Three days later, a piece of news had spread among the tech enthusiasts in the country.
Domestically manufactured MP3 players were available to the public now!
People did not have to save money to get the goods imported, nor did they need to bring cassette tapes around anymore.
Through all sorts of tactics, dozens of media representatives participated in Melody’s new product launch event and countless people had their eyes on it.
The greatly anticipated event was held in the conference hall of Nauritus City’s Sheraton Hotel.
Thanks to Conrad, not only did media companies of all sizes from Southeast Province send their representatives, but there were also representatives from six television stations from other provinces and two large official news stations from Swallow Capital.
The conference hall was packed with cameras and microphones everywhere. Reporters began to greet each other and exchange contacts before the event began.
It was a lively scene.
Backstage, Jasper saw Conrad standing with a smile not too far away when he arrived. From the way Conrad stood, it almost seemed as if he had been waiting for Jasper.
“I see that you’ve been well, Mr. Laine,” Conrad greeted calmly.
“And you’re as graceful as ever, Mr. Monty,” Jasper greeted back.
Seeing that Jasper had only brought Julian and another middle-aged man he did not recognize, Conrad smiled. “You don’t seem to care too much about this launch event, Mr. Laine.
“It can’t possibly be because of my glory, can it?”
Jasper replied calmly, “It’s just a launch event, what matters most is the product, no? There’s no point in bringing a large group of people with me. I’m not here for a fight.”
Although he was smiling, Conrad’s gaze darkened slowly. He leaned toward Jasper and spoke, “I like that. Our products will speak for us, won’t they? Though I do wonder if I could take a look at the product you’ve brought over today, Mr. Laine?
“I’m not the only one anticipating it, of course. I’m sure the reporters are, too… Since a pirated version will be launched with the official one. Who knows, maybe the product you invested in to manufacture will become a widely-bashed product after today?”
Conrad’s smile widened presumptuously. “After all, I’m the one with the patent rights.”
“Are you so confident that you’ll beat me today, Mr. Monty?” Jasper asked.
Conrad laughed aloud. “Jasper, oh, Jasper. Do you know what your biggest weakness is? You’re too confident in yourself. Too much self-confidence will be the cause of your downfall. You think that everything is within your control, but there’ll always be the unexpected.
“Like the patent rights and this launch event, for example. You know that the patent rights are with me, yet you’re unwilling to give up on the MP3 player. What makes you think that I’d let you off? You’re too naive if you think you’ve got a trick to turn this all around.”
Conrad scoffed and spoke plainly, “This launch event will mark the beginning of your downfall. It’ll be the MP3 player this time, then I’ll move on to target all other companies under JW Capital. Just wait. Perhaps I’ll even spare you some change the day I make you lose everything. Perhaps I’ll spare you enough that you can continue living, albeit pitifully.
“With me in Southeast Province, there will be no room for you!”
With an arrogant smile, Conrad turned and left with light steps.
“What an arrogant man, Mr. Laine,” Chad spoke rigidly to Jasper, his expression dark.
Jasper replied unaffectedly, “It’s only normal for a man to go crazy before his death. His time is coming soon.”
Chad’s expression brightened greatly when he was reminded of the leverage Jasper had. He said, “Now I’m really anticipating the launch event. I’d like to see the change in his expression when he finds out. I wonder if he can still be so arrogant then.”
…
At two in the afternoon, with the reporters waiting patiently, the launch event started on time.
On the stage were two separated groups of people. On one side were the main characters of the event, Conrad and Melody Electronics’ person in charge.
While on the other side stood Jasper and Chad from JW Electronics.
A majority of the reporters looked at Jasper and Chad with curiosity. They did not understand why this insignificant JW Electronics would be here at Melody Electronics’ launch event.
Tapping on the microphone, Conrad spoke to the audience, “Dear friends from the press, I ask that you remain silent for a little longer as Melody Electronics’ new product launch will officially begin.”
Conrad then glanced at Valentine beside him.
After receiving a cue from Conrad, Valentine smiled and stood up with an MP3 player the size of his palm.
“Friends from the press, you should already have received the relevant materials about my company. Now, allow me to show you the first-ever MP3 player to be domestically manufactured that my company has researched and developed!
“I’m sure all of you know that the MP3 player is currently trending in the States and in European countries. Its compact design allows it to be conveniently carried with you, and it’s a music product that allows you to easily download and store songs. This product will surely bring a new era to the country’s electronics market. Our first-generation Melody MP3 player has…”
The introduction lasted for more than ten minutes, during which Valentine elaborated on a grand concept and managed to describe the first-generation Melody as the hope of domestically manufactured goods—a work of art that had surpassed countless foreign goods of the same type.
For a launch event of this scale, it was expected that Conrad had his own men among the reporters.
When it was time for the reporters to ask questions, it was their time to shine.
“Mr. Estrada, your introduction has piqued our interest in the first-generation Melody. But I’d like to ask, at what price will it be sold?”
Valentine replied with a smile, “Since this is a domestic brand, it’s only natural that we keep the price acceptable to its target consumers. We’ve decided to sell each product at 1,800 Somer Dollars.”
The reporters all gasped in shock at the number.
In comparison to the imported goods that would cost at least 2,000 Somer Dollars, the first-generation Melody from a domestic brand was indeed a little more budget-friendly.
“One more question. How many Melodies is Melody Electronics preparing to manufacture?” another reporter asked.
Valentine smiled proudly. “Melody Electronics is fully prepared with four manufacturing lines that work 24 hours a day. There are currently six million first-generation Melody products in the warehouse and we will be manufacturing at least 500,000 per day in the future!
“Our company has invested a large amount to reach that goal. We’re not worried about having invested too much, for we are confident that our product will stun the country’s MP3 player market!”
After the topic began to trend online, Conrad took over the microphone and suddenly spoke with a smile, “We have another piece of news to share, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Laine from JW Electronics has a new product to launch as well. Would you like to show us your product, Mr. Laine?”
