Little Bushu was delighted by the warm welcome he received at William White's farm. As they rode horses with a group of cowboys, this traditional Texas-style reception was unlike anything he had experienced before. It was evident that he was being treated as an honored guest.
"George, you've put on some weight. Are you sure you can still handle a horse?" Xiao Bushu teased, raising his glass in a playful gesture. "I thought you'd grown up, but you're still as rude as ever."
"Haha, you remember that novel? Write whatever you want; don't take it too seriously."
Xiao Bushu chuckled and said, "William, you've played a trick on my friend. My dad insisted that I study and improve my cultural knowledge."
"Oh, then you can watch 'The Camellia Girl' and give your dad a Texas version."
"Come on, are you telling me you really wrote that book?"
"What's the matter? I've started working on the second one. Life can be tough sometimes."
"You're kidding me! A book can make you a millionaire? You must be out of your mind!"
"Let's go inside the farm and chat."
Xiao Bushu's entourage was taken aback by the casual and friendly exchange between the two. Despite their age difference, William White and Xiao Bushu had similar personalities.
In essence, they were both second-generation heirs, and their shared traits were more apparent than their differences. The world of second-generation heirs had its unique dynamics, hidden from the outside world.
Xiao Bushu spent two enjoyable days on the farm, engaging in various activities and bonding with William White, who was an excellent host. Throughout his visit, William White was his constant companion.
While some of Xiao Bushu's followers had anticipated a more formal and respectful encounter, they were pleasantly surprised by the relaxed and genuine atmosphere. The down-to-earth nature of William White and his family was something they hadn't expected.
As William White's fame continued to grow, many sought to establish connections with him. While he remained polite in receiving guests, he was selective about forming genuine relationships. The standards for such connections extended beyond mere courtesy.
Being a bestselling author might not be extraordinary elsewhere, but in Texas, where rough characters predominated, it was a rare distinction. The profession of a writer was atypical in the region, given its preference for rugged industries.
Xiao Bushu had completed the task assigned by his father successfully and returned home in high spirits. The Bush family's position was clear: they didn't want to interfere in Texas politics. However, they were willing to provide wholehearted support to family matters.
This declaration sufficed for William White's needs. Though he was an outsider to the political dynamics, the situation in Texas was improving considerably.
William White made his intentions clear: his focus would shift to California, a base for political donkeys rather than elephants. This strategic decision was reached informally, leaving those around them somewhat baffled but intrigued by their unorthodox approach.
The conversation highlighted the depth of the relationship between the two families, a relationship rooted in mutual respect and trust.
"Master, Motorola has delivered the CPU you requested."
"Bring back the electronics engineer who worked on our previous project," William White instructed.
"Of course, Young Master."
With the CPU in his hands, William White couldn't help but feel nostalgic. Despite its flaws, this CPU's remarkable forty-year lifespan suggested a legacy that would endure.
William White had no plans to enter the personal computer market. He considered himself a small player and recognized that even with superior technology, the personal computer industry came with numerous challenges.
However, he identified another lucrative opportunity in the era: arcade gaming. While the price of the 68000 CPU was high for personal computers, it didn't matter much in the arcade market. The gaming industry, particularly arcades, presented a vast and profitable landscape.
Arcades weren't as price-sensitive when it came to hardware. Their focus was on creating immersive experiences rather than cutting costs. The American arcade market alone was worth billions of dollars, and if executed well, it could be incredibly lucrative.
William White selected three games—Pac-Man, Texas Block, and Tank Battle—each with its unique appeal. Creativity was their hallmark, and their development wouldn't pose significant challenges.
Television game console manufacturers would also show interest in this new venture. William White anticipated lucrative licensing agreements as they sought to tap into the burgeoning arcade market.
The gaming industry's profitability was a clear advantage, but it also posed unique challenges. It was a tightly knit industry with a strong emphasis on heritage and lineage. Any newcomers needed to tread carefully, or they risked being overwhelmed by the industry giants.
Regardless, William White was determined to succeed. With three mini-games as the starting point, he aimed to establish the company's reputation before expanding further into the gaming industry.
The footbath industry was fraught with intense competition. It was a sector where no one entity could claim dominance, and entering it haphazardly could lead to significant losses. William White recognized that the path to success lay in careful planning and meticulous execution.
In the world of arcade gaming, sophistication takes a backseat to stability and durability. Thick skin is a necessity, considering players' often impatient tempers. Normal wear and tear include knocking and beating, but a crash with a light tap is deemed as poor quality by players.
To safeguard their innovations, applying for more patents becomes crucial. The competition in the arcade industry is cunning, and failing to protect one's ideas can lead to being overtaken in no time.
When it comes to competitors in the footbath industry, it's a challenging dilemma. Existing players like Laomei struggle due to limited production capacity. Without support from footbath companies, achieving a yearly revenue of one billion dollars seems daunting, if not impossible. Financial challenges become particularly pronounced in the face of market turbulence.
Managing an old factory is no easy task. Prolonged operations become a burden for the boss, and the inevitable outcome might be closing down the business. Amid such challenges, seeking assistance from footbath companies like Meidi becomes a double-edged sword. Ridicule is inevitable, especially when comparing costs; the neighboring factory, which costs more than 100 US dollars a month, becomes a point of contention.
Overtime in this scenario seems like a distant dream. The boss, often labeled as a vampire, displays no sympathy for family commitments or the desire to accompany kids on fishing trips. Overtime becomes an unattainable luxury, highlighting the harsh and unforgiving nature reminiscent of 18th-century capitalism. In those times, workers faced not only meager incomes but also abysmal production safety standards, making the comparison all the more stark and the challenges all the more daunting.