Zhao Qiang got into Luo Xiaowei's car because he was afraid that she would think that everyone was avoiding her if no one else rode in her car, which would be very embarrassing.
While driving, Luo Xiaowei said, "Zhao Qiang, actually I came here today to talk to you about something important."
Zhao Qiang asked, "About the super optimization software?"
Luo Xiaowei nodded: "My cousin was supposed to come in person, but the two cities are too far apart, and we are classmates, so my cousin asked me to be her representative. You don't have any objections, do you?"
Zhao Qiang said, "How could that be? Tell me."
Luo Xiaowei said, "You've carefully read through the official contract text, haven't you?"
Zhao Qiang was naturally not taking this lightly. The super optimization software came in three versions: the standard version was priced at 128 yuan, the antivirus and vulnerability repair version at 228 yuan, and the CPU algorithm optimization and system kernel error correction version at 328 yuan. Zhao Qiang would receive 80% of every penny earned. Overall, Zhao Qiang was very satisfied, even though he hadn't seen the money yet.
"I've seen it, and I have no objections."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Your account has already received 500,000 yuan in cash. This is not a share of the profits, but just a deposit from my cousin. It will be deducted from future profit sharing."
Zhao Qiang nodded. He needed the funds, and this money came at just the right time. Since it was his own anyway, there was nothing to be embarrassed about in receiving it ahead of time.
Luo Xiaowei continued, "The operation has not been ideal these past few days."
Zhao Qiang was somewhat surprised: "What happened?"
Luo Xiaowei said, "The trial version of the standard version has received a great response, and the antivirus version has also received rave reviews. The advanced version is also considered powerful by mid-to-high-level computer users. However, our initial revenue target was the standard version. But the survey showed that less than 10% of users would pay to purchase it after the trial version expired. And the mid-to-high-level user group is too narrow to generate much revenue."
Zhao Qiang rubbed his forehead: "I understand. Chinese computer users are used to free versions. Instant messaging tools are free, antivirus software is free, browsers are free, and all kinds of optimization software are free. So even if our regular version is better, it may not bring in any revenue. Users are forcing us to make it free too."
Luo Xiaowei said, "Yes, this was the initial miscalculation. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that other optimization software companies are manipulating public opinion behind the scenes. My cousin has been using all her online trolls to fight them, but the effect is not obvious."
Zhao Qiang wasn't under much psychological pressure in this regard. If he made money, he would; if he didn't, he wouldn't starve. So he decisively decided, "The trial version will be completely free after it expires!"
Luo Xiaowei was taken aback: "You really made this decision? My cousin wants to lower the fees."
“No!” Zhao Qiang said decisively, “Since it’s going to be reduced, let’s just reduce it to zero. This is in line with what the people want. Aren’t other optimization software companies just doing what we want? Let’s satisfy them. The one who laughs last laughs best. Our R&D costs will definitely be lower than theirs. I’m confident that I can stick to it to the end.”
Luo Xiaowei said, "If that's the case, your share of the revenue will be greatly affected, while my cousin's share won't be affected much because she transplanted the advertisements into the regular version, and that portion of the revenue belongs to my cousin in the original contract."
Zhao Qiang smiled nonchalantly: "It's nothing, consider it my service to the people."
Luo Xiaowei chuckled sweetly, "How can that be? Since you're so generous, senior brother, I'll make the decision for my cousin. How about we split the advertising revenue of the free version 50/50? My cousin really can't afford to split it any further. She's invested a lot in purchasing servers and renting network bandwidth, as well as in back-end staff costs and early advertising expenses. The free version is the main source of revenue. If we give in any more, she'll commit suicide."
Zhao Qiang laughed: "Hehe, then for your cousin's life, I have no choice but to agree."
Luo Xiaowei said playfully, "I'll say thank you on behalf of my cousin for saving her life."
The matter was settled, which surprised Luo Xiaowei. She suddenly remembered what Xu Xiaoya had said: Zhao Qiang seemed more mature today. Before, Luo Xiaowei had just taken it as a joke between classmates, but after talking with Zhao Qiang just now, Luo Xiaowei felt that Zhao Qiang was different today!
Volume 1 [091] Let's do something together.
In Luo Xiaowei's imagination, Zhao Qiang would probably have to discuss with Xu Xiaoya first and couldn't make a decision on his own. But if Xu Xiaoya were involved, Hu Qian's share of the advertising revenue would probably drop to 20%. Xu Xiaoya wouldn't care about Hu Qian's difficulties, but Zhao Qiang would be different.
Well, how should I put it? It's not that Zhao Qiang is easy to fool; on the contrary, he's more astute than Xu Xiaoya at this moment. By canceling the fees, he gave up some revenue but gained a large number of users! At the same time, he gave Hu Qian a profit margin, which gave her greater motivation and strength to further promote the development of the super optimization software. In the long run, this is a wise decision.
"I'll send the revised contract over for you to sign."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, there's no rush. I don't know your cousin well, but I trust you."
Luo Xiaowei laughed and said, "Senior brother, you're putting a lot of pressure on me."
“It’s not that serious, is it?” Zhao Qiang then hesitated and said, “Can I know what your parents do? I don’t want to end up like our class monitor, who only found out her father is the head of the development zone after three years of being classmates.”
Luo Xiaowei said, "Sure, I didn't intend to hide it from you. It's just that you didn't ask before. My father's name is Luo Wanfeng, the manager of the refrigerator department of Haifeng Group, and my mother's name is Chen Lin, the manager of the Donghai City branch of Sunshine Home Appliance Chain Supermarket."
Haifeng Group is a well-known domestic home appliance manufacturer and distributor. Its chairman is named Luo Xin. Zhao Qiang casually asked, "Who is Luo Xin to you?"
Luo Xiaowei's face darkened: "He's kind of my grandfather."
Zhao Qiang didn't notice the dullness in Luo Xiaowei's voice. At that moment, he suddenly thought of his charger. "Junior Sister Luo, if I had a new electrical appliance, how do you think I should proceed from patent registration to production and sales?"
Luo Xiaowei chuckled: "Senior brother, you're testing me? But don't think you can stump me. I've been working with my parents since junior high to learn management. Even if I'm not an expert, I should be able to handle these things with ease."
Zhao Qiang smiled slyly: "Junior Sister Luo, are you interested in collaborating on something?"
Luo Xiaowei parked her car on the side of the road. Behind her, Xu Xiaoya's car was parked in front of the bank. She wanted to deposit the money before getting off work, as it was not safe to leave so much cash at the company overnight.
"What is it? To be honest, I'm very interested." Luo Xiaowei actually admired Xu Xiaoya's courage. She knew her family was under immense pressure from the Luo family. If she could create a better future for her parents and help them escape their suffering, it would be a way of repaying their hard work in raising her. However, Luo Xiaowei lacked such an opportunity. Judging from the software Zhao Qiang had given Hu Qian, Luo Xiaowei suddenly had a feeling that perhaps Zhao Qiang would give her such an opportunity.
Zhao Qiang took out a charger from his pocket, and Luo Xiaowei was taken aback: "Charger? Senior brother, I don't understand what you mean."
Zhao Qiang said, "A fast charger can charge the battery at twenty times the original speed without requiring any modifications to the original battery."
Luo Xiaowei's eyes lit up: "Are you serious?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "I have no reason to lie to you, because we'll know the result as soon as we take the test."
Luo Xiaowei nervously tapped the steering wheel with her index finger. "The value of a simple charger is not very high, so there is not much profit margin. However, there is still great potential for development if we use volume to drive profits, so we must keep the patents in our hands."
Zhao Qiang handed the charger to Luo Xiaowei: "This is the only sample in the world, and there are no blueprints."
"You invented it?" Luo Xiaowei asked, staring at Zhao Qiang.
Zhao Qiang was prepared: "It came from the same source as the super optimization software, but to outsiders, I am its owner and I have the right to decide everything about it."
Luo Xiaowei weighed the charger in her hand and said, "Senior brother, tell me your thoughts."
Zhao Qiang said, "I am currently facing difficulties. First, I don't understand patent registration and I don't have any connections in this area, so it may be difficult to do. Second, I don't have a small appliance production line and I know very little about manufacturing. Third, I lack a proper sales and promotion channel, because it takes effort to develop the market for new products."
Luo Xiaowei said decisively, "I can help you with these."
Zhao Qiang also said without any hesitation, "Then tell me your requirements."
Luo Xiaowei said, "I don't have any funds, so you'll have to make the investment; I'm only a sophomore, and my studies might delay the progress of this matter, so you have to be tolerant; my salary requirements aren't high, I'll accept whatever you offer Xu Xiaoya; and lastly, if I need your help someday in the future, no matter what it is, you can't refuse."
Zhao Qiang said, "Okay, I'll do my best to help if I can. I only have less than a million in investment funds right now." If Hu Qian's 500,000 prepayment has arrived, plus the 350,000 for the special effects video that Hu Xiaojiang is about to pay, and some money from Shunfeng Technology, I should be able to scrape together about a million. "I never thought I'd join the ranks of millionaires," Zhao Qiang thought with a touch of pride.
Luo Xiaowei said, "Registering an invention patent doesn't cost much, but the key is to buy an automated production line. But let me see the internal structure of your charger first."
Zhao Qiang had already unscrewed the screws and pulled the cover open with force. Luo Xiaowei examined it with a professional eye. "It doesn't seem that complicated. It's just that the design is very ingenious. I really don't know how they came up with it. Hmm, these electronic components should all be available ready-made, so we don't need to produce them all ourselves in the early stages. We just need to import an automated assembly line. As for the workers, we can find them from my dad's side, and my mom can handle the sales channels. What do you think?"
"Great!" Zhao Qiang said excitedly, "I knew professional matters should be handled by professionals. Here, I'll leave the registration to you." Zhao Qiang handed the charger back to Luo Xiaowei.
Luo Xiaowei caught the charger: "Aren't you afraid I'll keep it all for myself?"
Zhao Qiang said, "You're not that kind of person."
Luo Xiaowei could only respond to Zhao Qiang's trust with a smile. If he were really that kind of person, the Super Optimization Software wouldn't have made it this far; he and her cousin might have swallowed it up long ago. Of course, they would also need to have the ability to crack it.
After dinner, Liu Dazhuang and his two friends went to an internet cafe again and stayed up all night. Luo Xiaowei, having a task to complete, didn't waste any time and drove home by herself, while Zhao Qiang got into Xu Xiaoya's car.
"I'll take you home." This is what Zhao Qiang said to Xu Xiaoya.
Xu Xiaoya said, "No, I'm not going home. Let's go back to the company."
Zhao Qiang said, "Your parents will worry."
Xu Xiaoya stubbornly said, "They only realize they care about me now, it's too late."
Zhao Qiang said helplessly, "Whatever."
Xu Xiaoya said smugly, "That's right. Be good, listen to me. I'm the class monitor, you have to listen to me."
Zhao Qiang almost burst out laughing. Although Xu Xiaoya was much gentler to him today, she was still the same girl at heart. He just wouldn't scold or complain to her like before. She had done so much for him without ever asking for anything in return. Zhao Qiang now felt only deep gratitude towards her.
"By the way, class monitor, are you familiar with the teachers in the biology lab?"
Xu Xiaoya didn't know what Zhao Qiang was planning to do: "Tell me what you want to do first."
"Get me some microbial culture medium."
Xu Xiaoya slammed on the gas: "No big deal!" She'd been drinking again tonight. The Passat sped onto the road like a rocket, startling Zhao Qiang so much that he quickly buckled his seatbelt. Xu Xiaoya giggled, her laughter causing her ample breasts to tremble. Zhao Qiang blushed at just one glance; he was reminded of too many erotic thoughts. Amitabha, forgive me, forgive me.
Volume 2 [092] Household Affairs
Soon, autumn turned to winter. Autumn flowers faded and autumn leaves fell; frost came and snow came. In just two days, it will be Christmas, which is of great importance to Westerners. Chinese people, who are used to helping foreigners celebrate, also begin to make preparations. Some large shopping malls have started to decorate Christmas trees, and people wearing Santa hats can be seen on the streets doing promotions.
Xu Liming returned home exhausted. The development zone had undergone tremendous personnel changes recently. First, Song Ximao, the urban management squad leader, was found to have abused his power to extort money, using it to support his mistress. Song Ximao is now in detention, awaiting sentencing. Next, the development zone's health bureau was also investigated by the disciplinary committee for openly selling pharmacy licenses at marked prices. The bureau chief was dismissed, and many subordinate officials were implicated. Now, everyone in the development zone government is in a state of panic.
Sun Junmei peeked out from the kitchen and asked, "Old Xu, did you take the shopping cards from my drawer?"
Xu Liming said irritably, "What would I do with your shopping card? The district government has been incredibly busy these past few days, I haven't had time to go shopping."
Sun Junmei asked, "Why is there one less than a thousand?"
Xu Liming said, "Ask Xiaoya, she must have taken it. Your daughter is really capable these days."
Sun Junmei called out to her daughter's room, "Xiaoya, come out and wash your hands for dinner. Your dad is home."
Xu Xiaoya walked out of the bedroom wearing a cotton pajamas and a cute little red hat. Xu Liming glanced at his daughter without saying a word; the father and daughter had been giving each other the cold shoulder lately. The cause was Xu Liming's silence regarding the vandalism of Shunfeng Technology, which had fueled Xu Xiaoya's resentment towards her father.
Soon the food was served, and as Sun Junmei was serving rice, she asked, "Xiaoya, did you take my shopping card?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Yes, I went to the supermarket to buy things this afternoon."
Sun Junmei asked, "Have you used up all the 1,000 yuan shopping card?"
While drinking her porridge, Xu Xiaoya said, "That's right, prices are soaring now, how can this little money be enough? Mom, what do you think of this set of pajamas I bought? It cost 580 yuan."
Sun Junmei said, "I think it's worth at most fifty-eight. Aren't you working? How come you've been spending more money lately?"
Xu Xiaoya mumbled to Sun Junmei, "Mom, you don't know, this is my annual salary. You just support me to spend money normally, and I'll give you all the money at the end of the year."
Sun Junmei smiled and said, "Okay, I'll save them all for you as your dowry."
A QQ message notification sound came from the bedroom. Xu Xiaoya pushed her bowl and chopsticks away and said, "I'm full. You guys can eat slowly."
Xu Liming hadn't even had half a bowl of porridge, and his daughter already disliked him so much? In a fit of anger, Xu Liming scolded his daughter, "Who are you chatting with again? You're always so irresponsible and idle."
Xu Xiaoya turned around angrily and said, "Dad, how am I being unserious? How am I neglecting my duties?"
Xu Liming slammed his fist on the table: "Did I say I was wronging you? You hang out with that Zhao Qiang every day, do you know that he's the person Secretary Zhong hates the most? Even putting aside Secretary Zhong's situation, does Zhao Qiang deserve all that you've done for him? What makes him worthy of you? He doesn't deserve you at all!"
Xu Xiaoya slammed the bedroom door shut, and Xu Liming was so angry that he could hardly breathe. Sun Junmei quickly tried to smooth things over between the father and daughter, "Old Xu, why did you do this? You ruined dinner for no reason."
Xu Liming said to Sun Junmei, "It's all your fault for spoiling the child!"
Sun Junmei said, "How have I spoiled the child? What did Xiaoya do wrong? Why do you always target this young man named Zhao Qiang? What's wrong with him starting his own business? He just used your name to run some business, but that's your daughter's business, it has nothing to do with him. As for you always bringing up Secretary Zhong, I think you're really senile. Zhao Qiang is Secretary Shan's junior brother, and now Secretary Shan is standing up for him everywhere. At this time, you should not associate with him, but why do you hate him?"
Xu Liming was speechless after Sun Junmei said that, and could only say in the end: "In short, I just can't stand him. My daughter should be married to a man of high status. Look at his poor appearance, and just thinking about him marrying Xiaoya in the future makes me uncomfortable!"
Sun Junmei chuckled: "Old Xu, what's wrong with you? Are you out of your mind? When did our daughter start dating him? Have you heard? They're just normal classmates. At most, Xiaoya is helping him with company matters."