1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 68: Lao Li is worried about money
In a Cambridgeshire cafe, Li Qiwei and Gerard held professional negotiations on patent licensing.

"Mr. Gerard, you should know that once tungsten filament light bulbs are on the market, they will be a dimensionality reduction blow to carbon filament light bulbs."

"You have the potential to sell your products all over the world. I think even Edison from the United States would have to bow down to you."

"By then, Philips will become a global giant in the light bulb industry, free from the shackles of being a small company."

Gerard listened with passion in his eyes. If he could surpass his idol in business, the sense of satisfaction would be indescribable.

But he quickly calmed down, thinking that the other party was probably laying the groundwork for future benefits.

Sure enough, Li Qiwei smiled and continued, "I am not interested in running the company and don't want to interfere with the company's business processes."

"So, I will not invest in the company with patents, but will give you exclusive authorization."

"From now on, I will take 50% of the profit from every tungsten filament bulb sold."

"Even if the company's total revenue is a loss, this profit must still be given to me separately."

Wow!
Gerard's eyes widened instantly. Is this a physicist? This is simply a black-hearted capitalist!

Li Qiwei's meaning was very clear. He didn't want to take any business risks and only cared about profits.

Once he acquires shares, he will be tied to the chariot of Philips, and they will rise and fall together.

If it is just patent authorization, he can get corresponding dividends based on how many light bulbs are sold.

The more the company earns, the more he gets; if the company goes bankrupt, he just walks away and moves on to find the next company to cooperate with.

Gerrard was very depressed for a moment. If it weren't for Li Qiwei's exclusive authorization, he would have objected on the spot.

However, if there is only one company on the market that produces tungsten filament bulbs, 50% does not seem unacceptable.

Gerrard was in a dilemma.

Although Philips is now a dominant player in the light bulb industry in Europe.

But what's the point of being the king of an ant pile?

Li Qiwei's patent for the tungsten filament light bulb allowed him to see further possibilities.

There is a good chance that the company will take advantage of this good opportunity and soar into the sky.

However, the 50% profit was too painful for him, as the other party didn't have to do anything, just sit and wait to collect the money.

Gerard kept drinking coffee, his mind frantically calculating and thinking about the pros and cons.

Li Qiwei saw his dilemma and was ready to add fuel to the fire, "Mr. Gerald, I think you made a mistake."

Gerard was confused when he heard this and didn't know what it meant.

Li Qiwei said: "In your eyes, what is truly valuable is the tungsten filament patent; but in my eyes, the most valuable thing is this." After saying that, he pointed to his brain.

Gerard was stunned, then suddenly realized.

Yes, why am I being so picky? The other party is a top physicist. Is it possible that he only has a patent for one tungsten filament light bulb?

There must be countless wonderful ideas hidden in Li Qiwei's mind. It is a real treasure trove, and a light bulb is nothing.

Moreover, once you have established a good relationship with the other party, it would be equivalent to having the strongest technical consultant.

For a moment, Gerrard seemed to have figured everything out.

As if seeing through his thoughts, Li Qiwei continued, "To show my sincerity, I can serve as your company's scientific consultant. Of course, this will cost you a separate salary."

“And if you are willing, I can help the company build a real scientific laboratory and make truly innovative products.”

The last sentence instantly hit Gerrard's soft spot.

Although he is a businessman, he is an ambitious businessman who wants to make high-tech products that can change the world. Otherwise, he would just go home and inherit the family business and become a rich second-generation.

Now, when Ridgway offered to help set up the lab, Gerard gave in.

No matter whether it is 50% or 80%, innovative products that surpass those invented by Edison are his lifelong pursuit.

Li Qiwei looked at the other party and knew that he had taken the bait, so he continued to paint a big picture: "I have a good relationship with Professor Roentgen of Germany."

"I think the X-rays he discovered, with their powerful penetrating properties, have great application value. I am also working on a related patent recently."

"And my mentor at the Cavendish Laboratory was Professor Thomson, whose discovery of the electron is of infinite value."

"You know, this is the second industrial revolution, and electricity is the foundation. Any electronic and electrical products will surely be popular in the market."

Gerard was stunned. As an engineering student, he certainly knew the names of Roentgen and Thomson.

He is a truly god-level physicist at the top. If he just stomps his feet, the field of physics will tremble.

Even if we ignore the talent of the young man in front of him, his connections alone are enough to make Gerrard look up to him completely.

So, he stopped hesitating and said firmly: "Dr. Bruce, please forgive my previous ignorance. I agree to your request."

"And, to express my apology, I am personally willing to give you another 10% of the profits as compensation."

Wow! He is indeed the man who made Philips an international giant.

This courage also made Li Qiwei look at him with admiration. Indeed, any great entrepreneur should not be underestimated.

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Gerard."

"I can promise that before the tungsten filament light bulb products are officially put on the market, I will provide free technical guidance to ensure that the products are qualified."

"And the first phase of the exclusive patent authorization period is three years. After the expiration, we can further discuss future cooperation."

"In addition, Philips will be given priority for my various patents in the future, and we will then sign a one-to-one contract."

"Believe me, Mr. Gerard, my strength will not let you down."

Gerrard's face was full of excitement, as if he had already seen a bright future for Philips.

With a great figure like Li Qiwei in charge, Philips' products will be synonymous with high-end, authoritative and innovative products in the future.

It is completely different from the products produced by those small workshops.

He even started to become arrogant and felt that making light bulbs was meaningless. He wanted Li Qiwei to quickly come up with other awesome patents so that they could work together for the great cause.

But of course I held back.

Finally, the two sides shook hands and said goodbye, and the cooperation negotiations ended successfully.

Gerard will send a professional financial staff to deliver the contract. After both parties sign it, production can start immediately.

After seeing Gerrard off, Li Qiwei returned to his seat, rubbed his temples, and sighed that he was so tired.

At this time, Li San, who seemed like a shadow, suddenly appeared and said, "Master, you can make money just by drinking coffee and talking a few words. It's so tiring."

Li Qiwei shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Physical fatigue is nothing, mental fatigue is the most exhausting."

"It seems like it's time to find a professional business person to help me run these businesses. I won't be able to handle it alone. Having a lot of money also brings troubles."

Li San was delighted: "Master, do you think I am suitable?"

Li Qiwei was stunned: "What are you suitable for?"

Do you think Lao Xu's business negotiation is okay? Thank you for your monthly votes and recommendation votes. Thank you everyone.

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(End of this chapter)