29: Chapter 29: Positive Feedback Received for the Product; The Customer Successfully Acquired the Ride "Bixi"

After working overtime all night, the 'Bee King' designed three mockups of 'Micro-Structural Connectors' with different lightweighting schemes based on publicly available information. These mockups pushed the lightweight, high-strength characteristics of Panshi Alloy to the limit of current processing capabilities. Each was only the size of a lighter, but intricately complex in structure, with a mirror-smooth surface finish. He packed these samples into a specially made shockproof, confidential case.

Chen Fan now sent the report via that encrypted email address. Next came the waiting.

Two days later, a reply arrived in the email: 'General Manager Chen, we've reviewed the report. Please send the samples to this address.'

After receiving the reply, Chen Fan immediately dispatched the prepared samples via courier and sent the tracking number back to them.

During the waiting period, Chen Fan had 'Xiao Zhi' strategically follow up with the three existing clients, understanding product usage and providing necessary technical support. Soon, positive feedback started coming in.

The product manager from the outdoor brand sent an email with photos of the new trekking poles being tested in extreme conditions, specifically mentioning: 'The locking components provided by your company performed exceptionally stably in low-temperature environments, far exceeding expectations. They've added significant value to our product. We look forward to more cooperation in the future.'

The purchasing supervisor from the automation equipment factory called, his tone enthusiastic: 'General Manager Chen, after installing that batch of guide rails, they ran continuously under high-intensity conditions for 20 hours. The wear data is even better than the imported brands we use! Our technical department is very surprised and is already evaluating including your company in the core supplier list for more machine models.'

The designer from the consumer electronics brand revealed that the mid-frame for that limited-edition phone received extremely high internal praise. Chen Fan was very happy. With this, couldn't they quickly break into the market for phone bezels?

Chen Fan immediately had 'Xiao Zhi' publish online the positive feedback information about 'Panshi Manufacturing's' cooperation with these companies, releasing it as third-party media news for greater credibility.

Taut nerves needed proper relaxation, and something long overdue was finally put on the agenda—buying a car.

It wasn't just a business necessity, but also a small reward for his arduous entrepreneurial journey.

More importantly, he wanted to support domestic products. Only when the country is strong can the people on this land focus on production with peace of mind and live good lives.

Soon, information on several car models appeared on the screen. Chen Fan's gaze was drawn to a full-size flagship SUV from a domestic high-end brand. Its squared-off yet streamlined exterior exuded a sense of power; the interior materials were luxurious, brimming with technological sophistication; the price was naturally steep, but well within Chen Fan's current means.

'This is the one.' Chen Fan hardly hesitated. He picked up his phone, scrolled to Su Qingyue's number, and a smile unconsciously touched the corners of his mouth.

The call connected quickly, and Su Qingyue's gentle voice came through: 'Hello, Chen Fan.'

Chen Fan relaxed into his chairback. 'Qingyue, are you free tomorrow afternoon? I'd like to ask for your help.'

'I'm free, what's the matter?'

'I want to buy a car. It's a bit boring going alone, and I don't have much experience. You have a good eye. Could you accompany me to take a look and give your opinion?' Chen Fan invited, his tone natural.

Su Qingyue was genuinely happy for him. 'Sure! Congratulations, Chen Fan! It's about time you had your own car; it'll make running around much more convenient. I don't know much about cars, but I can help you see if it looks and feels comfortable.'

Chen Fan laughed. 'Then I'll pick you up tomorrow afternoon... uh, I'll take a taxi to pick you up.'

Su Qingyue gave a light laugh over the phone: 'Okay.'

The next afternoon, Chen Fan took a taxi to pick up Su Qingyue and headed straight for the flagship store of that domestic high-end brand. The store was bright and spacious. The black flagship SUV display car was placed in the most prominent position, like a fierce beast lying quietly in wait—steady and imposing, yet refined in its details.

The sales consultant was dressed appropriately. Seeing Chen Fan and Su Qingyue enter, he showed not the slightest neglect due to their youth or Chen Fan's relatively simple attire, welcoming them warmly and professionally.

'Good afternoon, sir, madam. Welcome to experience our flagship SUV, the 'Bixi'.' The sales consultant began the introduction, detailing everything from the design philosophy to the core technologies, highlighting the in-house developed 3.0T V6 engine, Intelligent Air Suspension, Full-Vehicle Advanced Intelligent Driving Assistance System, and top-tier interior materials.

Chen Fan listened attentively, occasionally asking a few key questions about technical details and after-sales guarantees. The sales consultant answered fluently, clearly having great confidence in the product.

Su Qingyue focused more on the riding experience. She sat in the back row, feeling the spacious cabin and the fine leather seats, then moved to the passenger seat, touching the real wood and metal trim on the center console and looking at the massive curved integrated screen. 'The interior is so beautiful, it feels very comfortable to the touch, and the space is really big,' she whispered to Chen Fan, her eyes shining.

'Do you like it?' Chen Fan asked.

'Mhm! It feels very solid and spacious. It probably wouldn't be tiring even on long rides.' Su Qingyue nodded. She didn't understand the specs, but she trusted her feelings. The car gave her a sense of safety, comfort, and quality.

Chen Fan felt assured. He carefully examined details like the body paint and panel gaps—the craftsmanship was indeed exquisite. After a test drive, he found the power robust yet linear in delivery, the chassis substantial with crisp vibration damping, the steering precise, and the noise insulation outstanding. The overall driving feel completely surpassed any car Chen Fan had driven before.

Back in the store, Chen Fan didn't hesitate much. 'This one, then. Black exterior, the amber brown interior we just saw. Is it in stock?'

A flicker of pleasant surprise passed through the sales consultant's eyes, but he quickly regained his professionalism. 'Excellent choice, sir! We happen to have one unit in this exact configuration that just arrived at the port. All paperwork is complete. If you confirm, we can arrange preparations immediately. The fastest we can complete all formalities and deliver is tomorrow.'

'That works.' Chen Fan nodded and began the car purchase procedures briskly. When swiping the card for the deposit, Su Qingyue quietly accompanied him, watching Chen Fan sign steadily and seeing the substantial price of 890,000 yuan. She felt happy for him. She knew this car was not just a means of transport for Chen Fan, but a milestone.

The next afternoon, all formalities were completed, and the black 'Bixi' SUV was delivered as scheduled. The brand-new body shimmered in the sunlight, its imposing size conveying a sense of robust lines. Taking the keys, Chen Fan felt a surge of tangible achievement. This was a concrete testament to his business taking off and his life improving.

His first thought was to fulfill his promise to Su Qingyue.

'I'll pick you up, right at the entrance of your community hospital.' Chen Fan opened the car door and settled into the driver's seat. The fresh scent of leather mixed with a faint metallic smell greeted him. The wide seat enveloped him steadily, and the view was extremely expansive. He took a deep breath and started the vehicle. The low engine hum was steady and powerful, like the breath of a beast awakening.

When the car came to a steady stop at the community hospital entrance, its low-key yet imposing appearance still drew some glances. Su Qingyue walked quickly out of the entrance, immediately spotting Chen Fan waiting by the car and the brand-new 'big guy' behind him. Her eyes lit up, and she trotted over.

Chen Fan had already opened the door from inside for her and made a 'please' gesture, a smile on his face: 'Miss Su, please take your seat. The first passenger seat in this car must be yours.'

Hearing this, Su Qingyue's cheeks flushed slightly, but her heart felt as if honey was flowing through it, sweet and warm. She certainly understood the implied meaning of 'the first passenger seat'—it was a subtle yet solemn declaration, like marking territory. She lowered her head and got into the car, immediately surrounded by the comfortable, luxurious interior and spacious cabin. 'It really is very comfortable.'

'Buckle up, let's just drive around a bit.' Chen Fan also got in, closed the door, and the world instantly became much quieter. He adjusted the navigation, choosing the direction of the riverside scenic route, and the car smoothly merged into traffic.

One week later, in the evening, Old Master Qin called, his tone carrying a hint of delight: 'Little Chen, the items have been received. They've looked at the report and taken preliminary measurements. They think very highly of the machining precision of your 'little toys' (referring to the mockups). Interested in having a chat.'

Chen Fan's heart immediately leapt: 'Old Master Qin, what do you mean?'

'They propose having a small-scale, informal supply-demand meeting first. The location will be at one of their external cooperation offices—not classified, but the participants will all be core technical personnel. It's mainly to assess the situation, to see if your technical reserves, quality system, and rapid response capabilities can actually support potential cooperation.' Old Master Qin paused. 'The time is set for the afternoon of the day after tomorrow. I'll accompany you.'

'The afternoon of the day after tomorrow? No problem! I'll come pick you up, and we can go together.' Chen Fan was excited and happy. 'Old Master Qin, thank you so much! I will definitely make all necessary preparations!'

'Don't thank me; it's because your stuff is solid,' Old Master Qin said. 'Remember, at the meeting, talk less fluff, listen more to the questions, and answer to the point. What they value is problem-solving ability, not eloquence.'

After hanging up, Chen Fan immediately entered a state of readiness. He had Xiao Zhi pull up all possible technical documents, production process records, and quality inspection standards that might be asked about, and simulated dozens of potential technical and business questions. He rehearsed repeatedly—not to memorize answers, but to ensure he had a thorough grasp of every data point and every process, able to explain everything in the simplest terms.

For tomorrow, Chen Fan was fully prepared.