[Chapter 653: This is a Big Game]
William White's calm demeanor here is truly unexpected. Not only are our European friends confused, but the investment banks back in the States are equally puzzled.
Could it be that he's out of options?
No, that's not right. This isn't just his game to play. If he really loses this one, wouldn't all our investments be down the drain?
Coincidentally, the Galvin family is making the same judgment call. As an established family, they certainly have their resources.
They've long known that the mobile department has a new product coming out. This phone, dubbed the 268, is going to absolutely crush all the junk on the market. Since William White is holding back, there must be a reason behind it.
In fact, they were very worried that William White might throw caution to the wind and go all out.
However, their worries quickly vanished when Filson hired several lobbying firms and then made no further moves.
"Sir, isn't Motorola planning to let this slice of the pie slip away? It's understandable that William White is so calm; he must have a back-up plan. Why is that kid from the Galvin family so at ease as well?" The head of Morgan Stanley was speechless at his subordinate's complaints.
How on earth did you manage to rise to this position? It seems this guy is even less capable than the last one. Is there something about the name Andy that implies a bit of dullness?
"Andy, do you really think those mobile companies can dictate whose products to buy?" Andy was taken aback by the sudden question, struggling to understand if there were any forces operating behind the scenes.
"Sir, it seems they're not under any conglomerates' thumb."
"Hmph, not under any conglomerate? Do you think they have the standing to negotiate? Let me tell you, this technology is the best in America, and even if it's not, we'll steal it. If that's impossible, we'll just stick with analog phones. Now, get out and tell those idiots that if they plan to sell shares, they're free to do so."
The old man was actually quite frustrated. Delaying the launch of the new product would surely negatively affect the stock price. They had initially intended to boost sales during this period.
This damned William White, you don't need the money yourself, so why act so nonchalant? If the stock falls further, it's no skin off your back, but it could really hurt us.
...
William White was completely unconcerned with what was happening right now. He was focused on Europe. Those restless folks would surely make a move, and that was not something America hoped to see.
"Sir, twelve European nations have signed agreements; it looks like the establishment of the Eurozone is unstoppable now."
"Ha! What a pity, the timing is all wrong. They should have prepared more thoroughly. They should've pushed hard when America unilaterally exited the Bretton system." William White was quite pleased; it seemed that England was about to show its face again. It's just embarrassing for them.
"Yes, sir, right now it seems that only France and Germany can be counted on. The rest are a complete mess." Filson chuckled. If there were no turmoil there, where would we make money from?
"Actually, the French are the only one who really knows how to play the economic game. It's not just talk when they say they're a loan shark nation. The Germans, on the other hand, have taken on quite a mess. A one-for-one exchange? Haha, politically that's a brilliant move. As for who should shoulder the blame, I really can't figure that one out."
"By the way, sir, Soros is moving to raise funds again. Could it be he's plotting against the British once more?"
"Just a warning. If our cousins can't figure that out, we'll show them a thing or two. And let's speed up our fundraising efforts. This time, we must hit them hard."
...
A group of American schemers had sharpened their knives. For the increasingly restless cousins in Europe, the Americans had never forgotten to keep them in check.
"Safety concerns? Hans, are you joking? Our products are far superior to Motorola's."
The head of Siemens' U.S. branch was quite angry in response to the boss's inquiry. Americans simply don't know how to be reasonable; this was outright trade protectionism.
"Sir, this is a rumor that came from Washington. That bastard William White has hired lots of lobbying firms."
Cough, "Hans, don't we have money?"
"Alas, that's not the case. The current situation is that no lobbying firm has made any promises. Someone told me that the security committee is deliberately causing us trouble."
"Damn it, I should have seen that coming. I shouldn't have agreed to develop together in the first place. These damn cowboys have no credit at all. This can't just end here; those senators need to step up too." Seeing the boss's face turn dark, Hans felt a headache coming on. Good news was in short supply nowadays.
"Sir, our phones are selling well, but there's news that Motorola plans to fully collaborate with the semiconductor industry of Japan, and that Samsung will also be a strategic partner. Sir, a comprehensive counterattack has already begun."
"Alright, Hans, this situation exceeds my authority. Let's call an emergency board meeting; this situation is beyond what we can handle."
So, the Germans' schemes were hardly worth mentioning. These stubborn tech fanatics were most capable in the production phase.
Some might say that's too unrefined, a bit of a cheap shot, right?
Haha, winning is winning; there's nothing more to say. If good products could guarantee profit, then why isn't Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee sold by Jamaicans?
This is merely a primary agricultural product. In the telecommunications industry, where business often involves billions of dollars, the product quality alone doesn't dictate success.
Just look at Airbus; they're hardly inferior to Boeing. If we were to focus on quality, Boeing would have gone bust a long time ago. But what's the outcome? They're both doing quite alright.
If civil goods are this way, in the military sector, Europe has nothing left to offer.
After the honeymoon phase, the two began their love-hate relationship. This is where William White draws his confidence from. Don't think that because we're still in the basic 1G era, bringing out 2G products now wouldn't be torn apart.
To put it simply, William White's moves are just too swift. Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea. You guys are saying right now that their products are inferior to yours? Haha, William White doesn't even need to defend himself; plenty of people will step up to dispute that.
It's genuinely quite humorous. If your products are that good, shouldn't you first get your own country sorted out? Just know you haven't even started yet.
Sacrifice for others?
This is a conspiracy.
America's politicians say so; don't be surprised. The stakes involved are just too great. Anyone daring to act up at this moment, haha, the traitor hat, you think America doesn't have one.
Right now, Europe's little allies are at their wits end. It's not that we're inactive here; it's that the demand just isn't that great.
However, this reasoning seems a bit flimsy.
Damn it, you're taking advantage and still want more. What will happen to our GDP if all the orders go to you? Our current unemployment rate is already at 5%. If those orders vanish, you can be certain Motorola will lay off extensively.
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.