When such a massive number of orders went to Japan, William White felt the pressure. The unemployment rate in America was really high, and some people wished these orders would stay in the U.S.
However, William White was just a businessman. It's reasonable to talk to him about profits rather than social responsibility. He donated a lot and even trained single mothers, what more did people want?
Raise taxes?
Honestly, William White didn't care, because consumers were the ones who shouldered these costs. He had no reason to worry.
Besides, with business buildings being constructed simultaneously in New York and Los Angeles, did you think the orders would shrink?
In fact, what America needed the most were these projects; electronic manufacturing wasn't really America's thing. If those PSP orders had indeed gone to the U.S., William White was very sure they wouldn't have sold a few by Christmas.
William White was willing to undercut the orders just to quickly capture the market. He was certain of one thing: the Japanese had similar thoughts, so he had to crush them with direct force.
What he didn't know was that his judgment was spot on. The Japanese did indeed harbor different intentions. However, it was too late to say anything; within a few months, the difference would be evident.
Anyone with sense would know to seek benefits and avoid harm. Paying William White a toll fee was obviously profitable, while starting anew carried uncontrollable risks.
William White was pleased. When he announced a series of construction plans, all dissonant voices disappeared.
Who were they kidding? If they kept bothering this young master, who knows, these projects might just fly away.
...
"Come to bum a meal off me again?"
"Yeah, since you're a big shot now, gotta eat more." Faced with William White's teasing, Bush Jr. was undisturbed. This time, he had no mission; he was just here to hang out.
"Why are you giving the little guy such a good deal?"
"That's a discriminatory term; best not to use it."
"Hmph, I'm not a politician, so what's the big deal? Do you really think foreign powers would be shocked?"
"Okay, okay, whatever you say. It's not that I'm unpatriotic, it really can't be helped. I'll be honest with you, forget about production scale, even quality isn't there."
"Are you sure?"
"Hmph, let's not talk about others, my own company can't handle it. Small batches are no problem, but large-scale production is a disaster."
"That's not that outrageous, is it?"
"Heh, look at our cars; you'll understand. Europeans have the technology. As for the Japanese? They're all copying. It's only been a few years; can our car quality even compare?"
"Alright, those guys really have a knack."
"Heh, did you know their factories average 12-hour work shifts? You don't have to tell me about many places, even if there's just one, I'll acknowledge it. Now, those orders are nothing. To be honest, ten million units won't even hold."
Bush Jr. was completely speechless. Despite America's high unemployment rate, hardly anyone wanted to work in electronics factories. They probably preferred being servers in cafes.
As for 12-hour work shifts, even if companies were willing, the union would certainly kick up a fuss.
Pay overtime?
Come on, try not paying, and you'll end up behind bars.
The two stopped discussing this mundane topic because they were well aware of American policies. Some so-called labor-intensive industries indeed had thoughts of moving overseas.
The place to take on these orders was Japan. In fact, surrounding countries had tried long ago, but all ended up like proverbial failures.
...
Due to the director's relaxation, the crew of Rumble in the Bronx had a laid-back experience.
Of course, no one complained. Although progress was slow, the production quality significantly improved.
There were many great directors in Hollywood. While it's hard to say whose films are the best, it's generally agreed whose films earn the most.
Don't be fooled by Spielberg's success with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial; his total box office pales before William White's. Don't forget, White debuted much later.
Besides, William White was a prolific director. Hollywood was curious; at his current pace, when would he reach a ten billion box office?
In truth, once someone reached this height, the Oscars would definitely consider giving a lifetime achievement award.
When William White heard such comments, he practically choked on his drink.
Hell no, who in their right mind is aiming for a ten billion box office? Even if he quit the industry now, he wouldn't believe he couldn't win that award.
Ten billion?
Man, it's not like I've lost my marbles. White Films could easily achieve it, but personally, he had no interest in such hollow fame. One hundred stunning beauties would be more like it, now that's much more fun. He could leave the ten billion to "King of the World" to play with.
In fact, after making Evita, he regretted it. His skills were lacking; tackling such films required at least twenty years of honing.
But, hell, was he crazy? Such a vast playground, shouldn't he be out sowing his oats? What's the point of always burying himself in film sets?
As such, William White turned into a social butterfly. Anyway, he wasn't unfamiliar with the etiquette.
...
"William, this party is really dull. Not a single hot chick around."
"Uh, George, these are socialites. Know what a socialite is?"
"No, no idea. Do they taste any different?"
"The difference is vast. If you want to go into politics, they'll find you allies. If you want to acquire a company, they'll connect the dots. As for what you give up, it's just a little extra protein."
"Damn, you're absolutely wicked. Weren't you a churchgoer or something? My dad wanted me to learn from you, even mentioned giving up booze and all that."
"Sure, I'm devout. Whenever I've done something naughty, I seek out a priest. He's always cheerfully absolved me, so I can keep going."
For William White's shamelessness, Bush Jr. had nothing to say. In fact, he did the same but never talked about it.
*****
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