For Meizu, securing a competitive mobile processor meant finally being able to field a flagship-level device again.
The deal worked for everyone involved—China Star, Meizu, and the supply chain behind them.
So when Haifeng nodded in agreement without hesitation, Huang Zhang was stunned.
He'd expected resistance. A back-and-forth. Maybe even a soft rejection.
Instead?
"Five million units," Huang blurted out, still riding the high of Haifeng's acceptance. "We'd like to order five million Qinglong 810 chips."
Haifeng raised an eyebrow.
That was way above what he expected. China Star Semiconductor's entire inventory only held about two million Qinglong 810s.
Production had stabilized in Taiwan, but five million units would still take time.
He considered the request, then said, "If you're okay waiting two months, we'll take the order. We'll also give you a favorable price—¥800 (≈ $110) per chip, down from the original ¥1000."
But that two-month lead time meant delivery by early February at best, which wasn't good news for Meizu.
If they launched in March, they'd already be late to the party. Xiaomi, Huawei, and others would swallow up the market.
Huang's smile faded. He needed these chips fast—January at the latest.
If Meizu delayed again, they might not even get scraps—just a bruised brand.
He hesitated, then asked carefully, "Is it possible to deliver in batches?"
It was Meizu's last bargaining chip. If they could get even a few million chips early, they could start production now, launch sooner, and restock later.
Haifeng understood the urgency.
"That's doable. We still have two million chips in the warehouse. You can pick those up tomorrow. We'll deliver the remaining three million units monthly—one million units per month."
Huang lit up.
"Same price?"
"Same price. ¥800 per unit."
The deal was nearly complete. All that remained was for Zhang Yu, general manager of China Star Semiconductor, to draw up the contract.
After seeing Huang off, Haifeng had other matters to check.
He headed to the Audi plant to inspect the new engine and gearbox production lines he'd ordered nearly a month ago.
The installation was complete.
Tang San and the technical department had already calibrated the new powertrain lines. They'd even built several test cars using China Star's latest engine and transmission modules for real-world performance evaluation.
In particular, they'd spent extra time tuning the Skyactiv Technology System, recently acquired by Haifeng.
This flexible architecture could adapt to multiple engine displacements while delivering strong fuel efficiency and responsive power, perfect for China's low-end auto market.
Haifeng smiled.
This tech was made for buyers who cared about fuel economy above all.
He called up Zhao Jianhua.
"Let our partner automakers know—the production line is ready."
Zhao returned with a report soon after.
"Mr. Lu, they're bringing engineers to tour the factory."
"How many companies?"
"Around a dozen. Maybe twenty."
Haifeng sighed.
He'd host several hundred visitors if each company brought even ten engineers.
"Talk to Vice President Huang. Have him arrange lodging. They're our guests—we can't lose face."
"Understood."
When VP Huang heard that bosses from over a dozen domestic automakers were arriving, each with their technical teams, he immediately booked six floors at Piao City's best five-star hotel.
Every attendee would get a single room.
Presidential suites were set aside for the company heads.
In Huang's words:
"If we're going to lead this industry, let them see how serious we are."