National Tide 1980

"Ning, I recently got the latest issue of "Art" magazine, which contains reports on the art exhibition you held in the Temple of Heaven. Just from the photos, I was fascinated. The exhibits are very beautiful. My wife also Tell me, those glass flowers can emit fragrance. This is so amazing and unimaginable. I really want to visit it. I'm just afraid there are too many people at the scene and I can't watch carefully. When will your garden party end? ?Will this exhibition also end at the same time?”

Wanman was talking about the handicraft exchange exhibition held by Ning Weimin this year at the Sacrifice Pavilion through the opening ceremony of the sculpture art exhibition in order to promote the technological development of the industrial art industry in the capital.

The main works in the exhibition, including Liu Yongqing's Great Appreciation Vase, Jiang Sanchang's material vessel "Twelve Flower Immortals", and the Palace Lantern Factory's "Kowloon Pearl Lamp", have all been reported in the February issue of the domestic industry magazine "Art". and gave a full introduction.

Needless to say, Wanman, who is also engaged in art creation and is considering whether to accept the invitation of the National Academy of Fine Arts to establish a dyeing, weaving and wall hanging laboratory in China, has also subscribed to this magazine and was deeply touched after reading it.

In addition, Song Huagui was one of the distinguished guests who had witnessed it with his own eyes, so he must have spoken highly of it.

So this international colleague was inevitably moved and wanted to take a closer look.

On the other hand, it was also because of Song Huagui's relationship that Ning Weimin would definitely facilitate and fully meet the requirements of this foreign brother-in-law.

Even if the venue is temporarily cleared and he is allowed to have close contact, it is appropriate to watch him for an hour or two.

This is respect for your immediate boss.

What's more, Wanman himself is a world-renowned wall hanging artist.

Before returning to China, he and Song Huagui held personal exhibitions in France, the United States, Japan, Australia, Belgium and other countries, and most of his works were collected by museums in various countries.

Of course, Ning Weimin also hoped that Wanman would be inspired to create some artworks with oriental beauty after seeing these top-notch crafts.

At that time, if the rich water does not go to other people's fields, he can also invest in buying it.

It can not only improve Tan Gong's artistic taste, but also sell favors to Song Huagui and Wan Man. How wonderful!

To put it bluntly, Wan Man might have just mentioned it casually, but Ning Weimin's mind was like a living abacus, and he had already figured out the general situation and various benefits that would happen next.

Naturally, he promised that Wanman could go at any time and promised to give him VIP treatment and let him visit alone.

As a result, not only Song Huagui and Wan Man were very happy, but the topic also completely led to the New Year Garden Party at the Temple of Heaven.

Because a pair of mixed-race children Wan Man and Song Huagui also wanted to join in the fun.

"Dad, let's go together as a family. Okay? My brother and I stay at home almost every day during the winter vacation. It's really boring. From the TV, the garden party in the Temple of Heaven looks very interesting. Especially the circus performances by the animals are so exciting. Ah. I really want to take a look."

"By the way, Manager Ning, can you let me hug those puppies? I also want to feed the bears. Also, I also want to see the costumes of "Under the Curtain". I heard they are very exquisite. Many people put it on and took pictures..."

Probably because he inherited his parents' genes, Song Xiaohong is quite talented in art and is also a student of the Academy of Fine Arts.

However, this girl has a carefree temperament. She is easily interested in everything, but has no interest in anything.

Sometimes I want to do fine art, sometimes I want to do costume design, sometimes I want to do stage design, or make movies.

I always have a lot of ideas, which are a bit out of tune.

Perhaps it was also the advantage she gained through reincarnation that gave her so many choices.

She is particularly careless about her future, lacks long-term planning, and never considers what she really wants.

He just focuses on enjoying life and is a completely happy-go-lucky person.

"No problem, I will arrange it. It's no problem to hold a dog, ride a horse, or feed a deer. If you are interested in costumes, I can not only put Chen Ye and Liu Xiaoqin's queen costumes on for you to take photos with, but I can also let you Try on that Li Fei Western armor that we don’t rent to the public. However, if you want to feed the bears, you still have to listen to the advice of the acrobatic troupe’s animal trainer. I can only help you ask, after all, it is a ferocious beast. Even if they agree, You can’t be careless either.”

Ning Weimin agreed to all Song Xiaohong's wishes and did not push back because she was still a college student who had not entered the society.

Because he knew that Song Huagui loved this eldest daughter. If he could make this girl happy, Song Huagui himself would be even happier.

Sure enough, Song Xiaohong was so happy when she heard it, she thanked Ning Weimin repeatedly.

Song Huagui also repeatedly said "I'm causing trouble to you", and his touch index was significantly higher than Ning Weimin's just meeting Wanman's needs.

"Manager Ning, how did you come up with the idea of ​​the ice cream in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests? This idea is simply brilliant. But why is there only one kind of cream ice cream? Can there be more flavors? Strawberry, bayberry, lychee, etc. There should be both vanilla and chocolate. It seems a bit monotonous like yours. My favorite is coconut flavor. If you can make it, I will eat one at least every day..."

After Song Xiaohong finished speaking, it was her brother Song Xiaocong's turn again.

This kid is still a high school student and sounds like a foodie.

However, his request was quite satisfying, and Ning Weimin refused to accept anyone who came.

"Haha, Xiaocong, you're right. I also have this idea. But I have to take it step by step because there is so little raw material in the country. Originally, I planned to gradually add bayberry and chocolate flavors. Since you If you like the taste of coconut, I will discuss it with the polar bears and arrange it first. I think you can eat it this summer."

"That's great, Manager Ning, you are such an interesting person. But there is one more question. I have to give you some advice, so that you don't continue to make mistakes. In the documentary I watched on TV, the corridor of the Temple of Heaven is There are flower lanterns and ice lanterns, but the lights are not lit during the day. What’s the point? I think you should delay the closing time of the Temple of Heaven, at least until 9 p.m. Then let the promenade be completely lit up at night. That would be interesting. Ah. It will definitely attract more tourists to come here. If that happens, I will definitely call all my classmates to support you..."

To say that the requests of these siblings are really endless.

Especially Song Xiaocong, who talked to Ning Weimin more and more casually and boldly, and even gave him guidance on the country.

This is probably the characteristic of young people. They dare to speak and think, and their ideas are completely unrestricted.

But they are also prone to ignoring the constraints of objective conditions and forgetting worldliness and even basic courtesy.

For example, Song Huagui felt embarrassed by her son's words, and she quickly spoke up to stop him.

"Okay, okay. How old are you, what do you know? Just talk on paper without shame. Delay until nine o'clock? This is too unrealistic. Don't even think about it. Most buses in the capital will be gone at seven-thirty. You How do you let those passengers who take the bus go home? Do you know how difficult it is to divert the passenger flow after dark? If you really want to do this, how much manpower and material resources will be spent. Also, Xiaocong, Xiaohong, how did you two What about talking to Manager Ning? You, you, don’t even know how to use honorifics? It’s rude..."

Song Huagui is outgoing, capable, and busy with work every day. Although she is a good elder sister in the company, she is also a tolerant parent.

But she has never been a traditional loving mother in the family.

In particular, he is very concerned about the external performance of his children's clothing, words and deeds, and has very strict requirements.

As soon as these stern words were said, a pair of mixed-race children were immediately described as flowers exposed to the sun.

They quickly blushed and admitted their mistake, and apologized to Ning Weimin as she requested.

Of course Ning Weimin couldn't bear it.

He even said, "No, no, eldest sister, you are embarrassing me. In fact, I don't use honorifics when chatting with Xiaocong and Xiaohong. In terms of age, I am not much older than them. If I were not afraid of calling you When I sing Madam Song, it seems more natural, and calling me sister is more affectionate. I have already asked them to call me brother."

"Besides, Xiao Cong has a very good vision and is really good at thinking. I'm afraid ordinary young people won't be able to discover these problems. Besides, these suggestions are all well-intentioned and are for my benefit. Don't blame him. . In fact, just because Xiao Cong said that one ice cream flavor is too single, I was inspired and came up with some new ideas."

"Sister, what do you think about our Pierre Cardon company also producing its own ice cream? It doesn't have to be three-dimensional like the Qiniandian Ice Cream. Our company's LOGO happens to be red and white, so why not just produce bayberry and cream? Matching two-color ice cream. You can have two flavors on one ice cream. Is it good?"

Song Huaguiquan didn't expect that Ning Weimin's excuse for his children was really not just polite words and pretentious remarks.

It was because of Song Xiaocong's casual remarks that he was stunned when he came up with such an imaginative idea.

Song Xiaocong and Song Xiaohong were enjoying themselves.

The two of them still can't get rid of their childishness, and they can't help but get excited when they talk about eating.

So we didn’t even make the dumplings, and we all clapped our hands together to say they were good, causing white flour to float everywhere in the air.

Even Wanman thought the idea was interesting and worth trying.

"You mean to cooperate with polar bears and let them produce ice cream, and then we sell it? It's a good idea, and I think it's interesting. But we are in the clothing business...and sell ice cream by the way, isn't this... A bit unprofessional? Besides, we are not the Temple of Heaven Park. I know that your ice cream is very popular at the garden party. It is sold out in the winter. Many tourists go to the Temple of Heaven and want to buy one. But where do we have so many? Tourists? The only channels suitable for selling ice cream are Maxim, Menimus, Tan Gong Restaurant, and Zhai Gong Cafe. If the sales are too low..."

However, while everyone was excited, Song Huagui was actually a little worried.

Shopping malls these days don’t pay much attention to cross-border operations.

For a moment, she was completely unable to catch up with Ning Weimin's thoughts and understand his true intentions.

"Sister, it actually doesn't matter whether our company's brand of ice cream makes money or not. You can think of the cost of ice cream as advertising expenses. In fact, what I mean is that selling is secondary, the main thing is to give it away. . Like our specialty stores, don’t we always provide customers with free tea, coffee, and snacks? Why? Isn’t it just to give customers a VIP experience. Then why don’t we put a freezer in these specialty stores and provide one more product of our company? What about the ice cream with the LOGO? I think this kind of ice cream given out will definitely make customers feel more interesting and more respectable. And in terms of advertising effect, I think this has the elements of social news. As long as the information is disclosed to Reporters, newspapers will report it, and we will make a lot of money. What do you think?"

Ning Weimin's explanation moved Song Huagui a little. This was because the strategy of selling and giving away was very contradictory, which made her a little unsure of the final effect of this matter.

"I understand what you mean. But the question is, how much does it cost to make and store ice cream? Polar bears also need costs for research and development, and the output must reach a certain number before they can produce it. Once the decision is made to implement it, it will be consumed all year round. It’s unclear how much it will cost. I haven’t been able to estimate the specific figure yet. Besides, if you plan to sell and give away the ice cream, the quality of the ice cream must be guaranteed and the reputation of the company cannot be damaged. What should the price of this ice cream be? Is it reasonable to set the right price? Will anyone be willing to buy it if it is set high? These are all difficult questions. So although I agree with this matter in principle, as you said, it doesn’t matter if you lose money, it will be used as advertising expenses. But advertising It’s also hard to say how effective it will be. If you really plan to implement it, you must first make a detailed budget and operation plan so that everyone can have an overall estimate and go through the discussion process before it can be approved at the meeting.”

To be honest, Ning Weimin was very understanding of Song Huagui's cautious approach.

The main issue is that Pierre Cardon's brand image is the primary issue, so the quality of the ice cream must be high.

Just like the Maxim restaurant under the company, the reason why it has been operating at a loss is because Pierre Cardin always adheres to the business strategy of maintaining high-end style and not allowing price reductions.

So if this plan is really implemented, the capital investment in the freezer is easy to calculate, but the cost of ice cream production is difficult to predict. Otherwise, it will be a situation of continuous blood loss.

Although the Pierre Cardon family has a big business, even if tens of thousands of ice creams are wasted every year, it will only lose tens of thousands of costs, so they don't care too much about this expense.

But we can't let this matter become a thorny issue within the company and a joke for outsiders to watch.

Without sufficient time and careful consideration, Song Huagui was still a little overwhelmed and decided that ice cream was not easy to sell. This was normal.

But then again, Ning Weimin is very good at settling accounts.

Although it may be a temporary idea, he has business insights from the next thirty years.

It is not difficult to help Song Huagui solve her problems and clear her mind on this matter.

"Sister, you don't have to hesitate about this matter. We have no choice. We must take the high-end route. Just like our clothes, why are people buying them when they are so expensive? Because besides our 'PC' brand, it is the first international brand to enter the Republic. Brand clothing has the advantage of being the first to eat crabs. It also represents a style and culture from France and represents the Chinese people’s imagination of Western life, so it has cultural added value.”

"The same goes for ice cream. For example, if the production cost of our ice cream is one yuan per piece, then the selling price should be set at around one yuan and five according to the situation in the Republic. But the problem is that we currently don't have high-end products in our country. There is no two-color ice cream in ice cream. Once we make it, we fill this gap. Moreover, the shape of this ice cream is the LOGO of Pierre Cardon, so our ice cream becomes something that can bring people's imagination. Price There is no ceiling. I think we can compare it with Maxim’s consumption level and set the price of ice cream at five yuan, which is slightly lower than ice cream desserts.”

"Don't think it's too high. In fact, the higher we price the ice cream, the more satisfied it will be for customers. The reason is simple. From the perspective of customers who receive gifts, getting an ice cream priced at five yuan is definitely better than getting a five yuan ice cream." Ice cream priced at RMB 1.50 is more satisfying. Even if the production cost is the same. As for the sales issue, I don’t think you should worry about it. Because even if it is priced at RMB 1.50, ordinary customers will still feel that it cannot afford it. For them , in fact, it is the same whether it is five yuan or one and a half. And the customers who can afford our clothes must also be the ones who can afford five yuan to eat ice cream. If these people think it tastes good, they will definitely not come to our restaurant. They will choose not to eat because they need to spend their own money.”

"As for our ice cream, does it mean that we have completely given up on ordinary customers? No, I think that ordinary customers are the main consumers of this high-priced ice cream. Especially young people, because they have not experienced life and death wars like the older generation. No matter how difficult the country is, When they were young, basic life was guaranteed. On the contrary, the poorer the family and the more stable their life, the more eager these young people are to consume luxury goods. This cannot be simply summed up as vanity. It is a psychology that has been suppressed for a long time. They are eager to prove that they are not inferior to others by consuming high-end products. In fact, our Chinese people have always had the habit of wearing rice-filled bellies and woolen pants. It stems from this."

"Although these people can't afford our expensive suits, they don't need to own our suits. But they can afford the five-yuan ice cream. In fact, because our brand image is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, we have already It has become synonymous with high-end suits and successful people. Deep down in the hearts of almost all people, they all hope that they can have some connection with our brand. This is the potential consumer market and consumption motivation."

"There must be someone who is willing to spend this money to make a splash, enjoy the envious looks of others, and experience what it feels like to be superior to others. Or maybe use this to please your girlfriend. So I don't plan to limit the sales of ice cream to just a few of us. Instead, we want to promote it in the entire Temple of Heaven Park. We may even cooperate with foreign hotels where we rent stores for sales. I think the sales situation is not pessimistic, but also very optimistic."

"Not to mention anything else, the capital currently has a population of nine million. Since the Temple of Heaven has cultural activities in all seasons this year, I predict that the average monthly passenger flow will reach one million people. Conservatively estimated, as long as one of the thousand people who come to the Temple of Heaven buys one The high-end ice cream that only costs five yuan can sell a thousand pieces a month. I can also add this ice cream to the banquet at Tan Gong Restaurant as a dessert. So looking at the whole year, I think we It is not a problem to sell a total of 20,000 to 30,000 pieces. Including the gifts to customers, the output of 60,000 pieces is enough for the polar bears to support our operation. Not only will we not lose money, we should also make a profit. Although I am not sure about the double harvest of word-of-mouth economy I can guarantee it. But don’t worry, we won’t let the company get nothing from this matter and be embarrassed by this ice cream.”