Chapter 148 Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.
Everyone nodded to each other, their expressions a mixture of excitement at arriving in a foreign country and seriousness about starting work.
The hotel restaurant serves a typical continental breakfast, with a long table laden with bread baskets, butter, jam, cold cuts, cheese, boiled eggs, and a large pot of coffee and tea.
Gu Baobao took a croissant, a boiled egg, and a cup of black tea, and chose a seat by the window.
Lu Zhanming sat diagonally opposite her, carrying almost the same things, but he asked for two extra slices of ham.
He ate quickly, but his movements were not rude, and his eyes still habitually kept an eye on the restaurant entrance and the people around him.
Other colleagues gradually came over and sat down, chatting quietly about their impressions of Paris and their expectations for the upcoming exhibition.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet orderly.
After breakfast, all members gathered in the hotel's small conference room.
Minister Sui Jianguo was already seated in the main seat, with the heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Administration of Foreign Trade beside him.
The meeting was brief and clear, reiterating foreign affairs discipline, confidentiality requirements, security guidelines, and the main tasks for the day:
Head to the international convention and exhibition center to familiarize yourself with the venue and set up your booth.
"Comrades,"
Minister Sui's gaze swept over every face present, finally lingering briefly on Gu Baobao, his tone steady and forceful.
"From the moment we step out of the hotel, our every word and action represents the image of the new China."
Be neither arrogant nor humble, be reasonable and courteous. Technically, we must have confidence; in terms of attitude, we must be friendly.
In case of any situation, report it immediately and act collectively. Understand?
"clear!"
Everyone responded in unison.
The group traveled in several vehicles arranged by the embassy to the international exhibition center located on the outskirts of Paris.
As the car drove out of the city, the buildings became sparser, and the view opened up.
From afar, you can see several huge, modern glass and steel-structured buildings, reflecting a cold, hard light in the autumn sun.
That's where this international medical device exhibition is being held.
The parking lot was already filled with various vehicles, including many new European and American sedans with sleek designs and bright colors.
People of various skin tones, dressed in suits and trench coats of different colors, hurried to and fro.
The air was filled with a cacophony of mixed languages, as well as the busy and excited atmosphere characteristic of large-scale international events.
Gu Baobao followed the group into the main exhibition hall. Instantly, a tremendous wave of sound and visual impact rushed towards her.
The interior of the exhibition hall is surprisingly spacious, resembling a combination of several football fields.
The dome is a transparent glass skylight, allowing sunlight to pour down without obstruction, illuminating the densely packed, uniquely designed exhibition booths below.
Some booths were already beautifully decorated, with dazzling lights and huge product posters and models that were eye-catching;
Some were still busy with the final installation and debugging, and technicians in overalls were busy moving around, with the sounds of power tools rising and falling.
The air was filled with the smells of paint, plastic, metal, and various perfumes and coffee.
Their country's booth was located in a relatively back corner of the main exhibition hall.
The location isn't exactly remote, but it's certainly not conspicuous either.
It's not very big, about thirty or forty square meters, and the back panel is a simple dark red.
The flag and the Chinese and English logos of the China National Medical Delegation were prominently displayed above.
The booth was empty, with only a few folding tables and chairs piled in the corner, making it look rather shabby.
And not far away, those decorated like futuristic technology exhibition halls, with huge screens,
Although this is still a rarity in this era, the difference is obvious compared to the booths of large European, American, and Japanese companies with rotating display stands or even small demonstration stages.
Gu Baobao stood in front of her own booth, watching quietly.
There were no complaints in my heart, only a heavy feeling, a mixture of bitterness and fighting spirit.
This is the current situation.
With the nation weak and in dire need of reconstruction, securing such an opportunity to showcase itself on the international stage was already a remarkable achievement.
She took a deep breath, her gaze hardening. If the location isn't ideal, let the product speak for itself.
The booth may be simple, but sincerity and results will make up for it.
This is our location.
Minister Sui walked to her side, his voice low, carrying a calm that came from weathering storms.
"The conditions are limited, but the significance is great. Baby, tomorrow is the first day of the exhibition. You and your medicine are our strongest weapon."
“I understand, Minister.”
Gu Baobao nodded.
"This morning, let's set up the booth first. The tables and chairs are arranged, the promotional materials and samples are neatly displayed, and the national flag is hung up straight."
Minister Sui began assigning tasks.
"Comrade Huo Zheng, you're in charge of coordination. Comrade Gu Baobao, come with me."
He turned to Gu Baobao:
"Let the other comrades handle the setup of the exhibition booth. Your task now is to come with me to see what other people have to offer. Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated."
We should not only showcase ourselves, but also learn from others' strengths and weaknesses.
This is equally important for your future research and for the development of the nation's medical industry.
"Yes, Minister."
Gu Baobao immediately understood.
Lu Zhanming naturally followed, like Gu Baobao's most silent and reliable shadow.
The three left their booth and joined the bustling crowd.
Minister Sui had clearly done his homework beforehand, and led them with a clear objective to several of the largest and most popular exhibition areas.
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