After hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Charles fell into thought. He had originally intended to sell this pig's head, as the twelve zodiac heads would lose their charm if not complete.
Collectors appreciate completeness, and Charles also understood that the prices of cultural relics were soaring. The price of one hundred thousand US dollars for the pig's head was quite fair.
He just hadn't expected Zhang Tianxing to not appear eager to buy. As the top short-seller, shorting the Nasdaq was no small feat.
He hadn't expected such a stingy offer, showing a calculating demeanor.
"Mr. Zhang, you're not short on money, why not offer a bit more? How about this, I won't ask for ten million, but one million US dollars?" Charles, being a businessman, still wanted to get more money.
Zhang Tianxing chuckled, his eyes drifted to "The Last Supper" on the wall, and then his low voice sounded, "Mr. Charles, this isn't just about one pig's head. More bronze heads will appear in succession. We'll have more opportunities to cooperate."
Jane, standing beside him, said softly, "Tianxing, Mr. Charles is a senior executive at Motorola, a veritable authority in the mobile phone industry."
"Right, I heard Mr. Zhang has been recruiting a lot of people lately, claiming to want to enter the mobile phone industry?" Charles asked directly. Zhang Tianxing's name was currently all the rage, and he could give him some face.
But the money shouldn't be too little. One hundred thousand US dollars was a bit small, falling short of Charles's expectations.
Looking at the smiling Charles, whose politeness was impeccable, although he didn't show it overtly, there was an underlying disdain for Chinese people.
"Yes, I want to enter the mobile phone industry. I believe it's a blue ocean. Mobile phones will change our lives."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Charles burst into laughter. The young man had ambition, but perhaps a bit of naïveté.
Was it that easy to succeed in the mobile phone industry?
It wasn't as simple as investing in a factory with a little money.
"Mr. Zhang, mobile phones have already changed our lives. Communication is much more convenient now. How about this, tell me your insights on the mobile phone industry, and I'll consider your price," Charles said, gesturing with his hands.
Seeing Charles's expression, Zhang Tianxing realized he needed to present some advanced insights.
It seemed this old fox wouldn't let go until he saw the results, and wouldn't budge unless he felt Zhang Tianxing's prowess.
Damn it, today he'd show this old man a thing or two and open his eyes.
"Mr. Charles, aren't mobile phones very bulky now, a bit inconvenient to carry? The future direction of mobile phones could lean towards being lighter and more portable."
"Another issue is that current mobile phone screens are black and white. For display screens, color display isn't a technical hurdle. We can consider developing color screen phones next."
Hearing Zhang Tianxing's two points, Charles was stunned, immediately regarding Zhang Tianxing as a prodigy.
"Good heavens, brilliant ideas! Color screens for mobile phones had been brought up by our company, but we hadn't overcome the technical challenges yet. I didn't expect this young man, Zhang Tianxing, to propose it."
It seemed Zhang Tianxing's entry into the mobile phone industry was well-thought-out, not just a whim.
Moreover, the initial suggestion of making phones more portable, if technically mature, would also lead to a corresponding boom.
"Mr. Zhang, I only heard rumors that you had too much money and nowhere to spend it, hence investing in the mobile phone industry. After hearing your two points, I realize those rumors are not to be trusted. Spreading rumors can be deadly! If I had believed them, I would have regretted it immensely. Mr. Zhang's foresight is truly astonishing."
Charles now viewed Zhang Tianxing with newfound respect. He had keen insight, and this young man was destined for great things.
It seemed he would have to sell this pig's head to him as a favor. Regardless of anything else, what Zhang Tianxing had just said would determine Siemens' work focus for the latter half of the year.
A small move could trigger a chain reaction, and the research and development investment in the mobile phone industry was enormous.
"Mr. Charles, I believe your Motorola company has already succeeded in developing these two points. As a leader in the mobile phone industry, you must be far ahead of us." Zhang Tianxing said. By this era, color screen phones should have been successfully prototyped, and their launch shouldn't be too far off.
Charles's surprise deepened. Their company's research and development process was ongoing, reportedly entering the production stage soon, with a high probability of success. Had other major manufacturers also overcome the technical hurdles?
"How about this, young friend Zhang, for the sake of us both being in the mobile phone business, I'll sell you this pig's head for one hundred thousand US dollars. However, the pig zodiac head will need to remain on exhibition at the museum for another two months." Charles extended his hand to Zhang Tianxing.
"Deal. Then let's sign the agreement first." Zhang Tianxing smiled.
Charles held a very high opinion of Zhang Tianxing. However, he was sure that this young man had more up his sleeve and hadn't revealed all his cards. He definitely had his own insights into mobile phones.
But it didn't matter. In this world, no secret could be kept forever.
As long as Zhang Tianxing started production, Charles was confident that the established manufacturers would receive news of it immediately.
He had initially thought Zhang Tianxing was just testing the waters by entering the mobile phone industry, but now, according to Charles, Zhang Tianxing was like a fierce dragon crossing the river.
They had to be wary. Zhang Tianxing was ambitious, and the pace of innovation in the mobile phone industry would only accelerate.
If Motorola couldn't stay ahead in every aspect, it would eventually be replaced by other companies.
Throughout his business career, Charles had learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best approach wasn't a fight to the death with rivals, but rather a win-win collaboration.
Allowing others' efforts to enhance one's own glory. A team that tried to hoard everything wouldn't go far.
This was no longer an era for solitary combat. Zhang Tianxing, this young man, was very interesting, and Charles had high hopes for him.
"Young friend Zhang, I hope we'll have opportunities to cooperate in the future. Motorola welcomes your arrival." Charles extended his hand and shook Zhang Tianxing's firmly.
Jane was completely stunned. She had just contacted her father, who told her that Charles was a formidable and cunning old fox and that she should be careful.
She hadn't expected this old fox to be so enamored with Zhang Tianxing. It seemed Zhang Tianxing indeed possessed capabilities, not just a handsome appearance, but also substance, making him a high-quality asset.