Traveling back to 1966, starting by living in a cowshed.

Chapter 233 Lifting Sanctions

Just as the Hollywood film market in the United States was being completely reshaped, the sanctions imposed on Zhonghua Electronics by Europe and the United States finally became unsustainable.

That morning, as soon as Lin Zhou arrived at his office, his assistant Chen Man strode in, her face beaming with barely suppressed joy.

"President Lin, official news has come from the West. The EU and the U.S. Ministry of Commerce have simultaneously announced the lifting of all sanctions and bans against Zhonghua Electronics."

Lin Zhou looked up: "Completely deactivated?"

"Yes, all of them." The secretary nodded. "Game consoles, handheld game consoles, tape recorders, Walkmans, electronic components, and all other related products across the entire production line have been re-approved for entry into their markets."

Lin Zhou gave a faint "Okay".

Looking at his calm demeanor, Chen Man couldn't help but laugh:

"My colleagues at Zhonghua Electronics are in an uproar. Everyone is cheering, saying that they can finally openly sell to Europe and the United States."

Lin Zhou showed little expression, only instructing, "Notify all department heads to attend an emergency meeting in the conference room in ten minutes."

"Yes, I will inform them immediately."

Chen Tao burst in shortly after his assistant Chen Man left, without even knocking. He was clutching several faxes in his hand, his voice trembling with excitement.

"President Lin! It's done! It's really done! The ban is lifted! We can finally return to the European and American markets!"

Lin Zhou looked up at him: "So excited?"

"How could I not be excited!" Chen Tao put the document on the table and pointed to the lines of English on it.

"Look, it's all in black and white! All sanctions have been lifted! The goods we've had stuck with for half a year can finally be shipped out!"

Lin Zhou picked up the document and casually flipped through two pages:

"It's not that they suddenly became kind; they can't live without our products."

Chen Tao slapped his thigh: "That's absolutely right! In recent years, our technology has been improving steadily, our costs are lower than theirs, and our quality is better."

"The longer the ban lasts, the more their domestic businesses will suffer, and the more dissatisfied the public will be!"

He got more and more excited as he spoke: "Before, the Big Eight Hollywood studios were fanning the flames, but now those studios have either collapsed or are crippled. Who would be willing to give up such huge profits for them?"

Lin Zhou put down the documents: "Once the ban is lifted, the distributors in Europe and America must be going crazy."

"They've gone mad! Utterly mad!" Chen Tao nodded repeatedly. "My phone has been ringing off the hook these past two days. Distributors from Germany, France, the UK, and the US are all vying to sign exclusive agreements, some even offering to pay in full upfront just to jump the queue and get the goods!"

Lin Zhou asked, "How many orders are piling up at the warehouse?"

Chen Tao immediately reported the quantities: "Enough for more than half a year! Several large warehouses are completely full, just waiting for your order to ship them directly worldwide!"

Lin Zhou immediately spoke up, his tone decisive: "First, restart all the previous production lines immediately, operate at full capacity, and do not stop for a moment."

Chen Tao quickly agreed, "Understood! I'll arrange for the factory manager to work overtime immediately!"

"Secondly, all backlogged orders must be shipped in order, with no queue jumping or arbitrary price increases allowed."

Chen Tao was taken aback: "They're practically fighting over us now, shouldn't we raise the price a little?"

"There's no need," Lin Zhou shook his head. "What we want is market share, not short-term profits. The faster we fill the shelves, the less chance others will have to squeeze in."

He paused, then raised his voice: "Go down and reiterate the rules. Anyone who dares to take advantage of the situation to raise prices, cheat distributors, or disrupt distribution channels will be immediately kicked out of the team and never cooperated with again."

"Don't worry! I'll go tell them right away!" Chen Tao immediately became serious. "I'll make sure the rules are strictly enforced!"

"Third," Lin Zhou continued, "make it clear to all our partners in Europe and the U.S. that this lifting of the ban is a market choice, not a handout from them."

Chen Tao nodded: "I understand!"

"If anyone tries to impose sanctions, bans, or engage in any underhanded tactics in the future," Lin Zhou's eyes turned colder, "they should think carefully about the consequences. The fact that Zhonghua is backing down is a sign of politeness. If they are really pushed too far, they can't afford it."

Chen Tao slammed his hand on the table: "That feels good! I'll make sure they remember those words exactly!"

Just as he was about to turn around, he remembered something and turned back to say:

"By the way, several major financial media outlets in Europe and the United States have asked through intermediaries if they can interview you and ask you to talk about your views on returning to the European and American markets."

Lin Zhou refused outright: "I won't accept."

Chen Tao laughed and said, "I knew you'd say that. Should we issue a statement?"

"Just have the PR department send out a message," Lin Zhou said calmly.

"Zhonghua Group never bows to threats, but only moves forward in a fair manner."

"Good! Concise and effective!" Chen Tao noted it down. "I'll have them send it out right away!"

Chen Tao left in a hurry, and the office fell silent again.

Not long after, Producer Zhang from the Film and Television Department also knocked on the door and came in.

"Mr. Lin, news just came from Hollywood that the companies we've supported have officially taken over the core distribution channels of MGM and Paramount."

Lin Zhou asked, "Has anything been exposed under our name?"

"Absolutely not," Producer Zhang quickly replied.

"The acquisitions were all handled by their local companies. The banks, funds, and contracts were all processed legally, so they can't trace it back to us."

Lin Zhou nodded: "Keep it steady and don't make a fuss."

"Understood." Producer Zhang added, "Many foreign firms and conglomerates in Hong Kong have contacted us to renegotiate cooperation, and their attitude is much more respectful than before."

Lin Zhou said calmly, "Those who used to kick someone when they were down will not be cooperated with."

"Those who are willing to follow the rules are welcome to talk, but the terms must be decided by us."

Producer Zhang immediately responded, "Yes! I'll go and finalize the new cooperation terms with the Ministry of Justice right away!"

After everyone had left, Secretary Zhou came in again: "President Lin, Mr. Su from the mainland called, it's a long distance."

Lin Zhou's expression softened slightly: "Bring them in."

When the call connected, Su Guohua's voice came from the other end: "A-Zhou, Wanqing and I have both heard about the news that Europe and the United States have lifted sanctions on Zhonghua Electronics."

Lin Zhou said, "Dad, I'm sorry to have worried you."

"I am worried, but I know you can definitely pull through."

Su Guohua smiled. "Wanqing has been sitting next to you and wanted to say a few words."

Soon, Su Wanqing's voice came through, carrying a hint of gentleness: "A-Zhou."

"Wanqing," Lin Zhou said softly, "I've taken care of everything here, so you don't need to worry."

"I heard that you bankrupted several Hollywood giants. Does that mean you won't have to be bothered by them anymore?" Su Wanqing asked softly.

"Yes." Lin Zhou nodded. "From now on, no one will dare to arbitrarily blacklist or sanction us."

Su Wanqing gave a soft "Mmm": "That's good. Take care of yourself over there, don't overwork yourself. Xiaofeng asks his father every day when he's going to let him come back."

Lin Zhou said, "Once I've finished up here, I'll go back to the mainland and bring you over."

"Okay, Xiaofeng, Dad, and I are all waiting for you at home."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhou leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and remained silent for a few seconds.

Before long, the heads of the electronics department, the distribution department, and the finance department all arrived at the conference room.

Chen Tao spoke first, quickly recounting the situation of the lifting of restrictions in Europe and the United States, the backlog of orders, and the scramble for goods by distributors.

The CFO followed up with a report: "President Lin, once all the orders from Europe and the United States are shipped, our cash flow for the second half of the year will be more than three times that of last year."

The production director also said, "The production line is fully ready, with workers working in three shifts and machines running 24 hours a day to ensure that we can keep up with the supply."

Lin Zhou looked at everyone and said calmly, "I called you all here today to talk about three things."

Everyone immediately straightened up and listened attentively.

"First, we will fully import our electronics products to Europe and America, and follow suit with our film and television products. Wherever Zhonghua's products go, our movies will be released there."

The publishing director immediately nodded: "Understood! I'll coordinate with the overseas publishing team right away!"

"Secondly, no arrogance, no haughtiness, and no bullying of partner companies are allowed."

Lin Zhou's gaze swept across the entire room.

"What we want is a long-term market, not a one-off deal."

Everyone responded in unison, "Yes!"

"Third, anyone who engages in underhanded tactics or breaks the rules will be fired immediately; the company will not keep them."

The atmosphere instantly turned serious.

Lin Zhou stood up: "There are many things to do, go and do them yourselves. If you have any problems, just come to me."

"Yes, Mr. Lin!"

Everyone left in an orderly fashion, leaving only Lin Zhou in the conference room.

The secretary came in: "Mr. Lin, the first batch of cargo ships bound for Europe and America has been arranged and will depart on time tomorrow afternoon."

Lin Zhou nodded: "Understood."

"Also, the Luohu Industrial Park in mainland China has called several times, asking when you will have time to go back and inspect it. They have new developments there and would like to report to you in person."

Lin Zhou said calmly, "Make the arrangements. We'll be heading back to the mainland next week."

The secretary was taken aback: "Leaving next week? Restrictions have just been lifted in Europe and America; shouldn't we stay a little longer to stabilize the situation?"

"No need," Lin Zhou said firmly. "Things are already on track here, so there's not much point in me staying. The Luohu Industrial Park is the focus going forward."

The secretary immediately wrote it down: "Yes, I'll arrange your schedule right away."

Lin Zhou waved his hand: "Go ahead."

The office fell silent again.