlings.
In contrast, Ukrainians are much more pragmatic and less pretentious.
Xiao Gao and Xiao Zhao then started looking at each other in a similar way.
A Hong Kong company? Does the boss have a company in Hong Kong?
After thinking it over, it seems that the boss only allowed Tang to buy property in Hong Kong. Well, it was a second-best option because they couldn't acquire land.
"Have Tang Yicheng register a company in Hong Kong." Wang Xiao yawned. "Later, when we bring in scientists, we'll all sign contracts with Hong Kong companies to avoid disputes. As for expenses, we can use the property we bought as collateral for a loan to avoid paying extra money."
As for the work location, are you kidding me? Isn't it normal to be sent on overseas assignments? How many workers haven't been on business trips? What's wrong with going on a few long business trips?
As she spoke, she picked up the telephone.
Yang Tao watched her boss make a phone call silently, but her thoughts drifted to Beijing.
She remembered the seventh-grade fitter who asked to go to Germany to work as a technician, but was rejected without hesitation by his boss, who told him that if he didn't want to go to Germany to pick asparagus, he should go to Malaysia to carry bricks.
Why did the boss reject him? Was it because the boss couldn't do it?
No, the boss is perfectly capable of doing it. It's just not worth it; his value doesn't warrant the boss's special attention.
Just like how the boss could call President Tang during the Lunar New Year to send someone to Hong Kong to operate a company to meet the needs of these Russian scientists.
Is it because scientists have a higher and more prestigious status?
No, in the boss's eyes, all beings are equal; scientists and workers are the same.
The only difference is whether it's useful or not.
Now, it's useful to Russian scientists and to the boss.
Therefore, they deserve it, and the boss should put in the effort for them.
Yang Tao's thoughts drifted back to the elevator lobby once again. She recalled her boss's words: "Not only do you have to think, but you also have to think in detail. Only in this way can you maximize efficiency."
So, how can I think things through more carefully to maximize the benefits?
Beijing has many skilled workers like the Level 7 fitter, who were once factory stars admired by countless people.
If used properly, they can be a huge treasure trove.
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Good morning, have a great weekend!
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