[Chapter 642: It's All Just a Setup]
Just shortly after Tanner left, Filson arrived. This time, the boss wasn't making a big fuss over promotions, so things were a bit more relaxed here.
"Sir, this promotion is primarily focused on gaming consoles and toys. Do you have any plans for it?"
"Plans? We need to prioritize the release date of the PS3. In no more than a year, the prices of these old gadgets will have to drop."
"Sir, a price point of $399 seems a bit challenging. Is there really going to be such a significant decline in semiconductor prices?"
"Definitely. The yield rate is already quite high. The economic downturn in Japan is actually a good thing for us. They will undoubtedly make concessions on pricing."
"True, it looks like they're in for a rough patch in the short term." Filson chuckled somewhat deviously, secretly hoping for Japan's misfortune. If these guys stop producing, then the orders here might really become an issue.
"Filson, have you heard about the situation with Gaddafi? I'm not curious about other matters; I just find it curious what's gotten into the French this time. If I remember correctly, their relationship with Gaddafi was decent."
"Sir, Europe is planning to issue a unified currency, driven by France and Germany; in this sensitive time, they don't have much choice."
"Ha, a unified currency, paired with an efficient coordinating body. Tsk, how quaint are the Europeans. What makes them think that for a Gaddafi, the U.S. would compromise? In my opinion, using the dollar as a weapon is far more effective than those cruise missiles. This is the only credit currency in the world. Haha, I can confidently say they're going to have issues with their currency." William White licked his dry lips and took a sip of coffee.
"Yes, sir, our think tank shares that view. France and Germany have solid economic foundations; they aren't worried. Other countries, however, won't hold out. We've assessed that Italy will soon face troubles."
"Sigh, Italy is a jinx. Anyone who teams up with them ends up in trouble. Not only can you borrow no strength from them, but you also need to provide support. Economically, sure, it might just mean losing a bit of money. But in a war, they can't even defeat the local militia." William White couldn't help but laugh. World War II was brutal; however, many of those involved were Italians.
No macaroni to surrender, no crowbars to open artillery shells for surrender. There are many reasons to surrender in this world; the most bizarre reasons were the ones they invented, without a doubt.
Well, maybe there are others, but they invented those too.
"Yes, sir, if they can cut them loose, Europe would be much better off. If it's just France and Germany working together, the euro could be quite strong. By the way, it seems the British are going to keep their currency; no one else has raised objections."
"Sigh, a fifth columnist and a liability. Hey, Filson, keep an eye on their currency market; they will definitely run into trouble. We can operate again when that happens. By the way, that Soros, spokesperson for the Federal Reserve, shouldn't be so quiet; keep a close watch on him." William White understood that to counter that guy, one must go against the grain. If you follow his rhythm, you're certain to come out on the losing end.
"Sir, he's gone on vacation, apparently to the Caribbean. I wonder if he'll stop by Jurassic Park." Filson said with an odd expression; look, even if they could barely stand each other, he still wanted to make money.
William White was taken aback. In his mind, this sneaky guy was supposed to be holed up calculating schemes. Is it really wise to expose himself to the sun?
Alright, this guy added a bunch of things that nobody thought of before; poor Soros really caught a break.
"That guy must be interested in just money, right? Is this a way to relax? Haha, could he have any big moves planned?"
"Sir, if there is, it's likely about those European currencies, most probably the lira."
"Not a chance." William White decisively dismissed that idea. This was not something that typically occurred in their conversations; he had foresight, but there was no need to show off -- it's best to act naturally.
Come to think of it, William White's think tank was impressive, rivaling that of Washington.
"Filson, he's got bigger fish to fry. Last time he failed spectacularly; this time, I think he'll be well-prepared."
Filson thought it made sense. Last time, selling off gold and pounds, that guy racked up over a hundred billion dollars. If so much capital wasn't working against gold, the situation wouldn't be this way now.
"Then, sir, it's just the pound left. Is he really planning to break the agreed exchange rate? If that happens, the future for the eurozone doesn't look too promising."
"Heh, there's no way a second international currency will be allowed. If that were the case, being the world leader wouldn't matter, really."
"Sir, if I'm right, there's an understanding regarding the recent Lockerbie incident. It's pretty brazen to deny it now..."
Too reckless, right? William White chimed in.
"Pentagon and the Federal Reserve aren't the same thing, and besides, Soros is just acting on his own. Everyone knows he's a pawn for the Fed, but they won't admit it. Haha, it's all just a setup. Even if Europe is unhappy, they have no choice but to stay quiet; at least on the surface, the U.S. appears to support the euro."
Filson could only smile bitterly; he knew politicians lacked integrity.
Just like the current French, who just a couple of days ago was calling for calm on both sides, but now wants Gaddafi to send people in and conveniently toss that unsolved bombing case onto Gaddafi. The level of shifting blame is quite romantic, indeed.
"Heh, sir, if that's the case, what action should we take?"
"Let's raise funds; since he wants to go short, let him have his way, but this time let's keep it more discreet. Cough, oh, I still have some funds in offshore accounts. After the New Year, let's put these into the market. It'll be a nice New Year gift for the British."
"Okay, I get it. On the surface, we're just following the trend, right?"
"Exactly, our think tank isn't up to par; they only follow trends. Hahaha, let that guy take the spotlight."
As for the boss's dark humor, Filson felt helpless. He actually wanted to have a round with Soros. That guy received so much attention from the boss that it left him feeling a bit unsatisfied.
However, this way isn't bad either. Since the boss enjoys lurking in the shadows calculating things, he could only play the fool for now.
But on the other hand, if British really gets riled up, it could become quite troublesome.
Soros was a lone wolf, entirely focused on making side deals through hedges, but his boss had a lot more at stake. He not only had numerous businesses in London, but also several companies.
"I know what to do. Don't worry, sir; I'll keep an eye on his financial movements. He's not like us; without the banking system's facilitation, he can't create too big of a situation."
"Good, I'm about to take a vacation now; feel free to handle things here. If anything comes up, just call me."
William White was acutely aware that the current financial position in Europe was quite tense. Ever since that Leo Wanta disappeared, the banking system in Europe has been in a precarious state.
A combination of various factors gave Soros a crack to exploit. Otherwise, with just personal capability, it's impossible to shake the agreed exchange rate.
*****
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