[Chapter 457: Harmonious Olympics]
In 1984, the Olympics was a hot potato that everyone avoided, but by 1988, it beca a coveted prize for many nations. Seoul had secured the hosting rights, which also marked the beginning of urban developnt. Compared to the ager Los Angeles Olympics, Seoul clearly showcased a more sophisticated image.
With an investnt surpassing three billion dollars, the extravagance exceeded even that of the Soviets. This reckless spending seed to boost the economy in the short term, but three billion dollars back then wasn't what it would be in future tis. Such a blind expansion of the fiscal deficit laid the groundwork for the later Asian financial crisis.
Sitting in the VIP section, William White was curious. Honestly, after witnessing the future opening ceremonies, this felt like a joke. He had to pretend to be thoroughly enjoying himself. If it weren't for his performance skills, the TV audience would surely have seen through his lack of interest.
"Well, how's it going? Pretty spectacular, huh?" William asked, glancing at the little beauty, Michelle Reis, who was glued to the spectacle.
"Yeah, it looks incredible! Bet it cost a fortune!" she replied.
"Heh, for the number one superpower in the universe, this is just peanuts. For the sake of their pride, they wouldn't mind spending a bit more," he chuckled.
"Pfft, don't say that! Soone might overhear," she cautioned.
William was not planning to continue that line of thought. Showing off his country's capabilities was understandable as long as you had the cash.
With 159 nations participating, it was a historical mont. Prior to this, the Soviets and Aricans had taken turns stirring up controversy with the Olympics.
Now, with U.S.-Soviet relations easing and the Iran-Iraq and Angolan wars concluded, there was no need for boycotts. Everyone should just compete joyfully together.
He couldn't deny that South Korea had great luck; if they had held the gas four years earlier, the situation would have been different.
The only thing that bothered William was the skyrocketing broadcasting fees and the exorbitant Olympic sponsorship costs. No matter how wealthy he was, even the richest couldn't keep up.
Of course, NBC's coverage made a point to ignore those billboards. It was all business. If you hadn't paid, no one cared whether you were an Olympic sponsor.
This Olympics was undoubtedly successful. At least across the ocean, Aricans saw a modernized country that didn't seem short on cash.
...
"Sir, we've tightened the patrols around Lanai Island. Unidentified vessels have vanished," his assistant reported.
"Hmm, check from other sources, would ya? There's bound to be so clue. Let's see who's interested in ," he ordered.
"Sure, sir. Judging by the size of those boats, they don't seem fit for long journeys," the assistant replied.
"Good, then let's investigate the vessels."
For William, Lanai Island was a crucial base. Choosing it back then made sense, as ordinary folks couldn't just stroll in.
After hanging up, William still felt a bit on edge and decided to beef up the security team. If there were pirates, he'd need to eradicate them completely.
...
[Chapter 458: Samsung Group]
William White drew a great deal of attention from Samsung Group, as they sent not just a vice president, but also a young woman nad Lee Boo-Jin. Well, she was the princess of Samsung, only eighteen and without a formal position, but she was still significant. After all, the company belonged to her family.
To be frank, without her status, the beauty would be easily overlooked, especially by soone who had witnessed the likes of Girls' Generation and instinctively associated that with true beauty.
At eighteen, Michelle Reis lacked the radiance of Lee Boo-Jin. Still, she had a face that could make even the princess envious.
William White's purpose for this trip was to engage with mory factories, as he did not want to rely too heavily on the Japanese.
Of course, the Koreans weren't easy to deal with. They were okay with purchasing but a bit resistant to technical cooperation. Otherwise, the heir of Samsung would have co along instead.
"Mr. Park, as far as I know, your company can already produce all mory under 1 gabyte. Can we collaborate on the technical side?" Though he knew the chances were slim, William White wanted to make an attempt. After all, the success of Samsung was no small feat.
"Mr. White, the governnt may have concerns, but we can prioritize providing our products."
Concerns? William muttered to himself. Who would dare offend a chaebol just to sit securely in their position?
"Well, it's regrettable. You know, my factory in London isn't large enough to influence price changes, and volatile prices are really a headache." William aid to enter the computer industry one day, and of course, he wanted stable mory prices.
"Haha, Mr. White, rest assured, now with Samsung around, there's no way Japanese can monopolize the market."
Despite the courteous reception, William White sensed their wariness. To be fair, the two companies could be considered rivals -- future competitors, at that.
While Samsung certainly was a beast, William White was no lightweight either; nowadays, Samsung lacked the strength to match him.
...
Since his goals weren't t, William White didn't wish to dilly-dally.
"Honey, that girl over there seems to really admire you," the young beauty said teasingly.
"Lee Kun-hee is getting up there in years, and soon there'll be a power struggle. My experience tells it's best to steer clear of that family."
Michelle Reis was clearly taken aback. She wasn't naive; her upbringing had been quite complex, so she understood the aning behind those words all too well.
Yet, she didn't quite agree. In her view, these power struggles were matters for n. Won rely needed to focus on forming alliances through marriage.
...
"Sir, William White's two comrcial properties in Tokyo are close to being finalized, and he's going to pocket $1.8 billion."
"Silas, how much did he pay for those properties originally?"
"Not more than $400 million. The exchange rate back then was 250; now it's just over 100."
At that mont, the old man felt a pang of bitterness. William White was becoming increasingly powerful. If this continued, Morgan Stanley might need to speak with him on much friendlier terms.
"Do our clients have any intentions of selling off their stakes?"
"No, the investnts have gone completely wild. We're crazy about investing in Japan, and they're going all out globally. Nowadays, Wall Street is just crawling with n in suits."
"We can't keep going like this. We must prepare in advance. Who knows how long this madness will last?"
His questions were rely musings. If his staff could answer, he'd be ready to retire.
...
Lying in bed while making money felt exceptionally good for William White.
"Filson, the 1-gabyte mory should be completed soon. Tell the Japanese that if they don't accelerate their progress, we'll consider bringing in additional partners."
"Sir, are you sure? They only had 64K back then."
"Trust , Filson; they might release 2 gabytes in due ti, but 4 gabytes will definitely be the first the Koreans launch."
"I got it, sir; now isn't the ti for those guys to get picky."
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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