Rebirth of the Tech Madman

The American media is undoubtedly very powerful. John Hinckley, who was imprisoned for assassinating President Reagan, asked the police officer on duty whether the 53rd Oscar Awards Ceremony, which was originally scheduled to be held that night, would be held because of the film he directed. The shooting incident was postponed, and they were all excavated. △￠￠￡,

As for John Hinckley's obsession with Jodie Foster, the shooting was what this person called the greatest confession of love in the history of the world, and other details were quickly made public.

The news media from all over the world rushed into the campus of Yale University like a cavalry invasion, and began to track and interview the freshman Jodie Foster in every possible way.

The assassination looked ridiculous, and people who felt unbelievable started to consume media fast food on Jodie Foster.

Before that, another man, Edward Richardson, followed Jodie Foster on the campus of Yale University and tried to kill the star, which was also found out by reporters from the police station and Yale University.

Suddenly, as long as you open the newspaper, there is a report by Jodie Foster.

...

Tang Huan, who expressed deep sympathy, shook his head, put down the newspaper, and returned to his work.

This year's April is destined to be restless, because with the upcoming sixth West Coast Computer Festival, a new generation of personal computers will be unveiled together, and a big battle is about to be staged, and the participants have even smelled the smoke.

In this battle, there will naturally be elite soldiers and strong generals under his command to charge forward. Tang Huan can just take command, and he also has a large number of guests to receive recently. For example, Lionel Wilson, the mayor of Oakland, and Walter Haas, the second owner of the Oakland Athletics, were visiting. And accompanied by Mikhail Cogan.

In the major cities of the San Francisco Bay Area, San Francisco and Oakland. Among San Jose, Oakland, under the rule of Lionel Wilson, worked the hardest in wooing Tang Huan, and achieved the most remarkable results.

Not only did the Oakland Stadium find a new sponsor, it has been completely renewed since then, and the financial burden on the local area has been greatly reduced. Even the Oakland Raiders and Oakland Athletics, which had decided to go, were successfully kept in Oakland in the end. Even the former also won the Super Bowl.

Walter Haas, who is over the age of 60 like Lionel Wilson, has gotten closer and closer since he and Tang Huan jointly bought the Oakland Athletics at a price of 13 million US dollars, and was persuaded that Levi's became a The customers of Fangyuan Computer also went to the Mainland Special Economic Zone to investigate and prepare to invest in the construction of factories.

The two old men came together today, naturally to discuss the project.

There was a time when the Oakland Athletics games were broadcast by Kalx, run by UC Berkeley, a large radio station with a transmit power of only 10 watts. As a result, the fans complained that the Oakland Athletics are not like a major league team. Only at the level of the 3A minor league.

In view of this, Walter Haas felt that this disadvantage should be completely changed, so he went to Mikhail Cogan and said that the Oakland Raiders are so popular now, but they can't be partial, and the Oakland Athletics also need publicity resources.

Although Mikhail Kogan does not have the aura of Harvard Business School MBA like Walter Haas, he is not bad at all in shrewdness.

He knew Tang Huan's long-standing plan to invest part of the profits he earned in high-quality industries, so he encouraged his new partner, so let's make a bigger move, buy a local TV station, and then do nothing With it, even your philanthropy and family business Levi's can benefit from it.

It has to be said that, as the oldest executive under Tang Huan's command, Mikhail Kogan has always been a veteran and full of ambition.

As for TV stations in the United States, as long as they obtain a license, they can operate. There are at least a dozen various TV stations in the San Francisco Bay Area alone. Finding one to start with is pretty easy.

You guys give the big head, I'll give the small head. Walter Haas nodded and agreed almost without thinking about it, but obviously in order to control investment risks, he still hopes to follow the model of the Oakland Athletics.

After the two discussed it, they went to the mayor of Oakland, Lionel Wilson, to inquire about relevant information, but the other party also secretly played his own jokes.

Oakland once issued a license in 1958 to establish a TV station ktvu by local investors, but in 1963 it was bought by Atlanta's Cox Enterprises for $12 million.

In 1977, ktvu went on the satellite and connected to Cox's cable TV network, but it couldn't compete with its peers in Atlanta and other places, and its coverage was limited.

It can be said that ktvu, which is dominated by outsiders, is now even less effective in serving local audiences.

As the mayor, Lionel Wilson naturally hopes to keep all valuable assets in Oakland, after all, this is a political achievement.

But the power of capital determines everything. In the past, investors in the San Francisco Bay Area were more timid and had to cut their flesh.

If we can use Tang Huan's help now to bring ktvu back into the scope of local TV stations, it will definitely benefit us a lot when we run for re-election.

Mikhail Cogan and Walter Haas were a little embarrassed when they knew that Lionel Wilson was carrying such private goods. Although they wanted to do a lot of publicity, ktvu was a bit expensive .

Lionel Wilson ignored the hesitant faces of the two, and boldly volunteered, I am willing to match up.

Mikhail Kogan felt that this matter was troublesome, so he quickly contacted Tang Huan for instructions, and the answer he got was that we might as well talk about it first.

The old man's ability to act should not be underestimated, and now that he has figured out the matter, they went to Tang Huan to discuss further.

Tang Huan gave the green light to this. Anyway, after a few years in the original time and space, ktvu was included in the newly established Fox Broadcasting Company.

I will soon entertain a guest from the Middle East who came from afar. You must attend the banquet. Help make the scene. Tang Huansheng sent out the invitation with all his might.

The guest from the Middle East is Prince Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait. During his business trip to the United States, he came to visit Silicon Valley, and Tang Huan naturally had to put on the highest standard if he wanted to give him enough face.

...

Due to the big moves of the exhibitors at the West Coast Computer Festival, a large number of merchants were attracted. Tang Huan took advantage of the opportunity to hold a North American dealer conference to discuss major plans, and at the same time showcase those products and technologies that he did not want to appear at the Computer Festival for the time being.

in addition. Now Zheru's office environment has been improved, and more than a dozen buildings are well arranged, forming a technological community, which fully demonstrates the style of a large international company.

Therefore, Prince Sabah and his party came to visit this time, and happened to see this powerful momentum.

Tang Huan accompanied him all the way until the grand dinner at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in Nob Hill, San Francisco.

——Nob Hill is one of the 44 hills and the original 7 hills in San Francisco.

Because of the beautiful scenery and moderate location. Many rich and famous people on the west coast built luxury houses here. These include Stanford founder Leland Stanford, as well as other members of the Central Pacific Railroad's Big Four. The InterContinental Mark Hopkins takes its name from one of them.

All in all, in order to receive Prince Sabah, Tang Huan tried his best to be perfect in all aspects.

This kind of sincerity, the other side of the party, can naturally feel it and appreciate it very much. The royal family behind Prince Sabah needs this kind of influence.

While talking happily, a hale and hearty old man in his sixties came over and extended his hand to Tang Huan.

Just like the admonition in martial arts novels, when walking in the rivers and lakes, you should not provoke the elderly, women, and children. Tang Huan has always been careful in social situations. After all, there are so many rich people in the United States.

Tang Huan stood up quickly and greeted him with a smile. He didn't know the other party, so he probably came here through someone else's recommendation.

I am, I have been in contact with you before. Kirk Kerkorian introduced himself boldly

It's a pleasure to meet you, it's a pleasure to meet you. Tang Huan exchanged pleasantries, but he was a little puzzled in his heart, why this person came to the door on his own initiative.

Don't look at Kirk Kerkorian in Las Vegas, but he almost never accepts interviews and rarely appears in public. Tang Huan's behavior style can be understood by inference.

Kirk Kerkorian dropped out as an amateur boxer when he was young and won the Pacific amateur welterweight title.

During World War II, Kirk Kerkorian served in the Air Force, and with the accumulation of this period, he engaged in air transportation-related businesses after the war until he sold the company for US$104 million in 1968.

In the 1960s, Kirk Kerkorian bought a piece of land in Las Vegas for US$960,000. When the construction of the Caesars Palace Hotel started, he sold it for US$9 million.

Immediately afterwards, Kirk Kerkorian entered the hotel and gaming industry in Las Vegas.

In 1969, he saw the opportunity to buy MGM, and cut its business into eight pieces, selling what should be sold, what should be closed, and fully developing real estate. In 1979, he even declared that MGM had become a hotel company. .

As soon as this billionaire came along, whether it was speculation or precise vision, from the perspective of a hero who only judged success or failure, his skills were not incompetent.

So Tang Huan was very wary of this old man.

After taking a sip of red wine, Kirk Kerkorian changed the subject and clarified his intentions, Tang, although you have acquired United Artists, the company is small and ranks at the bottom of Hollywood, so it certainly cannot meet your development needs. , Isn't it just right to buy MGM to join forces?

MGM has been crippled by you and turned into a bottomless pit. What do I want it for?

After Tang Huan muttered something in his heart, he replied with a smile, Although Lianmei has many shortcomings, it is enough. My ambition is not that big?

Kirk Kerkorian was not repulsed by Tang Huan's refusal, and continued to talk about the conditions on his own, The price is negotiable. It can't be all cash. It can be calculated with your company's shares. It's okay. Trust me, This is definitely the best time to buy MGM, my brain trust has studied, Hollywood movie market is recovering.

There are so many smart people, and this general trend has been predicted.

While Tang Huan was feeling emotional, he smiled and said nothing. Kirk Kerkorian is a complicated person. It is impossible for him to use his shares to lure wolves into the house.

billionaire. Isn't that thick-skinned?

Kirk Kerkorian lobbied earnestly, while Tang Huan acted dumbfounded.

Seeing that he was unable to attack for a long time, Kirk Kerkorian looked at Prince Sabah, who was listening with great interest, His Royal Highness, are you interested in MGM, the most prestigious company in Hollywood? Owning this old company , definitely a status symbol.”

Hearing such familiar promotional clichés, Tang Huan was secretly shocked. His real target tonight might not be Prince Sabah.

What price do you plan to quote to MGM? Prince Sabah asked curiously.

900 million and 90 million dollars. Kirk? Kirkley replied calmly and sincerely.

It really is a cunning fox. Why didn't you say 999.99 million US dollars, Tang Huan couldn't help complaining secretly.

How about the price? Prince Sabah asked Tang Huan.

Tang Huan frowned. Although Kay in the Middle East is not slaughtered for nothing, but there is no reason to use the hands of outsiders to make wedding dresses for others, not to mention that Prince Sabah is a distinguished guest he invited, which is of great use. After suffering a disadvantage in the game, how can they play together as childhood sweethearts in the future?

Although he didn't want to break face with a billionaire in public and expose MGM's rotten background, Tang Huan was not afraid to use words to tease Kirk Kerkorian, a cheeky guy who came to pick up cheap.

MGM shut down the distribution business and completely entrusted it to United Artists, and the price I bought for United Artists was about 350 million U.S. dollars. Tang Huan did not directly give an answer, but made a comparison based on his own standards.

Prince Sabah snorted, turned his gaze to Kirk Kerkorian, and said succinctly, It's expensive.

Kirk Kerkorian's face darkened, and then he smiled, 950 million US dollars.

You think what His Royal Highness said is too expensive, only worth 40 million US dollars? Tang Huan said contemptuously.

That's true. I'm being petty. Kirk Kerkorian laughed loudly, That's $890 million.

Prince Sabah looked at Tang Huan again, and Tang Huan raised his hand and called the waiter to serve him a bottle of red wine.

Buy it out, $840 million. Kirk Kerkorian gritted his teeth and then emphasized: But it can only be a cash transaction.

Tang Huan deftly opened the red wine brought by the waiter with a corkscrew. Kirk Kerkorian looked at him in a leisurely manner, and the more elegantly he posed, the more awkward he felt.

Don, let's take a step to talk. Kirk Kerkorian begged in a low voice.

Let's talk face to face. I still want to accompany His Royal Highness. Tang Huan didn't want to cooperate with Kirk Kerkorian.

How to spend the money in Kai's hands must be decided by yourself. If you want to make money, go as far as your thinking goes.

Don, go talk to Mr. Kirk Kerkorian. Prince Sabah smiled nonchalantly, I'm really interested in Hollywood.

His Royal Highness, the situation in Hollywood is rather special and complicated. Instead of risking investment here, it is better to focus on other industries with brighter prospects. Tang Huan tried to stop the other party.

No matter how special and complicated it is, I believe it can be managed properly after it is handed over to you. Prince Sabah waved his hand, Don't worry, this investment will not take up the amount of funds for our cooperation.

Is this fate? In the original time and space, MGM was once defeated by the King of Arabia.

Tang Huan shook his head helplessly, got up and walked to a secluded place with Kirk Kerkorian.

It's convenient, Don. If you don't want to buy it, don't stop others from buying it. Kirk Kerkorian kept his posture low.

You are serious. I didn't break the deal. Tang Huan shrugged innocently.

Don, don't pretend to be confused. Even the blind can tell. Your Highness, I only listen to your opinion. Kirk Kerkorian smiled wryly.

He is a client I brought in. Do you think it is in line with the rules for you to come out so halfway? Tang Huan, a new billionaire, asked the veteran billionaire in front of him bluntly.

Don, please forgive me. As you know, the fire at the MGM Grand Hotel has serious consequences. It requires capital turnover everywhere. It is really difficult to deal with. Kirk Kerkorian acted manly. Can bend and stretch.

Difficulty in cash flow? I believe it is strange.

You have already made a lot of money before, so what is this small hurdle based on the accumulated background?

In the original time and space, it only took more than half a year for the hotel to be rebuilt, United Artists was also bought, and MGM was with MGM, and they lived in Hollywood for a few years.

These are all evidences of not bad money.

Now you come to your door, pretending to be a hypocrite, you can only say that you have a keen sense of money and want to speculate.

But Prince Sabah has made up his mind and promised not to take up the cooperation funds, so it is not easy for him to interfere.

If you ask me to come over, you have to lower the price again. Otherwise, there will be no results in the negotiation. How can I explain it when I go back. Tang Huan snorted, which was regarded as approval of the deal.

820 million U.S. dollars, cash, okay. Kirk Kerkorian made a pitiful look.

Tang Huan calculated that MGM's water was almost squeezed out, so he nodded, That's it, but there is an additional condition, the down payment is 60%, and the rest is settled quarterly or half a year.

No problem. Kirk Kerkorian agreed, and at the same time, a smug gleam flashed in his eyes. (To be continued..)

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