Chapter 502: The Shock of Experiencing Internet Jargon
Steller was an Italian businessman who had been active in Britain for many years, but his ancestors were from Bourges, France. He always yearned to return to Bourges, identifying as a true "spiritual Frenchman."
Bayi, an old friend of Steller's who was well aware of his outstanding business acumen, suggested that Steller handle the competition for the London gas streetlamp project.
Mayor Mordaunt raised his wine glass with a smile and said, "I will discuss your company's bid for the project with Councillor Mordaunt as soon as possible."
"That's truly wonderful! Thank you so much!"
After the salon, Steller reported the day's progress to his "servant" in the carriage. The servant immediately praised him:
"You performed exceptionally well, Mr. Steller. As of now, we are already 'ahead' of all the British companies in London's City Hall."
"Next, it will all depend on your 'on-site demonstration,'" he added.
This "servant" was, in fact, the overall director of the "Gas Lamp Project"—Captain Deloney of the French intelligence service.
With complete confidence, Steller replied, "Rest assured, I've prepared thoroughly. The novel demonstration method you suggested is sure to impress those councillors."
Deloney waved his hand with a smile, "I don't know anything about demonstrations. That idea came from a great figure."
The "great figure" he mentioned was, of course, the Prince.
Joseph understood that to secure the entire London gas streetlamp project, bribery alone would not suffice. The scale of the project was too vast; it required an overwhelming display of capability to silence all critics. To that end, he instructed the Lightning Company to arrange a groundbreaking 18th-century-style business demonstration.
Three days later.
Baron Mordaunt, a member of the British House of Lords, arrived at the Lightning Coal Mining Company with several other parliamentarians, as well as numerous experts and scholars. They walked down a red carpet, guided enthusiastically by Steller.
Upon entering, Mordaunt and the others were taken aback. Before them stood a massive stone slab taller than a man. The slab's side had been polished smooth, and on it, large Roman letters were engraved:
Corporate Culture of Lightning Coal Mining Company:
Dreams have no boundaries; exploration knows no limits; miracles are created!
Driven by innovation, we constantly surpass ourselves, igniting the flames of technology with sparks of creativity…
Pursuing excellence, focusing on every detail, crafting first-class products that exceed users' expectations…
Striving forward, unafraid of hardship, with unwavering faith and effort to become the best company…
These platitudes, which would be utterly forgettable in the 21st century, left Mordaunt and the others in awe. For 18th-century individuals who had never encountered such slogans and advanced ideals, it was nothing short of mind-blowing.
Mordaunt gestured for his servants to distribute shoe covers to the parliamentarians, apologetically explaining, "Gentlemen, please forgive me. Because our company houses extremely precise instruments, it's essential to avoid any dust interference, so shoe covers are a must."
The group donned their shoe covers and followed him inside. The company interior was immaculate, with walls adorned with charts and documents. Over 300 employees bustled around, shouting things like:
"Efficiency! Always maintain efficiency!"
"David, I need that data in three minutes!"
"Precision can be improved further! I want the best product possible!"
The parliamentarians were completely taken aback.
Steller led them into a spacious hall where, in the center, a towering metallic cylindrical "iron drum" was connected to numerous pipes and gauges. It gleamed with a metallic sheen.
Before Mordaunt could ask any questions, Steller began his enthusiastic explanation:
"Ladies and gentlemen, behold! This is our company's latest coal distillation equipment. Of course, this is just a prototype; the actual production model will be much larger."
Steller signaled to an assistant, who immediately placed chunks of coal into the "iron drum" and lit a fire in the furnace below.
Soon, pale yellow smoke began to stream through the glass pipes atop the apparatus.
"Our machine is 20% more efficient than the ones used by the French in Paris," Steller declared, pointing to a large wooden board covered in comparative data. "As you can see, from furnace temperature to distillation speed to raw material consumption, our technology is comprehensively superior.
"These coals undergo dry distillation here, emitting large amounts of coal gas, which is then filtered and processed through these pipes and 18 stages of purification and decomposition equipment—oh, right here…"
His passionate and jargon-filled presentation left the parliamentarians and accompanying scholars bewildered. The scholars dared not question him, as this was cutting-edge technology, and not understanding it seemed perfectly normal.
Even if they had questioned him, Steller had a backup plan: overwhelm them with even more technical terms and data until they gave up.
Of course, this so-called "distillation equipment prototype" was nothing more than a meticulously crafted iron-sheet model. It was far from representing any functional coal distillation technology.
However, thanks to the craftsmen's meticulous work, its polished and futuristic appearance was convincing. It could even be ignited for demonstration purposes, making it perfect for impressing people. The actual cost of this model? Less than 1,000 francs.
Steller instructed his assistants to distribute beautifully printed brochures to the visitors: "Our company has invested £30,000 in developing this technology. These brochures clearly outline how our performance leads the world in every aspect!"
"Now, let us move on to another cutting-edge technology—our coal crusher."
After showcasing the coal crusher model, they moved on to a gas washing machine model, followed by a separator model…
By the time the parliamentarians held thick stacks of brochures, overwhelmed by the dazzling visuals and innovative terminology, Steller began introducing the company's "Analysis-Design-Testing-Integration" spiral development methodology.
This methodology was entirely conceptual, filled with high-level principles that sounded logical but left listeners with nothing concrete to grasp.
Being a modern development model, it undoubtedly had merit. However, by removing key implementation details, Joseph had transformed it into an incomprehensible enigma.
Finally, Steller erected colorful display boards in a conference hall, passionately outlining the company's vision for the gas streetlamp project and its "sustainability" development plans.
Several hours later, the British parliamentarians and experts left the Lightning Coal Mining Company with their minds racing, filled with stunning images and unfamiliar terms. They were thoroughly convinced that this was the most technologically advanced company in all of Europe, offering the finest products.
Mordaunt had made up his mind. If the Lightning Coal Mining Company took charge of London's gas streetlamp project, the city would surely outshine Paris in elegance and brilliance.
He also foresaw tremendous political benefits for himself as the project's leader. He even had a campaign slogan ready: "The Father of London Streetlights."
In fact, he began to wonder if aiming for the position of Prime Minister might not be so far-fetched after all.
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