[Chapter 645: The Land of Oddities--Texas]
"Steve, you seem off your game. At this rate, you're going to lose big." The next morning, the ever-spirited William White was enjoying himself, while the restless Jobs was somewhat downcast, unable to sleep.
"Ross rejected my suggestion. From the looks of it, he really plans on entering politics." Jobs didn't mind that his shot had veered off course; he was just there for fun.
It's just that the golf newbie once mocked by high society in America had now reached a level where he could compete in celebrity tournaments.
"By the way, Steve, I asked around yesterday. Guess what they said? That Ross actually has a shot at winning. Haha, my foundation donated money yesterday too."
Jobs was speechless. A businessman with no political experience aiming for the stars? If he succeeded, wouldn't that throw the whole country into chaos?
"Damn, what's up with you Texans and producing oddballs?"
"Pfft, what's wrong with Texas? It's the most American place there is. Don't even get me started -- if it weren't for those idiots dragging us down, our per capita income would be significantly higher."
"I'm not optimistic about him. Forget his management skills; just look at his attitude towards other ethnic groups. That guy is destined to lose."
William White didn't expect Jobs to have such insightful thoughts on politics. In fact, it was true -- Ross had already lost points in this regard.
In America, you can only hold certain biases in your heart; you can't say them out loud. What's more, you must present yourself as friendly.
Hypocrisy? Perhaps. If a politician can't even pretend to be fake, they shouldn't be in the game. Places like Pentagon would become your nightmare.
"Honestly, governing the country has little to do with the president. Haha, when has this country ever relied on them for governance? Steve, you could send over a donkey, and nothing would change."
William's teasing held some truth. If you wanted to wield real influence, you had to control the majority in Congress -- dreaming otherwise was just folly.
"Say, William, you're not planning to give it a shot too, are you?"
"Look at you, getting all excited. If I did that, it wouldn't be the others you'd hear about -- it would definitely be you whose name would get out there. Look at the companies favored by two presidents or presidential candidates. Ahem, the investments they make are really about people, not just projects."
Even though William's remark was somewhat playful, Jobs took it in stride. While it wasn't flattering, it was a fact. If it weren't for him, Steve Jobs, neither William nor Ross would invest.
"William, IBM isn't doing great either; Commodore is on the verge of bankruptcy. Do you think if I returned to Apple now, I could turn it around?"
William fell silent, and after a long pause, finally spoke: "You're talented, it's just that the timing now isn't right. First of all, Apple hasn't hit rock bottom yet. That guy Sculley actually has a knack for marketing. You might not believe this, but if I were in PCs, I'd definitely have him head sales."
"Just him?"
"Hahaha, it's about putting people in the right roles. He's not suited for CEO, but he'd excel as a sales director. Remember Tom? That fat guy?"
Steve shook his head with a wry smile. William's standards for hiring were indeed exceptional. That fat cat Tom was a total rookie in IT, yet he had been able to hold that position for years.
Steve didn't want to continue the topic. William's judgment was very much aligned with his own. Since Apple could still hang on, returning wouldn't afford him much opportunity to shine. Remember, the lawsuit he had with Apple had just concluded for his current computer company.
"Alright then, I'll hold off until I finish this animated film before I discuss my next steps."
"That's a great idea. You know, once The Lion King has its IMAX version released, I'm sure a lot of Hollywood giants will want to get involved with animated films. After all, equipment and personnel costs are manageable."
"That wouldn't be you. I heard top salaries in Hollywood have crossed the ten million mark. Haha, you're not in high demand these days!"
William could only smile wryly. The highest base salary offered by White Films was under eight million. Still, he promised a box office cut.
Although it was just for North America, it still amounted to a serious figure. Often, actors and directors ended up taking home more from the box office than their base pay.
They played nine holes before calling it a day; any sport is more enjoyable when the competitors are evenly matched.
"Damn it, William, do Texans really use guns to herd sheep? Sounds more like something the Scots would do with golf clubs."
"Not really, just a matter of being skilled. This simple sport isn't team-dependent or skill-dependent. It's merely a craft honed through practice -- not something to be proud of."
Jobs nodded in understanding.
...
Texas now had another candidate, and it was no wonder Bush Jr. felt uneasy. His father, however, continued to project confidence.
The people of America were intrigued. This newcomer, while not particularly good-looking, had a certain skill.
Wait, wasn't William White from Texas as well? If he were to join, there might actually be a chance.
What? You say it's three-there.
Whether it's a Donkey or an Elephant, if this guy wants in, no one would turn him away.
His influence was too enormous, especially among the under-30 crowd. Plenty of people would be unfamiliar with Bush, but not many wouldn't know who William White was.
No wonder they wanted to start fresh; this place was practically bursting with oddballs.
With so many talented folks, naturally, ideas overflowed -- this was hardly surprising.
"You're back! You've worked hard."
"Cough cough, hey Suzuki, can you speak more respectfully? Don't pollute the kids' minds."
"Hmph, as if I would corrupt her. Your daughter? I can't teach her anymore. You'd better take it upon yourself, as her father."
"That's not it. Her etiquette is perfectly fine. This is something Fulton arranged, and I went through this as well. Is it so hard to believe I don't come off as a gentleman?"
Suzuki had no words. Gentleman? You're practically a cowboy by now. But then again, at his level, there was really no room for accommodating others anymore.
William White really wanted to tell Suzuki that the Whites weren't always like this. However, after spending so long in Texas, if you still clung to those pretensions, people would consider you an outsider.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.