Haifeng recognized the effort Meizu had poured into the design and display of the MX4. From the visuals alone, it stood out.
However, the rest of the specifications aligned with what he already knew. The MX4 ran on the Qinglong 810 processor and housed a 2500 mAh battery. But it lacked fast-charging support—standard 5W charging only. The speaker system was unimpressive, without Hi-Fi certification. Is it a rotor motor? Also middling.
Despite these shortcomings, Haifeng still regarded the MX4 as Meizu's best phone. He had previously considered Blue Factory's commemorative Weivi X5 the best in mobile photography, but the MX4 had taken the crown.
Its strengths were obvious: camera, display, design, performance, and software polish. It was only in the details that it fell short.
Due to production constraints, Meizu only launched two configurations:
33 GB+32 B: ¥2999 (approx. $400)
3 GB+64 GB: ¥3399 (approx. $470)
After the launch event, Meizu CEO Huang Zhang treated Haifeng to dinner.
"President Lu, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to attend our product release," he said.
Huang was proud of the MX4—rightfully so. Judging by the crowd's reaction, he expected strong sales.
But Meizu still faced pressure. Companies like Samsung and Qualcomm had never been friendly toward Meizu. To survive, Huang needed allies—especially Haifeng.
"I hope we can work more closely with China Star in the future," he said.
Haifeng remained polite but noncommittal. Business was business. While Meizu and China Star were partners now, they were also competitors. If Meizu ever threatened his market share, he wouldn't hesitate to cut them off.
For now, though, the relationship remained cordial.
The next morning, sunlight filtered into Haifeng's hotel suite. He stirred, headache pounding.
"Ugh. I drank too much..."
The memories came back in flashes. Huang had poured him drink after drink, but at least Haifeng hadn't blacked out completely.
After a quick call to say goodbye, he caught a return flight to Piao City.
With January halfway gone and the New Year approaching, it was time to head west—to the United States. The Ward's 10 Best Engines competition was next on the agenda.
Haifeng chartered a business jet with Audi's engineering team the following day and flew to New York.
Upon arrival, they were met by Audi's advance team, who had booked out the top floors of the city's largest Hilton hotel. Haifeng naturally received a full presidential suite—the kind with a private butler and nightly rates in the tens of thousands.
"Dear guest, welcome. I'm your suite butler, Andy-Na," a tall, blonde young woman greeted him in fluent English.
Haifeng offered a polite smile. "Thank you."
To Andy-Na, he wasn't just a well-dressed foreigner. He was a tall, elegant, and very wealthy Chinese entrepreneur. And he looked good in a fitted black suit.
She was stunned.
"Oh my god," she thought. "He's handsome. And rich."
She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if he made a move.
Haifeng, meanwhile, had already freshened up and was ready to explore the city. Jet lag didn't affect him much. The engine showcase wouldn't begin until tomorrow, and Audi's team—led by Tang San, Sun Er, and Xu Zhilin—was already at the venue.
His job? Sit in the audience tomorrow and applaud when needed.
He headed for the door, dressed casually in a black shirt and jeans.
"Mr. Lu, would you like me to show you around?" Andy-Na asked in slightly accented Mandarin.
He considered it for a moment, then nodded.
"Sure. That would be helpful."
Delighted, Andy-Na excused herself to change into casual clothes. Within minutes, she returned, ready to accompany him on a stroll through New York.
The city awaited.