Liu Mingyao

Biodata

Background / History

Recruitment and Sun Electronics’ Opening

After graduating from Northeastern University, Liu Mingyao completed a six-month internship, but personnel changes prevented him from renewing his contract. Zhou Xingwen and Zhang Xiaotong met him while recruiting for a computer business on Shenyang’s Sanhao Street. An enthusiastic reader of Zhang Xiaotong’s novels, Liu initially interrupted their discussion so often that Zhou reprimanded him 12.

Liu asked for a monthly salary of 1,500 yuan. Zhou instead offered 5,000 yuan if he could obtain a business license within a month, advancing him 10,000 yuan for expenses. Drawing on his family connections, Liu completed the paperwork in two days for less than 2,000 yuan. Zhang Xiaotong allowed him to keep the remainder as his first month’s salary 12.

Appointed general manager, Liu was tasked with securing a computer-brand dealership, recruiting networking specialists, pursuing university campus-network projects, and controlling inventory. Zhang retained approval over all financial transactions. His local knowledge helped resolve the difficulties preceding Sun Electronics’ quiet opening in mid-August 12.

Dealerships, Manufacturing, and Expansion

Liu introduced Wan Bochen, whose university connections brought Sun Electronics substantial business. An early order for 200 assembled computers was expected to generate nearly 500,000 yuan in profit; Zhang awarded Liu a ten-percent share. He later negotiated an order for 100 AST and 50 IBM machines, requiring an additional 1.5 million yuan in working capital 12 13 14.

As Sun Electronics developed its Young Dreamer computer brand, Liu organized recruitment and participated in the interviews that brought Lu Wei and Yang Feng into the company. He also located a computer-case manufacturer in Shenyang’s old industrial district and handled brand registrations 16 17.

His responsibilities expanded beyond computers. He secured provincial distribution rights for Philips and other major appliance manufacturers, supporting the establishment of Sun Electric Appliance City. When Lu Wei transferred to manage the appliance center, Cai Qing replaced her as Sun Electronics’ business department manager 18.

At Zhou’s direction, Liu assembled the editorial team for Sun Software, a magazine covering computer hardware, software, and games. He arranged its initial office space and company advertising. He was subsequently assigned to establish branches nationwide and develop a Hong Kong presence, although he questioned whether the company was expanding too broadly 19 20 23.

Research and Entry into Gaming

Research and development became a source of pressure for Liu. Despite months of investment, the department had produced few results, with insufficient talent and resources for chip technology and limited progress in networking. Liu nevertheless continued backing it while other employees watched for returns 28 30.

Zhou and Zhang reassured him that development required patience. Zhou encouraged a focus on networking and proposed bundling trial games with computers. The prospect of becoming an important figure in Chinese game development persuaded Liu to embrace the plan 30.

Liu later received Zhou’s electronic-pet proposal and handled trademark registrations and patent applications while the development team worked on portable and home versions. He also supported Sun Group’s proposal to establish both a private school and a school offering free education 35 36.

Sony Cooperation and Overseas Recruitment

Liu arranged Zhou’s meeting with Ken Kutaragi over With You. During negotiations, he proposed third-party development and a portable version linked to the PlayStation rather than an exclusive arrangement. Zhou entrusted him with pursuing development kits and technical support from Sony 38.

He then worked with Zhou and Japanese developers on the PlayStation port. Following the game’s commercial success, SCE sought closer cooperation with Sun Electronics, and Liu continued negotiating the partnership 39 42 43.

For New Voyage Chronicles, Liu passed Zhou’s development directives to the team and recruited university students for preliminary work. The developers split into groups handling continued With You development and the new project, which Zhou intended as groundwork for a future online game 45.

Liu subsequently traveled to Japan to recruit experienced developers. Before departing, he briefed Cai Qing and recorded Zhou’s instructions to absorb Sony’s technical knowledge, reduce unnecessary management layers, and allow technical staff direct access to senior management. His entourage included four bodyguards, two interpreters, and two business managers 47.

In Japan, Liu contacted Matsuno of Quest and Mikami of Capcom, alarming their employers. He returned to Shenyang in early June with several Japanese recruits and resumed oversight of With You’s European and American release. His growing reputation brought public accolades and invitations to lecture at Northeastern University 48.

Personality

Liu is ambitious chiefly because he wants to prove himself and leave a lasting reputation. Zhou initially suspects that his comfortable family circumstances make personal achievement more important to him than salary; later, he explicitly describes Liu as determined to build something his family can recognize. Liu rarely discusses his background with outsiders 13 30 49.

He combines a heavy workload with theatrical complaints and self-deprecating humor. Although he repeatedly protests that Zhou gives him too much work, the promise of a new game proposal immediately restores his enthusiasm. His exchanges with Zhou become increasingly informal and teasing as their trust develops 19 23 35.

Liu is practical but can become impatient when results are slow. His anxiety over research spending contrasts with his willingness to continue supporting the department. Zhou considers him straightforward and trustworthy, while acknowledging that no business partnership is entirely secure 28 30 33 49.

His admiration for Zhang Xiaotong remains a recurring personal interest: he asks for a signed copy whenever she publishes a new book. He is also strongly attracted to Cai Qing, whose frequent business trips leave him complaining that they scarcely see one another 18 30.

Abilities & Skills

Commercial Negotiation

Liu handles large orders, dealership discussions, distribution agreements, and international partnerships.

• Negotiates prices and payment terms for bulk AST and IBM purchases 14.
• Secures provincial distribution rights for Philips and other appliance manufacturers 18.
• Represents Sun Electronics in negotiations with Sony and SCE 38 43.

Recruitment and Operations

Liu turns Zhou and Zhang’s plans into staffing and operational arrangements.

• Organizes newspaper recruitment campaigns and follow-up interviews 16.
• Finds manufacturing partners and assembles a computer-magazine editorial team 17 19.
• Recruits university students and experienced Japanese game developers 45 48.
• Oversees development operations without being identified as the principal designer or programmer 45 47.

Computer Education and Japanese

• Holds a university degree in computer science 12.
• Studies Japanese before his recruitment trip and begins using a Kansai accent while abroad 48 49.
• Attends a later meeting with Japanese developers without bringing an interpreter; Zhou notes that his own Japanese remains better than Liu’s 49.

Family and Institutional Connections

• Uses family connections to complete Sun Electronics’ registration rapidly 12.
• Maintains university contacts through Wan Bochen and Northeastern University 16 18.
• His father’s position helps protect the business from minor difficulties; Zhou also regards it as an obstacle to outsiders investigating him 49.

Relationships

• Zhou Xingwen — Recruiter, strategic adviser, and trusted collaborator. Liu gradually accepts Zhou’s authority despite his age, while Zhou comes to value both his competence and his genuine affection 12 16 17 49.
• Zhang Xiaotong — Employer and literary idol. Her business ability deepens his admiration, and he continues collecting signed copies of her books 12 14 18.
• Cai Qing — Business colleague and romantic interest. She takes over as his departmental partner after Lu Wei’s transfer; his attraction to her becomes a frequent subject of teasing 18 28 45.
• Lu Wei — Early management colleague. They share expansion responsibilities before she moves to Beiguan, and she recommends Cai Qing as her replacement 17 18.
• Wan Bochen — University contact and source of computer orders. Liu acts as an intermediary for business and publicity involving Wan’s academic network 12 13 18.
• His father — An unnamed official who becomes a vice governor after two promotions in three years. Liu’s business achievements and charitable activities enhance his father’s prestige, while his father provides political support 49.
• Ken Kutaragi — Sony/SCE counterpart. Liu negotiates cooperation with him and deflects attempts to learn more about his Japanese recruitment activities 38 48.

Notable Quotes

“I'm dying, but I feel so fulfilled...” 18

“You never call me with anything good. Out with it.” 19

“Actually, I am a little scared of you...” 35