474: Chapter 474 Bargaining Over Fruit! Refusal

"Please, go ahead!"

Shen Fei gestured; after all, this was all within his expectations.

As for whether the other party would refuse?

You never know unless you try!

The Apple team immediately exited the conference room and walked to the exclusive lounge next door.

Philip Schiller immediately dialed Cook's overseas number.

To ensure the smooth progress of these negotiations, Cook didn't dare to rest.

When Philip Schiller reported these conditions, there was silence on Cook's end.

After all, he understood that Transsion was not targeting Apple Inc., but rather trying to further probe the United States!

However, the other party's appetite was too big, and he really didn't dare to agree.

"Mr. Cook, their technical parameters are absolutely fine."

"The supply chain is also top-tier, and there are absolutely no downsides to working with them."

"The only problem is that the conditions are too harsh; this is equivalent to opening up our foundation to Transsion, and the risk is still too great."

Cook certainly understood these issues, but supply chain matters were not a big deal; after all, it didn't matter whose supply chain they chose.

The key issue he was considering was the pressure from Congress.

Although Apple was a global supply chain company, it ultimately enjoyed the policies of the United States, so it still needed to consider that to some extent.

...

Meanwhile, in the negotiation room!

Liu Zhihong and the others started chatting again!

"Boss, do you think they will agree to these conditions? Our supply chain is quite different from Apple's; it won't be that simple for them to squeeze the price!"

"We aren't asking for the moon; everything is offered based on partner terms. Plus, Apple has high volume, so we can even give them a discount. Why wouldn't they agree?"

Huang Tianya said with a smile.

Liu Zhihong hesitated for a moment before voicing his true concerns.

"The problem I'm worried about is the United States; will their Congress block this move?"

"Cook is a shrewd businessman; he will find a way to solve these problems."

After saying this, Shen Fei's gaze turned toward the distant door; he believed the other party's deliberation should be ending soon!

...

That lounge was indeed as Shen Fei had expected; after weighing all sides, Cook had already made a decision.

"We can agree!

But the shares need to be negotiated. Those supply chain shares must all be capped at 10%, 12% the following year, and 17% in the third year. We need to wait and see before going higher!"

"Chip foundry aspects also need consideration. We can pay for their high prices, but we will not pay for damaged chips!"

Philip Schiller had originally let out a long sigh of relief, but after the boss refused to pay for the underperforming chips, his expression grew tense again...

The boss was really giving him a difficult problem!

"The laboratory can also be established, but we cannot just buy a name; we also want to obtain a portion of the patent licensing."

"Tell Shen Fei this is our bottom line. If he agrees, we can sign the framework agreement on the spot. If he doesn't, then we... then we can only choose to develop it ourselves!"

Philip Schiller noted down these conditions. It looked like Cook had agreed, but in reality, this was a difficult problem for him.

After all, Shen Fei's appetite wasn't that small; how was he to make a choice regarding his autonomy?

...

Just as Cook had hung up the phone, another call came in.

This was an anonymous call. After picking up, the other party said:

"Mr. Cook, Apple is a company from the United States and should make corresponding contributions to the tech industry in the United States."

"May I ask who you are?"

Cook didn't take it seriously; after all, ever since he prepared to cooperate with Transsion, he had already received a pile of threatening calls!

But so what?

Apple pays so much in taxes every year; can't it even choose its own supply chain autonomy?

"Who I am is not something Mr. Cook needs to know! You only need to know that what you are doing now is very dangerous!"

"Then I thank you for the reminder, but I don't buy your threats. Choosing who to cooperate with is our company's right; this doesn't require you to teach me!"

After saying this, Cook angrily hung up the phone.

No wonder the tech industry in the United States is heading toward decline; what kind of future can these people have!

The more they didn't want him to cooperate, the more he wanted to cooperate.

...

An hour later, the negotiations resumed!

Philip Schiller explained Cook's concessions one by one, his tone carrying a hint of pleading; after all, they had already stepped back, so Transsion should step back a little too, right!

"Mr. Shen Fei, this is the greatest sincerity we can offer. If you still do not accept, then we can only regretfully end this discussion."

But the other representatives around them showed a slightly panicked expression on their faces.

They didn't have much confidence in that statement!

After observing, Liu Zhihong also noticed their hesitation, so he looked at them with disdain: "Only pay for complete chips?

Sorry, the production capacity of Transsion's wafer fab is limited; you can go ask other partners."

The technical representative from Apple Inc. also immediately stood up to ease the atmosphere:

"Your company's wafer quote is indeed a bit high. If we only pay for good products, your unit price is still 20% higher than TSMC."

"Of course, I know Mr. Cook's intentions were indeed a bit urgent, so we can step back a little further."

"Even for defective chips, we can pay; the price is only... for those completely damaged chips... free."

When he said this, his eyes subconsciously looked at Shen Fei; after all, whether they could agree or not depended on this man's decision.

But Shen Fei still shook his head!

He certainly knew that in the 2nm era of the future, because the price was too high and the capacity couldn't be sold, Cook pressured TSMC.

But now, wanting to use this trick on Transsion? Sorry, he wasn't buying it!

"The chip matter is non-negotiable, and the screen technology patent issue is non-negotiable; we can step back on the others."

"If that doesn't work, then we can see who has the real skills on the battlefield."

After saying this, the expression on Shen Fei's face changed instantly, and Philip Schiller panicked immediately.

After all, Transsion possessed its own complete supply chain, and costs would certainly be lower.

The other party was currently only trying to harvest leeks in the United States, which is why the Transsion flagship price was slightly more expensive than Apple's. If the other party really... really struck hard, Apple would truly have no chance!

In any case, the supply chain ratio had been negotiated, and it wouldn't be good to add more pressure from their side; it was better to do a favor and agree!

"Mr. Shen, we can agree to these conditions."

Next, neither side dwelled on the details. The legal teams immediately checked the terms, and in less than half an hour, the cooperation framework was placed in front of both men.

Shen Fei and Philip Schiller signed their respective names and shook hands; this contract was officially signed.

"Happy cooperation!"

Philip Schiller's smile carried a hint of complexity; he still hadn't come back to his senses. It was clearly Apple that came to buy technology, the one paying the money!

Yet, they had been led by the nose by the other party the entire time!