Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 642 What a Danger
After chatting about books for a while, Chen Fan asked about the Chinese character card, "Is the Chinese character card ready for mass production?"

"Well,……"

Zhou Yali chuckled dryly twice, "Mass production isn't possible yet; we haven't found a suitable partner. However, we are planning to hold a press conference."

Chinese character input methods have always been a global challenge. This time, we have solved this problem through computer programming. Once it is released to the world, it will definitely cause a huge sensation.

"We will definitely be able to find the most suitable partner then..."

She paused for a moment, then changed the subject, "By the way, Dr. Douglas Engelbart has a suggestion. He thinks we can embed the Chinese character card and connect it to a mouse to create a brand new Chinese character computer, which can be sold in Chinese-speaking regions. What do you think?"

Chen Fan remained noncommittal, saying, "That's a good idea, but don't get your hopes up too high."

Zhou Yali was somewhat surprised, "You don't think it's a good idea?"

Chen Fan smiled and asked, "What kind of people do you think are using computers these days?"

Before she could answer, Chen Fan continued, "Although the Apple II computer and its excellent commercial performance gave personal computers a lot of confidence, the mainstream thinking in the computer industry today still regards computers as highly professional electronic tools, rather than something developed for personal use."

Therefore, most people who use computers now have taken specialized computer courses to learn how to use computers, and a large portion of them are people who specialize in computer research.

Similarly, the Chinese character input method you developed also requires a period of learning before one can use it fluently.

In this situation, do you think the market for a single Chinese character computer is larger, or the market for a Chinese character expansion card that can be installed on any computer is larger?

A new computer costs around $1000, while an expansion card only costs a few tens of dollars. Which would you choose?!

Zhou Yali frowned deeply. "So, Chinese character computers don't have a bright future?"

Chen Fan smiled and said, "As I said before, this project is feasible. After all, there is still a certain demand for Chinese characters in some places. It's just that you shouldn't have too high expectations."

Two years later, Acer Taiwan launched the world's first Chinese-language computer: the Tianlong Chinese-language computer. However, the market response was not good, and they even encountered a shell company that cheated them out of tens of thousands of NT dollars worth of machines.

If Acer hadn't launched the Professor 1 computer the following year, in 81, and received a good market response, the company might not exist.

In reality, the so-called "Little Professor No. 1 Computer" is just a low-end version of an Apple Model 2 computer cloner. It has some basic functions of an Apple computer, and its size is so small that it doesn't look like a computer at all, but rather like a book.

(Junior Professor No. 1)
Although this computer is more like a gaming device, it has become surprisingly popular due to its low price of less than £300.

Then in 82, Acer launched the Little Professor 2, which was still an Apple computer cloner.

The only difference is that it supports Chinese input.

Therefore, it also has another name, which is the "Tianlong Chinese Computer" that was once used.

But this is still not a real computer.

The rise of Chinese-language computers should be attributed to Chinese character cards.

Therefore, Chen Fan did not think highly of Dr. Engelbart's suggestion. Dedicated Chinese computers did indeed have a limited market, especially in foreign environments where English was still the dominant language.

How many people would spend a lot of money to buy a computer that can only use Chinese language functions?
Unless the computer also has English processing capabilities, but in that case, the Chinese processing part would be nothing more than a useless redundancy for most ordinary customers.

Only those who need both Chinese and English language skills would be interested in such a computer.

That's why Chen Fan said the market would be very small.

Instead of doing that, it would be better to just sell Chinese character cards, and we could also partner with all the computer manufacturers on the market to sell them as part of a package deal.

A Chinese character card costing a few tens of dollars would likely be more affordable to many people.

After listening to Chen Fan's words, Zhou Yali decided to write them down and discuss them with her father and Douglas the next day.

After writing it down on the sticky note, she suddenly remembered something, "Oh right, in addition to the Pinyin input method you suggested, Douglas also incorporated the input methods of several existing Chinese typewriters."

Chen Fan was slightly taken aback. "You mean the input method used on those old mechanical typewriters?"

"Ah."

Zhou Yali said, "Yes, for example, there is the number code input method of Motorola Chinese typewriter, and there is also an input method that was bought from Taiwan. It was invented by a man named Zhu Bangfu and is called Cangjie Input Method."

Douglas was looking for available Chinese input methods when he discovered that someone in Taiwan had invented this input method in 77. He then invited Zhu Bangfu to the United States. After discussing it, we felt that this input method could be implemented on a computer, so we wanted to buy his patent.

However, Zhu Bangfu said that the patent would not be sold, but could be licensed for free for life. I thought that since it was free, I agreed and invited him to continue the development.

"Well, what do you think?"

Chen Fan wiped a cold sweat from his brow as he listened. "I think it's pretty good."

Good grief, this has wiped out Tianlong Chinese PC.

Because the Tianlong Chinese computer, developed two years later, was jointly developed by Zhu Bangfu and Acer. It later became the most commonly used shape-based input method in Traditional Chinese regions, rivaling the Wubi input method in mainland China.

Alright, now that there's Pinyin input for simplified Chinese characters and Cangjie input for traditional Chinese characters, this Chinese character card is a sure thing, it works globally.

After chatting about company matters for a while, Chen Fan finally said, "Regarding technical matters, you can listen to Dr. Engelbart's opinions. I mentioned last time that I share the same thoughts as him. In the future, computers will definitely become more widespread and integrated into daily life. As long as we move in that direction, things shouldn't go badly."

As for the market, with my uncle around, I don't think it can get too bad.

Since you currently lack experience and knowledge of the computer industry, it's best to position yourself in a learning and supportive role. As long as the company's direction remains unchanged, avoid interfering too much; this will benefit your growth.

Zhou Yali was no longer sleepy. Hearing Chen Fan's words, she was very unconvinced. "You talk as if you know so much. I gave you your first computer."

In contrast, Chen Fan was more nonchalant, saying, "There's nothing I can do, I'm a genius, how can you compare to me?"

Zhou Yali was immediately speechless with anger, muttering under her breath, "Oh, I forgot you're from another planet."

Chen Fan smiled and said, "Lastly, broaden your horizons a bit. Don't think about doing everything yourself. For example, consider patent licensing and contract manufacturing."

Oh, right, and there's also that technology for connecting different local area networks. Dr. Engelbart, please make sure you pay attention to it and don't neglect it while working on the Chinese character card.

"Also, the upgrading of the Chinese character cards needs to continue..." Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Yali's voice came through the microphone, "Why are you having a meeting with Daddy? You only say you'll talk about one thing, but you keep going on and on, it never ends, huh?"

Chen Fan's face darkened. "That's all, those are the three points."

Zhou Yali: "That's more like it. I've written it all down. Um, last time I saw you carrying such a heavy computer around, so I sent you three computers. You can put one in the village, one at school, and one at work. You can leave the original one in Shanghai, so you don't have to move it around."

Then there are ten Chinese character cards, each with three input methods and Chinese-language text and spreadsheet software. Just insert the card into the slot and you can use it. Do what you want.

Is there anything else?

Chen Fan: "That's all, goodnight."

Zhou Yali slammed the phone down, leaving only the dial tone.

Chen Fan placed the microphone on the landline with a dark expression and muttered, "How rude."

Turning to look at Jiang Lili, who was still leaning against him, covering her mouth and chuckling, he gently patted her head. "Still laughing? Time to eat."

Jiang Lili pouted, then gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before jumping up like a little rabbit and running to the kitchen.

Chen Fan stroked his chin, watching her retreating figure and sighed, "Your kung fu has improved; you actually managed to dodge it."

……

Saturday, October 10.

After accompanying Jiang Lili in practicing martial arts for several days, Zhou Yali finally sent a large package.

All three computers were Apple II models, the difference being that they already had Chinese character cards installed. Chen Fan then plugged the Chinese character cards into the three existing computers at home, taught the two sisters how to use them, and then boarded the return flight with the three computers.

After returning to the Jiangnan branch of the Writers Association, Chen Fan chatted with a group of people for a while before going to He Qingsheng's office.

When He Qingsheng saw it was him, he almost instinctively put the cigarettes on the table into the drawer. After realizing what had happened, he chuckled, took out another cigarette, and handed it to him. "Where have you been? Why are you back so soon?"

Chen Fan pretended not to have seen what had just happened and calmly accepted the cigarette.

But upon hearing his words, she couldn't help but exclaim, "What does this mean? You're happy without me, aren't you? It wasn't like this before."

He Qingsheng handed over the matches, his old face slightly flushed. "No, how could that be? You're a pillar of our unit. I'd love for you to be here every day."

He paused for a moment, then said softly, "However, there's really nothing I need you for lately."

Chen Fan lit a cigarette, returned the match, and stared at the screen, saying, "Impossible. Doesn't Takahashi Publishing need my involvement?"

He Qingsheng scratched his sparse hair. "No, everything is normal. If there's any change, it's that your second novel has been translated and sent over. Takahashi has read it and is very satisfied. It's about to go to print, but the royalties have already been paid, so it's not your responsibility."

The collaboration between our company and Takahashi Publishing House is also going smoothly.

We selected works by two authors, had them translated by our translation department, and then sent them over. Hideo Takahashi also selected two best-selling books from his publishing house for us to publish…

"and many more."

Chen Fan suddenly interrupted him, "We'll publish it with his publishing house? How will the royalties be calculated?"

He Qingsheng took a satisfying puff of his cigarette, tilted his head back and laughed, “Different countries have different circumstances. Our books used to be small booklets, so of course they were published according to the rules for small booklets, and vice versa. Since you’ve entrusted your book to us for publication, you should definitely follow our rules.”

Chen Fan's eyes widened. "7 yuan per thousand words, and no royalties?"

He Qingsheng didn't say anything, he just crossed his legs and shook them.

Chen Fan immediately gave a thumbs up, "Old ginger is spicier after all, I'm impressed."

By domestic standards, wouldn't that be equivalent to getting something for free?!
That was handled perfectly!
He Qingsheng laughed and said, "It's alright."

After a pause, he added, "Actually, Xiaobenzi didn't lose out either. His books being able to enter the mainland is unprecedented, but it's certainly one of a kind for Scorpion Baba."

Even though he won't get much money from us, if he uses this name to advertise, won't the book sell even more copies?

Ultimately, they still make money; they don't lose out.

Chen Fan clicked his tongue and sighed, "You're quite impressive that you were able to negotiate with him."

He Qingsheng shook his head, leaned forward, and chuckled softly, "This matter was not brought up by us, but by Takahashi Koben himself. I also emphasized the issue of royalties to him, and he said he didn't mind, and that it was fine to follow local customs."

We initially couldn't understand it either, but after his explanation, we grasped the logic. So, we selected two books from his list, obtained approval from our superiors, and used them as the initial trial. If it works out, we'll add more later.

Chen Fan flicked off the ash from his cigarette, frowned, and nodded slightly. "This little notebook seems to have some ulterior motives."

He Qingsheng leaned back again and laughed, "Who cares how they scheme? As long as we make a fortune, that's all that matters."

Chen Fan nodded, hummed in agreement, then looked up at him and said, "Okay, things are settled here. What about the correspondence course for writing training?"

He Qingsheng pointed outside, "Then you'll have to ask your Xiaobian. When you're not around, she's the one who handles all the work. If there are any problems, either go to me or Xiaoxu. But basically, she handles everything quite well."

As she spoke, she glanced at Chen Fan and said, "I think it's probably time for you to step down and hand over your position as director of the correspondence center to someone more capable."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fan slammed his hand on the table and said excitedly, "It's a deal!"

A lowly director who doesn't even get a salary and only gets a little subsidy at most—whoever wants him can take the job; he certainly doesn't want to do it anymore.

Seeing Chen Fan's decisiveness, He Qingsheng wanted to slap himself. He immediately laughed and said, "Just kidding, just kidding. The appointment and removal of a director requires a meeting and discussion. It's not like you can just quit like that. Let's not bring this up again."

I almost forgot, this kid isn't the type to get things done; he's always looking to slack off. Besides, he earns so much from his writing that he's never short of money, so naturally he looks down on that meager salary. If I hadn't been keeping him in check, he would have quit long ago.

He almost got a chance to escape; that was close.

(End of this chapter)