Reborn in 2005, starting with repairing mobile phones

Uncle Cai's heart skipped a beat, realizing that this was the real core of today's report. He immediately put away the slight relaxation he had felt after being praised.

"President Lin, the news has just been confirmed. Your judgment was absolutely correct; that batch of materials can be processed now."

The specifications are exactly the same as what you requested. It's a batch that leaked from the factory that supplies North American aircraft manufacturers. Its performance fully meets, and some indicators even exceed, the top standards for consumer electronics.

The seller's situation is consistent with our expectations; they are eager to liquidate assets and sell, and the price is 25% lower than the market value.

He paused briefly before revealing the key information: "The goods are in a bonded warehouse at the Port of San Francisco. The condition is cash only, and the delivery window is only one month, starting next week."

"One month..."

Lin Dong gently repeated the time, tapping his fingers rhythmically twice on the windowsill.

Time, place, goods—everything was in place, perfectly matching the plan he had already rehearsed countless times in his mind.

In July 2005, a special alloy emergency tender that shocked the industry turned a batch of mysterious bonded warehouse spot goods into a legend of turning lead into gold.

The Hong Kong businessman who seized the opportunity made a net profit of nearly 20 million US dollars within three months, becoming a legend in the industry.

And at this moment, the origin of this batch of legends lies quietly in the Port of San Francisco, waiting for him to sign for them.

However, Lin Dong knew very well that he was not that Hong Kong businessman.

The other party is a trading behemoth with a huge cash flow, capable of swallowing the entire batch of goods and monopolizing all the profits.

Given his current size, he simply cannot eat it all.

His strategy was more pragmatic: using limited loans as leverage to take on the largest share he could.

The goal of this deal was not to replicate the $20 million legend, but to earn their first decent research and development funding.

"The price is very reasonable."

Lin Dong's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. "We'll take as much of this batch of materials as we have the funds."

He turned around and gave clear and decisive instructions: "Do two things immediately: First, secure this shipment and proceed according to their cash terms."

Second, process my passport and US business visa as quickly as possible. I will personally go to San Francisco this time.

Uncle Cai was not surprised that Lin Dong had to take the lead personally. Such a large quantity of high-value strategic materials, and such an unconventional trading channel, could only be handled by Lin Dong himself, and only he could accurately seize this fleeting opportunity.

"Understood, Mr. Lin. I'll take care of it right away."

Uncle Cai nodded emphatically, then asked, "So... who should go with us, me or Ah Hao? The situation over there might be a bit complicated."

"Need not."

Lin Dong waved his hand, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "You two are tasked with Shenzhen. Uncle Cai, you need to be in charge at the central level to ensure that the daily work of patent applications goes smoothly."

Ah Hao's responsibility is to ensure the absolute stability and safety of Zhang, Dr. Zhou, and Designer Su, and their core team, during this period.

He looked at Uncle Cai with absolute trust and clear boundaries in his eyes: "I'll go to San Francisco myself."

Uncle Cai understood instantly.

President Lin's trip was characterized by a clear objective and well-defined steps.

He didn't ask any more questions, only replying, "Yes, I understand."

Lin Dong nodded, taking one last look at the completely descending night outside the window.

If the aluminum shipment in San Francisco is successfully sold, the profits will be enough to cover the team's R&D expenses for a long time to come. Right now, the most important thing is to get through to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China tomorrow.

However... the ownership of an entire floor in Futian Central District, plus a physical factory that is already in operation in Dongguan, should make securing a 20 million yuan loan a sure thing.

"Tomorrow, we'll go to the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China first."

The following day, at the Shenzhen Futian branch of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, in the office of the deputy branch manager.

Vice President Zhao, in his early forties and wearing gold-rimmed glasses, carefully reviewed the documents prepared by Uncle Cai, his gaze lingering for a moment on the column "Legal Representative: Lin Dong, Age: 18".

He looked up, a professional smile on his face, with an obvious scrutiny.

"Mr. Lin, you are truly a young man of great promise."

He put down the documents, leaned back slightly, and said, "I've reviewed the documents. The property rights are clear, and the factory is operational. The assessment will proceed according to standard procedures and the collateral..."

We can approve a mortgage business loan of up to 10 million, with an interest rate 1000% above the benchmark rate. This is already a very favorable offer based on your asset situation.

This number is far from Lin Dong's expectations.

"President Zhao,"

Lin Dong showed no disappointment. Instead, he leaned forward slightly, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable penetrating power.

"If I were just here to mortgage my property and equipment for 1000 million, I would be very grateful. But I'm not here to pawn my assets today."

"Oh?"

Bank Manager Zhao adjusted his glasses, a look of interest on his face. "Is Mr. Lin here?"

"I'm here to invite ICBC to invest in a certain future."

Lin Dong's voice was not loud, but every word was clear: "You are assessing the value of this floor and that factory today. But what I want you to assess is the value they can leverage tomorrow within the 'Eastern Technology' blueprint."

He didn't wait for President Zhao's reply and went straight to the point.

Lin Dong's voice was steady, neither too loud nor too soft, but every word struck President Zhao's heart like a small hammer, making it impossible for him to lose focus.

"You know better than I how much this floor will appreciate in value over the next three years, given its location in Futian Center. To consider it merely as collateral for ten million is to value gold as brass."

He paused briefly.

"You see that my company doesn't have a historical record of its financial statements, which is true. But a financial statement records the past, while my team and the patents I hold are aimed at the future."

From the beginning of the year when I went south to Shenzhen alone, to now when the core team is in place, the factory is established, and the patent application process has begun, we've only taken less than six months. This speed itself is the best testament to our credibility.

"It took me less than six months to go from zero to sitting here."

My team comprises top-tier talent recruited from Huaqiangbei, Harbin Institute of Technology labs, and leading design firms. They gave up stable jobs to join me, not because I'm wealthy, but because of our shared vision.

Lin Dong's voice was steady and strong, "I understand banks' risk control by looking at the past. But investment is about looking at the future. My past is short, but my future is long."

President Zhao's eyes flickered slightly behind his glasses, and he unconsciously leaned forward a little.

Lin Dong met his gaze, and spoke the last words very slowly and with great emphasis.

"If you give me ten million, I can only accelerate on the existing track."

But if you give me 20 million, I can pave a brand new track for "Eastern Technology" so that the R&D team can focus on overcoming the most critical technological barriers.

ICBC will no longer be the supervisor of this loan, but rather a partner in its initiation. What you are signing today is not just a loan agreement.

The office fell silent.

Bank Manager Zhao's gaze lingered on Lin Dong's face for a long time.

He was assessing, but no longer the assets; rather, he was assessing the rare, almost arrogant certainty in the young man before him.

He had seen this certainty in many people who ultimately succeeded.

The risks are enormous.

But some opportunities may only come once in a lifetime.