Huahai International Convention and Exhibition Center stood resplendent in the early morning sun, its grandeur befitting the multitude gathered at its gates. An air of anticipation hung heavy among the assembled crowd, their eyes locked on the entrance, eagerly awaiting its unlocking.
Among these crowds stood Bai Zhiwen, a luminary in live broadcasting with millions of ardent followers. Having already broadcasted tirelessly for the better part of a day at the exhibition, his dedicated fans clamoured for more. They implored him to commence his broadcast even earlier today, their enthusiasm undeterred.
As Bai Zhiwen surveyed the sea of faces before him, he couldn't help but be taken aback. At first glance, he had assumed these individuals to be colleagues, but he realized they were an entirely different breed upon closer inspection.
This audience was distinctly older, most in their thirties, forties, and even fifties—an age group not commonly associated with live broadcasting. What set them further apart was the absence of ubiquitous cell phones, selfie sticks, and mobile devices clutched in eager hands.
Noticing a man in his early thirties standing nearby, Bai Zhiwen struck up a conversation, curiosity getting the better of him.
"Brother, why are you here so early, waiting for the doors to open?" he inquired.
The man responded with an air of resolve, "Well, it's imperative to arrive early; otherwise, you won't secure a place in line to make your purchases, and that wouldn't be good."
A brief exchange revealed that these early risers were here to queue up at the Universal Special Materials Group booth to place orders for a remarkable substance known as black alloy.
"The black alloy you mentioned," Bai Zhiwen asked, "is that the alloy used by Taishan Alloy Cutting Tool Group?"
"Yes, precisely," the man affirmed. "It's the very same black alloy. Yesterday, we arrived a tad late and missed out. Only the last two hundred tons remain. We're hoping for better luck today."
Bai Zhiwen was well-acquainted with this black alloy, having spent hours live broadcasting the precision part machining facilitated by Taishan Alloy Cutting Tool Group. He knew this black alloy tool could process fifty parts seamlessly yet show only slight signs of wear.
As the clock ticked on, the anticipation swelled. Then, with a grand gesture, the doors were flung open. The attendees surged, each with a clear destination—not to visit their exhibition spaces or booths but to make a beeline for the A122 exhibition area.
Gate 2 had opened thirty minutes ahead of Gate 1, primarily catering to exhibitors for early preparations. Half an hour later, Gate 1 followed suit, ushering in the general exhibition attendees.
Straight to the Global Specialty Materials Group's exhibition area, they formed orderly queues that quickly dissipated despite some initial disagreements. Within mere minutes, the line had grown considerably, comprising over a hundred eager individuals.
Ten minutes later, Xin Feiwen led a dozen associates into the exhibition area. The crowd seemed excited; everyone was thrilled at the prospect of securing this coveted black alloy.
With a cellphone stand, Bai Zhiwen initiated his livestream, his voice resonating through the virtual airwaves. "Ladies and gentlemen, have you ever seen the like? It's truly unprecedented. Those waiting in line are predominantly high-ranking industry titans. There are already well over a hundred people in the queue, and the line shows no signs of abating."
His livestream underway, Xin Feiwen and two assistants began accepting orders. Xin Feiwen announced boldly, "We have a limited stock of just over two hundred tons of black alloy. Our CEO has stipulated a maximum order of ten tons per individual."
Limitations! The revelation caught some off guard at the front of the queue, but those toward the back erupted in jubilation. They almost shouted in unison, lauding the restriction as long overdue.
With just over two hundred tons remaining, a lack of restraint might result in a mere handful of bosses monopolizing the entire stockpile. This would leave nothing for those further back in the line. Thus, the imposed limit of ten tons per order was hailed as a fair solution.
With contracts in hand, this contractual formality was completed in two to three minutes per individual. Those fortunate enough to secure their contracts departed with ecstasy. At the same time, those still waiting in the queue craned their necks anxiously, their silent prayers fervently beseeching the heavens for a ten-ton allocation. After all, a month's wait loomed if they missed this opportunity.
Meanwhile, Su Jie had left the previous day in the exhibition area of Huanghe Alloy Cutting Tool Group, deeming the black alloy's price exorbitant. His return to the International Convention and Exhibition Center needed to be more timely, to say the least, arriving almost an hour after the general public had begun streaming in at 9:00 AM. Exhibitors had already entered at 8:30 AM.
Upon reaching his designated exhibition area, Su Jie swiftly received an urgent report. The exhibition area manager exclaimed, "Mr. Su, I was just about to call you."
"What's going on?" Su Jie inquired.
lightsΝοvel "The black alloy from the Global Special Materials Group has been selling like hotcakes. They've exhausted their entire stock of 2,000 tons," the manager reported.
"What? That's preposterous, given its price of 10,000 yuan per kilogram," Su Jie exclaimed, genuine disbelief etching his features.
"It's undeniable, sir. The queue began yesterday afternoon and saw orders for over 1,700 tons. The remaining 200 tons were snapped up early this morning. Word has it that everything has been sold."
Incredulity washed over Su Jie. Over 2,000 tons of black alloy are gone in the blink of an eye! It meant countless alloy knife manufacturers would utilize this unique alloy to craft their products, flooding the market.
His mind racing, Su Jie could no longer remain idle. Waving his hands in agitation, he declared, "Come, let's go see for ourselves."
Upon arrival at the Universal Special Materials Group's exhibition area, Su Jie found the once-formidable queue had dissipated. Those who'd missed out on the black alloy looked crestfallen.
Though the long line had vanished, the atmosphere remained charged. Many attendees were aware of the two alloys presented in the exhibition area, with some opting for grey-black alloy—a superb alternative that found wide application in various fields. It was a solid choice, priced at a relatively affordable 2 million yuan per ton.
"Mr. Xin, I'm Su Jie from Huanghe Alloy Cutting Tool Group. I spoke with Mr. Liu yesterday. I wish to place an order for 300 tons of black alloy," Su Jie announced eagerly, wasting no time.
Three hundred tons! Su Jie's urgency was palpable.
However, Xin Feiwen's response was disheartening. "Mr. Su, I'm truly sorry, but we've completely exhausted our stock. There isn't even a single kilogram left, let alone one or two tons."
Out of stock! The revelation hit Su Jie like a hammer blow. If only he hadn't hesitated
Over the price the day before, he could have secured several hundred tons effortlessly.
As disappointment and regret gripped him, Su Jie witnessed a flurry of activity. Liu Yong and his team had arrived at the Universal Special Materials Group's exhibition area. Initially, Liu Yong had contemplated skipping this visit, but a last-minute decision led him there.
Spotting Liu Yong, Su Jie's eyes gleamed with hope. It was like he'd glimpsed a lifeline amid the waves of despair. Moving swiftly, he approached Liu Yong, his desperation evident.
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