After completing the speaker cabinet panels, Ye Xiaoming set them aside in a special location, repeatedly instructing Li Tiejun to only assemble them under the supervision of both him and Feng Shijie. Changing into clean clothes, he returned to the woodworking shop with Ding Yuanying and Ouyang Xue. Feng Shijie and Liu Bing were already there, waiting. They first went to the audio room to inspect the speakers.
Ouyang Xue carefully touched the speakers, astonished, "I can't believe how well these turned out. They're even more beautiful than Xiaodan's speakers, almost like they came off an assembly line."
Feng Shijie laughed, "That's the beauty of handmade craftsmanship. This finish can only be achieved by hand. Each layer of lacquer must dry before the next can be applied, and all the joints at the edges are particularly challenging to handle. An automated line could never achieve this."
Ye Xiaoming added, "Xiaodan's speakers were spray-painted. These are layered with piano lacquer, each layer polished to perfection. The equipment and process now are vastly different from back then."
Ding Yuanying meticulously examined every corner of the speakers, "The edges and joints are well done, and the color and lacquer depth are good. However, the polishing is still uneven."
Feng Shijie explained, "The polishing machine is too large and fast. It's dangerous to hold the speakers by hand; any slip could pull someone in. Stability is also an issue. I discussed with Liu Dàye and Zhiming about designing a rail-mounted support. It's affordable, safe, and stable."
Ye Xiaoming said, "We made these two pairs as prototypes. Once we have the polishing support, this issue will be resolved. We've prepared materials for fifteen pairs of export speakers, considering all potential problems. You can rest assured."
Ding Yuanying nodded, "Good. Let's hear them."
Liu Bing turned on the audio system, playing a record of the Three Tenors. Ding Yuanying listened at various volumes, satisfied with the sound quality.
Feng Shijie suggested, "Ding, this is our company's masterpiece. Give it a name."
Ding Yuanying asked, "What's the usual practice in the audio world?"
Ye Xiaoming said, "Names like 'Flagship' or 'Number One' are common."
Ding Yuanying said, "Let's follow the custom. Call it 'Graceland Poetry Number One.'"
After examining the speakers, they moved to the office. Despite the cold winter, the room was barely warmed by a coal fire the size of a bucket, making it feel like an icebox. Feng Shijie poured everyone a cup of hot water, more to warm their hands than to drink.
Ye Xiaoming took a stack of documents from a drawer and handed them to Ding Yuanying, "Ding, we planned to visit you tonight. We have some work updates and questions. The patent application materials for the speakers are ready. We've reviewed the company charter and signed it. I've sketched some designs for the speaker and cabinet trademarks. You need to decide on the design, label grade, and quantity so the label factory can produce them. We also need to bring your audio system here to compare it with the top equipment and different setups."
Ding Yuanying reviewed the signed company charter, patent applications, and trademark sketches, "The speakers need a comprehensive comparison. You can move the equipment anytime. The patent applications aren't complete. We must include the designs for the 5-inch and 6-inch smallest units and the golden combination panels to leave no room for imitators. The trademark design shouldn't just use the initial letters of Graceland Poetry. We're not a well-known company; people won't recognize it. The full name isn't too long, so a handwritten version can serve as the trademark."
Ye Xiaoming smiled, "Then let me handle the writing. I'll practice for a few days. Maybe I'll become famous with the speakers."
Liu Bing joked, "Make sure to waive the copyright, or I'll write it myself."
Ye Xiaoming laughed, "Just having a chance to be in the spotlight is enough. No need for copyright."
Ding Yuanying agreed, "Alright, Xiaoming will write it. Any other issues?"
Feng Shijie said, "Since Ding, the chairman, and Ye are all here, let me bring up a matter. The church has asked us several times to find some suitable work for women. This could help struggling families feel the Lord's love, and they can donate 10% of their wages to the church, increasing its funds. We haven't started the semi-finished product packaging yet, which is suitable for women. Should we consider this?"
Ding Yuanying explained, "We haven't started packaging in the village because it should be done in Beijing. Otherwise, our products would be labeled as made in Wangmiao Village, not by Beijing Graceland Poetry Company. This would hinder market operations and increase costs. Packaging should be locally printed in Beijing, with double-ended screws shipped directly from Hebei."
Liu Bing added, "I've explained this to your mother several times. If it's the Lord's love, let them seek the Lord. If we help, we're acting as the Lord, and who knows what retribution we might face."
Feng Shijie disagreed, "That's nonsense."
Liu Bing retorted, "If it's nonsense, what's your sensible idea?"
Ding Yuanying said, "We support whoever is suitable. If the church can handle it well, let them do it. They're all from Wangmiao Village. Whether it's about the Lord is their business."
Ouyang Xue agreed, "I have no objection. If the church is suitable, let them handle it."
Ye Xiaoming also agreed, "I have no objection either. Let's go with it." He glanced at Feng Shijie.
Feng Shijie stood up, "I'll inform them right away." He left to deliver the news.
Ye Xiaoming then turned to Ding Yuanying, "We've discussed a few concerns privately and still feel uncertain. I've summarized them: First, can Graceland Poetry really sustain itself with speakers? Second, terms like export, evaluation, and agency sound like stories. Is it really that easy? Third, how much will it cost? Fourth, why rush to operate by June? Lastly, is it necessary to apply for patents for the speakers? Dual-component systems sacrifice efficiency for sound quality and volume. Will industry experts accept this? If the speakers fail, all the money will be wasted, and we'll just be advertising for other brands."
Feng Shijie returned, and Ding Yuanying responded, "Speakers may not sustain us, but they represent our company's image and serve as our entry ticket into the audio industry. Export depends on customs inspection and whether our materials meet international standards. If they do, the export agency will handle it. Evaluation is a commercial service anyone can pay for. Agency agreements depend on mutually acceptable terms."
Feng Shijie asked, "What terms can we offer?"
Ding Yuanying replied, "Graceland Poetry speakers need promotion in London, Berlin, and Paris. The manual requires authoritative evaluations in multiple languages. We'll offer eight speaker sets for this. Two additional sets are my personal purchase, unrelated to the company."
Liu Bing commented, "Eight sets could cost over 200,000 yuan. The brands Lusheng and Slek will benefit. We'll do what they haven't achieved."
Ding Yuanying said, "Those are respected companies. Regardless of their spin, they'll have to acknowledge Graceland Poetry, making us peers overnight. Be content with that."
Feng Shijie nodded, "That makes sense."
Ding Yuanying lit a cigarette, offering one to Liu Bing, who accepted, appreciating the quality.
Feng Shijie requested one as well, and soon the room was filled with smoke.
Ding Yuanying continued, "Why the June deadline? Because Xiaodan's family visit leave is every two years, and she'll be eligible in May. Handling this during her leave is practical since she meets all the criteria."
Ye Xiaoming asked, "Is she going as part of her visit or on company business? This involves costs."
Ding Yuanying clarified, "She'll handle it during her visit."
Ouyang Xue interjected, "It's not fair to suspect Xiaodan's intentions."
Liu Bing mediated, "Ye is considering the company's interests. There's no malice."
Ye Xiaoming admitted, "Ding's analysis is logical, but it still feels vague. We're concerned about patents, evaluations, and agencies. We prefer focusing on cabinets and gradually entering the speaker market. If it's a company decision, we'll follow, but I personally have reservations."
Ouyang Xue said, "I trust Ding, and I accept the risks. Otherwise, what's the point of seeking his help? If a formal decision is needed, consider this meeting the decision."
Liu Bing asked, "Can our cabinets really compete in the market?"
Ding Yuanying affirmed, "As long as audio manufacturers exist, there's a market for our products, unless we fail to meet standards."
Feng Shijie expressed concern, "From Wangmiao Village's perspective, if the company fails, what then?"
Ding Yuanying reassured, "With people, resources, and territory, we'll always have options."
Ouyang Xue felt uneasy about the meeting's unexpected seriousness and internal disagreements, worrying about the company's future.
Feng Shijie said, "Ding, we're inexperienced and might seem petty. Don't take it to heart. We'll continue working as planned."
Ding Yuanying addressed a critical issue, "As the new year approaches, we must consider business confidentiality. Everyone understands its importance. Company operations, costs, profits, and financial status are top secrets. Let's agree on this."
Feng Shijie acknowledged, "No one would intentionally leak information, but accidents happen."
Ye Xiaoming asked, "Should there be consequences for accidental leaks?"
Liu Bing suggested, "Whoever leaks should be fired."
Ye Xiaoming teased, "I hope your big mouth doesn't slip."
Ding Yuanying concluded, "If everyone agrees, draft a confidentiality agreement for all to sign."
Ye Xiaoming agreed, "I'll handle the draft."
Ding Yuanying asked, "Any other issues?"
Ouyang Xue brought up, "Regarding Liu's business cards, let's inform everyone beforehand in the future, at least notify Ye. That's all."
Liu Bing muttered, "Some work themselves to death, others rest comfortably."