Actor: Thank you.

Chinese people believe in having a legitimate reason for doing things.

Zhang Yuan is now in a position where his success is attributed to Zhang Yimou and his new work.

The two spent a long time touring DJI's office, and then watched drone demonstrations and tried them out in the parking lot outside the office building.

Zhang Yuan could clearly feel that the DJI drones at this time were still a bit rough. Both the drone itself and the remote control equipment had a rough, handmade feel, like something from a small workshop.

Its level of industrialization has not reached world-class standards.

However, the advantage is that there are a lot of accessories, a whole bunch of things that can be installed on the machine.

Zhang Yimou is someone who likes to experiment. Although he is not young and has limitations in his thinking, he is not averse to mechanical and electronic gadgets, and is even quite interested in them.

Fortunately, he is not the kind of "fundamentalist" filmmaker who insists on using film cameras and handheld shooting when it comes to making movies, and dislikes special effects.

There are quite a lot of these kinds of goods.

Zhang Yimou is quite fond of tinkering, so he was very interested in this trip.

After finishing all that work and returning to the office, he meticulously inquired about a whole host of matters concerning the use of drones in filming.

This is exactly what Zhang Yuan wanted.

Let Zhang Yimou make his demands, and let the other party fulfill them.

Many Hollywood directors do this: they make requests to equipment companies before filming.

Even when the other person can't satisfy him, he starts to rub it by hand.

Where there is demand, there will be progress, which aligns with the scientific outlook on development.

"If you want to use it for filming, you need at least 10 kilograms of weight."

"It also needs to maintain a high degree of stability in the air."

"Also, how's the battery life of your machine?"

"How long will the battery last?"

“When we shoot on location, sometimes we shoot for most of the day.”

Zhang Yimou made his demands one by one, and Wang Tao frowned repeatedly.

These are all challenging aspects.

Stability depends on both the airframe's physical characteristics and the flight control system.

Load can affect stability.

However, increasing the battery life will affect the load capacity.

This is a bit like adding water when there's too much flour, or adding flour when there's too much water; if you don't do it right, you'll end up with a huge pile of garbage.

Finding a balance in this is a difficult thing.

And sometimes, there are illogical processing methods.

For example, the Dongfeng-2 test launch back then had unsatisfactory range and accuracy.

When all the experts were at a loss, Wang Yongzhi, who was later called a "stupid student" by Qian Xuesen, suggested that, based on his calculations, to increase the range, 600 kilograms of liquid alcohol fuel would need to be reduced.

Everyone was thinking about increasing the size of the cabin and adding more fuel.

But this person said they wanted to reduce fuel consumption.

It's not just about reducing fuel, but also about changing the alcohol content in the fuel.

When he said that, the others naturally didn't take it seriously, because it was illogical.

But according to Qian's own recollection, after returning to his office, he probably thought about it and felt it was feasible.

The decision was approved, and it was a great success.

Therefore, "stupid student" was not Qian Lao mocking Wang Yongzhi; it was a rare and affectionate nickname.

Many people would love to be called that by Qian Xuesen, but they don't even have the right to.

At this time, Wang Yongzhi was just a lieutenant. He was not exactly a marginal figure in the research team, but he was certainly not one of the most capable members.

Therefore, we need to think in reverse about many things in this world. When we encounter problems that we cannot solve, we should change our approach and solicit opinions from all sides.

Maybe a single sentence from that "little guy" will solve a big problem for you.

Secondly, Wang Yongzhi is a genius; he spent a long time figuring out this plan.

Qian Lao only went back to his office and did some mental calculations before he felt it was reliable, which shows how terrifying a genius above geniuses can be.

"How about this?" Zhang Yuan looked at Wang Tao very seriously: "A thousand words are not as good as one action."

"We still have a few months before filming begins."

"I'll send you the same camera model that you'll be using for filming."

"You design a set of equipment based on the actual machine."

"What I want to ask you now is, do you have the confidence to do this well?"

"If not, then don't waste time, let's go directly to foreign companies."

Zhang Yuan's words were quite harsh.

It wasn't to pretend, but to provoke the other party.

It's a kind of reverse psychology tactic.

"No, please!" Wang Tao quickly stopped him.

“It’s possible. Even if we have to grind it by hand or gnaw on it with our teeth, we’ll make sure we can create a usable piece of equipment.”

Zhang Yuan glanced at him.

Not only do they have the spirit of craftsmanship, but they also have a stubborn streak.

"This is no joke."

"You'll have to do this from now on. If it affects the filming, we won't be happy about it. Let me make this clear from the start," Zhang Yuan said, adopting a very serious posture.

Wang Tao gritted his teeth: "Don't worry, you two."

"Over the next period of time, I will set up a separate team to do this."

Even if it delays business a bit, we still have to do it well.

The other party's idea was exactly what Zhang Yuan was doing.

Why bring in Zhang Yimou?

He is Zhan Daqi!
The fact that your equipment can be used in Zhang Yimou's films—that's an incredible level of advertising!

So after Zhang Yuan contacted DJI, their management team became very aggressive.

If there are difficulties, we must overcome them; if there are no difficulties, we must create difficulties and overcome them!

This matter must be accomplished.

The company was undergoing a transformation and needed to combine drones with camera functions, so we decided to start a project to conduct professional experiments.

Not only does it offer practical applications, but it also has the endorsement of a renowned director—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Once it's finished, our product will be "Zhang Yimou's style," so how could we possibly worry about selling it?

It's just like how Pang Hong agreed to any conditions as soon as he heard that Zhang Yimou was the producer.

Great directors are so useful!
"Alright then." Seeing the other party's firm attitude, Zhang Yuan turned to making empty promises.

"If we are satisfied."

"The use of this product has indeed helped the film, and we will acknowledge your company in the end credits."

"If the film is successful, we will hold a technical seminar and invite you to participate."

Zhang Yuan watched as the other person's lips twitched uncontrollably after he finished speaking, almost bursting into laughter.

That's exactly what they want.

"We will deliver the machine as soon as possible. After that, Director Zhang's team will raise more requirements, and we will communicate with each other at any time."

"We'll be going now, keep in touch."

"Hey, don't rush, let us be good hosts and have a meal together," the other person said, stopping them.

"No thanks, we're quite busy, we'll be going now." Zhang Yuan glanced at his watch.

Zhang Yimou looked puzzled.

Do we have something else to do?
Zhang Yuan turned to leave, but the other person stopped him again.

"I'm not eating, you guys go ahead with your work."

"It's not about the meal." The other person smiled somewhat awkwardly, "I wanted to ask something."

"What was the budget allocated for equipment for our production team?"

Throughout the entire process, Zhang Yuan never mentioned money; he only arranged for people to do things.

DJI certainly didn't want to work for nothing.

This is such a troublesome job; it would take at least dozens of people several months to do it, and the cost would be considerable.

At least give us some compensation for our hard work and costs, so we can carry out our work.

But Zhang Yuan blinked.

"You want more money?" Wang Tao: ...

Our drones all seem to grow out of the forest.

"Didn't I say I'd like to thank you?"

"It's already pretty good."

“Others want this opportunity but don’t even have it, you should cherish it.” Zhang Yuan adopted a “shrewd businessman” attitude.

Zhang Yimou, who was standing to the side, noticed it.

So you were just here to freeload.

“But such a set of equipment is very expensive. If we don’t have the funds, I’m afraid…” The other party looked troubled.

"I see." Zhang Yuan stroked his chin while scanning the office.

How many people are there in your company now?

"About 150 people."

What was the turnover that year?

"This one……"

"Just say it directly. We're not in your industry, so what are you afraid of?"

"About 1000 million."

"More than 1000 million..." Zhang Yuan calculated, this is still the cash flow, not the profit.

"I don't see you have 150 people here?"

"It also includes sales agents in New Zealand, Australia, and North America."

Zhang Yuan pursed his lips. "Why don't you include the cleaning lady in the office building too?"

It's normal to want to appear more robust.

"In other words, you are now a new company with a scale of 100 people and an annual turnover of over 10 million."

Zhang Yuan roughly knew that by 15, DJI had become famous and the leader in the drone industry, accounting for more than 70% of the market share.

At that time, the annual turnover was about 60 billion, the profit was about 15 billion, and the net profit margin was 1:4, which was very healthy.

Later, as the drone market expanded, performance continued to rise, and profit margins remained very good.

We're still a long way off.

"According to the simple valuation method for unlisted companies."

"A price-to-earnings ratio of 10, or net assets and annual sales of two to three times."

"This is assuming your company has good performance and excellent future potential and returns."

“Your company’s current valuation should be around 3000,” Zhang Yuan roughly estimated.

As he spoke, he put his arm around the other person's shoulder and gave him an incredibly friendly smile.

It was as warm and gentle as the spring sunshine.

"You said this project needs funding."

“I can understand, but when it comes to Zhang Yimou’s films, there are dozens, if not hundreds, of companies that want to participate.”

"Many companies ask for millions or tens of millions just to run an advertisement."

You shouldn't doubt this, right?

Wang Tao nodded helplessly. The other party had laid everything out on the table; what could he do if he didn't admit it?

"I'm not really willing to give you money."

"Although I am an investor in this film, the money didn't come from thin air."

"I think it would be better to do it this way."

"I've come all over the place today, and I think your company is pretty good. I also have some ideas."

"So don't give the project any more funding."

"How about I treat the project funds as an investment and add them to your company?"

The boss stared wide-eyed and thought for a moment.

In that case... we are short of money.

The company is indeed seeking investment in order to develop the DJI Phantom.

DJI invested tens of millions of dollars in this product that later made it a legend.

It turns out they were raising money from Vision Capital and Sequoia Capital.

Those two made a fortune afterward!

This includes Xiaomi, which was later ridiculed for its unsuccessful attempt to imitate DJI in making drones.

What most people don't know is that Jun'er's own investment company had already invested in DJI.

This is a future top 100 global unicorn company, with a market value of nearly 100 billion even before it went public.

The reason for not going public, besides the fact that the products sold well and there was no shortage of money, was that the boss, Wang Tao, did not want to lose control of the company.

Zhang Yuan's idea was simple.

If you can eat it, why can't I?
The best time to get involved is before others discover it, when the market is still a blue ocean.

Now there's only one question: what will be the cost?
“I think our company is worth more than 3000 million.” After a long pause, the other party finally uttered this sentence.

Zhang Yuan knew immediately that it was a sure thing.

The fact that they've already started bargaining means they're interested.

"How about we have a meal together and chat while we eat?" Zhang Yuan suggested.

You just said you were busy... How could the other person's science-oriented mind keep up with his ever-changing ideas?

Saying you won't eat is the same as saying you won't pay; it's just forcing the other person to make a choice.

Finally, presenting a seemingly good solution will greatly increase the likelihood of the other party accepting it.

When you're out in the world, everything is a game of strategy.

They ended up having a big meal, and the next day they went to the office to discuss it in detail.

The other party is willing to give up a maximum of 25% of the shares, asking for 1500 million.

These were all things they gritted their teeth and desperately wanted.

He felt he was extremely vicious and wanted to bite off a big piece of meat.

Zhang Yuan tried his best to hold back his laughter.

Small companies are often quite "cheap" before they become successful.

Because out of 1000 startups on the market, fewer than 10 are profitable, and perhaps only one will go public.

Even most successful companies were very confused in their early stages.

In its early days, Penguin was confused and couldn't find a way to make a profit.

Until they started issuing QQ coins...

JD.com also raised funds by selling shares at low prices before 08.

Tudou.com sold 33% of its shares to raise $50 in its first round of financing.

Therefore, in the minds of Wang Tao and Zhang Yuan, this matter was not only misplaced, but also resulted in a huge sense of disappointment.

Zhang Yuan felt he had made a killing and agreed.

The other party breathed a sigh of relief when he agreed, fearing that he might not be happy.

Zhang Yimou was watching from the side.

Look!
Young people are different; they respect technology.

In the past, Zhang Weiping only knew how to take bribes and demand favors when filming.

In order to make filming easier for me, Zhang Yuan not only personally visited companies and worked on technology, but also invested in companies.

I showed it to him and he was moved.

Both parties agreed to sign the contract at a later date to begin cooperation.

Zhang Yuan has a lot of money left over from the money he recently got from Alibaba, so he doesn't need to raise any more funds.

In this way, all parties got the results they wanted.

"Director Zhang, everything is done."

"Let's part ways here, and see each other again if needed."

At the airport, Zhang Yuan said goodbye to Zhang Yimou.

The other party needs to go home to meet with his wife, and then has a meeting with the film crew.

He was going to Hengdian.

The highly anticipated drama "Empresses in the Palace" is nearing completion. (End of Chapter)