Rebirth: Starting from Lighting Up the Tech Tree

Chapter 139 Market Share

The China International Drone Summit was held in Hangzhou.

This is the industry's highest-level annual event, bringing together drone companies, experts, scholars, and policymakers from across the country and even the world. Every year at this time, the industry landscape changes.

Zuo Cheng stood on the podium, looking down at the dark mass of people below.

"Three years ago, the drone industry was dominated by traditional giants." His voice carried throughout the venue through the microphone. "Today, I want to tell you that this landscape has changed."

On the large screen, a set of data is being displayed.

"This shows the market share changes over the past year," Zuo Cheng said. "Traditional giant Huafeng Technology saw its market share drop from 40% to 25%. Meanwhile, our company, 402, started from scratch and now holds a 30% market share."

The entire audience erupted in uproar.

Three years ago, 402 was just an unknown small company. Now, it has become the second largest in the industry and is challenging for the top spot.

"It's not just about market share," Zuo Cheng continued, "but more importantly, it's about expanding application scenarios."

The large screen switches to display 402's business map.

"Logistics, agriculture, surveying and mapping, and emergency rescue," Zuo Cheng explained one by one. "We have a presence in all four major areas, and we have achieved technological leadership in each one."

"That's our strategy," he said. "Not just making drones, but building intelligent networks in the sky."

---

After the speech, Zuo Cheng stepped down from the stage.

A middle-aged man stopped him.

"Mr. Zuo, I admire you." The man extended his hand. "I'm Mr. Wang from Shenzhen UAVs."

"Hello, Mr. Wang." Zuo Cheng shook hands with him.

"Your development speed is too fast," exclaimed General Manager Wang. "Traditional companies like ours really can't keep up."

"Mr. Wang is too modest," Zuo Cheng said politely. "Shenzhen City UAVs has been deeply involved in the surveying and mapping field for many years and has accumulated a wealth of technical expertise."

"No matter how good our technology is, it can't compare to yours," Mr. Wang said with a wry smile. "But that's alright, I'm here today to discuss cooperation."

"cooperate?"

"Yes," Mr. Wang said, "We'd like to operate a drone service on your platform. Is that possible?"

Zuo Cheng's eyes lit up.

This is a new business model.

"Mr. Wang, let's find a place to discuss this in detail."

---

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of Huaxin Group.

Lin Jianhua sat in his office, with a television in front of him broadcasting the summit.

The screen showed Zuo Cheng giving a speech, which was met with thunderous applause.

"A 30% market share." He sneered. "This small company actually has some skills."

The secretary stood aside, not daring to speak.

"How's the situation at Huafeng?" Lin Jianhua asked.

"Huafei is in a bad situation," the secretary replied. "After a year of price wars, its market share is actually declining. Distributors are full of complaints."

"Useless." Lin Jianhua slammed the folder in his hand.

The secretary kept her head down, not daring to utter a sound.

"What about Zhao Tianxing?" Lin Jianhua asked again. "Any progress on his end?"

"Tianxing Capital's investigation is still ongoing," the secretary said. "They've found some background information on 402, but we're unsure of its accuracy."

"Let him continue investigating," Lin Jianhua said. "I refuse to believe that this company has absolutely no problems."

The secretary nodded and left.

Lin Jianhua sat alone in his office, watching Zuo Cheng's figure on the television screen.

"402, Zuo Cheng," he murmured. "You've made me lose face in the industry so badly. I'll settle this score with you."

He picked up his phone and dialed Zhao Tianxing's number.

"Old Zhao, how's the investigation on 402 going?"

"We've found something," Zhao Tianxing's voice came from the other end of the phone. "Their technology source is questionable. It's not a conventional R&D path."

"Continue the investigation," Lin Jianhua said. "What I need is solid evidence."

"Don't worry," Zhao Tianxing said. "Give me a month."

---

On the second day of the summit, Lin Jianhua, as an industry veteran, was invited to the stage for a roundtable forum.

"Mr. Lin, what are your thoughts on the rise of 402?" the host asked.

Lin Jianhua smiled.

"402 is a respectable company," he said. "They have good technology and a keen market sense. But I want to remind you that the drone industry isn't something you can succeed in just by talking."

What do you mean?

"What I mean is, technological leadership doesn't equate to market success," Lin Jianhua said. "This industry is very complex; not everyone can navigate it successfully."

These remarks sparked discussion among the audience.

Some people think Lin Jianhua is abusing his seniority, while others think he makes sense.

Zuo Cheng sat in the audience and listened to these words with a calm expression.

Han Lu leaned closer and whispered, "Boss, he's subtly criticizing us."

"I know," Zuo Cheng said.

Should we respond?

"No need," Zuo Cheng shook his head. "Let him talk. Market competition relies on strength, not empty words."

Han Lu nodded and said nothing more.

After the roundtable forum ended, Lin Jianhua stepped off the stage and brushed past Zuo Cheng.

"Mr. Zuo, it's been a long time." Lin Jianhua said with a forced smile.

"Hello, Mr. Lin," Zuo Cheng replied politely.

"I heard you've been doing quite well lately," Lin Jianhua said. "But I must remind you, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow."

"Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Lin," Zuo Cheng said. "However, we've always believed that as long as our technology is solid enough, we have nothing to fear."

The two looked at each other for a moment, then turned and left.

---

After the summit, 402's marketing department delivered the latest market data.

"The market share is in," Han Lu said, placing the report on Zuo Cheng's desk. "32%."

Zuo Cheng looked at the report and smiled slightly.

"32%, second in the industry," he said. "How far are we from first place?"

"Huafei now has a 35% share," Han Lu replied. "The gap is narrowing, but it's still not small."

"It's alright," Zuo Cheng said. "At this rate, we'll surpass them next year."

"However, there's a problem." Han Lu hesitated for a moment, "Hua Fei is planning a counterattack."

"What counterattack?"

"We're gathering information," Han Lu said. "Lin Jianhua has mobilized a lot of resources; he's trying to turn the tide."

Zuo Cheng's eyes flickered slightly.

"Let him hit me," he said. "But I want to see what other tricks he can pull."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked down at the city.

Outside the window is the skyline of Hangzhou, with skyscrapers standing side by side. Further away, there is an endless sky.

"The sky's just beginning for the drone industry," he said softly. "The race has just started."

In the distance, another batch of drones is taking off. They carry the dreams of 402, flying towards a wider world.