[Chapter 779: Don't Underestimate a Late Start]
After taking another loop around South Bay, William White and his party headed straight for Shanghai.
"Honey, the houses here are so low; it doesn't feel at all like a big city."
"Hahaha, silly girl, aside from England, which country has its airport in the city center? Here's a little lesson for you: when you're assessing a city's depth, don't just look at the buildings. The population and their education levels are what truly form a city's foundation."
"Okay, but during the days of the foreign concessions, Hong Kong was just a fishing village," the young beauty pouted, somewhat unconvinced.
William White smiled wryly. In some ways, Shanghai was indeed lagging behind in this development wave. However, there were advantages to late development -- a blank slate was easier to plan.
William had many investments in China, but most of all, he focused on Shanghai. At first, Filson had some reservations, but the results proved that William's choice was the right one. Whether it was the Tesla factory or White Chemicals, there were no issues with construction or equipment installation at all.
...
William White's agenda here was quite straightforward -- he was merely inspecting his investments. If he found a suitable plot of land, he intended to buy it.
"Sir, the investment in land and property is clearly overheated. I wouldn't recommend it."
"Hmm, property isn't like stocks; it doesn't usually perform ahead of time. Now, with this exchange rate shifting, the number of investors really has increased. However, Filson, investing here is different from other places. If you build good relationships, there are some perks -- though you can't push it too far. I just want a plot for an office building; no one would turn that down."
"Are you sure, sir?"
"Very sure. Principles matter, but there's also some degree of favor involved. China is essentially a society built on favors."
Filson was speechless; he believed more in contracts and treaties. When someone said they would consider and study options, he took it as mere politeness.
...
[Chapter 780: Location, Location]
"Sir, there was a terrorist attack in Sarajevo. Our gold hedging position is getting a bit too large; should we consider reducing it?"
"Sure, if the price spikes too high, there's no need to panic; it won't last long. Right now, it's neither World War II nor is a crown prince getting assassinated. It's just them strangling themselves."
"We're fairly confident in that. Given the present international climate, a large-scale conflict isn't likely, unless..."
"Unless the world's biggest arms dealer steps in. But, Filson, Clinton has probably been scared stiff; unless he gets re-elected, don't expect any grand plans from him."
"Sir, we still can't overlook it. Sarajevo is notoriously cursed; trouble always seems to arise there."
"Of course, I'll have someone keeping an eye on it. Filson, you were right; this place has always been troublesome."
William White knew well enough; in fact, Tanner had told him long ago. Undoubtedly, it was still the CIA's meddling that stirred trouble.
With CIA agents intentionally mixing things up, how could there be any good outcomes?
...
[Chapter 781: Master of Deception]
"Honey, why did you choose a public school?"
"Ha! Just guess. Let's see if you're a little slow on the uptake."
Michelle Reis shot him a look. She felt she couldn't interfere with their son's education; it was all up to William White.
Of course, she didn't think it was about money. Although the fees for international schools were outrageous, that was not an issue for her.
"Aren't the educational standards lower?"
"Ha! That's half true. It's not that the quality is low; it's just two different systems. If we were planning on sending him to an international school, then why are we even in Shanghai?"
International schools certainly had their advantages, and their curriculum was aligned with what was being taught in America. However, for his son, that would be way too simple.
"Michelle Reis, the coursework here will be quite demanding. Of course, if your son can keep up with the classes, his future would be much smoother. As for Hong Kong, you know it's your hometown; don't act like you don't know the situation with public schools."
"Hmm, I just don't know if he can handle it."
"How could he not? He's been pushed to study since he was little. Did you think this is just a game? Let me tell you, his peers have it tougher than I did. Hahaha, when Fulton was spoiling me back then, he always tricked my dad."
Talking about this made William White a bit sentimental. Sigh, I hope these kids can understand someday.
*****
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