Chapter 681: Things turn black when they’re near the ink (Part One)
Lin Dong looked at his brother Lin Hu and asked curiously, “What’s wrong?”
Lin Hu was embarrassed to speak up, so Mother Lin beside him sighed and said, “You know how technology companies burn a lot of money in research and development. Just look at the domestic cell phone companies, independent research and development on processor chips would cost billions of dollars. Your brother’s company does not intend to enter the cellphone industry, but appliances also need large-scale research and development, which costs a lot, and although there are government fundings, it’s nothing compared to what the actual cost is.”
Lin Dong understood, and he looked at Lin Hu as he said, “It seems like Bureau Director Liu had mentioned this to you the other day, right? He seems to have told you that developing the software and hardware is very costly, and you wouldn’t listen.”
Lin Hu laughed bitterly. “How would I know that it would be so consuming. Originally, I thought of not doing independent research and development, like for cell phones or home appliances, and we could rely on other companies and parts suppliers to assemble products. However, who knew the profits were so low. We joined after, and there was no way to get lower prices from the parts suppliers, which indirectly raised the cost. Then regarding the sales, the price was not as competitive in promotion events, and that led to the fact that it’s only been the first round of production, and we don’t have much free cash value. I think this wouldn’t work, so we intended to return to independent research and development, but who knew that just the machines and tools had cost tens of millions of dollars, not including the late R&D costs. I simply don’t have any money in hand.””
Lin Dong understood.
“I see, brother, You’re saying that you want to borrow money from me, right?”
Lin Hu smiled bitterly with embarrassment.
His mother spoke up. “You two are brothers, don’t be so distant to each other. It’s your brother’s first time investing, and determination is a good thing worth encouraging. Besides, everyone could fail when making investments. Little Dong, this money is draining our family’s savings; if I had another way, then I wouldn’t have brought your brother here.”
“Mom, but as you said, this R&D cost is a bottomless pit. Where am I going to get so much money for my brother?” Lin Dong said in a slightly probing manner.
Mother Lin said, “This new product of the Mandala Lab, I heard that the orders are numbering in the tens of thousands. I’m guessing that the revenue is more than a billion, right?”
Lin Dong smiled bitterly. “Mom, this money belongs to the company. It’s not mine and it’s illegal if I use it.”
Lin Hu coughed. “Doesn’t this belong to your Master, Mr. Xu? You can talk to him about it.”
Lin Dong secretly despised his brother. Now that you know my master is Mr. Xu, what were you doing before?
“I’m afraid that’s impossible.” At this time, Luo Yi, who was drinking his coffee, interrupted the conversation, playing a duet with Lin Dong. “Embezzlement of public funds is not a big matter, but this will make Mr. Xu distrust Mr. Lin, which is the big problem.”
Mother Lin’s expression changed when she heard it as this was a question of trust. She didn’t want her son to be kicked out of the company because Lin Dong’s Master has some misunderstanding.
“Then… Little Hu, maybe we shouldn’t?”
“Mom, there’s nothing more the bank can do. Do you want me to declare bankruptcy and stop the R&D?” Lin Hu hurriedly leaned in front of his mother and whispered urgently.
“But, it’s hard on your brother too. ” Mother Lin glared at Lin Hu.
“Big Brother, how much money do you need?” Lin Dong asked Lin Hu.
Lin Hu was hesitant as he held up three fingers and said, “I think 300 million will be a secure amount. Don’t worry, in the future, when my company is up and running, I will return the money to you with full interest. Tell your master that we’re only temporarily borrowing it.”
“What about if the company can’t run well?” Luo Yi coldly snorted:.”This money is honestly just numbers to Mr. Xu, but you were against Little Dong’s worship of Mr. Xu at the beginning, and he also told you that day that taking Little Dong as his disciple was not because of you guys at all. He does not like you guys very much. If Little Dong lends you the money without asking for permission, then he can’t tell his Master.”
“This…” Mother Lin hesitated.
Lin Dong saw that Luo Yi was following along and pretended to be in a difficult situation, so he said, “Mom, if you really need this money, it’s not like I can’t take it out. I’ll just go back to run more errands for my master, but I’m afraid that because of this matter, I won’t be able to come back here all the time in the future.”
Lin Hu tugged on his mother. “Mom, only Little Dong can help me. Where else can I borrow 300 million?”
Chapter 681: Things turn black when they’re near the ink (Part Two)
Mother Lin looked at Lin Dong in embarrassment. “Little Dong, how many years will it take to go back and work for your master?”
Lin Dong smacked his lips: “According to the amount of 100 million he gives me to cover daily expenses every year, this time, my brother wanted me to come up with 300 million, which means I’ll spend 3 years working for him.”
Lin Dong and Mother Lin were shocked. “Your master gives you 100 million per year?”
Luo Yi smiled. “Usually more and never less.”
Mother Lin: “Then Little Dong, are you willing to help your brother out with this?”
Lin Dong nodded. “How could I not? After all, he’s my brother. I’ll take the three hundred million out of my own pocket and ask my master to lend it to you. I guess when he finds out, he will immediately let me rush back to see him.”
“Then, Little Dong, brother, I’ll thank you for this time and the last time with Bureau Director Liu. Once I’m rich, you’re welcome to spend my money,” Lin Hu said.
“Mom, I have another thing I want you and Dad to do here.” Lin Dong felt that if he was going on missions with his Master again, he probably wouldn’t return to Huaxia. And according to Lin Hu’s investment situation, he was very uneasy. Lin Dong wanted to do something more stable.
Mother Lin: “Just say what you need me to do.”
“It’s like this, you also know that our Mandala products are going to be targeted towards the high-end market, so we won’t be mass producing the products. How about you and dad register an online store, and every quarter before the new product pre-sales, you guys can sell the first batch and make some profit. However, do not ever go below the market price.”
Mother Lin was overjoyed. “Is this okay? Won’t your master disagree with this?”
Lin Dong: “He would definitely know this time about me taking money out for my brother. But that’s not all. I’ll at most endure a few punches when I go back. I’ll go back and receive my punishment. After all, my brother’s company is not stable. Once you and dad get the distribution rights, you can do it as an online store.”
Lin Dong looked at Luo Yi as he asked, “Big Brother Yi, do you think the headquarters will blame me for doing this?’
Luo Yi raised his eyebrows to finish the play with him, “What do you think?”
“Alright, Mom, that’s settled. I have other guests coming today and I ‘m afraid I can’t send you off.”
Lin Hu and Mother Lin nodded quickly. “It’s okay, we don’t want to trouble you anymore. Work hard for your master.”
Lin Dong nodded and asked his secretary to send the two away before he smiled at Luo Yi. “Big Brother Yi, hurry up and call my master.”
“For what?” Luo Yi was stunned.
Lin Dong smacked his lips. “Tell him that I’m in a bad business with my family because of my brother’s company matter, and I’m very unhappy in Shangcheng now.”
Luo YI opened his eyes wide. “F*ck, so you were using me!”
Lin Dong chuckled. “Please, Big Brother Yi.”
Luo Yi then realized something. “I noticed that you’re as scheming as the boss nowadays.”
“Things turn black when they’re near the ink!” Lin Dong laughed shamelessly.