The marketing director rose to his feet. He was the quintessential elite white American, speaking at a blistering pace. "The LF series has surpassed 25 million pairs in cumulative sales across its first four generations. It is unquestionably the king of basketball shoes. For the fifth generation, our recommendation is evolution, not revolution."
"While retaining the critically acclaimed Heavenly Pivot midsole technology and carbon plate structure from the previous four generations, we should focus on innovating the upper material. We are currently in talks with 3M and DuPont, hoping to introduce an entirely new composite fiber material that is lighter, tougher, and more breathable."
"As for the exterior design, it needs to feel more streamlined and faster, highlighting Li's regal presence on the court—still as a mountain, swift as Thunder."
Li Fei nodded in approval. For his shoes, stability and protection came first; performance and appearance came second.
"Very good. That's the right direction. Continue," Falk said with a gesture.
Next, the screen switched to Charles Barkley's Flying Pig series.
"Regarding Flying Pig III..."
The head of product design, a bearded German man, began speaking in a rigorous, steady tone. "We must admit that Charles is nearing the end of his career, and his commercial appeal is declining. The Flying Pig series can no longer create a sales miracle like the original did. Therefore, our strategy is to turn the Flying Pig series into a unique style label."
He brought up a design drawing showing an extraordinarily bulky, exaggerated basketball shoe.
"Our target customers will no longer be ordinary basketball enthusiasts pursuing on-court performance, but trendsetters who love street culture and individuality, as well as... genuine heavy weapons."
"The inspiration for this shoe comes from Hummer military vehicles and the treads of heavy tanks."
"We will use the highest-density Phylon