Chapter 1403
Shun
The three Xiaomi executives only saw Zhang Yuan taking notes while studying along the way.
They were all impressed by his seriousness.
With your talent, why bother being an actor...?
The reason these individuals hold such views is still due to the arrogance of those with a technical background.
They never considered that if Zhang Yuan hadn't relied on the savings he accumulated as an actor, he wouldn't have the opportunity to be on equal footing with them today.
Besides, he wasn't studying for the purpose of doing scientific research; he just needed to be the smartest among his peers.
Landed in Tokyo.
At this time, compared to overseas reactions, the response from people on the island to the Fukushima incident was relatively calm.
Because the Japanese have their own internal logic for domestic propaganda, which can be perfectly closed-loop. By suppressing the impact through media propaganda, they can also make the general public not take it seriously.
So after leaving the airport, everything was in perfect order, just like before.
It's important to know that this is the only place in the world that has been hit by two atomic bombs and experienced radiation.
The fear of nuclear weapons even led to the creation of tokusatsu characters such as Godzilla.
The terrifying images of monsters, monstrosities, and giant beasts commonly seen in island nations actually originate from these two things.
China and the United States, because one has deterred him for thousands of years, and the other has made him go through thousands of degrees.
But this country, which has personally experienced the negative effects of nuclear energy, is completely indifferent to the nuclear risks currently occurring on its own soil.
Zhang Yuan looked out the window, a scene that perfectly illustrated the island nation's "forgetful" nature.
The vehicle stopped outside the Akiyama family's mansion.
It wasn't the Western-style mansion in downtown Tokyo from last time, but a large house in the suburbs.
Zhang Yuan hadn't thought much about it before, but now he figured the other party moved here to make it easier to escape if needed.
Sitting in the passenger seat, he turned to look at Jun'er in the back.
"Mr. Lei, I went to knock on the door to say hello earlier."
"Then I will introduce you all here."
"You know, the Japanese... the islanders have a lot of rules, cough cough." Zhang Yuan changed his words and cleared his throat.
Now that we're here, we can't let anything slip: the Akiyama family understands basic Chinese.
After saying that, he got out of the car and gave an advance notice.
The customs of large families in island nations are very similar to those in ancient China, where one has to go through layers of intermediaries to report to the family.
However, now the doorman will call the steward or servant inside, then ask the master of the house, and finally get back to him.
After he got out of the car, the other two people, Xiao Mi and Jun'er, asked about him.
"How did you meet that person?" Lin Bin shook his head out of the car window.
"This..." Jun'er recalled for a moment and then brought up the matter of playing Duowan Games.
"Oh, then he's quite unique, and he has good taste."
As someone in the entertainment industry, he started investing in the gaming industry early on.
Moreover, it seems to be more than just an investment; there's also a strategic plan involved, given that they're supporting a team.
"I just don't know if this was unintentional or deliberate."
“I’m more inclined to believe it was intentional,” Jun’er replied, sounding slightly serious.
"Because in addition to Duowan Games, he also invested in Tudou.com and Youku.com."
"That's pretty impressive, they're even involved in multiple projects." Lin Bin nodded. "I heard that Tudou.com's IPO plans were disrupted because of the lawsuit between the boss and his ex-wife."
“Yes.” Jun’er nodded, then looked at the remaining two: “We should all take this as a warning.”
"Of course... but in that sense, Mr. Zhang can also be considered an internet investor, after all, Tudou and Youku are the hottest internet companies right now."
"It's just a matter of breaking even; the potato company's IPO was a real challenge, but it also proves the benefits of diversified investment."
“But he didn’t diversify his investments.” Mr. Lei shook his head slightly.
"You didn't mention that he invested in two companies."
"There were two companies, but not at the same time, rather one after the other."
“He sold his shares in Potato at the end of the year before last and then invested in Youku.”
Outsiders don't know the details; in reality, the investment in Youku wasn't based on the Tudou.com deal, but people subjectively believe that's the case.
"Ah!" Lin Bin's mouth dropped open: "Doesn't that mean he escaped a disaster and even made a huge profit?"
Jun'er nodded.
"So, he's very lucky."
"I don't know," Jun'er said noncommittally.
He is quite different from many established entrepreneurs in the market.
Not to mention those in the real estate industry, just look at Tencent's Ma and Alibaba's Ma—which of these people doesn't have some connections?
Relatively speaking, Ding Lei and Jun'er from NetEase have the most "humble" backgrounds.
But this "humility" is in comparison to the bosses of Tencent and Alibaba.
Both of their families work within the system; Jun'er's father is a mid-level cadre in the local education bureau.
This group of people was created by a combination of having a bit of a background, having the talent of being a "small-town exam taker," and living in an era that was not competitive and provided ample room for development and upward mobility for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
If you reduce Jun'er's age by 20 years, no matter how capable he is, he can at most become a senior manager in a large factory.
When he joined Kingsoft, the company had fewer than 10 employees, which gave him the opportunity to showcase his talents.
In today's competitive environment, even the finest gold will be consumed by the competition.
However, Jun'er is a fairly clear-headed person, knowing that his success is due to his personal abilities and the favorable circumstances of the times.
Unlike some people who think all their success is due to their own awesomeness!
Many veterans are like this.
Because of his self-awareness, he also felt that Zhang Yuan's success was not just due to luck.
Luck can bring you unexpected windfalls, but it doesn't last forever.
"According to the chat, he told me that he felt that Tudou Wang Wei was unreliable and looked down on him, which made him very unhappy, so he sold his shares."
"He's quite good at judging people."
"Maybe."
Boom boom boom!
At this moment, Zhang Yuan knocked on the window, signaling them to get out of the car.
"We've already informed them, and they've invited us in."
“You remember, Japanese tea is bitter and doesn’t taste good, and their sweets are sweet and don’t taste good.”
"But you have to grit your teeth and eat it, and pretend it tastes really good."
“It would be even better if you said something like ‘Wu Mai’ or ‘Oh Yi Xi’.”
He specifically instructed that.
Just bear with it, you're asking for help.
"Okay, I understand... Oh right, I forgot to ask, neither of us speaks Japanese, how will we communicate?" Jun'er asked, "Have you made any arrangements?"
“No need to make arrangements, I speak Japanese,” Zhang Yuan replied easily. “I learned it when I came to Japan to film a movie.”
The three of them looked at each other again.
So you learn whatever you film? Are you planning to take the postgraduate entrance exam?
The three were skeptical and a little panicked.
Could it be that you can speak Japanese just because you know a few words like "mishi" and "ichiku"?
Following him inside, and introduced by the old lady's maid whom I had met before, we arrived at the reception room.
"Oh, Mr. Zhang, we meet again."
Akiyama Sang is still as energetic as ever.
The key is that he's currently semi-retired, and his mental state is great since he's not working.
"These are Jun Sang... They are the elite of China's internet industry."
“This Mr. Bin is a former executive in the Asia region of Google and Microsoft.”
"This is a former senior executive of Kingsoft Corporation."
"The software they developed is now used not only by the general public in China, but also by the government."
"Oh, I've heard so much about you."
After Zhang Yuan introduced himself, Qiu Shan shook hands with each of them.
He wasn't exaggerating; Jun'er and Li Wanqiang are the main developers of WPS.
Although WPS has been criticized by ordinary consumers for many reasons, including issues with its format and pricing.
But the official version doesn't have that.
WPS, as a domestically produced office software, was placed under the government system and given a secure job.
The same goes for 360; they install bird wallpapers on your computer. Would the guy in the red shirt dare to install them on government computers?
The moment the leader turns on the computer, a message pops up in the bottom right corner saying "Fierce Ghosts Attack Gold Services"—is this even acceptable?
The system used by ordinary people is completely different from the system used by officials.
So, no matter what, Jun'er and his fellow veteran employees of Kingsoft have still made some contributions to the country.
Therefore, Jun'er was able to contact the government, especially officials in the capital, through his connections with Kingsoft.
Otherwise, why would he publicly thank the Beijing government? Without their support, he wouldn't have achieved such great success.
Just the issue of seizing market share from established home appliance brands is enough to give him a hard time, as many of these big brands have official backing.
Why does Dong Mingzhu hate him so much? It's all because of money.
Zhang Yuan specifically mentioned the highest status of these three individuals in order to attract their attention.
I didn't bring any random cats or dogs.
"They are currently building a Chinese smartphone brand, aiming to become China's Apple." "Unfortunately, they've encountered some difficulties."
Anyway, they're just bragging. Every domestic mobile phone manufacturer claims to be China's Apple.
Jun'er and the others listened from the side, glancing at him every now and then.
They hadn't expected Zhang Yuan to be so fluent in Japanese.
Just like reading a book on an airplane, you're serious!
Are you this serious about filming?
They always learn a new major, and they learn it so professionally.
“Therefore, on behalf of myself, I am making this impolite request to Mr. Akiyama. I hope you will understand.” Zhang Yuan finished speaking and gave a standard Japanese bow.
He hated the Japanese soldiers' bowing and kneeling.
But when you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head.
It's no big deal to lower your stance a little when it comes to getting things done.
A man can bend and stretch.
"I believe they can create a great company full of craftsmanship, and I hope Mr. Akiyama will witness it with me."
"I understand." The former island nation's number one nodded.
Zhang Yuan had contacted him several times, but never made any demands.
This time, if I need help, it's not a big deal, so of course I can help.
“I’m friends with Sharp’s former president; we’ve played golf together,” the other person replied.
"Then I'll leave it to you." Zhang Yuan bowed again to express his gratitude.
After chatting for a while longer, Zhang Yuan took his leave.
I met him several times, but I never managed to get a single meal with him.
Back in the car, Zhang Yuan breathed a sigh of relief and relaxed his stiff posture a little.
"Let's rest for the night and fly to Osaka tomorrow to discuss things in detail with them."
I rested at the hotel that night, refusing food delivery and eating bottled water and instant noodles that I brought from China.
The four of them discussed together how to talk to Sharp.
Zhang Yuan said that once he went to Sharp's side, they would talk, and he would only act as a translator.
"Looks like we should eat less Japanese food from now on." Jun'er sighed as he ate his braised beef noodles. "This might be a long-term problem."
Zhang Yuan smiled but did not answer.
Actually, it's not a big problem, because Japanese cuisine in China has since started using domestic ingredients.
But the Japanese were still disgusting. Within a few years, under the banner of "revitalizing Fukushima," they granted a bunch of special permits for food production.
Do people from island nations eat food produced in Fukushima?
Even if we don't eat it, people aren't stupid.
The Japanese high command's plan was to restrict these food permits to only allowing the production of export products.
Zhang Yuan had no sympathy for the people of the island nation. Not only did you not overthrow such a ruling class, but you also enjoyed it and proudly stood tall. Didn't you deserve it?
They have evolved to a point that is incomprehensible. Young women take pride in being infected with syphilis, and there has even been a trend of "syphilis makeup," which is quite puzzling.
The next day, they arrived at Sharp's factory headquarters in Osaka.
My first impression of this place was that it was deserted.
It feels completely different from Tokyo.
While ordinary people continue to "play music and dance," factories have already closed for the holidays, with 7% of employees resting at home.
Unlike ordinary people, these large corporations clearly know more inside information, understand that things are going badly, and are very worried about how far things will develop.
In addition, the nuclear power plant accident has affected the electricity supply to factories.
Ironically, Osaka is about 800 kilometers away from Fukushima.
Tokyo, however, is only 200 kilometers away.
Tokyo remained completely calm, while Osaka was in a state of panic.
It is clear that the Japanese high command did not take ordinary people seriously at all, and the ordinary people's numbness to danger was also quite astonishing.
After all, Tokyo was built on the site of an active volcano, Mount Fuji.
This thing has been pent up for 300 years. If it were to erupt, it would be quite a "Tokyo Hot" event.
We're not afraid of Mount Fuji, so what's a nuclear leak?
This may be what some domestic public intellectuals refer to as "a sense of relaxation".
"Hi!" A Japanese man with half-silver hair, but a very neat hairstyle, wearing gray work clothes, came to the factory gate to greet them.
They bowed immediately upon entering, showing a very good attitude.
Not only were they all smiles, but they were also very polite, leading us inside.
He said he was very happy to have us.
"I'm very sorry for neglecting you before."
"They will make up for their mistakes with concrete actions."
"We hope you understand."
"A lavish dinner was also arranged, and we were first taken on a tour of the production line before going to the office for a detailed discussion."
Zhang Yuan translated as he walked.
Jun'er and the other two looked surprised.
How come this little devil changes his mind faster than turning the pages of a book?
They used to ignore me, but now... Oh!
The three looked at Zhang Yuan, who was chatting with the old Japanese soldier.
Akiyama-san directly contacted the former president of the company.
That's how island nation companies operate; they follow the "master-apprentice, father-son" model.
If it's either the son or the son-in-law who takes over, or if it has to be an outsider, then it's a personally trained apprentice, who is much closer than a typical superior-subordinate relationship.
So even a former president is like an emperor emeritus.
A group of bosses in China have been fooled and actually believe in the so-called professional manager theory.
Those who actually find a manager to succeed them, how many of them end up well? Aren't they all taken advantage of and wiped out?
Jun'er understood that once the former president spoke, they would be considered "too good to be associated with."
Those below them shouldn't be allowed to stay put.
Everyone was terrified.
For Sharp, producing tens of thousands of screens a month is no big deal.
But if the master's relationship is neglected, the subordinates will not be able to stand it.
They never expected that this small company, which was only expected to produce tens of thousands of pieces, would become a major client with a monthly demand of hundreds of thousands or even millions of pieces in just a few months.
With the endorsement of the Akiyama family, Sharp no longer worries about being scammed by counterfeit manufacturers.
If the master has connections, how could it be a second-rate company?
No way!
Island nations are also societies based on personal connections, with the degree of favoritism even greater than in China.
They are similar to a combination of Chinese culture and Western recommendation letter culture, taking the dross from each.
Zhang Yuan declined the invitation to a lavish meal, saying that he and his companions were suffering from stomach problems due to the change in environment and could not eat.
As for partying at nightclubs, Zhang Yuan declined. He was there to do serious business; he couldn't be flirting with old ladies.
I've given up alcohol!
Besides, what if it gets cauliflower-like or something...
The journey was incredibly smooth; after all, the "Grand Marshal" had given them permission, so they could practically travel sideways.
Besides the connection, the people at Sharp were also somewhat touched.
I felt they were very sincere, not only coming in person, but also at a time when the Fukushima incident had occurred.
I'm almost moved by what the Japanese did.
The key is the contrast. Many other brands and manufacturers have canceled their meetings because they're afraid. You guys aren't afraid at all. You have real guts.
Sharp also showed these "frontline workers" a bit more respect.
The rest is easy to discuss.
The other party is willing to provide production capacity, and it is a very high priority.
They are also willing to provide Grade A products.
Above that are S-class and S+-class.
Apple had the highest requirements, followed by Nokia and Motorola.
Sharp doesn't even use the best products for its own products as well as the ones it gives to Apple, because Apple gives them so much more.
You're lucky to be able to use Grade A products when you don't own any.
Jun'er's excitement was palpable; he was so excited he could almost speak Japanese.
Is that all?
It feels a bit like a dream.
I was so worried before, but things went so smoothly, as if I had applied some kind of lubricant.
He glanced at Zhang Yuan, who was chatting casually with a Japanese executive, wearing a businesslike smile.
He is like lubricant.
But what will be the price...? (End of Chapter)