Chapter 333: It’s Not Called Public Opinion, It’s Called Public Relations

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Uncle Ye, why did you suddenly call me? Is there something important?”

“You brat, can’t I call you without a reason? Your wings have grown strong now!” Uncle Ye’s teasing voice came through the phone.

“Uncle Ye, don’t tease me like that. You know I’m just a small fry!”

“Kid, don’t try to fool me. You said your machine tool had been manufactured a month ago. Why haven’t 1 heard anything about it? Are you trying to keep it a secret?”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao still couldn’t figure out what Uncle Ye was getting at, but he could tell it was about making a public appearance.

“No, it’s just for development purposes. You know I’m not suited for dealing with those big shots. If they give me a hard time, who can I turn to?”

Hearing this, Ye Zhengfeng laughed. He could see that Zhou Chao wanted him to publicly support him, and he didn’t mind because their relationship was extraordinary.

“Don’t beat around the bush. I’ll give you the details. On the 20th of this month, the 16th International Machine Tool Expo will be held in Jingdu. I’ve already registered you for it. Arrange to have the machine tool transported there as soon as possible. This time, you’re not only representing Canghai Technology but also the entire industrial sector of Peng City. If there’s any mishap, I’ll deal with you!”

Zhou Chao couldn’t help but smile at this development. It seemed like the solution to his dilemma had come to him naturally. He had been pondering how to promote it and gain attention, both domestically and internationally, and now, Uncle Ye was handing it to him.

“Uncle Ye, rest assured, 1 never engage in uncertain battles. I’ll arrange everything right away.”

“That’s good. As long as there are no last-minute hiccups, I’ll be waiting for your good news!”

“I promise it will be a pleasant surprise!”

“Haha, alright, I’ll hang up for now.” Hearing Zhou Chao’s assurance, Ye Zhengfeng was quite pleased.

After the call ended, Zhou Chao had a satisfied smile on his face. Lin Wu, who was nearby, watched Zhou Chao carefully and asked, “Boss, did something good happen?”

“It’s definitely good news, and it’s big news. Come on, let’s go to Canghai Technology. Also, notify Zhou Jilong, Chai Lao, and others to meet in Xu Yu’s office for a meeting.”

“Boss, are you skipping breakfast?”

Zhou Chao glanced at the Cantonese breakfast spread on the table.

“Don’t you know you can have it in the car?” Zhou Chao replied with a hint of annoyance, then opened the door and headed out.

Lin Wu quickly packed up the breakfast and hurriedly sent a voice message to Xu Yu, instructing him to inform Zhou Jilong and others to gather for a meeting.

As soon as they arrived at Canghai Technology, Zhou Chao went straight to Xu Yu’s office. Zhou Jilong, Chai Lao, and others were already there, engaged in a casual conversation.

“Hey, why do you think the boss suddenly called for a meeting?” Chai Lao, leaning back on the sofa, asked with a puzzled expression.

“I don’t know. We discussed everything we needed to yesterday. It’s strange that he called for a meeting all of a sudden. I’m quite puzzled too. Do you know anything, Xu Yu?” Zhou Jilong turned his gaze to Xu Yu, who had been silent all along.

“Why are you asking me? I have no idea. It’s not like I know more than you guys.” Xu Yu also wondered why the boss had called for a meeting out of the blue.

Just as the discussion was getting quite intense among the three, Zhou Chao walked in.

“What are you guys talking about so passionately?”

Xu Yu, Zhou Jilong, and the others exchanged glances and finally, Xu Yu spoke up, “Boss, we were just discussing why you suddenly called for a meeting.”

“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. Have a seat, everyone. Lin Wu, bring in some tea.”

“Boss, should I arrange it? I’ll have my secretary bring it over!” Xu Yu quickly stood up and headed towards the door.

“Jokes aside, when the boss has to arrange tea himself, it looks like my days as a general manager might be numbered. After the incident last time, Xu Yu has been continuously reflecting on his experiences.”

Seeing Xu Yu being so self-aware, Lin Wu also stopped in his tracks.

Soon, a beautiful assistant came in with five cups of tea.

After the assistant left, Zhou Chao cleared his throat, and Xu Yu and the others quickly took their seats.

“This morning, 1 received a call from Secretary Ye of Peng City. He said he has arranged for us to participate in the International Machine Tool Expo in Jingdu, and I agreed.”

Zhou Chao paused for a moment and looked at the expressions of everyone present. Each of them seemed to be deep in thought.

“Boss, are we not going to play dumb anymore?” Xu Yu cautiously asked.

“No more pretending. I’m afraid if we keep it up, we might actually turn into pigs. It’s time to show our own fangs to some extent.

I called you all here today to let you see how to make a splash at this expo and promote the brand of Canghai Technology.

Also, we don’t have much time left. It’s on the 20th of this month, so time is tight. Chai Lao, I’ll need you to personally oversee this. As for transportation, Peng City will handle it.”

“Boss, you can count on me. I also want to see what the industrial giants have to showcase!” Chai Lao’s excitement was evident. After all, as a researcher, who wouldn’t want their achievements to dazzle everyone in such a setting?

Zhou Chao smiled knowingly. He didn’t expect Chai Lao to be immune to the allure of recognition, but it was only natural.

Just think about it. When showcasing world-class machine tool technology in front of old friends or scholars from abroad, the feeling was like enjoying ice-cold watermelon in the scorching summer. It was satisfying to the core. “Boss, so how should we proceed?” Zhou Jilong asked from the side.

Zhou Chao cast a slightly annoyed look at him. “Should I arrange everything, and you can just go and execute it?”

Upon hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Zhou Jilong finally snapped out of his trance. He realized that he had asked a rather foolish question, and he had unwittingly presented himself for a scolding.

“Today, 1 want you to discuss how to maximize our benefits and turn this expo into our stepping stone for a breakthrough!”

Immediately, everyone began discussing.

With each person offering their thoughts and ideas, Zhou Chao felt as if there were countless mosquitoes buzzing incessantly in his ears.

Some suggested using Tencent for publicity, while others mentioned hiring an online influencer named A’li. However, at that moment, no one had a clear and effective plan in mind.

“Stop for a moment. If you continue discussing like this, it’ll take forever. We need to operate based on the current circumstances. Don’t waste time on irrelevant matters. Focus on what’s essential!” Zhou Chao couldn’t hold back and interrupted their discussion.

Xu Yu, Zhou Jilong, and Chai Lao fell silent, especially Zhou and Chai, who were primarily researchers and not well-versed in promotion strategies.

“Boss, how about we use public relations? Something ambiguous and intriguing tends to attract the most attention!”

Just when everyone was racking their brains, Lin Wu, who was behind Zhou Chao, suddenly spoke up.

“Good, this method sounds promising!” Xu Yu exclaimed, and a series of plans flashed through his mind. He stood up with excitement.

“One thing to note, we shouldn’t call it ‘public relations.’ We’ll refer to it as ‘PR.'” Zhou Chao couldn’t help but make this correction.

“Right, PR! Boss, it seems like after this, we need to establish our own PR department, specifically for external communication and handling negative online comments about the company!”

“Alright, I’ll leave this task to you. Your job now is to release this information online without exposing our company’s name. Also, make it sensational. Emphasize domestic independent research, world-class industrial mother machines. Exaggerate as much as you can, as long as it stays within the realm of plausibility!”

Zhou Chao was already envisioning how, after some online buzz generated by certain individuals, it would quickly catch the attention of many people. The next step would be to shine at the expo.

“Boss, I understand. 1 have a friend who specializes in this area. 1’11 get him to release the news as soon as possible.”

“Good, make sure it’s somewhat ambiguous, and our main goal is to spark discussions!”

“Boss, you can count on it. Once the buzz starts, those public accounts and online influencers will naturally share it!” Xu Yu said confidently.

“Alright, 1’11 leave this to you. Make sure there are no slip-ups!”

“Don’t worry, Boss!” Xu Yu nodded confidently.

“Boss, what about me? What should 1 do?” Zhou Jilong, sitting on the side, suddenly became anxious. They both had tasks to complete, but he didn’t have anything to do.

“Your task is even more important. You’ll be leading the way at the expo. You’ll need to manage the scene for me. Oh, Lin Wu, you’ll go with him and bring a team of security personnel to maintain order.”

“Yes, Boss!” Lin Wu and Zhou Jilong responded in unison.

“Boss, are you planning to attend the expo as well?” Lin Wu asked from behind.

“Of course, why wouldn’t 1? But, I’ll just be a spectator, providing you all with a platform to showcase yourselves!”

Zhou Jilong couldn’t help but think to himself, “Boss, you’re just lazy. You don’t want to deal with those people and are making us represent.”

“Alright, that’s enough. Let’s all get to work. Lao Zhou, stay behind.”

Upon hearing this, both Xu Yu and Chai Lao left the office.

Once Xu Yu and Chai Lao had left the office, Zhou Chao asked, “What’s the situation with Professor Lan now?”

“He didn’t sleep all night when he got back last night. He stayed up reading materials, and I had to forcibly make him sleep this morning, or who knows when he would have stopped!”

“Alright, make sure to keep an eye on him. Also, use Factory 3 as his laboratory. Arrange any resources he needs as soon as possible.”

“Understood, Boss!”

“Well, I’m now patiently awaiting your good news!” Zhou Chao said and then got up, leaving the office with Lin Wu..