William White clearly understood the game the Blue Giant was playing. The once crippled Lotus was somehow coming back to life, but without strong support, how could it revive? Bill's attempt to create an Office suite while barely handling an operating system showed that he was out of his depth. Since he liked to play, William was ready to let him "run naked."
"You treating Microsoft like your own child ain't my problem," said William, "but I wasn't born yesterday. This won't stand."
"Tom, reject their request," William instructed. "Tell them we can't provide the software due to not receiving the operating system on time. Our software will be available six months after they deliver the OS."
"Boss, are you worried they'll let Lotus copy our software? That's pretty low of them," Tom replied.
"Haha, don't be surprised. It's not just a worry; they're definitely going to do it, those arrogant folks."
"Got it, boss. We could just keep quiet and pull the plug when the time comes."
"Haha, no need. They're planning a first-half release, and they won't make it. Tell Apple and Commodore that their rival has arrived."
...
That's how an open strategy works; even when you know about it, there's nothing you can do. William White played by the rules, but if his opponents didn't, he wouldn't bother with them either.
Along with informing Apple and Commodore, William also shared all sorts of issues with MSDOS. If these two companies couldn't use this information to their advantage, they'd have themselves to blame for going under.
Despite IBM's swagger, without William White stirring the pot, they'd be beaten by Apple in the PC market. History would have repeated itself, with Apple dominating until the late '80s. If it weren't for Apple's own missteps, who knows who would have won.
Fine, eventually, they would win. The Intel-Microsoft duo was unbeatable, and their seamless collaboration was what deserved an antitrust investigation. Unfortunately, it ended with nothing.
Bill's close friend almost brought down both companies, although no one knows what deal was struck to end the Justice Department's probe.
So yeah, keep work and life separate. Taking your significant other to board meetings comes with too high a price.
William White was unfazed by IBM's reactions. To them, his software treasures were worthless. However, William didn't care if they found value or not. He planned to give IBM a hard time, ensuring he wouldn't let their high-and-mighty display go unchallenged.
...
"Boss, the voice actors have arrived. Should we start immediately?" he was asked.
"Yes, let's speed it up," William nodded.
"Boss, are we going for a worldwide release again?"
"Not this time. The summer lineup is too packed. This film won't fit the summer bill."
"Understood, boss. I'll set them to work."
...
William White's company actions soon irked IBM. But for White Software, William simply didn't care about the Big Blue's threats.
Even though White Software wasn't private anymore, it wasn't public either. William, the main shareholder, was doing well if he even informed them. You weren't going to start a showdown with him, were you?
Wall Street thought White Software was being naive. All they had to do was delay software supply; there was no need to give up this cake. Their actions seemed childish.
But William White wasn't fazed by those investors. If they disliked it, they could sell their shares back - at their original buying price.
...
Investment banks really had no choice but to tolerate William White's arrogance. It wasn't that they particularly liked him, but since their interests were secured, an overbearing board member wasn't a big deal.
Talented people often behaved this way. A humble and polite housekeeper wasn't someone they'd trust with their wealth management.
They were also dissatisfied with IBM. Their boldness in doing shady things was impressive, something so audacious that one couldn't help but admire their nerve.
...
"Boss, here's the invitation from the Oscars. Are you planning to attend?"
"Hmm, Best Original Screenplay? The chances of winning aren't high. Sigh, can't avoid going though. Those old folks hold grudges. If you don't give them respect, you might get into big trouble."
"Boss, there's still a chance. Police Academy was pretty good!"
"Haha, you don't understand, Suzuki. If they give me this award now, what about Forrest Gump? No one wants me winning consecutively."
"You should still attend. I heard there will be a lot of beauties present."
"Haha, alright, I'll go check it out."
As for a companion, Sharon Stone was a good choice, also serving as a warm-up for his new movie. Hmm, hadn't done any vigorous activity in a while; hopefully he wasn't out of practice!
"Darling, shall we pick out a dress together? Hope you're free at the end of March."
"I am free. I'll come over right away."
"Hmm, no rush. I'll send a driver to get you."
After hanging up, the young lady quickly got busy. Fortunately, with her pageant experience, simple makeup was a breeze for her.
...
Having not practiced for a long time, the two were now deeply engaged in skill exchange. However, due to upcoming commitments, their time wasn't too long.
Supporting the sore-limbed girl into the Rolls-Royce, William could only smile wryly. It seemed he had sped things up a bit. In the future, he needed to slow down; vehicles not used regularly still needed a warm-up.
"Dear, is it alright? I've already bought three sets."
William White shrugged nonchalantly, "Get two more. There's also the premiere of Johnny English, so choose something with a British style."
"Alright, thank you, dear."
When in shopping mode, a woman could instantly forget fatigue -- it's a natural talent that wouldn't change even in the face of severe fatigue.
"Are you sure you can finish by early March?"
"Yes, Mr. White. Please trust our professional service."
"Hmm, let's do it then. This ash and that royal blue, oh, I forgot to ask, two sets are fine too, right?"
"No problem, we'll make sure you're satisfied."
"Thank you very much for your service."
"It's my pleasure."
When William White attended formal events, he usually opted for conservative styles. He had moved past the need to stand out, and being ordinary was really quite nice.
"Let's go, gorgeous. We're off to dinner. Don't worry, you'll grab a lot of headlines."
The pretty lady rolled her eyes at him but didn't mind much. Everyone knew that being beside William White meant being in the news spotlight, and no journalist would easily let go of that.
As for how the media twisted stories, neither of them cared much. They weren't married; you guys can guess if they're in love.
...
"Mr. White, the lobster is excellent today."
"Haha, did you see those reporters?"
Seeing the server smile and nod, William White said, "Sigh, tell the chef to bring out the meat. You don't want that lobster making headlines, do you?"
"Understood, I'll arrange it immediately."
It was well-known that William White liked French cuisine. Not only could he eat heartily, he ate with skill. Chefs generally didn't mind much either. Drink whatever red wine you like, we don't care.
And it was true -- his example had a good effect. In such a poor economic climate, Texas wine sales were rising year by year.
Texas farmers loved this guy because he chose local regions instead of specifically endorsing White Vineyards, allowing other vineyards to do well too.
In this economic climate, White's moves were smart. People's wallets weren't too full, and Texas wine was certainly cheaper than Bordeaux.
After dinner, naturally came activities beneficial to health and wellbeing. Given the earlier speeding, things had to be taken slower from now on. Today's technology wasn't quite up to par, and fixing things wasn't always easy.
*****
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