Return to Hong Kong Island for a Century

Chapter 330 Panda Orders Exceed 20,000 (5000+)

The two seemed like a couple deeply in love, or a newlywed couple.

That evening, while Li Song was cuddling with the beauty, Amei's crowdfunding club announced a 15-day countdown for the Panda Airplane, meaning that after 15 days, they would no longer accept new orders.

The crowdfunding club, based on the order statistics, signed a commission agreement with Parkson Company, which then commissioned BMW to manufacture the cars.

For after-sales service and maintenance, you can do it yourself or find a crowdfunding club.

In addition, the crowdfunding club mailed a survey to its members, the content of which interested many members: Do you want to crowdfund a yacht?

It turns out that after Nick returned to Amer International, he relayed some of the content discussed in Hong Kong Island, and the other management of the crowdfunding club also agreed to a deadline.

As for yachts, all the management of the crowdfunding club agreed that it would attract more members and increase the club's influence.

Nick and the club's management are meeting with representatives of the Benjamin Butler at the club.

The Japanese are quite united outside. This time, the club contacted the Japanese Yacht Association. The main yacht manufacturers in Japan are Yamaha, Honda, and Shin-Honji Yacht Co., Ltd.

These three companies have also seen through Panda Aircraft's strategy, so they are preparing to imitate it as well.

Of course, the planner has a deeper strategy: to attract customers with low prices through crowdfunding and thus impact Ame's own brand.

The ultimate goal is to challenge high-end European and American brands, bankrupt them, and then buy them out.

Toyota's Lexus and Shin-Honzo Yachts all have high-end products.

In the early 80s, Japan certainly had the right to be arrogant; America's semiconductor industry was almost driven into bankruptcy by Japan.

Moreover, the Japanese look down on any other country or nation at heart. Although they are polite on the surface, it's just for show.

“Mr. Nick, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Inside the crowdfunding club, representatives from the three companies came to discuss cooperation. Leading them was Koji Takeda, the head of the Lexus Yachts division.

Since the industry association couldn't come forward this time, three companies were the ones publicly representing themselves.

“Mr. Takeda, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Nick smiled and shook hands.

The other club members also had beaming smiles, because these were all money-making gods!

Since Panda Airplane donated one million US dollars to the club's charity fund, shouldn't you little pigs also do something in return?

“Mr. Nick, I’m glad the crowdfunding club accepted our suggestion. Would you like to discuss the next steps in more detail?” After meeting with the others and sitting down, Koji Takeda asked directly.

“Of course, no problem. We can hold a charity gathering where you can personally explain your ideas to the members and listen to their suggestions. I think this will benefit everyone,” Nick said with a smile.

Charity gatherings or galas are all well understood to be for this purpose.

"Uh?"

"It seems the Panda plane didn't consult the members?" Takeda knew perfectly well what Nick meant by that; it was practically tantamount to accusing them of robbery.

"Mr. Takeda, the establishment of the crowdfunding club is inseparable from Mr. Li Song's generosity. Mr. Li Song donated one million US dollars at the beginning of the club's establishment."

"It is thanks to this money that we were able to showcase the Panda plane to everyone."

“Our club now has a detailed crowdfunding process because, as you know, crowdfunding products inherently carry risks. Our club's main purpose is to protect the rights and interests of its members.”

“Even if you produce the design drawings, how will our members know your capabilities? Besides, our club already has 80,000 members. If we mail each member a design drawing and a brief introduction of your company, how much will that cost? How many people will be needed to do it? We'll have to hire people to do it,” Nick said with a smile.

"Furthermore, we want to allow members to communicate with you face-to-face. Our club is a non-profit organization. For crowdfunding of different products, we will invite relevant professionals from our club to form a committee."

"For example, if we crowdfund a yacht, we will form a yacht committee. The members are all members with experience in yachting. If they don't, we will ask a professional company to conduct an evaluation."

"Of course, we also need to vote to select the design that is most accepted by everyone."

"Are you planning to make dozens of different models or shapes of yachts to meet everyone's requirements?" Nick's reasoning was quite convincing.

"Alright then, how much is the fundraising target for this charity event?" Takeda thought that made sense, so he asked.

“How about two million dollars? Our crowdfunding club has a wealth of experience, and our members are all elites, after all, they can crowdfund airplanes…” Nick added.

"We need to go back and discuss this." Takeda couldn't make the decision himself because he was backed by three companies.

“Okay then.” Nick shrugged.

After leaving the club and getting into the car, Takeda's companion said irritably, "These greedy white bastards just want money."

"President, can we crowdfund ourselves?"

"Yes, Chairman, we can support other people in establishing a crowdfunding club. Ten thousand US dollars might be enough."

"President, how about giving it to...?"

Takeda said irritably, "Your vision is so limited. The three companies are looking for the club to prevent that bastard Li Song from stealing their business."

"That bastard Li Song's motorcycles and outboard motors have stolen our company's market share."

“Supporting a club individually is easy, but what about the product?”

"What if we launch a product, and Li Song and this club launch a similar product together? How will these white players choose?"

Upon hearing this, the others immediately realized, "The president is brilliant!"

"The president really has foresight!"

"We are all short-sighted."

The chairman nodded with satisfaction: "Finding the crowdfunding club is to block Li Song's path."

"President, what if we do things well, and then Li Song suddenly reappears?" someone asked.

Takeda continued, "We've already made preparations. First, we'll sign a crowdfunding contract and collect a deposit. If they breach the contract, we'll sue them."

"We will also give these people in the club some benefits, such as how much for a yacht."

The others immediately exclaimed, "The president has considered everything so thoroughly!"

"The president is wise."

"President, you're getting younger and younger."

Takeda laughed and said, "Haha, once the crowdfunding ends, we'll contact some other people in the club and find an opportunity to expose these people who are taking benefits, kick out the current management, and then we'll be in charge of the club."

"Hey! The president is practically Zhuge Liang from the Three Kingdoms period!"

"President, this is a stroke of genius! These greedy white people would never have thought of this."

Takeda nodded. This was actually the result of discussions among the three companies, so he said, "Li Song probably never imagined that the club he supports would ultimately benefit someone else!"

Inside the club, Nick and the others watched Takeda leave from behind the window. Nick scoffed and said, "These little devils are really cunning. They don't seem to want any money at all."

“These little notebooks are rampant, and their products are becoming increasingly prevalent in our country.”

"Yes, the semiconductor industry is going to be crushed by the little devils."

"There are more and more cars in the notebook."

"Yes, our unemployment rate is getting higher and higher."

The financial crisis that began last year caused Aramco's industrial exports to decline continuously, which in turn led to soaring prices and high unemployment. By 1982, the unemployment rate had reached 10%.

The number of unemployed people in Europe and the United States is approaching 40 million.

The financial crisis has also affected primary product exports from developing countries this year.

The small country seized this opportunity and became the largest creditor nation in 1985.

Of course, Ame, who suffered heavy losses, directly harvested the small notebooks to recover some of her losses.

The reason why small countries profited from this financial crisis and whose GDP increased by several percentage points for several consecutive years is because of this.

It's worth noting that while other countries are experiencing a decline, the number of notebooks is increasing.

The ratio between these two fluctuations is quite large. Japan relies on the automotive, semiconductor, and shipbuilding industries.

Because of the economic downturn, Amis residents also dislike locally produced cars with high fuel consumption and prefer smaller, more fuel-efficient cars from Indonesia.

Japanese cars also opened up the international market in the 80s.

"This time, it was people from their industry association who came. They still need to rely on a few small manufacturers to get the money."

"No matter what, if they don't pay us, they can forget about us providing them with services," several people in the club said.

Nick shrugged: "Even if you pay, you can refuse to provide services unless their yacht is cheaper than Mr. Li Song's."

"That's impossible. The wages for workers in Japan are much higher than in some Eastern countries."

"Of course, Mr. Li Song's factory technology has also reached the world's advanced level. In fact, I think Mr. Li Song's BMW is also worth looking forward to, after all, the design of the patent application is quite artistic."

“As long as the price is right, we can actually fully distribute Mr. Li Song’s cars.”

Nick then spoke up, "Ladies and gentlemen, wait for my good news. As soon as Mr. Li Song's car goes into mass production, I can test drive it and give you my advice."

"Of course, Nick!"

"Nick, you're amazing."

After the initial contact between the notebook and the club, both sides seemed to have forgotten about the matter.

The three domestic manufacturers of the notebook have not yet reached an agreement on the public relations expenses of two million US dollars, and the notebook is hoping that the club will take the initiative to lower the price.

The club is already preparing to receive the Panda aircraft. The first batch of fifty Panda aircraft is already at sea. The club needs to clear customs, obtain certificates of conformity, register with the relevant departments, and then, most importantly...

We need to hold a batch delivery ceremony.

Imagine the mass delivery of fifty aircraft.

Of course, there's also payment; payment will be made after the goods arrive and clear customs.

The second batch of one hundred aircraft has also set sail, and the number of aircraft delivered each time thereafter will increase.

The club currently has tens of millions of US dollars in its bank account. Each crowdfunding order is worth 1,000 yuan, and the number of orders has now exceeded 20,000, which is at least 20 million yuan.

Delivering an order for 20,000 aircraft will take a considerable amount of time, and that money could certainly be used for short-term financial management.

The returns are ostensibly with the club, but everyone knows that the specific bank where the investment is made and the amount is clearly defined.

Furthermore, there are also matters such as aircraft insurance. The club can collectively negotiate a preferential plan for customers, so why wouldn't the insurance company respond?

These are over 20,000 high-quality customers!
How much impact will this have on performance and stock price?

On March 17, 1981, Li Song left Shanghai and flew directly to Chang'an. The Star Shine passenger plane had already completed testing in Hainan and returned to Chang'an.

After preparations are completed in Chang'an, including painting and interior replacement, the flight is scheduled to fly directly to Hong Kong Island on March 31, and then to London on April 2, where the flight permit and airworthiness certificate will be applied for.

In the aircraft assembly workshop of Chang'an Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, Li Song saw the Xinghui passenger plane again.

This small business jet has a sleek design and can carry ten people, plus two pilots.

"Boss, the higher-ups said that relevant media outlets will send two people to follow the Starship aircraft to film a documentary. Also, the higher-ups have requested that we pay attention to safety." Chief Engineer Ma led Li Song to the workshop. The interior of the aircraft had already been dismantled, and they were checking the wiring and pipes inside.

Let's take this opportunity to check and see if there are any problems after testing for so long.

"I've entrusted security to Anjie Security Company on Hong Kong Island. Anjie Security Company has already asked a well-known security company in the UK to assist them." Li Song knew, of course, that once the plane arrived in London, it would definitely need to be well protected.

This has already been done in advance; we found the local bigwigs.

Moreover, he is a world-renowned author, so these security companies dare not play tricks on him. Security companies rely on their reputation, and if their reputation is ruined, they will go bankrupt.

Li Song knew that some money couldn't be saved, even though he was famous.

But it's reassuring to hire these local bigwigs, and it also lets Anjie Security Company learn a thing or two.

There's a saying that goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

In a few years, Li Song will be scrambling for resources all over the world, and protecting the company will be the most crucial step.

The reason we're not rushing to buy now is partly because we don't have enough money yet, the industrial chain isn't complete, and the supporting facilities aren't finished.

For example, acquiring overseas resources is easy, but to maintain them long-term, it is necessary to establish some armed forces, and communication is definitely required.

We need our own satellites to keep our calls confidential.

Additionally, you can develop electronic warfare equipment to monitor other people's movements.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the satellite can monitor what is happening on the ground in real time after an incident occurs.

The most important thing is that the timing is not right. Right now, the Amei and Feixiong families are still arguing.

Furthermore, Li Song will also try to win over some people, such as members of the original gang, to take over resources in the future.

There are already some motorcycle dealers and such in Africa, so we can make a fortune together.

"Okay." Upon hearing this, Chief Engineer Ma said nothing more.

“Reporters are fine. Reporters from Phoenix TV will also be traveling with us, as well as some reporters from Europe and America,” Li Song added.

Chief Engineer Ma nodded. Li Song's words were actually a way of getting him to report to his superiors.

There are some stains on the aircraft surface, which is an unavoidable contamination that occurs during testing.

There is a protective layer on the surface. Now we will sand it off and then start painting.

Li Song was really looking forward to having his own private jet, which would be much more convenient in the future.

On March 18, Li Song returned to Guangzhou. He first went to the Electronics Research Institute and strolled around for a while. In the afternoon, he returned to the BMW Motorrad Factory.

Then I took a stroll around the Panda Aircraft Manufacturing Plant, where they were conducting training sessions for the technical personnel of the supporting parts suppliers.

The next step for the technicians from BMW's Panda aircraft manufacturing department is to go to the supporting factories for guidance, so Li Song took a stroll around.

On March 19, Li Song returned to Hong Kong Island and then called Nick that evening to arrange the number of reporters needed for the Star Shine Airlines flight.

Nick gave Li Song some good news: "Mr. Li, I have some bad news. The order for the Panda aircraft has reached 21409. Last time I returned to the club, I set a deadline of half a month, and the growth has been very rapid these past few days."

“Nick, this is good news, proving that your clients over there approve!” Li Song didn’t expect that Nick had only been back for a few days. Nick returned on the 13th, and it was 9:30 a.m. in New York and 9:30 p.m. in Hong Kong.

“Of course, our economy isn’t doing so well right now. Prices for all kinds of goods are rising, and money is losing value. It’s better to get a new plane.” Nick knew, of course, that the key to the Panda plane’s high order volume was its low price, and of course, its quality was also the best among its peers.

"So we predict that by the end of the month, which is March 29th, since the 30th is a Sunday, we should be able to reach 30,000. Moreover, our crowdfunding club has exceeded 100,000 members, and of course, some of them want to crowdfund yachts," Nick said on the phone.

“Congratulations, Nick.” Li Song certainly knew how much influence a club of 100,000 people could have.

Moreover, all of America's various clubs and unions are backed by capitalists.

For example, the Rifle Association. It's not that Amy hasn't thought about banning guns, but every time they try to ban them, the members of this association go out for a walk.

Of course, some people also went out for a walk and demanded a gun ban.

Of course, the influence of the crowdfunding club is not as great as that of the labor union or the association, but it still has 100,000 members.

“Thank you. We plan to establish branches in America, South America, Europe, and other regions,” Nick continued.

"How can I help?" Li Song asked directly.

“Mr. Li, we need some Panda planes. We plan to prepare two Panda planes for each club, for rescue or to serve our members. Actually, our club has a budget, but Mr. Li Song can put advertisements on the donated planes.”

"Furthermore, we are planning to launch a public welfare rescue program in South America and Canada, which will help others because other means of transportation are inconvenient in the tropical rainforests of South America and the polar regions of Canada," Nick said on the phone.

“We can discuss this in detail when you come to Hong Kong Island. The Starliner departs from Hong Kong Island for London on April 2nd, and there are only 4 seats left on board,” Li Song said.

(End of this chapter)