Siheyuan: Returning to 61 to collect waste

"Ladies and gentlemen, if the two electronic watches mentioned above were just small roads, then the camera in my hand is the big road!" When this voice came from the loudspeaker in the yard, the noise in the crowd stopped immediately, and everyone's eyes turned to Ye Chuan on the stage.

"The camera I hold in my hand is an industry-changing invention. It is the world's first truly fully automatic camera!"

The whole audience was shocked when he said this. Not only the audience, but also Chen Xiangdong, Wei Dong, Chen Feiming and the reporters who came showed surprised expressions. In this high-tech field, China has always been lagging behind. Before this, cameras were a luxury for ordinary people, and going to a photo studio to take pictures was even more rare. Ye Chuan always emphasized that he had developed the world's leading fully automatic camera, and many people were skeptical about this.

Then, Ye Chuan said, "Everyone should know that the process of using a camera is quite complicated. Before shooting, you need to adjust various parameters such as exposure, focus, lens, shutter, etc. But with this camera produced by our Huade Electronics Factory, even a three-year-old child can take satisfactory photos."

"You may remember that three years ago, the Japanese company Nishiroku launched a Konica C35 autofocus camera, which was considered a milestone in automation. But that camera was not truly fully automatic and still required manual intervention before shooting. The camera in my hand is completely intelligent and will automatically set all parameters according to the shooting environment. You just need to press the shutter button."

"What is a fully automatic camera? In my opinion, it is a camera that even a fool can use. Even if you tie it to a dog, you can still take good photos! This camera has accurate exposure, clear images, and is small and light. The most noteworthy thing is that it is very affordable!"

"You may be thinking, what if you have a camera but no film? This is also a problem! But Huade Electronics Factory has already considered this. As you know, our factory has capital from the island country. One of the shareholders is Ms. Li Hui Kuizi from Tino Cosmetics Company. She promised to introduce black and white and color film to the island country. Customers who buy our cameras can buy film at the original price with the invoice, which completely solves your worries!"

The audience was stunned. Could it be that what Ye Chuan said was true? Did he really invent the world's first truly automatic camera?

In a corner of the merchant compound, a blond and blue-eyed man in a suit and tie stared at the camera in Ye Chuan's hand with disbelief in his eyes. He knew in his heart what it would mean if Ye Chuan was true and he could get the agency rights of Huade Electronics Factory.

Ye Chuan continued, "The price of this camera will be far beyond your expectations. In the Chinese market, our recommended retail price is 699 yuan! Although this price is still expensive, it is already quite cheap compared to those imported cameras that cost thousands of yuan."

Everyone was amused by this remark, knowing that the price of 699 yuan was quite affordable.

Ye Chuan stood in front of the stage and clearly saw the scene in the commercial compound. Many foreigners mingled among the ordinary people and staff.

After listening to Ye Chuan's introduction, these experts obviously understood the market value of the Huade camera.

"Please remember what I said. 699 yuan is the price we set for the domestic market. What is the price for the overseas market? Welcome to Huade Electronics Factory for detailed consultation on cooperation."

The foreigners present looked surprised. They understood what Ye Chuan meant: relying on his unique technological advantages, he intended to make them pay more money.

But they have no other options. Monopolizing technology means they have the power to set prices. In the past, they sold inferior production lines to China at high prices, but now it seems that they have found themselves in the same situation.

However, they never dreamed that in the following decades, Huade Electronics Factory would continue to launch a series of advanced technologies, which gave them headaches. It was not just a matter of pricing, but even whether the products could be sold was controlled by others.

Ye Chuan said into the microphone: "Today we are not only recommending new products, but also the day when Huade Electronics products officially enter the market. At 12 noon today, W01 and W02 electronic watches and fully automatic cameras will be sold simultaneously in Shangmao ** and the First Department Store. We look forward to your active purchase!"

“Whether it’s an electronic watch or a camera, we don’t need any credentials to queue up. The quantity is limited, so hurry up if you want to buy it!”

After the promotion meeting ended, the crowd dispersed instantly.

The heads of material supply cooperatives from all over the country still stayed in the courtyard of the business point to register the quantity of goods needed in their respective cities; while the citizens who came to watch the fun lined up outside.

Some smart people hurried to the First Department Store to line up and wait. "Brother Ye, what do you think of this?" Wei Dong came over and showed off to Ye Chuan with a smile.

"Thank you for your hard work, Brother Wei. You should show off in front of them again. These are high-quality goods that I provide. They should be grateful to you."

"Huh, you little lad, you're really taking advantage of me?" Wei Dong scolded with a smile.

Chen Feiming also stepped forward and said with a sigh: "Brother Ye, I never thought you would make such a big fuss. I am even thinking of quitting my job and following you into business!"

"Brother Chen, you must not resign! You are in charge of the economic work here now, and there will be countless opportunities waiting for you to help in the future. If you go into business, it will be difficult to find helpers when the time comes."

Chen Feiming pointed at Ye Chuan and smiled. The two of them had a close relationship, and this lighthearted little joke actually deepened their friendship.

"Xiao Ye, are the goods you prepared enough this time?" Chen Xiangdong asked worriedly as he watched everyone rushing to place orders.

Although Ye Chuan was originally full of confidence, he couldn't help feeling a little uncertain at this moment, and replied: "It should be enough."

He prepared about 200,000 electronic watches, but after seeing the lively atmosphere at the scene, he thought to himself that this number might not be enough. The staff of Huade Electronics Factory were divided into two groups, each with dozens of people queuing up.

"Comrade, I am the deputy director of the Magic City Supply and Marketing Cooperative. I would like to order 01 W02 electronic watches, 200 W electronic watches, and fully automatic cameras. Is that ok?"

The person in charge of the reception was Yang Wei, deputy director of the office. He came to the factory as a worker a few months ago. Because of his flexible thinking, smiling face and rigorous work, he was promoted to deputy director of the office by Ye Chuan.

Hearing the other party's request, Yang Wei was stunned for a moment, thinking that the first customer wanted such a large order. If everyone did the same, the factory's inventory would definitely be stretched. But when he learned that the other party was from the Shanghai Supply and Marketing Cooperative, he immediately understood that Shanghai was one of the two most economically developed cities in China, so it naturally had the financial resources.

"No problem, as long as you pay the full amount before 5pm tomorrow, we will arrange shipment in the order of payment."

"Okay, I'll pay you as soon as it's in my account. Comrade, please remember my amount and don't leave less."

"Don't worry, everything is clearly written in the contract, there will be no mistakes."

After hearing Yang Wei's assurance, the deputy director of the Modu Supply and Marketing Cooperative left happily.

Next came a section chief from a supply and marketing cooperative in a fourth-tier city. Their director did not take the matter seriously and did not even send a deputy director, only a section chief to Beijing to attend the promotion meeting.

"Comrade, how much do you want?" Yang Wei leaned over and asked.

The man hesitated for a moment, finally made up his mind and said, "I want 500 W01 and 200 W02 electronic watches." At the same time, he gave the name of the city where he was.

"No problem, same rules. You must pay before 5pm tomorrow. Otherwise, it will be considered a breach of contract and the order will be cancelled."

The section chief nodded in agreement, then quickly left the meeting and hurriedly looked for a public telephone booth to raise money. He had already planned that of the 700 electronic watches, 200 would be handed over to the supply and marketing cooperative, and the remaining 500 would be kept for himself to make the money.

The waiting crowd became more and more anxious, fearing that they would not be able to order enough goods when it was their turn.

"Hey, comrade in front, leave some more for us."

"Yeah, don't ask for so much!"

"You're in a third-tier city. Can you sell all that?"

"What's it to you? I like to be piled up in the warehouse and collect dust!"

Ye Chuan almost laughed out loud when he heard the voices from the crowd. However, according to his estimation, nearly 200,000 electronic watches would barely be enough.

As for the fully automatic cameras, sales are average, with only 500 units ordered so far, of which 200 are one-off orders from Shanghai.

This is not surprising. A radio costs dozens of yuan, which is not affordable for every household, not to mention a camera that costs 699 yuan. In addition, when buying a camera, you have to consider the cost of film and processing. After all, only a few families can afford such a high-end product.

In the early 80s, when housing prices were as cheap as 0.8, you could buy a small house for 699, but the golden age of automatic cameras would not come for a few more years.

"Excuse me, is this Mr. Ye Chuan?" A young man with blue eyes and yellow hair asked Ye Chuan in unfamiliar Chinese. "It's me. What can I do for you?"

"Let me introduce myself. I am Louis, the vice president of Womar Group from **." Louis stretched out his right hand and said. "Hello, Mr. Louis." Ye Chuan shook the other person's hand.

"Mr. Ye, I am very interested in the automatic cameras in your factory. I wonder if we can consider establishing a business cooperation?"

Seeing someone coming to consult, Ye Chuan seemed a little proud.

The two electronic watches are aimed at the domestic market, while the automatic camera is mainly aimed at overseas markets. He hopes to earn foreign exchange from this.

"Mr. Louis, would you like to purchase the automatic cameras from our factory?" Ye Chuan asked.

Louis nodded without hesitation, "Yes, I think your automatic cameras will be popular in the entire Western market."

Ye Chuan nodded slightly, "I think so too!"

Louis was stunned. Aren't Orientals more modest? Why is this person different?

He has been in China for many years and is quite familiar with the place. He has dealt with many Chinese people, but this is the first time he has met someone like Ye Chuan.