Zhang Yu looked at the numbers, stunned.
"That's more than our current production lines can handle. We need several thousand people to produce 50,000 to 60,000 units a day. You're saying these new lines can do even more with no staff?"
"Yes," Haifeng replied. "We'll still introduce them."
"But if everything becomes automated… what happens to our workers? We can't just lay them off, can we?"
"We'll make arrangements. We still need people in direct-sale stores, franchise outlets, warehouses, and logistics. No one will be left behind."
That calmed some nerves.
Zhang followed up. "Where will the new factory be built?"
"Are there any vacant industrial buildings nearby?"
"There are," replied Luo Juan from the sales department. "Big ones."
"Where?"
"That huge lot right next to us," she said. "You forgot?"
Haifeng blinked. "Oh, right. That whole area near the entrance..."
"And, Boss, are we renting or buying it?"
"Start by negotiating with Piaocheng," Haifeng said. "If we can pay in installments, we'll buy it. If not, rent it for two years. By then, we'll build our industrial park."
Qin Jing, the finance manager, raised a hand. "President Lu, our cash reserves are tight. We may only be able to rent. We've already taken on 3 billion yuan in loans."
"How much more can we borrow?"
"At most? Another 1.5 billion yuan."
"Then apply for the loan," Haifeng said without hesitation. "Let's watch how things develop before finalizing the factory deal. Meeting adjourned."
As the meeting ended, Haifeng was already thinking ahead.
Where can I get fast capital?
His mind jumped to Bitcoin. He remembered it would spike more than tenfold in 2013. A silent investment could bring huge gains—if timed right.
But those thoughts were interrupted.
Xiao Ai walked in.
"President Lu, someone from Samsung is here to see you."
Haifeng narrowed his eyes.
Samsung? It must be about the system accelerator.
Back in 2012, Samsung had the highest smartphone shipments in the world—63 million units, making up 30.4% of the global market. Apple and Nokia were second and third.
Recently, the system accelerator boosted performance across Android phones. It's no surprise that Samsung wanted it embedded in their devices.
But Haifeng… despised Samsung.
He remembered how, in his previous life, Samsung phones had exploded in every country, but only China didn't get a recall. They claimed Chinese units weren't affected. They lied—and let their batteries keep exploding.
Do you want to work with me now? Fine. But I'm taking you for every cent.
In the conference room.
The man who arrived wasn't just any executive—it was Pu Xingcai, president of Samsung's China region. That alone showed how serious they were.
"President Lu is young and promising," Pu said in fluent Chinese. He'd studied China's business culture well—it was essential to make money here.
Haifeng nodded, smiling politely. But inside, he was seething.
This guy's the one who pushed Samsung's no-recall policy. I should throw him out.
Instead, he played along.
"I wonder what brings Mr. Pu here today?"
"To discuss cooperation," Pu said. "Your company is now famous in the mobile phone industry."
"How would you like to cooperate?" Haifeng asked.
"We're open to either investment or acquisition to help you scale production."
"Let's hear both offers," Haifeng said faintly.
Pu laid them out:
Investment: Samsung would pay $550 million to acquire 51% of the company.
Complete Acquisition: Samsung would pay $1 billion to acquire 100%—and offer Haifeng the position of Vice President of Samsung China.
Haifeng raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Pu leaned in. "If you choose full acquisition, you'll be the youngest billionaire I've ever met."
Haifeng stayed calm.
Something's off. Why would they offer this much, this fast? There's more to this...
"I appreciate the offer," he said. "But let's have lunch first. Xiao Ai, please take Mr. Pu to the cafeteria."
"I'm not picky," Pu smiled. "Happy to eat whatever you serve."
As they left, Haifeng headed straight to the lab.
"Old Liang," he said, finding Liang Cong, the system expert behind the accelerator. "Help me figure out why Samsung is throwing money at us. They don't even make operating systems."
"Who told you that?" Liang replied. "Every major phone brand develops their OS—they just don't always release it."
Haifeng's expression darkened. "So they're not here for the system accelerator. They're here for what comes after."
He remembered Liang had encrypted the accelerator app when it was released, hiring a network security expert from the system store to prevent reverse engineering.
Haifeng nodded. "Tell Google—Samsung is trying to buy the accelerator from us."
Liang smirked. "Easy. I'll let them know."
There wasn't a network on Earth Liang couldn't access.
That afternoon, Haifeng told Xiao Ai he had a meeting and wouldn't see Pu again until the next day.
He needed time to prepare—
Because the tech war had officially begun.