The train driver in the courtyard

"How much special import fee did Xiaomei's family add?"

Li Aiguo handed cigarettes to several leaders, Yang Jizong and Xiao Huo, and lit one for himself. He crossed his left leg over his right leg and sat leisurely.

Xiao Huo looked a little unhappy: "Fifty percent"

"Add!" Li Aiguo took a puff of his cigarette and waved his hand: "Let's increase the price by 60 percent."

"what?!"

Everyone present was stunned.

The clerk who was taking notes at the meeting had a trembling hand, and the tip of his pen poked a small hole in the manuscript paper, making the young man so anxious that he broke out in a sweat.

Fortunately, no one noticed his mistake at this time, and the clerk secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone's attention was focused on Li Aiguo. The leader rubbed his ears, thinking he had heard it wrong.

"Patriotic, if we increase the special fee by 60%, our North American market will be taken over by the International Shangye Machinery Company."

Xiao Huo also nodded: "It is said that the International Shangye Machinery Company is behind this. We just fell into their trap by doing this."

Even Yang Jizong, who has always supported Li Aiguo, felt that this approach was somewhat risky.

"Patriot, I have established connections with several congressional masters. We can talk to them first and try to reduce the 50% special fee to less than 30%."

Currently, Xiao Huo and the Yang family's profit is 30%.

If the cost is lower than this, the two companies can take out their profits to ensure the profits of the Red Star Computing Institute. In this way, export trade can continue.

"I also support Brother Yang's decision." After Xiao Huo understood Yang Jizon's meaning, he immediately nodded in agreement.

The Huo family was indeed eyeing such a huge profit.

However, when it comes to ensuring that domestic goods are exported abroad in exchange for foreign exchange, they will obey the overall situation without hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Li Aiguo couldn't help but look up to the two companies again.

The original choice was indeed the right one.

but
Li Aiguo held a cigarette, shook off the ash, and asked a question: "Does North America have the ability to manufacture the Red Star computer?"

"Not yet. The 7090 of International Business Ye Machinery Company is at least three times slower than ours and does not have office programs installed," Xiao Huo replied.

Li Aiguo laughed: "Since North America has no ability to produce, what right does it have to raise special fees? Is it because it is unreasonable?"

After these words were spoken, the scene fell into silence again.

In their fixed impression, the American family has always had the final say in international trade, and anyone who dares to oppose it will definitely be punished.

Now Li Aiguo's approach is no longer opposition, but rather he is dancing a ballroom dance over Xiaomei's head.

How could Xiaomei not be furious?
Li Aiguo didn't blame them. After all, in that era, the Xiaomei family had become terribly powerful thanks to the benefits they had gained from the two world wars.

However, as a time traveler, Li Aiguo has always agreed with one view: "American imperialism is a paper tiger!"

Yang Jizong was the first to react. He scratched his head and said, "That seems to be the case."

Li Aiguo continued, "Since Xiaomei's family has chosen to save face, then let's make Xiaomei's consumers suffer. Xiao Huo, Yang Jizong, notify North America immediately and increase the price of Red Star computers by 60%."

The leaders of the relevant departments still felt that Li Aiguo's approach was a bit too bold.

But they also knew that Xiaomei's family would continue to push for more, and there was no other good way, so they could only agree.

This is an era of technological explosion.

It only took 50 milliseconds for the DiDiDada encrypted commercial telegram to travel from the capital to Xiaomei's home.

The lights in the president's office of International Shangye Machinery Company have been on day and night these days.

After receiving the telegram from the telegraph office's internal line, the assistant hurriedly pushed open the door of Thomas' office and rushed in.

"President, Red Star Computing Institute has responded."

The atmosphere in the office is very ambiguous.

Little Thomas was sitting next to a beautiful lady on the sofa, playing a relaxing game.

Seeing someone breaking in, Thomas frowned slightly, touched the beautiful woman's hips, straightened his collar, lit a cigar, and asked, "How much have they reduced their prices?"

“It’s increased by 60 percent.”

"Sixty percent! Why are they giving in so quickly? They actually dared to raise the price!" Little Thomas pushed the charming beauty away and stood up suddenly.

"What's going on?" Thomas Jr.'s emotions were instantly under control. He took out a Cuban handmade cigar from the box and put it in his mouth.

"The other party has decided to increase the selling price of Red Star Computer by 60 percent." Seeing that Thomas was smoking a cigarette, the assistant hurriedly took out the lighter from his pocket and came over to help Thomas light the cigarette.

Thomas Jr. waited for the cigar to be lit, took a deep puff, grabbed his assistant's hair with his left hand, and pressed it hard on the table.

"How many times have I told you to knock on the door before entering? You are a top student who graduated from Harvard University, how come you don't even know this little etiquette!"

Thomas held the lit cigar in front of the assistant. The assistant's eyelashes were burned by the cigar, but he didn't dare to move and could only apologize repeatedly:
"Boss, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I know I was wrong, and I will definitely correct it next time."

"There's an old Oriental saying, 'It's a good thing to admit your mistakes. Now get out and report again.'" Thomas blew a puff of smoke into the assistant's face and slowly let go of his hair.

"Thank you, President!" The assistant straightened his collar, rubbed his neck and went out.

After a while, the assistant knocked on the door, and after hearing a response from inside, he pushed the door open and walked in.

"Reporting to the president, the other party has increased the sales price by 60%."

"Hahaha, the Red Star Computing Institute really fell into my trap.

They raised the price, just as I expected.

Sixty percent! They are dead this time!"

Thomas pulled the frightened beauty over to him, put his hand under the hem of her luxurious dress, and rubbed her hard a few times: "Lisa, when I get the Red Star Computer, I will hold a special concert for you on Broadway."

"Really? I'm so happy." The seductive beauty stretched out her fair arms and put them around Thomas' neck. Even though her face was in pain, she let the hand do whatever it wanted, her voice full of teasing: "Honey, why don't we go out and celebrate."

"It's too boring outside. Come, help me cool down."

stab.

There was a sound of cloth being torn.

The two of them seemed to be unaware that there was an outsider in the office.

As Thomas' assistant, he was no longer surprised by what he saw.

When he was studying at Harvard University, the assistant was full of longing for the upper class.

The polite gentlemen, the elegant ladies, the far-sighted plans and the ability to turn things around, all of these are fascinating.

But when he really became Thomas' assistant, he realized how childish he was back then.

There is very little essential difference between the upper class and the gangsters at the bottom.

The only difference is that the former makes money through speculation, while the latter relies on violent robbery. Apart from that, their styles of behavior are exactly the same.

Take this socialite for example, her daily fee is five thousand dollars, which is equivalent to the annual salary of an ordinary worker.

The expense was clearly recorded as company expense.

Thomas' reasons were very sufficient. His physical and mental health was related to the development of the company, and this expense was used to maintain his physical and mental health.

You can also issue invoices to offset personal taxes.

This is what it means to be blatantly shameless.

His eyes swept across the snow-white thighs, and the assistant quickly retracted his gaze, backed out of the office, and closed the door.

Hearing the screams coming from inside the house, he felt that these high-class socialites didn't have a easy life.

The news that the Red Star Computing Institute decided to increase the price by 60% was like a slap in the face of Xiaomei's congressional masters.

Afterwards, Thomas Jr. visited several congressional masters with the charming beauties.

"Gentlemen, the Red Star Computing Institute has thrown a firebomb into our silver tea tray."

"The slap from the Red Star Computing Institute made the marble pillars of the Capitol shake!"

“My constituents prefer ice cubes in their bourbon to sand from Red Star Computing.”

"Let those idiots in the Ministry of Commerce add fuel to the fire!!"

At the same time, the team boycotting Red Star Computer also began to continue to build momentum.

"The Red Star Computing Institute doesn't take us seriously at all."

"Who are we? We are the greatest family."

"We must not let them off easily."

The bunch of rednecks driving the pickup truck burned the cartons again and howled with excitement.

"Resolutely boycott Red Star Computer!"

“Let’s make us great again!”

The rednecks, on a whim, accidentally started a wildfire.

The wildfire spread raged, affecting countless houses.

There was a fire brigade to respond in the luxury villa area, but civilian houses didn't even have running water.

The group of rednecks looked at their burned home without any sadness.

When they thought about Red Star Computer being driven out of the market and International Shangye Machine Company's 7090 being sold well both at home and abroad, they all puffed out their chests.

So proud!
What?
Insurance company refuses to pay?

Mom, where do we sleep at night?

The rednecks lying in the pickup truck looked at the stars in the sky and fell into silence.

The wildfire disrupted Pitt's schedule, and Thomas had to approve additional expenses.

As red envelopes were given out, passionate and generous articles were published in Xiaomei's newspaper.

Computer Warfare: The Second Declaration of Independence

"Continue to increase special fees! Let the Red Star Computing Institute know who is the real boss"

Under such circumstances, the congressional elders held an emergency meeting, severely criticized the arrogance of the Red Star Computing Institute, and finally decided to increase the special expenses to 125%.

The number 125% is equivalent to directly shutting out Red Star Computer.

Everyone was waiting to see the miserable state of the Red Star Computing Institute.

Thomas even said that as long as Li Aiguo was willing to talk, he would give Li Aiguo a favor at any time.

At this much anticipated moment.

The Huo family and Hextech Technology, representing the Red Star Computing Institute, announced in Hong Kong that the price of Red Star computers would be increased by 135%.

boom!
This piece of news instantly set Xiaomei's family on fire.

You should know that the original selling price of the Red Star computer was as high as $200,000, which was equivalent to the salary of Xiaomei's workers for more than ten years.

Now the price has suddenly increased to 470,000 US dollars. Who can afford this thing?

"It is said that Orientals care a lot about their reputation. I didn't believe it at first, but now I believe it a little bit."

After learning the news, Thomas Jr. made a keen judgment.

"It seems they have given up on the market here."

However, the following piece of news left him confused again.

"The second batch of Red Star computers, a total of 500 units, will go on sale at Macy's in three days."

Thomas looked at the assistant who knocked on the door and said, "Are you sure you didn't make a mistake?"

"There will definitely be no mistakes. Each of our US dollars has a corresponding function." The assistant confirmed the news.

Thomas tapped his fingers on the table, thought for a moment, and said, "We have already produced a batch of 7090s, right? You can contact them and they will also sell them at Macy's. Our sales counter should be placed opposite the Red Star Computer."

As he spoke, he emphasized: "This time, International Shangye Machinery Company will completely defeat the Red Star Computing Institute. I will completely trample Li Aiguo under my feet!"

"Yes!" the assistant nodded.

The news that Red Star computers and International Business Machines Corporation's 7090 computers were sold at the same time in Macy's department store spread, causing quite a stir.

The group boycotting Red Star computers issued an initiative in the newspaper, urging customers to buy 7090 computers.

"This is the first step to make us great again!" Peter, transformed into a farmer, shouted a loud slogan on the radio.

Those rednecks who were already homeless heard the slogans and started howling again.

What could make them happier than defeating the Red Star Computing Institute!

The truck started, took the wife and children, and headed all the way to New York.

Three days passed before we knew it.

Little Thomas stood at the window, glanced at the rednecks downstairs who had been enduring the cold wind all night, picked up the phone and told his assistant to prepare the limousine.

"Honey, you have to work again." The charming beauty came over and said in a delicate voice.

"I'll take you with me today."

Little Thomas pinched her mouth and took a bite.

Generally speaking, he would change a high-class socialite like this every three days.

However, this girl is a top student taught at the Wharton School of Business. She has first-rate skills and can be considered as someone who can be brought out, so Thomas decided to keep her for a while.

Hearing this, the voluptuous beauty instantly became excited. She stepped barefoot on the luxurious marble, walked to the closet, took out a high-end fashion item, and gestured: "Honey, is it beautiful?"

A moment later, Thomas Jr.'s luxury stretch limousine drove out of the company.

The rednecks who had been guarding outside all night gathered around.

"Mr. Thomas, you are our honor." They had been freezing all night, and their voices were trembling a little, but they were in good spirits.

Thomas asked the driver to roll down the window, waved at them in the air, and then ordered: "Damn it, close the window quickly, do you want me to breathe the air of those inferior people?"

"Yes"

The windows rolled up and the limousine sped away.

The rednecks watched the car disappear at the end of the road and murmured to themselves: "Mr. Thomas is really generous. He will definitely beat the Red Star Computing Institute!"

New York's Seventh Avenue is a world-famous business center. On this avenue is the world's largest store - Macy's.

This is the busiest place in New York.

Because the issue of the special import fee had caused a lot of controversy, and the Red Star computer and the 7090 computer were released at the same time, people who came to watch the fun surrounded the store entrance so tightly that no one could get in.

Journalists from all over the world also arrived at the store early in the morning.

Seeing a Thomas sedan coming, reporters rushed forward.

"Mr. Thomas, what do you think about the 135% increase in the price of Red Star computers?"

Little Thomas got out of the car with the beautiful woman by his arm, escorted by bodyguards. When he heard the question, he didn't even stop and said disdainfully: "What Red Star Computer? How come I have never heard of it!"

The disdainful tone, coupled with the disdainful expression, was really a great show effect.

Click, click, the camera thought the film was free and pressed the shutter button desperately.

The store opens on time at nine o'clock in the morning.

Perhaps because they thought this was the best publicity for Macy's, or perhaps for safety reasons, the department store deliberately placed Red Star Computer and 7090 in the lobby at the entrance.

Only samples are placed on the counter. Customers need to pay the full amount first and get the receipt before they can go to the warehouse at the back to pick up the goods under the guidance of a special person.

The counter manager of Red Star Computer is Yang Jizong, who is now directing the salesmen to place the relevant information on the counter.

When seeing Yang Jizong, Thomas Jr. thought to himself that this guy was quite cunning.

He walked quickly to his counter, reached out and tore off the counter manager's nameplate, and pinned it on his chest.

"Dear customers, today I will personally provide you with sales services!"

In Thomas Jr.'s view, as the president of International Shangye Machinery Company, customers will definitely be very excited if he can be so "people-friendly".

What they didn't expect was that several customers who were walking towards the counter just glanced at him indifferently, but turned around and walked towards the Red Star Computer counter.

“Can I get the stock today?”

"The current inventory is 500 units. However, sir, I need to remind you that due to some force majeure factors, the current selling price of Red Star Computer is US$470,000." Yang Jizong explained to the customer in fluent English with a hint of apology.

The young man in the high-end Italian handmade suit didn't hesitate at all when he heard the price.

He took out a stack of checks from his purse, quickly wrote a line of numbers, and handed it over.

"Do you accept checks?"

Seeing this scene, Thomas' face suddenly turned dark.

The opening victory was unexpectedly snatched away by Red Star Computer!

But don't worry, the name of the 7090 computer is already well known in Xiaomei's family, and there will be customers soon.

At this time, an old professor with gray hair and a cane walked in.

Thomas recognized the man and quickly walked out of the counter to greet him: "Professor Grant, if you need a computer, just ask your assistant to call us and we at International Shangye Machine Company will personally deliver it to you."

The old professor must be of extraordinary status, as he can make Thomas treat him so seriously.

His name is Adam Grant. He is the most famous financial economist in the United States and the vice dean of the Wharton School of Business.

A single word from Adam Grant can determine whether a stock goes up or down.

Professor Grant glanced at Thomas calmly and said, "You misunderstood. I came here to buy Red Star Computer."

After saying that, he walked up to Yang Jizong with his crutches.

"Hello, I need a Red Star computer, the kind that comes with a market forecasting program."

"The price of the Red Star computer is $470,000, the membership version of the market simulation program is $5,000, the gold membership version is $10,000, and the platinum membership version is $50,000. Which one do you need?" Yang Jizong is quite skilled in his business.

Professor Grant was a little confused: "Is there any difference between the Member Edition and the Platinum Member Edition?"

Yang Jizong took out a document and handed it over: "The member version can only use the deduction program twice a day, the gold member version can use it twenty times, and the platinum member version is unlimited."

As he said these words, Yang Jizong's heart was filled with emotion.

Being so savvy in business, it's a waste of talent for my patriotic brother to be a train driver.

"Your company is very thoughtful. Give me a platinum member version of the program." Professor Grant didn't care about the small amount of money. He took out a check and was about to sign his name on it.

Yang Jizong suddenly asked: "Do you need Chinese training services?"

"Chinese training?" Professor Grant was surprised.

Yang Jizong explained: "At present, our Red Star computer only supports pure Chinese. If you need to use the computer, we recommend that you learn some Chinese. Otherwise, you may not be able to use the program. The program cannot be used due to customer reasons. According to the regulations that the final right of interpretation belongs to Hextech Technology, we cannot process a refund for you."

Professor Grant pondered for a moment and nodded: "So that's how it is. Of course, I have been interested in Chinese for a long time. How do you charge?"

"Come, please sit down and let's talk slowly." Yang Jizong personally poured tea for Grant.

Ten minutes later, Professor Grant ordered five years of software service, one Chinese training course, thirty computer maintenance services and a computer insurance policy, totaling $530,000.

Yang Jizong took the check, his heart was filled with joy, and he said, "Professor, take care."

As expected, just as my patriotic brother said, selling services is more profitable than selling hardware.

Little Thomas was dumbfounded. Two computers were sold in the blink of an eye. What was going on?
Without caring about his appearance, he quickly stepped forward to stop Professor Grant and asked, "Professor, I want to ask, why did you choose Red Star Computer instead of our 7090?"

Professor Grant frowned and asked, "Mr. Thomas, can your computer run the market prediction program?"

"What is the market deduction program?" Thomas looked confused.

"This is an economics program developed by the Red Star Computing Institute. It allows you to freely set various parameters and deduce economic changes by adjusting the parameters. In the past, this kind of deduction could only be done through tedious calculations on paper, but now you can get the results by pressing the input key. Do you think I should choose your 7090?"

After hearing this, Thomas' mind went blank.

He knew that the Red Star computer could run programs when paired with the DOS system, but he never imagined that the other party had also launched professional programs.

"But we are enemies with the Red Star Computing Institute. Their high prices are sucking blood from us. How can you help the enemy?"

Thomas Jr. is not someone who gives up easily. Since he couldn't win the argument with reason, he immediately resorted to moral blackmail.

Professor Grant glanced at Thomas with disdain, paused his cane and said, "Mr. Thomas, we are all civilized people, don't beat around the bush. You shouted those slogans just to sell 7090."

After that, he turned around and left.

This time Professor Grant was really angry.

He was not angry at Thomas for forcing him to buy 7090, but at Thomas for treating him like an ignorant redneck, which was a great humiliation for him.

Little Thomas looked at his back and a thought emerged in his mind for the first time.

"Is it possible that I will lose?"

(End of this chapter)