Chapter 638: Greed makes one blind
This scene was recorded very faithfully by the reporters behind him.
Of course, more reporters were not qualified to enter the venue for on-site reporting and were all waiting at the door.
Seeing the door of the venue open and Ni Runfeng walked out angrily, the reporters immediately surrounded him like sharks smelling blood.
"Boss Ni, why did you come out?"
"Boss Ni, is the meeting over?"
"Boss, I heard that Mr. Lu is also attending the meeting. Will he hold a position in the association, or is he just here as a guest?"
In response to the reporter's question, Ni Runfeng said: "Some people are too greedy and think they can do whatever they want. The association's charter is against us everywhere. I will not join this association."
When the reporters heard these words full of resentment, their eyes suddenly lit up. One reporter asked, "Boss Ni, the man you are talking about who can cover the sky with one hand, are you referring to Mr. Lu, the richest man?"
Ni Runfeng did not admit it directly, but continued to complain: "We Changhong is a dignified enterprise. I don't believe that without the Color TV Export Association, our Changhong products will not be sold abroad."
This is clearly an open challenge to Lu Yiming.
Inside the meeting room, the agenda continued.
Since they knew that all the TV export channels were established by Lu Yiming, no one dared to have any big opinions about Lu Yiming being the chairman. And Ni Runfeng's early departure made those who wanted to get more benefits feel that they had lost their backbone.
Therefore, the following meeting agenda went very smoothly. The positions of each association were also elected without any ups and downs.
After the meeting, Lu Yiming was the first to walk out of the venue and was immediately surrounded by reporters waiting outside.
Someone asked: "Mr. Lu, Mr. Ni from Changhong just left early and said that you were treated unfairly. Do you have anything to say about this?"
Lu Yiming didn't know what Ni Runfeng had said to these people, but he didn't care at all. He said, "Xiaguo's color TV industry can no longer follow the old path, so the standards I set are not aimed at Mr. Ni, but I hope that the entire industry can develop in a healthy and orderly manner, attach importance to technology and research and development, create well-known brands, and get rid of the label of low-end manufacturing as soon as possible."
Lu Yiming's words were so righteous that no one could find fault with them. But reporters want topics and traffic, so how can they be so righteous?
A reporter immediately asked, "Mr. Lu, you said you wanted to improve the technical level of the industry, but Mr. Ni said you were targeting him. Does this mean that the technical level of the company under Mr. Ni's leadership is not up to standard?"
Although I really thought so in my heart, I couldn't say it in front of everyone. Lu Yiming quickly denied it, "You said that, not me. Technological improvement is something that everyone must do and must persist in doing for a long time. How can you say that I am targeting anyone? I don't have any technical patents in my hands, so you can't say that I am strangling anyone, right? When running a business, of course you have to align with the industry leaders."
A reporter said: "Mr. Lu's vision is still so long-term. To be honest, I have bought Mr. Ni's products before, and they are indeed not as good as other companies. This is true."
Another reporter said: "It is true. I have compared it with several other companies and theirs is not really that good."
"Our country really can't do this kind of low-end manufacturing anymore. We should transform to high-tech. Look at those developed countries in Europe and America, they do the easiest work but make the most money."
Lu Yiming said calmly, "No matter what industry, especially in the high-tech field, I have always advocated that technology is king. As long as your technology is advanced enough, you will be able to win the market no matter what. On the contrary, if you don't make progress, rely on your status, or rest on your laurels and are overtaken by your competitors, you deserve to be eliminated."
These words immediately drew cheers.
"Mr. Lu is a wise man."
"Mr. Lu is right."
“I hate people who have resources but don’t use them properly.”
"Not only does he occupy the toilet but he also doesn't allow others to defecate. He is simply evil."
Lu Yiming waved his hand and said, "Okay, let's end the interview here. We still have a lot of documents and information to sort out."
Not only did Ni Runfeng fail to become the president of the association as he wished, his family was not even included in the association's final membership list.
Although the warehouse was still filled with produced televisions, he would never give in to Lu Yiming because he had to fight for his dignity.
Just when he was thinking about how to save face, he happened to see the report about the association in the newspaper, and he almost got angry.
"You ignorant brat, you actually said in a sarcastic way that I am a low-end manufacturing industry? I am low-end and you…"
The reason why he was so angry was not only because he felt that Lu Yiming was belittling his company, but also because what Lu Yiming said was true.
Due to frequent price wars and Ni Runfeng's many outrageous operations, not only is the quality of his products getting worse and worse, but his technology is also lagging behind other peers, and his market share is being continuously eroded.
For this reason, Ni Runfeng was also feeling very troubled, because if he didn't make some achievements, his position as the general manager would be unstable, and he might even have to step down and make way for more capable people.
There is no doubt that if the company wants to get out of the predicament, the most critical thing at this time is to solve the problem of inventory backlog. Only by exchanging a large number of unsold color TVs for cash can the entire situation be revitalized.
Originally, this Color TV Export Association was a good opportunity, but because he did not become the president, he did not want to bow to Lu Yiming, and his hope of dealing with unsaleable products was dashed.
Just at this moment, Ni Runfeng suddenly received a call.
"Boss Ni, things are looking promising!"
Hearing this voice, Ni Runfeng could not help but get excited and asked excitedly: "Shao Yiliang, you finally brought me good news! Tell me, what's the progress?"
In recent years, everyone has been pursuing overseas markets, but the gap in status between countries is too big, and the manufacturing industry has not yet been fully recognized, so the results are minimal. This is why everyone is envious of Lu Yiming's overseas channels.
Shao Yilian was the person sent by Ni Runfeng to find overseas channels. He had been out for more than two years, and Ni Runfeng had long given up hope, but he actually brought him good news at this time.
"Mr. Ni, we have found a distributor in America who is willing to cooperate with us."
When Ni Runfeng heard this, he was overjoyed. He slapped his thigh and said, "Great, great! Please invite the people in charge over here. I want to talk to them in person!"
At Shuangliu Airport, Ji Longfen had just walked out of the airport when a group of people came quickly towards him. The person in the lead had a smile on his face, and took the initiative to shake hands with him.
"Hello, Mr. Ji, I am Ni Runfeng, the chairman of Rainbow Group. On behalf of all the employees of the company, I welcome you."
Ji Longfen shook hands with Ni Runfeng calmly and introduced himself, "Hello, Mr. Ni. I am Ji Longfen, the founder of APEX. Nice to meet you."
Ji Longfen, who once came from a poor family, has now returned to his homeland with honor. With a green card in hand, he now has a kind of arrogance that looks down on others from a high position. Even when facing a domestic industry giant like Rainbow Group, he still looks down on it with a bit of condescension.
As for Ji Long's fans, Ni Runfeng was very enthusiastic and didn't even think about the information revealed in Ji Long's fans' eyes.
"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Ji. I have already arranged a five-star hotel suite and prepared a banquet to welcome you."
Ji Long was very satisfied with Ni Runfeng's tactful behavior. He nodded slightly and said, "Let's go."
Ni Runfeng quickly asked someone to drive the prepared Audi over, personally opened the door for Ji Longfen, and said, "Please."
When we arrived at the hotel box, everyone took their seats. Ni Runfeng pointed to a few bottles of Luzhou Laojiao vintage wine on the table and said, "This is our specialty. How about we have a few drinks today?"
The price of Luzhou Laojiao's aged liquor is not lower than that of Moutai. In this era when Moutai has not yet been hyped up, it is already very prestigious.
Ji Longfen is also a wine lover. After all, he is rich now, so of course he has to make up for the cigarettes, alcohol, sugar and tea that he could not afford before.
"Mr. Ni's arrangements are quite thoughtful."
Ni Runfeng quickly said modestly, "No, no, I'm sorry for the poor hospitality. Please forgive me, Mr. Ji."
Everyone arrived, and all kinds of delicacies were served. Although there were only four or five people eating, they ordered more than twenty dishes.
The Xia people always like to discuss things over the wine table. As they drank and exchanged cups, they were a little tipsy. Ni Runfeng then spoke: "We invited Mr. Ji back this time because our Rainbow Group wants to establish some cooperation with your APEX."
Ji Longfen smiled and said, "I know. Your people have told me before that you want to export your Rainbow TVs to America, right?"
Ni Runfeng nodded quickly and said with a smile: "Yes, our products are of high quality and low price. We hope that people all over the world can enjoy the convenience brought by technology."
Ji Longfen took another sip of the wine, smacked his lips, and let the rich aroma of the wine spread in his mouth. After savoring it for a long time, he narrowed his eyes and said, "It's not impossible to cooperate. But after all, this business is not easy to do, so according to our rules, we have to delay the payment for half a year."
After hearing this, Ni Runfeng's face changed slightly. An accompanying vice president said dissatisfiedly: "We can understand the delay in payment. It is not uncommon to pay for one or two months. You asked for half a year. Isn't that too much?"
Obviously, Ji Long fans’ demands are unacceptable to the Rainbow Group.
Although it is normal to delay payment in the industry, what kind of company is Rainbow Group? Who dares to delay payment of Rainbow Group?
Not paying upfront would be considered arrogant.
Ji Longfen glanced in the direction of the vice president and said slowly, "APEX is not short of partners. If Rainbow Group refuses, then there is no need to discuss further. President Ni, thank you for your hospitality. Goodbye."
After saying that, he stood up and left.
Only then did Ni Runfeng feel the arrogance of Ji Longfan. But things had come to this point, and it could be said that the arrow was on the string and had to be shot. Seeing that other peers had already boarded Lu Yiming's big ship to go out to sea and go to the world, if Rainbow Group could not keep up, it would be completely eliminated by the color TV industry.
Ni Runfeng, who had not given in to Lu Yiming, now smiled apologetically and said to Ji Longfen, "He was drunk and talking nonsense. Don't take it seriously. But we have never had such a precedent with a half-year payment period. How about this, we limit it to one quarter, what do you think?"
After the goods are sold, it takes half a year to recover the money, which is a very uncomfortable thing for Rainbow Group.
I remember when Rainbow brand televisions were hot-selling, they were sold out before they even left the factory.
It’s a pity that the situation is stronger than people, and the Rainbow Group today has long lost its former glory.
Ni Runfeng has long coveted America, the world's largest consumer electronics market. He now regards it as his last straw, so he has to accept things that he could not accept before.
Ji Longfen pretended to ponder for a moment, then continued to be tough and said, "The payment period is half a year, and the first payment will be made after half a year. As for the date of the second payment, it depends on the specific situation. In short, this is the condition I offer. If you don't accept it, then I'll leave."
After all, Ni Runfeng has been a big boss for so many years. When has he ever been treated so harshly?
Although the smile on his face did not diminish, the anger in his heart had already burned through.
Ni Runfeng gritted his teeth and said, "Boss Ji, look at you... We at Rainbow Group are talking to you with sincerity."
However, Ji Longfen was fearless and said in an unquestionable tone: "I know, but the rules are the rules. If you can accept it, we can continue to talk. If you feel you can't accept it, I won't force you."
Thinking about the current predicament of Rainbow Group, even if Ni Runfeng was furious, he had no capital to negotiate.
"Well, since it's the rules, then we'll follow the rules and do as you say."
When Ji Longfen saw that a big shot like Ni Runfeng also submitted to his power, he suddenly felt extremely proud.
He nodded slightly and said, "Boss Ni, that's right. Come, have a drink."
For several days in a row, Ni Runfeng treated Ji Long fans to delicious food and drinks. He also mobilized media resources and began to vigorously promote the cooperation between Rainbow Group and APEX.
At the cooperation signing press conference, after the process was completed, a reporter couldn't wait to ask: "Mr. Ni, Mr. Lu said that your Rainbow Group is a low-end manufacturing industry. What do you think about this?"
Having successfully opened up export channels, Ni Runfeng is now getting carried away. In response to reporters' questions, he said sarcastically, "Young people get carried away with their achievements and don't know their own weight. Our Rainbow Group's products are now being shipped to the United States for sale, which shows that our technology and quality are still first-class in China."
"Mr. Ji is not only the founder of APEX, but also one of TIME magazine's 'Next Generation of Globally Influential Businessmen'. Isn't it enough that he came to discuss cooperation with our Rainbow Group?"
Ji Longfen smiled and said, "I founded APEX to help our country's home appliances go abroad and into the world, especially to gain a foothold in the United States, the world's largest consumer market."
I have to say that Ji Longfen is very capable. He is now almost the only channel for domestic home appliance manufacturers to enter stores such as Walmart and BestBuy.
Ni Runfeng said: "I believe that with the cooperation of APEX, our Rainbow Group will be able to go abroad, create greater glory and become the pride of our Shu region."
After the news of Rainbow Group's cooperation with APEX to open up overseas channels spread, it caused a great response, especially in the newly established Color TV Export Association. The Maomao Group and Xiaohai Group, which were already dissatisfied with Lu Yiming, immediately defected.
The CEOs of Maomao and Xiaohai flew directly to find Ni Runfeng to discuss cooperation. The domestic color TV industry alliance that was finally established also became precarious and turbulent.
Even companies like Haier and Venus have begun to wait and see. As long as they confirm that APEX can help them sell their products to America, they plan to follow up immediately.
After hearing the news, Li Dongsheng could no longer sit still and went straight to find Lu Yiming.
"Boss Lu, APEX is coming with such force, what should we do?"
Of course Lu Yiming knew about this, but he was not in a hurry at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "Eat when it's time to eat, drink when it's time to drink. Don't worry, APEX won't be a success."
Li Dongsheng was puzzled and asked, "Why is Mr. Lu so sure?"
Lu Yiming explained to him: "I have already asked someone in the United States to investigate the details of this company. It is just a shell company that relies on empty hands to make money. The reason why it is developing well now is that it takes advantage of our domestic manufacturers who are not familiar with the overseas market. This is the so-called information gap."
Li Dongsheng was very curious: "What do you mean?"
Lu Yiming analyzed to Li Dongsheng: "Due to the gap in prices and wages, our country's products are cheap and highly competitive in overseas markets. APEX relied on this to open up the American market. If it were just that, it would not be a big deal. The key is APEX's operating model."
At this point, Lu Yiming took out a document faxed from America and handed it to Li Dongsheng, saying, "Take a look, these are all evidence. In order to seek low prices, APEX usually contacts several manufacturers at the same time and then negotiates with them one by one. For the latter, Apex often takes advantage of the other party's eagerness to ship goods and signs harsh contracts with them. For example, according to industry regulations, payment is usually made three months after the goods arrive, and then every three months, but Apex can make the first payment after May or June, and the second payment depends on the specific situation. In the final supplementary terms of the contract, Apex also specifically stipulates that if the technology or standards do not meet the requirements, the manufacturer shall bear the losses. As for who will determine the technology or standards, the contract does not specify."
Li Dongsheng is a businessman himself. He only took a few glances and immediately saw the trick here: "Getting something for nothing? Using a hen to lay eggs? And it doesn't matter if the product can't be sold. The manufacturer will suffer the loss. APEX is doing a business with no capital investment, and it's the kind with no risk!"
Lu Yiming sneered: "The risks are all borne by the manufacturer, so of course he has no risk at all."
Li Dongsheng frowned and said, "Ni Runfeng actually dared to sign such a harsh contract? Is he crazy?"
You know, when the Color TV Export Association was first established, Ni Runfeng refused to give up until he became the president.
Lu Yiming sighed and said, "It can only be said that he was blinded by greed. The current situation of Rainbow Group was caused by him. Although Rainbow Group soared to the sky under his leadership, it's a pity that the credit is in the past. In recent years, he has been making mistakes. In order to avoid being fired, he can only try desperate measures."
Li Dongsheng suddenly realized: "So, APEX is not a threat to us?"
Lu Yiming smiled and said, "Ji Longfen is an interesting person. The platform he created can actually make a lot of money if it is done well. Unfortunately, he is too greedy and wants everything, but in the end he gets nothing. What's more fatal is that APEX has no background or backing, and he plans to use our Xia country's cheap products to impact the North American market. I estimate that it won't be long before American law will teach him a lesson."
