fictionpage Chapter 87 Return to Shenzhen
Chapter 87 Return to Shenzhen
Following the salon discussions, newspaper and radio broadcasts added a more rational and analytical dimension to the "Mice Love Rice" phenomenon, rather than simply praising or criticizing it.
The controversy persists, but it has shifted from criticism of the song itself to a broader discussion of the digital music era.
In this minor incident, Fengchi Digital Studio not only stabilized its position but also unexpectedly enhanced its status and influence in the industry.
Lin Feng did not bask in the satisfaction of his successful public opinion guidance; his sights were already set on more practical business expansion.
The huge success of the cover song contest proves that "Mice Love Rice" has a large and enthusiastic audience base, and this popularity must be transformed into more lasting benefits.
He plans to capitalize on this popularity by launching a "Mice Love Rice Commemorative Edition MP3 Player".
"A commemorative edition MP3?" Yang Chengang was somewhat surprised when he received Lin Feng's call. "Like the 'Lilac Commemorative Edition MP3' you and Tang Lei released before?"
"Yes." Lin Feng's tone was firm on the other end of the phone. "Ordinary MP3 players with song titles printed on them aren't attractive enough. I'm planning to find a manufacturer to design an MP3 player in the shape of a cute mouse, somewhat similar to Jerry's adorable image from 'Tom and Jerry'."
In addition, the MP3 player comes pre-installed with a high-quality, original copy of "Mice Love Rice," and includes a digitally signed photo. This is more than just a music player; it's a collectible fan memento.
Yang Chengang could almost picture the scene, his heart pounding: "Will this work? Will the fans be interested?"
"Don't worry." Lin Feng was absolutely certain. "The people who like this song now, besides finding it catchy, also appreciate the simple and direct joy it brings. A cute mouse-shaped MP3 player perfectly captures that feeling."
We're not just selling a music player; we're selling an emotional connection and a topic of conversation. The success of the "Lilac Commemorative Edition MP3" has proven the viability of this model, and now "Mice Love Rice" has even wider popularity and a broader fan base, making it worthwhile to invest in.
"Alright! I'll listen to you, Brother Lin!" Yang Chengang no longer hesitated. "Just tell me what you need me to do!"
"I need your authorization and endorsement for this MP3 player. I'll handle the rest: design, production, distribution, and sales. The profit-sharing model will be the same as the 'Lilac' model, with you taking 20% of the net profit. I expect this sales volume to surpass the Lilac Commemorative Edition MP3 player."
"No problem, I'll fully cooperate with you," Yang Chengang readily agreed.
Once the cooperation was finalized, Lin Feng immediately began preparations. Lin Feng dialed Wu Wenjie's number in Shenzhen.
"Brother Jie, another customer has come in. This time the order is even bigger than the last one, and they want a custom-made special appearance."
Wu Wenjie's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone: "Brother Lin! I knew you were up to something again! Don't worry, whatever your requirements, we'll make sure you're satisfied. Custom-made casings are no problem either; as long as you have the design drawings, Xinfeng Electronics Factory can make the mold. However, there's a minimum order quantity for customization, so the cost will be higher. You should be aware of that."
"I understand. I'll fly over soon to discuss the details in person. I'll figure out how to get the design drawings, and I might need you to recommend some design resources to make communication easier."
"Okay! I'll be waiting for you!"
After hanging up Wu Wenjie's call, Lin Feng contacted Lin Xiaoqiang again, telling him that he was coming to Shenzhen to visit everyone and also to thank Lin Xiaoqiang's sister, Lin Xiaowen, for doing quality inspection for his business.
Lin Xiaoqiang was overjoyed to learn that Lin Feng was coming. He immediately told his younger sister, Lin Xiaowen.
When Lin Xiaowen learned that Lin Feng was coming to Shenzhen, she was so excited that she couldn't sleep for several days.
A few days later, Lin Feng boarded a flight to Shenzhen. Looking out the window at the city's increasingly smaller silhouette below, his thoughts were in turmoil.
This trip south is not only to implement the design and production of the "Mice Love Rice Commemorative Edition MP3", but also to personally experience the pulse of this forefront of China's electronic products industry, and to find new inspiration and opportunities for Fengchi Digital's next step.
Upon arriving in Shenzhen, the familiar humid and hot air hit me.
Lin Xiaoqiang drove his Chang'an van, and he and his sister went to the airport to pick him up.
"Brother Feng! Over here!" Lin Xiaowen saw Lin Feng from afar at the arrival gate and immediately waved and called out.
Lin Feng pulled his suitcase and walked over with a smile.
After a few months apart, Lin Xiaowen has transformed from a shy, reserved, and unfashionable rural girl into a stylish young woman.
She was already tall and slender. Dressing in mature clothes accentuated her figure even more, especially her long, slender legs, which were particularly eye-catching.
Lin Feng almost didn't recognize her when he saw her.
Lin Xiaowen's gaze immediately fell on Lin Feng's left wrist. The red string bracelet that Lin Xiaowen had given to Lin Feng a few months ago was still on his left wrist.
Lin Xiaowen felt a sweet warmth in her heart, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.
Lin Xiaoqiang was exceptionally warm to see Lin Feng; all three of them were from Xichuan. The reunion of old friends was incredibly heartwarming.
Once in the car, Lin Feng took out two bags of Zhang Fei beef jerky and a pack of Jiaozi cigarettes from his suitcase and handed them to Lin Xiaoqiang. Lin Xiaoqiang didn't stand on ceremony and happily accepted them.
Then Lin Feng took out an envelope and handed it to Lin Xiaowen. Inside was 5000 yuan.
"Xiaowen, this is your payment. I heard from Wu Wenjie that you went to the factory to check the quality of each batch of MP3s I ordered, and the customer return rate was very low. This is what you deserve."
Lin Xiaowen waved her hand: "Brother Feng, I don't want it! I helped you voluntarily and didn't expect any money." The girl spoke very sincerely.
Lin Feng replied, "I know you mean well! You wanted to help me without expecting anything in return. But this is my heartfelt gesture, and I can't let you help me for nothing. Take it!"
"I don't want to!"
One insisted on giving, the other insisted on not giving.
Finally, Lin Xiaoqiang, the older brother, stepped in to smooth things over: "Take it, Xiaowen. Brother Feng is a very honest man; he remembers your help. This is also a form of recognition for you."
Lin Xiaowen blushed and accepted the gift, thanking him softly, "Thank you, Brother Feng."
The van drove directly to a Chaozhou restaurant near Huaqiangbei in Futian District.
Wu Wenjie and Chen Weiguo were already waiting there.
"Lin Feng!" Chen Weiguo, still looking sharp and capable, stood up and shook hands firmly with Lin Feng, beaming with smiles.
"It's great to see you again! I heard you're doing very well in Chengdu!"
"Not at all, not at all," Lin Feng replied modestly.
Wu Wenjie warmly embraced Lin Feng and politely addressed him as "Boss Lin".
Lin Feng greeted everyone with a smile and took out two bags of Zhang Fei beef from his luggage, one for each person.
"Here's some beef jerky I brought from Chengdu, everyone have a taste."
The atmosphere at the dinner table was lively. Lin Feng recounted the grand occasion of attending several music festivals in Chengdu with Tang Lei, and also talked about the immense popularity of the song "Lilac Flower."
The group marveled at what they heard. Lin Xiaoqiang and Chen Weiguo found it unbelievable; a few months ago, they had all rescued Tang Lei from a bar. At the time, Tang Lei was a down-on-his-luck bar singer.
Unexpectedly, within a few months, his song "Lilac Flower" became a hit across the country. Tang Lei also became a famous online pop singer.
Everyone realized that Tang Lei's sudden rise to fame was inseparable from Lin Feng's efforts, and they admired him immensely.
Wu Wenjie, however, was more interested in the business aspects, particularly the rapid development of the "Lilac Commemorative Edition MP3" and the ringback tone business. He listened with great interest.
Lin Feng then mentioned one of the purposes of his trip to Shenzhen: to design and produce a "Mice Love Rice Commemorative Edition MP3".
"How much of this new MP3 player are you planning to produce?" Wu Wenjie asked the crucial question.
"The initial plan is 10,000 units, and the subsequent scale will depend on the market response. The design must be unique, and the workmanship cannot be poor. This is a product aimed at fans, and word-of-mouth is very important," Lin Feng said, stating his prediction.
"Ten thousand units..." Wu Wenjie calculated for a moment, "Custom-made casings and mold-making fees are quite expensive, which increases the cost per unit. Add to that the use of brand-name chips and flash memory... If we make a 512MB version, the factory price will be at least 10% to 20% higher than the original Lilac Commemorative Edition. Can you accept that?"
"That's acceptable. This product is positioned at a higher level than the lilac version. I'd like to design it as a cute mouse, and I need to find a designer to create the artwork as soon as possible. I'd appreciate it if you could help me find some resources."
"No problem, I'll arrange it." Wu Wenjie had already surveyed the design resources in advance.