Chapter 123: A Collision of Paths

"This is the first mobile phone; to meet your requirements, we will have to push the timeline back a bit further."

"I understand that. When do you plan to launch this phone?"

"I've received word that someone abroad is also developing a similar device, and they are currently in the process of finalizing it. I intend to speed things up and start sales within a month at the latest."

Zhao Fan nodded and asked, "What about the assembly of the phones?"

"Currently, the main components are purchased from abroad, and the assembly is done domestically."

Zhao Fan's expression shifted slightly as he asked, "Can those components be manufactured within the country?"

"Not at the moment. Some items are strictly restricted by foreign parties. If we want to produce them ourselves, the costs would be too high—we wouldn't be able to compete with the price of buying them directly."

Zhao Fan frowned. "Aren't you worried that once sales take off, you'll be held hostage by them?"

"The phone has just been released; it will be selling for a long time. Thinking about being held hostage is a bit premature." Jiang Ying spoke somewhat nonchalantly, feeling that such concerns were for the future and far too early to worry about now.

Zhao Fan thought to himself that this was not a matter of being premature; by the time one realizes the danger, it is often already too late. Currently, the domestic industry simply could not reach the required standard for the main components.

As they entered the office, Zhao Fan stated directly, "If possible, I hope all components can be manufactured by our own factories."

Jiang Ying paused for a few minutes before laughing. "Your idea is great, but to manufacture the central chip yourself, it would cost a fortune."

Zhao Fan laughed along. "You have the same thought, don't you?"

His tone was incredibly certain. If Jiang Ying had not shared his vision, he would never have pointed out the key issue. In truth, had the phone appeared even a year or two later, Zhao Fan would not have bothered with the costs involved. He did not know what the future held, but one thing was certain: it is better to have things firmly in your own hands. After all, if they were relying on others, they wouldn't be able to cope if something went wrong.

Jiang Ying clicked his tongue. "I can get in touch with the right people, but it will be very difficult to acquire the key components, and the money required will be significant."

"If you think about the money we'll make later, what we spend now doesn't seem to be a problem, does it?"

"As expected of President Zhao, you think long-term."

The two exchanged a knowing smile and tacitly set the topic aside for the time being.

"By the way, since we're launching the phone in a month, should we run an advertisement in advance? As partners, I won't charge you for a month of exposure on Feiteng Search."

"That works."

Once Jiang Ying agreed, Zhao Fan immediately gave instructions to his departments and brought out a few pieces of software he wanted to include on the phone. There was Feiteng Search, Feiteng Messaging, and a Feiteng game currently in development—a casual, addictive game that was small in size but compelling enough that once people started playing, they wouldn't want to put it down.

"I plan to put these three on the phone, but since you're selling in a month, we're pressed for time. However, the search engine must be included."

"Have you made arrangements for this on your end?"

"Yes, I have already assigned people to handle it."

"Fine. Before the phones leave the factory, I will instruct the sales team to ensure everything is pre-installed."

Zhao Fan nodded with satisfaction. "I appreciate your hard work."

"It's all for the sake of profit, no need for formalities."

The two chatted for a while longer about subsequent promotion and sales strategies. Just then, a commotion broke out outside the office. At first, Zhao Fan assumed it was just staff chatting and didn't pay much attention, but the noise grew louder and seemed to be moving closer. Then, Zhao Fan heard his own name.

"Zhao Fan! Zhao Fan, come out here!"

Zhao Fan frowned slightly. Who was this? The voice sounded familiar.

"Ahhh!"

"Get out of the way!"

"..."

Chaos ensued outside. Just as Zhao Fan stood up, the office door was kicked open with a bang.

"Zhao Fan, why are you hiding?"

Du Xinyan stood with her hands on her hips, her eyes wide, looking furious.

Zhao Fan: "..."

He racked his brain, but he honestly couldn't recall being that familiar with her.

"I don't think we know each other well, do we?"

Du Xinyan: "Of course I don't know you well, Zhao Fan! I... Jiang Ying, why are you here?"

Jiang Ying waved with a smirk. "Here for business. And you—you have no manners at all. Aren't you afraid of bringing shame to the Du family by barging in like this?"

Zhao Fan's expression turned subtle. "You know each other?"

Jiang Ying nodded. "The eldest daughter of the Du family. There isn't a soul in the capital who doesn't know her—wilful, arrogant, and oblivious to others. If she weren't smart enough to know where the legal lines are drawn, she would have been locked up long ago."

Du Xinyan's face changed. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said. What, am I wrong?"

Du Xinyan opened her mouth, then closed it again, unwillingly.

Jiang Ying stood up, leaning on his knees. "Alright, business is done, so I should be going. A word of advice: stay away from this woman. She’s a lunatic."

"Jiang Ying, you're looking for death!"

After Jiang Ying left, Du Xinyan chased after him. Seeing this, Zhao Fan breathed a sigh of relief. Du Xinyan was not easy to deal with, and it was a good thing she went after Jiang Ying; after all, it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

However...

Zhao Fan's expression turned cold. Du Xinyan had barged in with a group of people. What were the security guards doing?

"Where is security?"

Within minutes, the company's security guards appeared before Zhao Fan. Seeing the rage on his face, they all lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. They remained silent, but Zhao Fan had no intention of letting this slide.

"Tell me, how did you manage to let people just barge in like that?"

With such a large group of people, the guards hadn't stopped a single one. If they couldn't even perform their basic duties, what were they good for?

"My company didn't hire you to do nothing. Seeing that group run in, don't you feel guilty about taking your paychecks?"

While Zhao Fan was losing his temper, Han Chen rushed over after hearing the news.

"Is everything alright?"

Zhao Fan said coldly, "I got lucky; nothing happened for the moment."

Han Chen looked at the line of bowed security guards and couldn't help but sigh. "Should we hire a new team? The company needs to expand its staff anyway. What do you think?"

Zhao Fan sneered, "Even if we expand, it won't be with them."

"President Zhao, we didn't mean to. It's just that those people were too aggressive, and we couldn't hold them back."

"Enough. No need for excuses. The company doesn't need people who can't do their jobs. Go to Human Resources, get an extra month's pay, and leave."

Seeing the situation, the guards didn't press the matter and left with their heads down. The fact that they didn't continue to pester him made Zhao Fan feel slightly better. Had they made a scene, it would only have increased his disgust; their silence at least allowed them to save a little face.

"Now that they're gone, who is going to watch the company doors?"

"Have a few people transferred over from the supermarket. We have plenty of manpower there; there's no need to keep them stationed there."

With the guards replaced, the matter was settled.