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"Success comes only to those who have dared to stand up without fear!"
– Touma Kamijou
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<(Bruce Wayne POV)>
"Mr. Fox, why are we losing money in Wayne Electronics despite having such a big market share? We should be printing money like paper there. We have the most advanced products as well as the best marketing strategies, so why is it still struggling?" I asked with a frown on my face.
Nobody likes losing money and the same was equally valid for me.
"It's not our fault Bruce. The company is making billions of dollars in profits from its software and computer business alone plus its new gaming and semiconductor businesses are also massive revenue earners. But, they are barely covering the huge investments and acquisition prices we have to pay to set up the new manufacturing units and logistics channels. We even had to funnel profits from the other two subsidiaries to Wayne Electronics to fund some of the more daring projects we are currently undertaking in it.
Our semiconductor and telecom research center in the city cost us a hefty one billion dollars alone and the recent Tesla and SpaceX acquisitions were even more expensive. And the worst thing is that while we had to pay most of the amount in cash, most banks have basically shadow-banned us for some reason, most probably due to the influence of some of our competitors." Fox revealed.
"I see. So in one word, our expenses and investments are more than our earnings, right? But, still, we cannot continue to spend money like this man. I don't like to see it. Even if they don't affect my financial status at all, they are still depressing to look at." I said annoyed at the negative numbers on the report.
"I agree with that. So I have come up with two ways to gather enough liquid money to make the necessary investments that we have planned for the future. What we can do is either sell some of our investments or try to partner with some bank out of Gotham. I already have a few banks, especially in the metropolis that might do business with us in my sights despite us being a new company and all...."
"Buy the bank" I simply said as I went over the documents.
"What?" Lucius asked not understanding what I wanted to say.
"I said buy a bank. Wayne Enterprises does not own a bank currently and does business with Gotham National Bank instead, so I am free to acquire one. And the last I heard one was up for grabs after the entire Bertinelli murder fiasco. The Gotham Merchant Bank has been suffering and steadily decreasing in valuation for some reason right? I even heard of a new company called Sionis Industries that is trying to buy it. So all we have to do is just buy the bank before them and voila, unlimited liquid assets at our disposal." I smiled.
"Well, it isn't 'as' simple as you just mentioned but yeah I guess that is possible. That will probably solve our limited cash-on-hand problem quite permanently." Lucius nodded, still not believing it was that 'simple' to solve.
Well, sometimes the simplest and most stupidest of solutions are the best solutions.
"Anyway, as for Wayne Entertainment, we have made huge strides there. From a score of successful movies to a dozen successful shows, we are the biggest studio right now. What Lion King and Star Wars started for us with improved VFX technology and the unique storyline has only increased with franchisees like Lord of the Rings. Even though we have also spent quite some money in acquiring Netflix to get in on the DVD market, we are in no need of immediate funds. In fact, licensing and merchandise have made sure that we have more than enough money to be the most profitable studio this year." Fox proudly completed.
"You had me at Netflix and DVD." I chucked while Lucius just stared at me with a confused expression, not understanding the reason for my laugh at all.
"And what about Wayne Capital? It isn't making any losses, is it?" I ask, too bored to look at its financial reports.
"No, it has the steadiest profits actually. Even though it's our most risky business, we haven't made any significant losses in it whatsoever." He informed.
That was expected. Between my future knowledge and Cortana's algorithms, it's almost impossible to lose money through some bad investment or decisions.
Anyway, it was good that my financial status was more or less secure besides a few hiccups and nothing major. As soon as I inherit the rest of the companies when I turn eighteen, that would be the time when my true wealth and influence would start to accumulate. I would be able to release my more 'interesting' stuff out there like miracle drugs or mind-bending technology without raising too many eyes.
"Now that the financial reports of Wayne Solutions are done, we should move on to the next topics, the dividends of Wayne Enterprises..." Lucius continued as he placed another big pile of files in front of me.
"I really hate these financial discussions," I said with a sigh, wondering why earning money was so boring compared to spending it.
***
<(Omniscient POV)>
"Focus not only on your target but everything around you as well. Try to create a harmony between you and nature." Richard Dragon was seen trying to train a teenage boy in the secrets of martial arts.
After Richard left Gotham, he hadn't found any other student nearly as gifted or talented as the three students he taught in that hellish city. It was only after three years of exploring the country that fate had brought him to meet someone else, another young boy who required his help, a prospective disciple. Although not as amazing as those three, he was still a decent talent in his own right and a troubled person. So Richard gladly began to teach the boy some of his teachings and became his sensei hoping to show him the right path.
"Master, this is impossible. Your moves are so complex and intricate that there is no way I can replicate them without days of practice on my end at minimum." The teenager complained.
"Everything is possible Vic. Remember balance is the key. It is..."
"Essential to life. With balance of mind comes balance of body and with balance of body comes balance of spirit... Still teaching that same boring lesson, are you Richard? No improvement at all. Sensei would be disappointed." A female voice sounded from somewhere nearby but from where, it could not be determined as the sound seemed to echo from all directions.
"Lady Shiva, so kind of you to visit an old friend. But you didn't have to knock out my student with a dart. You could have just told him to leave." Richard spoke although there wasn't any anger or annoyance in his voice.
True to what he said, his new student was now lying on the ground with a single dart sticking out from his neck, completely knocked out.
"Couldn't take the chance. Children have become quite nosey and troublesome nowadays." Lady Shiva smirked.
"So my dear friend, why are you here?" Richard questioned.
"I actually have some business with one of your little students, you probably know which one I am talking about. After all, I was the one who called in all the favors you owed me and sent you there," she answered with a smirk.
"I am assuming you are talking about Bruce Wayne and not this one, right?" Richard's expression became more serious than normal as he stared at the femme fatale with a frown on his face.
Shiva nodded.
"I don't know what the League wants from him but take my advice, Shiva, stay away from him. He is not what the League thinks he is, that I can tell you. The league won't be able to make use of him, instead, it will only invite trouble by trying to get involved with him." Richard said as he slowly removed the dart from Vic's neck.
"And why not? The league is much more powerful than you think. A small-time billionaire is..." Shiva started but was interrupted.
"You honestly think I am talking about money here?" Richard says with scrunched-up brows.
"No matter how powerful he is, he will still fall to the clutches of the League because that's what the demon head wants and that's exactly what he will get."
"Maybe but you should have never sent me to train him you know. Because I can tell you that he is the most gifted student I have ever trained and he has the potential to become the strongest as well." Richard smiled as he picked up his student, throwing a small bait to his old friend.
Good. Then it will be much more fun than I expected." Lady Shiva sniggered as she slowly took a couple of steps back and soon disappeared into the shadows just as easily as she appeared leaving Richard standing behind with Vic on his shoulders.
"So, it's time huh? I hope you are ready Bruce. Because it's starting."
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(A/N: God, I hate writing about financial stuff.)
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