Chapter 16

In the sweltering dog days of summer, Huo Baichuan had stood beneath the blazing sun and talked nonstop for so long that his mouth was parched. Even his voice had gone hoarse, yet he still diligently explained the benefits of building a computer: "You can choose components with different specifications based on your actual needs. For example..."

Although Huo Baichuan had never built a computer before, he played with supercars! Whether it was big parts or small ones, the principles behind assembly were the same. After making several rounds with Tao Yan, he had gotten a thorough grasp of the specifications and market prices of current computer components. He considered himself half an expert by now. He might have been lacking when it came to actually putting one together, but as a dedicated salesperson, he was definitely more convincing than those stall owners sprawled in their chairs, fast asleep.

"And we provide after-sales service!" Huo Baichuan continued. "You know, when it comes to building computers, we pick all the components ourselves. Some people might have concerns. What if the parts you picked are knockoffs? What if the quality is poor? What if I take it home, use it for a year or half a year, it breaks down, and then I can't find anyone?"

Seeing the onlookers nod along unconsciously, Huo Baichuan clapped his hands. "That's why we provide after-sales service. How many years is the warranty period for a regular brand-name computer?"

The onlookers stared blankly at Huo Baichuan. What was an after-sales warranty period? They had never heard of it!

Around 1990, counterfeit and shoddy goods were at their most rampant. Fake products and gray-market imports flooded the market, mixed in with genuine goods. It was common for someone to spend fifty yuan on a pair of shoes, only for the heel to fall off by the next evening. Ordinary people were already lucky if they could buy genuine products with guaranteed quality. How could they dare hope for some free after-sales warranty?

They had never even heard those words before!

Huo Baichuan exchanged a glance with Tao Yan. Neither of them knew when the concept of free after-sales service had emerged across various industries in China. But it did not matter that no one had heard of it. This was their opportunity.

"Our built computers come with after-sales service." Huo Baichuan slapped his chest. "For three years, no matter what quality issue comes up—as long as it wasn't damaged by human action—we'll handle it for free. If the computer breaks after three years, bring it to us. If any parts need replacing, you only need to pay for the replacement parts. We won't charge a repair fee."

"We live at Red Heart Orphanage. Lianhua District Police Station is right across the street. If you're worried we're scammers, and the computer you bought from us breaks down but we refuse to honor our word and repair it, then just turn around and report us to the police station. Accuse us of fraud and false advertising!"

Tao Yan poked Huo Baichuan in the back. False advertising had not been included in the Advertising Law yet!

Huo Baichuan winked at Tao Yan. Before he could say anything, the auntie whose bag had nearly been stolen earlier walked up to him and said, "To be honest, I brought my daughter here today because we wanted to buy a computer. If you hadn't stepped in so righteously, the money in my bag would definitely have been picked clean by that thief. I believe you two are good boys and wouldn't cheat anyone. Auntie will help you make your first sale today. Listen to what my daughter needs and build her a computer."

Chapter 16

The auntie's daughter was named Jingjing. She was twenty years old and a third-year journalism student at Jiangzhou University. She was currently interning at Jiangzhou Daily. She wanted to buy a computer mainly to write articles and do some image processing.

"Do you know about the 11th Asian Games being held in the capital this September? Our newspaper has decided to send me and several veteran reporters to the capital to cover and document this grand event." Jingjing explained, "I've wanted to be a reporter since I was little. I think this is a great opportunity. I'll use it to write more excellent reports. But before that, I still need a lot of practice. That's why I wanted to buy a computer, so I can keep studying and working at home after work."

Huo Baichuan gave Jingjing a thumbs-up. "Top student!"

Jingjing did not understand. "What?"

"I didn't expect you to be such a good student." Huo Baichuan switched to words Jingjing could understand and praised her, "Jiangzhou University is the most prestigious university in our province. You're truly a talented student."

Jingjing understood and smiled. "If you two study hard, you'll get in too."

While Huo Baichuan chatted with the customer, Tao Yan carefully searched through Electronics Street for suitable computer components. Considering Jingjing's future career needs, the first thing he chose was a Portrait monitor commonly used in the printing industry at the time. It was a vertical monitor. Though it could not compare with displays from thirty years later, it was considered one of the most advanced types in the 1990s. It could professionally edit and process full-page copy, posters, and flyers.

The auntie and Jingjing's eyes lit up at once when they saw it. The auntie slapped Huo Baichuan on the back and said loudly, "Auntie knew she hadn't misjudged you. You two young men really are honest and reliable."

Before Tao Yan and Huo Baichuan could react, the auntie added, "To tell you the truth, my husband is the editor-in-chief of a newspaper. Before we came to buy a computer, he specifically told us to get an IBM 386 model. It's a bit more expensive, but big manufacturers guarantee quality. Better than being greedy for a bargain and getting scammed."

That was what the auntie and Jingjing thought as well. So when they came to buy a computer, they had brought a full 34,000 yuan in their bag. It was savings their family had accumulated over several years. If Huo Baichuan had not noticed in time, that money would have been stolen by the pickpocket.

For that reason alone, the mother and daughter could not express their gratitude to Huo Baichuan in words. Then they heard Huo Baichuan deliver that heartfelt speech in front of everyone and promise after-sales service with every computer purchase. Moved by both gratitude and practical benefit, they finally decided to let Huo Baichuan and Tao Yan build the computer for them.

Fortunately, Tao Yan lived up to their expectations and assembled a perfectly configured computer according to Jingjing's needs. Not only that, he took the initiative to program and write the most advanced operating system the current configuration could support, then installed it on the computer. While meeting its current usage requirements, it also ensured more stable system performance.