February 1, Wednesday.

Having just finished settlement yesterday, today Pei Qian was already fully charged and ready to begin the next cycle’s money-losing endeavor.

Of course, the main reason was that he’d been home for a week during the Spring Festival holiday, getting plenty of rest. Combined with his personal property reaching a new peak, Pei Qian could be so energetic.

Today, Pei Qian planned to visit OTTO Technology first.

Previously, OTTO Technology was mainly responsible for two main tasks: first, the new system for OTTO phones, including better linear animations, Image Lab’s photography algorithms, AEEIS smart assistant, and so on; second, they created the Fully Automatic Smart Debating Machine, which sold quite well.

But for Chang You, these previous achievements certainly couldn’t satisfy him.

After all, OTTO Technology had already created the well-received OTTO E1 phone brand, which sold very well and built some recognition.

This phone positioned itself as high-end from the start, making its success even more remarkable.

Most phone manufacturers wanting to enter the high-end market had to gradually increase prices, gradually stack features, gradually build reputation – potentially needing several models and years to establish flagship pricing, with one misstep possibly undoing all progress.

Yet OTTO phones established themselves in the high-end segment from the beginning, essentially born at the finish line where many brands aimed to reach.

Regardless of sales volume, as long as it made money and had customers, that was enough!

For a newly established phone brand, one couldn’t expect more.

Therefore, Chang You was eager to go further and achieve greater success.

Pei Qian understood this well, which is why he kept restricting Chang You, making him work on Image Lab and system development for a whole year without releasing new phones.

Now that OTTO Technology had completed all assigned tasks, Pei Qian had to give Chang You new assignments.

If Pei Qian let things be, Chang You would definitely develop according to his own judgment. With OTTO E1’s success as a foundation, he’d likely make enormous profits.

So Pei Qian had to assign tasks to misguide Chang You’s thinking, ensuring OTTO Technology’s new products couldn’t succeed!

…

“Mr. Pei, you’re here!”

Chang You’s face showed complete satisfaction as he welcomed Pei Qian to the conference room.

Clearly, Chang You had been waiting for Mr. Pei to arrive and assign new tasks to OTTO Technology.

He couldn’t wait to make his mark.

Pei Qian sat down in the conference room while Chang You took a seat opposite him with a small box.

“Mr. Pei, this is the custom mouse you requested earlier. The sample is complete.”

“Oh? Oh.” Pei Qian reached for it, only then remembering this little gadget he’d assigned Chang You to make earlier.

Strictly speaking, this wasn’t OTTO Technology’s product – just a small peripheral commissioned through subcontractors as a client.

Mainly, after completing the Fully Automatic Smart Debating Machine, Pei Qian needed to keep OTTO Technology busy, preventing them from developing random innovations that might cause new surprises.

Since this was quite insignificant, Pei Qian paid it no mind and nearly forgot about it. Only now that Chang You presented the finished product did he remember.

Opening the box revealed a standard-sized mouse.

Appearance-wise, this mouse was pure white with an LED strip in the center, giving it a somewhat technological feel.

Chang You explained: “Mr. Pei, let me introduce its functions.”

“This is the ‘Absolutely No Overtime Mouse’ you requested. During working hours, it functions like any other wireless mouse. Plus, it has built-in lithium batteries rather than standard AA or AAA batteries, offering longer use.”

“Beyond longer battery life and weight balance, lithium batteries provide something crucial – stronger, more abundant power for the mouse!”

“Once off-duty hours arrive, it transforms into another form, like this.”

Chang You adjusted something on his phone.

Then, the mouse on the conference table suddenly transformed!

The LED strip on its back changed from blue to red, a small tail extended from the rear, and the previously flush left and right buttons on top now stood upright like mouse ears.

“In this form, no one can catch it.”

Chang You reached toward the desktop mouse.

But the instant his hand approached, the mouse suddenly moved erratically, dodging Chang You’s hand!

Chang You tried again – the mouse dodged again!

No matter how Chang You tried, the mouse stayed one step ahead, weaving back and forth, moving forwards and backwards unpredictably – completely uncatchable.

Clearly, the mouse’s back had a sensor, while underneath were small wheels that moved quickly to avoid approaching hands.

Chang You continued: “Of course, some people might be naturally gifted, catching it with lightning speed. At that moment, it activates its escape protocol, breaks free, and sends you an alert!”

Chang You carefully avoided the mouse’s rear sensor, then suddenly grabbed it!

But immediately, the mouse made a “click” sound. Some internal mechanism activated, separating the inner deep blue mouse body from the white outer shell, escaping once more.

Simultaneously, the two small “eyes” at the front began flashing red light as Chang You’s phone on the table received a notification message.

Chang You adjusted the time on his phone to non-working hours.

The red-flashing mouse returned to normal, and Chang You reattached the outer shell, restoring it to its original appearance.

“Mr. Pei, all mice linked to the APP can set working hours and real-time monitoring. You’ll have highest privilege.”

Pei Qian was pleased: “Excellent! I’m very satisfied with this!”

“Mass produce it immediately and equip all departments!”

Previously, Pei Qian hadn’t thought much about it – just wanted OTTO Technology to keep busy by having subcontractors make a mouse preventing overtime. Surprisingly, it turned out quite innovative!

Although overtime was extremely rare in departments now, from Mr. Pei’s perspective, more preventive measures were always good.

Pei Qian returned the mouse to its box, affirming Chang You’s work. Then, sipping tea, he inquired about OTTO Technology’s current situation.

Chang You confidently stated: “Mr. Pei, OTTO Technology’s overall situation is excellent!”

“OTTO E1 phone sales are now basically negligible. We’ve long stopped production. After all, this is year-old hardware, and we’ve consistently maintained our ‘never discount’ principle, so very few would buy at original price.”

“But that’s fine since we’ve nearly cleared previous inventory. This phone has served its purpose.”

“While not discounting phones affected late-stage sales, it earned us reputation among existing users. Partly because they feel their phones hold value, partly because we continuously update the system, making them feel valued.”

“This reputation has laid a solid foundation for releasing new phones!”

“As for the Smart Debating Machine, sales remain strong too. Whether in smart speakers, soundbars, or even art and decor categories, it’s a popular product.”

“So, Mr. Pei, E1 has been out a year – about time for a new phone, right?”

Chang You’s eyes were full of anticipation.

Pei Qian silently sipped his tea, very reluctantly nodding: “Mm, about time.”

“What’s your vision for the new phone?”

Pei Qian used his usual strategy – first asking Chang You’s plans, then guiding him astray.

Chang You confidently shared: “My thinking is this, Mr. Pei.”

“OTTO E1 was an extremely successful phone. While weight and price were considered flaws, users basically accepted these shortcomings.”

“Summarizing our experience, a key factor was E1 using mature supply chain technology, so despite being a new manufacturer, we maintained decent yields.”

“Therefore, I believe we should continue developing OTTO E2, maintaining E1’s characteristics while making small updates to processors, camera modules, and such, ensuring specs match other flagships.”

“After all, our market share remains very low. Priorities should be protecting our core users, then gradually expanding to mainstream markets – steps shouldn’t be too aggressive.”

Pei Qian shook his head silently: “I disagree.”

Chang You was surprised that Mr. Pei rejected his proposal so readily. Thinking he must have made serious misjudgments, he listened attentively.

After considering briefly, Pei Qian said: “E1’s success centered on being unexpected and distinctive! At the launch, when this phone appeared, it immediately impressed consumers, creating an advantage that drove sales.”

“If we just make routine updates – changing processors, camera modules – while costs decrease and risks lower, would it still feel fresh?”

“If people don’t find it unique or notably different from other phones, why would they buy again?”

Chang You paused, finding Mr. Pei’s words quite reasonable.

“Then, Mr. Pei, in your opinion… how should we approach this phone?”