Amid escalating public opinion, Song Jianwei found himself unable to remain idle. Filled with apprehension, he hurried into Bi Qingyun's office, his words tumbling, "President, we can't let this go on!"
Surprisingly, Bi Qingyun's response was measured, a soft smile playing on his lips. "It's alright. Let them revel in their dance for a while."
"But if this persists, it could mean..."
With a dismissive wave, Bi Qingyun interjected, "Fear not, the sky won't fall. Let them stir up the tempest."
He continued, "Prepare yourself, we're heading to Universal Enterprise Group tomorrow. We'll pay a visit to Mr. Liu and discuss collaboration."
At that moment, Song Jianwei began to glimpse the source of Song Bi Qingyun's unwavering confidence. Despite the online rumours, he had a plan in motion.
"We possess graphene aluminum batteries!" declared Bi Qingyun.
"Yes, all our Jinlong mobile phones will now be equipped with domestically sourced batteries. The internet is not wrong, but they're unaware we're adopting domestic graphene-aluminum batteries," he revealed, punctuating it with a chuckle, clearly buoyed by the revelation.
---
Universal Building.
In the boss's chair, Liu Yong was flanked by Huang Guang, Hu Nan, and Ning Zetao on the sofa. They briefed him on the graphene-aluminum battery.
After listening intently, Liu Yong's satisfaction was palpable.
"Three months is being quite conservative. Hu Nan and the team have essentially outlined the entire industrial production process, along with the necessary manufacturing equipment. The majority can be procured directly from the market," Huang Guang reported.
A small batch of equipment would require a custom design. That aspect was already underway, with plans to commission specialized manufacturers once the blueprints were finalized.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLiu Yong's main concern was the manufacturing cost. "Is the production cost of graphene-aluminum batteries truly lower than that of lithium batteries?" he inquired.
Hu Nan's response was unequivocal. "We've conducted extensive cost analyses. The production cost is at least 30% lower than that of lithium batteries."
"Boss, our nation boasts rich graphite resources, constituting over 70% of global reserves. Moreover, aluminum is not a precious metal; it's commonplace. The manufacturing cost of our graphene-aluminum battery is quite reasonable," he emphasized.
This affirmation brought another satisfied nod from Liu Yong.
With low production costs, the profit margins would be substantial as long as the graphene-aluminium batteries were priced similarly to lithium ones. The gains would be even more significant if they go slightly above lithium battery prices.
"Let's redouble our efforts and hasten progress. We aim to transition into the mass production stage as swiftly as possible," Liu Yong instructed.
"Understood!"
"We'll give it our all, Boss!"
"Brother Yong, just watch what we can do."
The trio echoed their commitments, exuding confidence. Mass production of graphene-aluminum batteries seemed imminent.
---
"Boom, boom, boom!"
A knock on the door heralded Qiu Yang's arrival with important news. "Boss, Qingyun International has sent an official letter. Mr. Bi Qingyun and his entourage will arrive in Huahai City tomorrow morning to visit our group."
Liu Yong immediately grasped the purpose of Bi Qingyun's visit. He was here for the graphene-aluminum battery.
"President Bi from Qingyun International is paying us a visit. Our first graphene-aluminum battery order is on the horizon," Liu Yong announced.
Huang Guang and the others exchanged knowing glances, their eyes gleaming joyfully.
---
The next day.
Huahai International Airport.
A Gulfstream private jet touched down, disgorging a party of over a dozen individuals. Leading the way was Bi Qingyun, flanked by Song Jianwei and other high-ranking executives from the mobile phone division.
A fleet of high-end commercial vehicles was waiting for them, ready to whisk them away.
They boarded the vehicles and made their way to the Universal Building.
The grand reception room awaited, and Liu Yong and his team stood at the entrance to greet them.
After the initial pleasantries, they ascended to the 98th floor and settled into the prepared reception area.
Formalities were soon dispensed with, and Bi Qingyun got straight to the point. "Mr. Liu, your graphene-aluminum battery is extraordinary. That's the main reason for my visit today."
Liu Yong nodded, then turned to announce, "Mr. Hu, kindly present our graphene-aluminum battery to our guests."
Hu Nan took the reins, activating the projector and presenting the battery in meticulous detail, accompanied by visuals and explanatory text.
His expertise shone through, leaving even Bi Qingyun and his team visibly impressed. The potential of this battery was staggering.
As Hu Nan concluded his presentation, Bi Qingyun was the first to applaud, setting off a ripple of enthusiastic claps through the reception room.
"Now, Mr. Liu, when can we expect mass production of these batteries?" inquired Bi Qingyun.
Liu Yong's response was decisive, "In under three months. As it stands, we'll be able to start deliveries come June."
Excellent news!
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThis was cause for celebration!
Bi Qingyun's composure remained intact, but Song Jianwei and the others couldn't hide their delight.
Negotiations flowed smoothly.
At noon, Liu Yong hosted a banquet, extending warm hospitality to Bi Qingyun and his entourage.
The afternoon saw continued discussions, each item resolving harmoniously.
Finally, a mutually beneficial agreement was reached.
Qingyun International ordered 100 million graphene-aluminum batteries, priced at 300 yuan each, culminating in a total contract value of 30 billion yuan!
This marked the inaugural order for the graphene-aluminum battery!
30 billion!
The magnitude of the order took aback Liu Yong. He had anticipated a substantial purchase, but 100 million surpassed his expectations.
Last year, King Long's mobile phones sold approximately 30 million units. Liu Yong had speculated that Bi Qingyun might order 20 million or 30 million batteries.
But 100 million!
Liu Yong was ecstatic. More orders meant more success. The more customers bought in, the better.
Bi Qingyun shared in the jubilation. He hadn't imagined that graphene-aluminum batteries would be this cost-effective. They were just slightly pricier than lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries in the market range from tens to hundreds of dollars depending on brand and specifications. Some even reached two or three hundred dollars for premium brands.
In contrast, the graphene-aluminum battery was a mere 300 yuan. The cost-effectiveness was undeniable, prompting Bi Qingyun's 100 million unit order.
With every detail ironed out, only the formal contract signing remained for the next day.
The atmosphere relaxed entirely, and Liu Yong quipped, "President Bi, our graphene-aluminum battery comes in just one model."
Indeed, there was only one model with standardized specifications. Mobile phone designs would have to adapt to it, not vice versa.
That was the confidence they exuded!