Chapter 364: Crazy Conference
Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
Compared to the imminent Beijing conference, the trip to Chinatown, San Francisco, was more important for Ye Mo. The Pacific Ocean lay between the US and China. While he could fly to San Francisco, it would cost him considerable stamina. Ye Mo estimated that without the spirit chi he absorbed on Gu King’s island and his subsequent cultivation, he might not even be able to fly there. However, with something to rest on in the Pacific, he should manage.
He would have preferred a plane, but needed a visa for San Francisco, a hassle he wished to avoid. Therefore, Ye Mo chose to fly on his sword; it was faster and more liberating. His storage ring wasn’t large, but he stored food, water, and two inflatable boats before departing.
…
The number of people in Beijing these past few days far exceeded expectations. As the influx continued, Luo Yue Corporation recognized the conference's significance. They chose Beijing because of its capacity; as the capital, it could handle a large crowd. Holding it elsewhere risked unmanageable consequences.
Although many attended for business opportunities, most sought the beauty pill, unavailable elsewhere.
This population surge put immense pressure on Beijing's security. The Beijing government urged Luo Yue Corporation to advance the conference to minimize further influx.
Luo Yue Corporation quickly restocked its ten Chinese outlets, increasing beauty pill sales and even releasing the health pill early. They also moved the conference forward a day. This significantly reduced the population influx, though journalists from around the world still flocked to the city.
…
Ning Qingxue and Li Mumei traveled to Beijing in the middle of the night due to the rescheduled conference. This sudden change caught many off guard.
…
Beijing’s Da Tang Hotel was a five-star hotel, not for its lavish design, but for its top-tier international meeting room. Today, a sea of people crowded outside. Journalists had gathered for the conference.
Da Tang Square, outside the hotel, was bustling. Small business owners created an impromptu market. The most eye-catching, however, was the Luo Yue store, offering 10,000 bottles of beauty pill and 2,000 bottles of health pill.
Despite the demand, no one pushed, knowing that doing so would forfeit their purchasing rights. A five-bottle limit per person was imposed. Even so, the 10,000 bottles were sold within two hours. A front-of-the-line position commanded 10,000 yuan. Most people bought the maximum five bottles; only a few purchased fewer.
…
Two hours before the conference, journalists began interviewing pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Unlike other conferences, Luo Yue Corporation would select partners on-site and announce their decisions immediately. The chosen companies would also select their subcontractors on the spot; all contract terms would be made public.
Despite the limited spots, everyone was eager. Even a sub-contract would be beneficial.
In the Da Tang Hotel’s spacious rest room, hundreds of corporate elites had gathered. Due to the date change, only 140 of the approximately 190 Asian companies attended. European, American, and African companies totaled about 170; many more were unable to attend due to the date change.
The most sought-after spots were held by China's Yuan Bei, Xian Lin, and Lian Feng Corporations; Korea's Xiao Han Corporation; Japan's Ai Wei Corporation; the USA's Tuo Luo Corporation; and France's Mouka Corporation. Journalists primarily interviewed these companies, with fewer interviewing smaller firms.
Yuan Qibing, Yuan Bei Corporation’s young CEO, attracted the most attention, as his company was considered a frontrunner. Over 80% of corporate representatives greeted him, hoping to impress him. If Yuan Bei was selected, their chances of becoming a subsidiary would increase.
“Mr. Yuan, Yuan Bei Corporation is one of the world’s five largest pharmaceutical corporations and the largest in China. What are your thoughts on Luo Yue’s conference? Do you believe your corporation has a chance of being one of the two Asian companies partnered with them?” a charming female journalist winked at Yuan Qibing, posing the question on everyone’s mind.
All microphones were pointed at Yuan Qibing. The good-looking, successful Yuan Qibing, not yet thirty, smiled elegantly. “Despite Yuan Bei Corporation’s leading position, we have shortcomings, and many corporations are our equals. However, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine company, we share many similarities with Luo Yue Corporation.
Luo Yue is a new corporation, but its achievements are globally recognized. Their beauty pill is astounding, much like our heart safety serum, which is entirely herbal and has no side effects. I believe we share similarities. Collaboration would be mutually beneficial.”
Immediately, another journalist asked, “Mr. Yuan, you called Luo Yue a new corporation; does this mean its power is less than Yuan Bei’s? And, comparing the heart safety serum and the beauty pill; are their values equivalent?”
Yuan Qibing’s face fell. Though confident in his company’s selection, he disliked this pointed question before the conference. He couldn't refuse to answer; the world watched, and one wrong word could damage Yuan Bei Corporation. While he felt Luo Yue couldn't compare to his company, he couldn't say that; the beauty pill's profit was too substantial to ignore.
Yuan Qibing composed himself. “Luo Yue Corporation proved its power by producing the beauty pill. As for comparing the beauty pill and heart safety serum—they target different markets.”
“Mr. Yuan, if your company is successful, how many sub-contracts will you offer in China?”
“Mr. Yuan, Luo Yue Corporation is developing rapidly. Will it soon become the leading pharmaceutical company in China?” …