And don't think that today's car manufacturers are above doing these things.

Speaking of recent events.

The 2010 patent infringement case between Saige and Toyota was particularly famous.

Saige is a relatively obscure car manufacturer in Huaxia. Initially, Toyota proactively approached Saige, hoping to collaborate on vehicle system technology. The two parties even signed a confidentiality agreement.

Consequently, after signing the confidentiality agreement, Saige provided the technical data and principles to Toyota Company without reservation.

However, Toyota Company neither collaborated with Saige subsequently, but instead launched a new model on its own.

When Saige bought the car and took it apart, they discovered that the technology used in the car was indeed what they initially provided to Toyota.

Toyota directly violated the confidentiality agreement and used the technology as its own.

Moreover, they didn't inform Saige or pay Saige any patent fees.

Saige therefore took Toyota to court.

Initially, everyone thought Saige, this unknown small company, was just riding on Toyota's coattails.

But it resulted in a three-year-long legal tug of war, with various legal maneuvering around patent protection scope, inspection agencies, compensatory fees, and so on.

After five court hearings and two appraisals, the court ultimately ruled that Toyota lost the case, requiring them to compensate Saige with two million yuan for infringement.

That's right, no mistake.

They only needed to pay a total of two million yuan.

Yet, Toyota had already made who knows how much money from the new model using that technology.

Furthermore, even after losing the case, they launched a new generation of the model and continued selling.

The technology used in the new generation was developed for Toyota by another Huaxia technology company.

As can be seen, sometimes patents are not so reliable.

Small companies find it hard to defend their rights, while big companies exploit patents to extort and blackmail others; that's the reality.

Thinking of this, Chen Yiyang made up his mind.

Screw them.

Even if there were patent fees, back then the old emperor already gave them.

So after the domestic team verified it, Chen Yiyang sought out officials from Tula City and proposed acquiring the automobile factory.

"We can sell you this factory for one ruble, but we have a few conditions."

"Go ahead." Chen Yiyang nodded, indicating to the Tula City officials to continue.

Buying this factory for one ruble was actually within Chen Yiyang's expectations.

Because if this factory isn't sold to him, Tula City would probably need to spend a fortune to demolish it after a few years.

"The factory must commit to employing at least two thousand local employees from Tula."

The Tula City official stated the first condition.

"Acceptable." Chen Yiyang planned to send over technical personnel and management teams, while using local workers for basic roles.

The workers in these small Russian industrial cities are quite competent, unlike in Moscow, where it's hard to find employees with a hardworking spirit.

"Secondly, Tula City Government needs to hold not less than five percent of the factory's shares and dividends rights."

"Acceptable." Tula City's demand for such a small share was less than Chen Yiyang anticipated.

"Third, we hope you can act as a bridge to promote our Tula City's rapeseed oil and candies in Huaxia."

The third request from the Tula City official surprised Chen Yiyang a bit.

"I can understand rapeseed oil, but what type of candies are they? Do they suit the taste of Huaxia people?"

"Our candies in Tula City are mainly traditional Belovas pastilles made with apples."

The Tula City official came well-prepared, immediately presenting a delicate plate.

On the plate were several pieces of pastille.

Chen Yiyang picked up one and tried it.

The taste was sweet and sour, reminiscent of the traditional pastilles homemade in rural areas during his childhood.

Almost no added extras, this had a unique flavor.

Belovas pastille image.

"How is it?" The Tula City official looked expectantly at Chen Yiyang.

"I think it might be worth trying."

Currently, there's a wave of nostalgia in the country. Perhaps this traditional pastille from Tula City could find a market.

Russian food may not have the best appearance, but the ingredients are genuinely solid.

After eating one piece, Chen Yiyang felt overwhelmingly sweet.

It's just too sugary.

Thus, he suggested to them, "Perhaps you can develop a sugar-free variant. In Huaxia, sugar-free drinks and foods are quite popular right now."

"Alright, we'll give it a try." The Tula City official promised.

The third request by the Tula City official wasn't a hard requirement.

So while Chen Yiyang was getting someone to handle the acquisition of the Tula Factory, he was preparing to return home.

Of course, before going home, he needed to hold a press conference in Tula City to announce the news of Yiyang Automobile acquiring Tula City's automobile factory.

After all, acquiring a car factory left by Mercedes-Benz for one ruble is quite eye-catching news.

"When are you planning to return?" Yang Chengru called Chen Yiyang asking.

"Probably tomorrow." Chen Yiyang checked his schedule, "Tomorrow I'll fly from Moscow to Lin'an, and have to transfer flights in Imperial Capital."

"Don't transfer, I'm already in Imperial Capital, just come directly to Imperial Capital."

"Why am I going to Imperial Capital?" Chen Yiyang asked.

"Changcheng repeatedly smears you with public opinion, do they really think our Lin'an City Government is just for show? I'm here in Imperial Capital for this matter, let's take this matter straight up.

I intend to ask the higher-ups if our companies in Lin'an City aren't private enterprises and thus aren't protected?"

"Way to go!" Chen Yiyang gave Yang Chengru a thumbs-up.

In the realm of public opinion, Chen Yiyang seemed quite passive when facing attacks from Changcheng.

On one hand, he rose to success too quickly and lacks collaboration with many traditional media.

Forget him, look at emerging companies like Snow Ice Honey City, Shou Donglai, they get criticized by various traditional media from time to time.

That's what happens when relationships with traditional media aren't good.

And this relationship isn't something resolved just by stuffing some money.

They're considered kings without crowns and can't be easily placated by some petty cash.

You have to offer them exclusive reporting opportunities, sponsor various events, and host various lecture nights, forums, and pamper them like lackeys.

Over time, you'll become their good partner.

Chen Yiyang doesn't have the time or energy for such matters.

And traditional media isn't much, nor are the emerging online media better.

If you want to eliminate negative trending topics or negative news.

It's simple, just pay up.

And it's not just a one-off payment and done.

You have to pay annually, monthly, consistently.

On any day you stop paying, all sorts of negative news will be enthusiastically uploaded by netizens.

Chen Yiyang doesn't want to act servile or pay up.

That leaves only one option.

Let Lin'an City Government step in directly.

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