Chapter 432: A man remains young until he dies
Time passed in the blink of an eye and it was May. On the morning of the 19th, Zheng Nanling called Lu Yiming.
"Mr. Lu, I have good news for you. The music player you wanted is now available. When do you have time to come and take a look?"
When Lu Yiming heard this, he was overjoyed and said, "I'll go over now."
There is no doubt that Lu Yiming, like Zheng Nanling, is also a music lover. In the time and space he lived in, whether it was on a computer or a smart phone, music players were instantly available and very convenient. Nowadays, it is not easy to listen to a song.
Half an hour later, Lu Yiming arrived at Yixun Technology and used the music player made by Zheng Nanling. He said with satisfaction, "Very good, it basically meets my minimum requirements. It is much better than the one made by Cheng Xiaohua before."
In this regard, Lu Yiming could only sigh in his heart, it turned out to be the Nanling hero who created Qian Qian Jing Ting with his own strength.
Having been at Yixun Technology for a while, Zheng Nanling also knew that Cheng Xiaohua was the big man who made the Tianyin MP3 player. Now that Lu Yiming said that his software was better than Cheng Xiaohua's, Zheng Nanling felt a little embarrassed and said modestly: "It is said that everyone has their own specializations, and I am not good at hardware."
Lu Yiming encouraged, "Well, everyone has their own duties. What do you plan to name this player?"
Zheng Nanling thought for a moment and said, "I have been listening to "Thousands of Songs" recently. I hope to make an app that can be used to listen to songs quietly. How about calling this app "Thousands of Quiet Listening"?"
This was originally the name of the software, so Lu Yiming certainly wouldn't object.
"Well, that's right. This is version 1.0 of Qianqian Jingting. But having only a Chinese version is not enough. You should develop an English version as soon as possible. And not only an English version, but also multiple languages."
Zheng Nanling asked puzzledly: "Why are we developing those things now?"
In his opinion, Qianqian Jingting has already been a great success as it can serve the country's more than one billion people, and it is meaningless to develop a foreign language version now.
However, he had no idea that Lu Yiming's ambitions went far beyond this.
"This software is not only sold in China, my goal is to sell the Tianyin series of MP3s to the whole world."
Zheng Nanling was skeptical about this and didn't think Lu Yiming could do it.
It's not that he has no confidence in himself, but the current Internet environment in the country is like this. Many technologies were first born in the United States, and then Internet practitioners in China simply copied them according to the template.
So any programmer with a normal mind wouldn't dare to think about creating something original and promoting the product to the whole world. Who would dream about it in broad daylight?
However, seeing Lu Yiming's ambitious look, Zheng Nanling still did not open his mouth to attack Lu Yiming.
After all, he is a high school student, and idealism is fine and understandable.
After leaving Yixun Technology, Lu Yiming went to find Song Honglin again and began to arrange work for him, asking him to start mass production of Tianyin MP3.
Song Honglin hesitated and said, "Mr. Lu, this is the case. This is a new product that has not been tested in the market. If we directly stockpile a large amount of it, it will squeeze the company's working capital and the risk is very high. If the goods cannot be sold, there is even the possibility of a break in the capital chain."
Lu Yiming listened to Song Honglin's advice very seriously and said, "Well, your worries are justified. But just do as I say. I have considered all your concerns, and there is no problem."
Lu Yiming did not explain much to Song Honglin's confusion and doubts.
Because now he is the only one who knows how much money the MP3 product can make if it is well made!
Apple has made at least $70 billion thanks to the iPod, which amazed most electronics enthusiasts at the beginning of this century.
From 2001 to 2021, iPod shipments exceeded 430 million units!
Before products like the iPhone, MacBook, and iPad made Apple a global consumer electronics darling, the iPod opened up a monopoly in the market for this future technology giant.
Although $70 billion was not a huge number for Apple, which later became very successful.
In 2012, iPhone's annual revenue reached 78.7 billion US dollars, far exceeding the total profit generated by iPod for Apple.
However, in the sixth year of the iPod's birth, this square music player accounted for 40% of Apple's revenue. In the eleventh year, it allowed Apple to have more than 70% market share in the global MP3 player market.
Whether in terms of its ability to generate revenue or its market position, the iPod is undoubtedly a successful product.
What Lu Yiming has to do now is to seize the opportunity first and launch the Tianyin series MP3 before Apple reacts to grab market share.
Follow Apple's path and leave Apple with no way to go.
But other management of Mingyuan Technology felt that Lu Yiming 's actions were too radical, and could even be described as gambler's behavior. Who would go all in before the cards were dealt?
This is too outrageous!
So as soon as Lu Yiming left, several executives found Song Honglin.
"Mr. Song, what is Mr. Lu thinking? USB flash drives are selling well, why did you open two more production lines to produce MP3s?"
"That's right, isn't that thing just for listening to music? But the price is 1999, two thousand yuan per unit, who can afford it? Even a Sony Walkman is not that expensive!"
Obviously, everyone has strong opinions. Although they are not shareholders, the operating conditions of Mingyuan Technology are linked to their salaries and benefits. Naturally, no one wants Lu Yiming to ruin the company.
Song Honglin was annoyed by the noise and asked speechlessly: "If you have any opinions, why didn't you raise them when Mr. Kai Lu was here just now?"
"We don't dare."
"Yeah, who in the company dares to offend President Lu?"
Although it has been a while since Zheng Baishun’s incident, Lu Yiming has already become famous. Who in Mingyuan Technology would dare to touch the tiger’s beard?
Song Honglin was simply amused by them: "Good fellows, you don't dare to offend Mr. Lu, do you think I would dare to do that?"
"Forget it, I'll go find Mr. Zheng and see if he has anything to say."
After get off work, Song Honglin came to visit.
Zheng Youyuan, who had been hospitalized for observation for a period of time, moved back home after his health condition improved.
Zheng Fengting happened to be at home that day, and when she saw Song Honglin, she took the initiative to greet him: "Good afternoon, Uncle Song."
Song Honglin smiled and said, "Good afternoon, Xiaoting. I heard that President Zheng is back. How is his health now?"
Zheng Fengting said: "Yes, he is back. The doctor told him to rest more and not to work too hard, but my dad's appetite has improved a lot in the past few days, and he is more energetic."
"That's good."
Zheng Fengting said: "My dad is reading in the study now, I'll take you there."
"good."
In the study, Song Honglin met Zheng Youyuan. It should be said that Zheng Youyuan's current condition looked much worse than before he fell ill.
After all, given his age, any slight disturbance would be a big deal.
"Mr. Zheng."
Zheng Youyuan looked up and smiled, "Ah Lin, long time no see, come and sit down."
Song Honglin sat opposite Zheng Youyuan and asked with concern: "How do you feel now? It should be okay, right?"
Zheng Youyuan said helplessly: "That's it, I won't die for now. How is the company doing recently?"
Song Honglin said: "Since cooperating with Microsoft, our USB flash drives have been sold far and wide at home and abroad, and we are now actively studying how to expand production capacity."
Zheng Youyuan was immediately relieved and said with a smile, "This is great news. Our country's own technological products can be sold to Europe and the United States. This was something we could not even think of in our time."
Song Honglin said, "Boss Zheng, I'm not here today to tell you the good news. You should know that Boss Lu organized people to develop a Tianyin MP3 player, right?"
Zheng Youyuan said: "I know, I heard that thing is very convenient for listening to music."
Song Honglin couldn't help but complain: "It is indeed very convenient. After all, there is no need for floppy disks or tapes. The key problem now is that Mr. Lu wants us to free up some of the production capacity of USB flash drives and use the new factory building to produce Tianyin MP3."
"Oh? There is such a thing?"
This was something Zheng Youyuan had not expected.
Song Honglin couldn't help but complain: "Boss Lu's ability is unquestionable, but he is also very courageous. The company is currently launching several projects at the same time. In addition to the USB flash drive, the technical research and development department is said to be working on a new thing called a solid-state drive. It's just spending money like water."
"That would be fine, but now they are forcing the Tianyin MP3 project to go live. The retail price is nearly 2,000 yuan, and it has not been tested by the market at all. The success or failure depends entirely on fate. The risk is too great. I can't handle it, Mr. Zheng."
"Boss Zheng, I think Boss Lu only listens to you in the entire Youyuan Technology. Why don't you talk to Boss Lu? I don't know whether it is a blessing or a curse for Youyuan Technology to launch new projects like this crazily."
In his career, Song Honglin still has some aspirations, so he doesn't want to become the "king who lost his country" of Mingyuan Technology.
What's more, this matter is not just Song Honglin's idea. Few people in the company, from top to bottom, are not panicking.
Zheng Youyuan thought about Song Honglin's words carefully, and then said: "There is no doubt that Mr. Lu has a flexible mind. After all, young people have active thinking. But according to what you said, his decision was indeed a bit rash. I will call and ask."
Lu Yiming was busy all day and had just returned to the villa. He was about to take a hot bath when he received a call from Zheng Youyuan.
"Boss Zheng! How are you? Are you feeling better? Are you planning to go back to work?"
Zheng Youyuan laughed and said, "I am old, so I am afraid I will have to stay at home for a while longer. Besides, don't you have a stable position in the company? I feel relieved to have you here."
Lu Yiming also smiled and said, "Seeing how full of energy you are talking, it really shouldn't be a big deal."
Zheng Youyuan didn't waste any more time and got straight to the point. He said, "Manager Song just came over to my house and talked about the company's recent development. I heard that you have developed an MP3 player. Are you planning to build a few production lines for mass production?"
Lu Yiming said: "Yes, this is a new thing. Although it is different from the invention of USB flash drives, there are no similar products in China. And I have also made special software adaptations, which is unique in the world."
Zheng Youyuan first praised: "Mr. Lu is indeed always full of brilliant ideas."
Then he changed the subject and said, "But isn't the price of 2,000 yuan too expensive? Ordinary people can't afford it. I'm afraid that mass production will cause a backlog. I think we should not be too impatient and ship small batches first to let the market test it first?"
Lu Yiming had expected this problem. He said, "I am very confident in this product. The price of 2,000 yuan is mainly for the North American market. The consumption power there is still very strong, and our products will not be difficult to sell. And I am not impatient. Now the major developed countries in the world are already doing virtual music. This is a brand new track. If we don't do it together now, we will definitely be left behind in the future. Moreover, copyright is exclusive. If I have it, you don't have it. Once they have plundered the music copyright, we will not be able to do it even if we want to. The situation is not waiting for anyone, I must act as soon as possible."
Apple will officially enter the market in 2001, and product development has probably already begun.
If we don’t plan ahead and set up a virtual music mall, what will we use to compete with Apple?
That is why Lu Yiming was so anxious to urge Song Honglin to increase the production capacity of new products, in order to open up the situation in the United States as soon as possible and seize a first-mover advantage.
"Mr. Zheng, I hope you can fully support my actions. Mingyuan Technology cannot just be an ordinary commercial company, but should become a great industry leader. Master the right to speak in the industry."
"Mr. Zheng, I will be responsible for planning the company's development direction in the future, and I hope you will be in charge of the specific management and production. In this way, we can join forces and Mingyuan Technology will surely reach an unprecedented peak."
Lu Yiming has always attached great importance to the cooperation with Zheng Youyuan, because it is too difficult to build a company like Apple relying on his own strength.
It is true that Lu Yiming is a reborn person, but for many products he only knows the concepts, and putting the concepts into practice is not an easy task.
You have to know that even for Apple, its glory is not entirely the result of Steve Jobs alone. For example, Cook, the master of supply chain management, is Steve Jobs' right-hand man.
Zheng Youyuan, who has rich experience and connections in the production and processing of electronic products, is the best partner.
This is why Lu Yiming must cooperate with the Zheng family. If he wants to succeed, he must learn to integrate resources and form cliques. Fighting alone is a dead end.
When Zheng Youyuan heard Lu Yiming's words about building Mingyuan Technology into a leading company in the industry, he suddenly became excited again.
After all, a man is a boy until he dies, and starting a great company is every boy’s dream.
