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墨書 Inktalez
After Apple's announcement was released, the company's stock price finally managed to halt its rapid decline. Although it continued to drop, the extent was now within an acceptable range.
From the original Macintosh to the globally popular iPhone, Apple's continuous innovation has garnered a loyal fan base. Even now, when Apple merely paints a rosy picture for them, they believe that the company will ultimately turn things around.
This is precisely why the announcement had such a significant effect.
However, Cook and all the Apple employees knew that this was merely a temporary fix. If they couldn't resolve the current technical issues and delayed the launch of a groundbreaking new product, they would likely face an unprecedented collapse.
In fact, it wasn't just Apple that resorted to painting an unattainable vision to curb its plummeting stock price; other tech and internet companies followed suit, presenting investors with similar intangible promises.
Now, as major tech companies have managed to stop their stocks from free-falling, it remains to be seen who will falter first. If this grand vision ultimately fails to satisfy consumers, even with a robust fan base, they may not escape ruin.
At Blue Star Huaxia Capital and Sweet Potato Technology's headquarters, a new batch of guests arrived.
This was already the fifth group of investor representatives they had hosted recently, but Soulmate, the person in charge of Sweet Potato Technology in the capital, unceremoniously sent them all away.
What a joke—thinking they could take 90% of Sweet Potato Technology for just one hundred million dollars? Did they think they could get away with that?
Well, there certainly were quite a few clueless individuals hoping to take advantage of the situation, and Soulmate naturally dismissed them.
For sincere investors, Soulmate would explain that their boss was currently in Las Vegas and that decisions would be made upon his return.
However, there was one investor representative that Soulmate found difficult to dismiss.
"Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, we plan to invest 0 billion Renminbi for 0% equity."
This offer would have been utterly ridiculous if not for the presence of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Everyone could see Sweet Potato Technology's potential; thinking they could acquire 0% equity for just 0 Renminbi was nothing short of absurd.
It should be noted that 0 billion Renminbi looks like a lot, but when converted to dollars, it amounts to only about 500 million. In other words, the valuation given to Sweet Potato Technology is merely 500 million dollars.
However, this offer, combined with the name of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, left Soulmate in shock.
To be safe, he quickly called Li Hong, who was far away in Las Vegas.
After laying everything out, Soulmate quietly awaited Li Hong's decision.
...
In Las Vegas, when Li Hong received Soulmate's call, it would be a lie to say he wasn't moved.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China investing in Sweet Potato Technology was not lost on him. To put it bluntly, this was a sign that others could not stand to see him bullied by the Americans and had decided to step up as his Umbrella.
"Agree to their terms, and by the way... thank them for me!" Li Hong quickly made his decision.
When Soulmate received the instructions, he felt completely baffled. Although confused, he relayed Li Hong's exact words to the representatives from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.
The representatives soon smiled and said to Soulmate, "Please tell Mr. Li that we can wait for him to return regarding the investment. However, there's no need for thanks; we are family."
"Family?" When Li Hong heard this from Soulmate, he finally felt a sense of calm wash over him.
While he was certain that the Americans wouldn't dare do anything against him, being restricted from leaving the country was still a hassle. But now that family had stepped in, he had a chance to go home!
The agents monitoring Li Hong not only kept track of his movements but also closely listened in on his phone calls. Soon enough, news of Li Hong receiving assistance from the Chinese Government reached the White House.
The gray-haired president, still seen as a joker in the public eye, was currently troubled as he looked over the reports on his desk.
"What should we do? Continuing to restrict him might not be feasible."
An Aide frowned and said, "Sir, we can't let him leave the United States. He carries the key to the future of the Virtual Era; we can't just let him go."
Kwan Jianguo shot a glance at the Aide and then asked, "What do you propose? It's clear that Huaxia is determined to take him back. How am I supposed to respond to them?"
"If we take a firmer stance, they probably won't dare to take any action. Perhaps they'll only protest?" the Aide replied weakly.
Kwan Jianguo rolled his eyes at his loyal Aide and explained, "Stop reading so many foreign newspapers; they know nothing! Huaxia has always adhered to a policy of self-cultivation and restraint, which is why they tend to protest mildly on many issues. But this is the key to the Virtual Era. Once they get their hands on it, there's no doubt that the next era will belong to them. Do you really think they'll only protest?"
"Is it America that's lost its mind or have I, as president, become foolish? How could you arrive at such a ridiculous conclusion?"
The Aide quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, sir; I was mistaken."
"No, no, no, it's not your fault."
Kwan Jianguo scoffed, "Their carefully crafted image of a harmless white rabbit seems to have worked quite well. It's made you, a White House Aide, forget how we lost to them decades ago and believe that they are truly just an innocent rabbit."
"I'm sorry, sir; I've disappointed you," the Aide said, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead.
Kwan Jianguo tapped his fingers on the desk and asked in a low voice, "Has there been any new activity from our target?"
The Aide thought for a moment before explaining, "According to the agents' reports, aside from this phone call, the target hasn't been in contact with anyone recently. He probably suspects that he's under our surveillance."
"That's fine; just keep him stable for now. Send someone to discuss our terms with him; try to make it as favorable as possible. After all, it's just pie in the sky—make it as appealing as you can."
"I understand," the Aide nodded.
Kwan Jianguo continued to ask, "Notify me of any new developments as soon as possible, whether it's from across the Pacific or regarding the target. The moment there's any movement, you must tell me immediately."
"Yes, sir, it seems that domestic companies recently..." the Aide hesitated.
"They're of no concern to me!" Kwan Jianguo scoffed. "Do they think they can hold me hostage? Dream on! Even if they get the key, we will establish a state-owned enterprise that has nothing to do with them!"
The Aide felt a bit uneasy. "But sir, they are our future hope after all, and they employ hundreds of thousands of workers, contributing taxes every year..."
"It seems you've been well compensated for your travel expenses!" Kwan Jianguo said with a half-smile as he looked at the Aide.
The Aide felt a chill run down his spine and quickly clarified his position. "Sir, you misunderstand. I'm just here to speak a few good words for them; the decision is still yours to make."
"I understand. You may leave now."
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