Our Times Episode 2 Recap
> Our Times Recap
Tan Qizhang announced two significant decisions. First, Xiao Chuang and Pei Qinghua’s dismissals were put on hold, with an expectation for them to perform well and not waste this opportunity. Second, Tan Qizhang declared he would lead a sales team to secure the Conpo Computer agency rights and establish a trading company. He explained that this was the initial step towards creating their own national brand of computers, a path that would be arduous but could make them pioneers.
Pei Qinghua, seizing the moment, requested that if they successfully completed the sales mission, secured the agency, and had his public servant position reinstated, he wished to return to the institute to continue his research. Tan Qizhang agreed to his request. The next day, Tan Qizhang hosted a banquet at Dong Lai Shun. Only a small group attended: Xiao Chuang, Pei Qinghua, Man Huansheng, Qi Rongbin, and Xu Yiwan.
Man Huansheng offered to serve as the team’s bookkeeper, expressing his willingness to try even without a public servant position. Tan Qizhang acknowledged their small number but emphasized that it meant a greater responsibility for each of them. He declared that they were officially embarking on a business voyage.
When concerns were raised about competing with Batong Limited Company, Tan Qizhang reassured them, highlighting the reputable name of the Yanjing University IT Faculty and stressing the importance of hope and courage. Xu Yang arrived late, expressing his desire to join the sales team to earn more for his family. Despite Xiao Chuang's initial skepticism about Xu Yang's sales abilities, Tan Qizhang welcomed him.
Tan Qizhang then distributed Conpo instruction manuals, tasking Pei Qinghua to study them thoroughly for discussion the following day, given Pei Qinghua's strong capabilities. He also revealed the challenge: Batong, a civilian-run company, had emerged as a competitor for the Conpo agency, and the agreement was that the party that sold more units would secure the rights. Tan Qizhang believed they now had no choice but to fight for it.
Later that night, Pei Qinghua heard a disturbance in Tan Qizhang’s office. Upon opening the door, he saw a young woman jumping out the window. Convinced she was a thief, he checked the office but found nothing missing, though there was a screwdriver mark on an iron cabinet. He didn't dwell on it. During a subsequent meeting, Xiao Chuang presented a business card he designed, referring to himself as "Manager."
Pei Qinghua dismissed it, stating that they were selling computers, not engaged in fraudulent activities. Pei Qinghua then shared additional technical details about Conpo computers, emphasizing their high-quality components as a key selling point. Xiao Chuang suggested a grand strategy where customers would seek them out, rather than the team approaching buyers. Given the fierce competition in the computer market, Tan Qizhang decided to implement a regional sales approach, assigning each team member a major city to oversee.
He advised them to thoroughly understand the product and be prepared for travel. Pei Qinghua attempted to inform Tan Qizhang about the "female thief" incident, but as he entered the office, he found the same young woman there, who addressed Tan Qizhang as "Dad." She was Tan Yuan, his daughter. Tan Qizhang asked Pei Qinghua to take her back to school on his bicycle.
On the way, Tan Yuan explained that she had tried to retrieve her cassette player, which her father had confiscated, as it contained a tape vital for an upcoming talent contest. She asked Pei Qinghua to steal it back for her, but he refused, only offering to intercede with her father. Tan Yuan then revealed her father had brought the cassette back from Guangzhou.
Xiao Chuang was helping a friend at a video store when Xie Hang came to return "An Autumn's Tale." She expressed her preference for romantic films and recognized Xiao Chuang from when he sold Chinese language cards. She then complained that the card she bought didn't work, causing her trouble with her boss. Xiao Chuang offered to fix it at the institute, inviting her back to his dorm since the faculty was closed on Sunday.
There, Pei Qinghua examined the Chinese language card and explained that Xie Hang's Jefferson computer was not a compatible machine, requiring a specific switch on the motherboard to be activated, thus clarifying that the card itself was not faulty. Xie Hang realized her mistake and admitted that, unable to find them at the time, she had lodged a complaint with the Trade and Industry Bureau, believing she had been scammed.
Xiao Chuang confirmed that her complaint had led to their dismissal. Xie Hang sincerely apologized and offered to help them, but Xiao Chuang graciously dismissed her guilt, stating that she was unaware of the situation. He instructed her to follow Pei Qinghua’s advice regarding the computer settings. They then properly introduced themselves, with Xie Hang mentioning she worked at Times Bank in Zhongguan Village.
Back at the institute, Tan Qizhang provided further guidance on sales, emphasizing strategic negotiation with distributors, focusing on product interest first, and adapting to real-world situations. He then presented a map with regions and sales targets. He and Man Huansheng would remain in Beijing to manage logistics and liaison. Pei Qinghua chose Guangzhou, hoping to quickly restore his public servant position. Xiao Chuang selected Shanghai, Qi Rongbin took Chengdu, Xu Yiwan opted for Wuhan, and Xu Yang chose Changchun.
Tan Qizhang allotted them one month for their mission and an advance of 200 yuan for travel expenses, instructing them to save money but spend when necessary, and to keep all invoices for reimbursement. Xiao Chuang, finding 200 yuan insufficient for himself and Pei Qinghua, was reassured that excess expenses could be claimed. Each team member was given a prototype computer, and Tan Qizhang wished them success in their "first battle" in the fierce business world.
Man Huansheng reiterated the importance of securing money, documenting expenses, and obtaining invoices. Xiao Chuang offered support to Xu Yiwan and Qi Rongbin. He reiterated his concern for Pei Qinghua, who was heading to the complex business environment of Guangzhou without much experience, but Pei Qinghua remained somewhat aloof. Xiao Chuang tucked a business card he designed for Pei Qinghua into his glasses case, despite Pei Qinghua’s earlier rejection.
Before their departure, the team gathered for a morale boost, shouting "Good luck!" The team dispersed to their assigned cities. In Shanghai, Xiao Chuang booked a suite in a luxury hotel. Learning that the front desk staff earned 150 yuan a month (5 yuan a day), he offered her 10 yuan a day to be his secretary for a month. He then inquired about the hotel's trade fair venue, which cost 1000 yuan a day.
Xiao Chuang decided to book the hall and asked his new secretary to arrange for a newspaper advertisement announcing "The U. S. Conpo Computer Fair" to be held in 20 days, on December 18th, using the hotel's front desk number for inquiries. He paid her for the advertisement, mentioning that his product was priced at over 20,000 yuan per unit.
Meanwhile, in Guangzhou, Pei Qinghua sought the cheapest accommodation, finding a bed in a five-person room at a guest house for four yuan a night. He carried his prototype computer and began his sales efforts, but found it challenging as Conpo computers were unknown in the market. He faced rejections from potential buyers and was even approached by a vendor trying to sell him stockings.
In Shanghai, Xiao Chuang appeared relaxed, spending time watching movies at a VHS hall in Zhabei District, impressing the owner with his confident demeanor. Pei Qinghua, on the other hand, continued to struggle, eating a bun alone on the street, his stomach aching from the stress and lack of proper meals. Back in Beijing, the president informed Tan Qizhang that Batong had raised their sales commitment to Conpo to 400 units, increasing the pressure on their team. Tan Qizhang acknowledged the challenge, stating that there was "no turning back" now. He was aware of the immense pressure on his team.
