Two consecutive tasks left Lu Shaojun feeling somewhat caught off guard.
Especially the first task concerning the virtual brain-computer interface, which required earning 50 billion, yet the time limit was only three months.
Quite challenging indeed.
Lu Shaojun immediately picked up his phone.
The factory intended to house the production lines had been under negotiation for a long time, but the other party's asking price was too high, so a deal hadn't been reached.
However, it couldn't be delayed any longer.
As soon as the call connected, the employee the company had sent to negotiate immediately asked, "Mr. Lu, what are your instructions?"
Lu Shaojun stated directly, "Tell the other party that 50 million can be paid today, but the two factories must be handed over within two days."
"Understood, Mr. Lu."
Lu Shaojun then called the collaborating wafer fab, requesting them to deliver the wafers within a week.
Furthermore, Lu Shaojun personally called the suppliers of other raw materials needed for producing the virtual brain-computer interfaces.
At the same time, the production plan for the virtual game also needed adjustment.
Since only a complete world setting was required, the task became simpler.
He'd have the game department find a few web novels, optimize their settings, and the virtual world would be essentially complete.
Just then, the phone on his desk rang.
"Mr. Lu, representatives from Xiaomi Corporation are here. They wish to discuss a potential collaboration regarding the Smart Control Software."
Hearing this, Lu Shaojun raised his well-defined eyebrows and replied, "Alright, lead them to the reception room. I'll be right over."
Reception Room.
Xu Yong, Senior Manager of Xiaomi Corporation's mobile phone department, waited quietly for Lu Shaojun along with his assistant and several staff members.
A knock sounded on the door. Xu Yong straightened his clothes and stood up.
Lu Shaojun proactively extended his right hand. "Mr. Xu, hello. I am Lu Shaojun, the founder of Chaowei Technology."
Xu Yong reached out his hand, responding with a smile, "Mr. Lu, I've heard so much about you. Please forgive my unannounced visit; I hope it's not an inconvenience."
Lu Shaojun smiled slightly. "Please sit down, Mr. Xu. Let's talk seated."
After they were seated, Xu Yong got straight to the point, "Mr. Lu, we at Xiaomi hope to obtain exclusive usage rights for the Chaowei Smart Control Software."
Lu Shaojun was also direct: "Exclusive licensing isn't realistic. However, our company can perform specific optimizations tailored for the Xiaomi system."
Xu Yong asked, "What level of optimization are we talking about?"
Lu Shaojun thought for a moment and said, "The temperature can be controlled to around 26 degrees Celsius, and it can reduce the phone's power consumption by fifteen percent."
After a brief pause, Lu Shaojun continued, "The price is 180 million per year. This allows exclusive installation and use on Xiaomi's flagship models."
Xu Yong frowned slightly and said apologetically, "Mr. Lu, I need to consult with CEO Lei."
"No problem."
Xu Yong took his team outside to make the call, and Lu Shaojun waited patiently.
Lu Shaojun very much welcomed Xiaomi's collaboration request.
He had no choice; he was currently very short on 'Tech Points'.
The Chaowei Smart Control Software was his only source of Tech Points at the moment. Relying on users signing up for paid services to gain Tech Points was simply too slow.
About ten minutes later, Xu Yong walked back in, smiling. "Mr. Lu, the price is 460 million per year. However, it needs to be adapted for all models in the Xiaomi series, and for the next year, only Xiaomi will receive the exclusive software license."
Lu Shaojun had no reason to refuse.
Negotiating the fine print of the contract wasn't something Lu Shaojun needed to handle personally. His task was to address the strengths and weaknesses of the Xiaomi system and write a new piece of software based on the existing Smart Control Software.
In less than two hours, the software was ready.
Coincidentally, the collaboration negotiations were also finalized.
Xiaomi immediately transferred the 80 million advance payment.
8,000 Tech Points were also credited instantly.
The collaboration agreement between Chaowei Technology and Xiaomi Corporation immediately attracted significant attention within the mobile phone industry. Other phone manufacturers were instantly filled with regret. They hadn't expected Xiaomi to move so quickly and decisively, securing the exclusive license for the entire next year.
After partnering with Xiaomi, Chaowei Technology began to enter the public eye.
Soon after, the company's move to aggressively acquire internet cafes across the country came to light.
The Chaowei Smart Control Software was already generating buzz, and coupled with the fact that internet cafes are considered a sunset industry, it was impossible for Chaowei Technology not to attract attention.
ZOL (Zhongguancun Online): "Reportedly, Chaowei Technology has currently acquired nearly fifty internet cafes across fifteen cities."
Caijing Wang Tech: "According to inside sources, Chaowei Technology plans to acquire no fewer than one hundred internet cafes nationwide and will invest 200 million yuan to renovate and upgrade them."
Science and Technology Daily: "As a closely watched new company, what is the purpose and significance behind Chaowei Technology's actions?"
The media didn't understand, and netizens expressed similar confusion.
"Does anyone even go to internet cafes these days?"
"Aren't like ten or fifteen thousand internet cafes closing down every year?"
"Shouldn't Chaowei Technology just focus on operating its Smart Control Software? Isn't that good enough?"
"You guys know nothing! What if the internet cafe industry is about to have a resurgence?"
"..."
A resurgence for internet cafes?
That seemed almost impossible. The fundamental flaws of the industry were apparent and seemingly insurmountable.
Lu Shaojun was completely unaware of the discussions swirling outside.
At that moment, he was walking through the newly purchased factory building. As per his request, the facility had already been cleared out.
Lu Shaojun entered the first workshop and called out the System.
"System, how do I install the production line?"
System: "Host, please move to a safe distance. The System will automatically place the production line."
So thoughtful? I like it.
After Lu Shaojun exited the workshop, there was a flash of light. In the blink of an eye, a primary virtual brain-computer interface chip production line materialized and was set in place.
Immediately following that, there was another flash of light, and ten burly men appeared.
"Greetings, Boss."
Lu Shaojun jumped in surprise. "System, what's going on?"
System: "These are the production line operators. Each line has an associated key known only to them. The operators are all bionic robots."
Then, an introduction to the bionic robots popped up on the System interface:
[Bionic Robot: S-Class Black Technology. Constructed from simulated skin and special materials. Thought processes, actions, and emotions identical to normal humans.
Physical Fitness: 10.0 (Average Human: 1.0)
Specialization: All tasks related to System black technology production lines; can also serve as bodyguards.
Acquisition Method: Locked]
Lu Shaojun raised an eyebrow again.
These bionic robots are quite tempting.
During this visit to the factory, besides the three production lines awarded by the System, Lu Shaojun had also spent 8,000 Tech Points to purchase one BCI chip production line, three lines for other components, and four assembly lines.
Once everything was arranged, Lu Shaojun clapped his hands and addressed the hundred-plus bionic robots standing before him, "The raw materials will arrive tomorrow. Make sure to start production promptly."
Finished speaking, Lu Shaojun prepared to turn and leave.
Unexpectedly, he was stopped by one of the bionic robots.
"Boss, have you forgotten something?"