Gazing at the words on the fax paper, Bill Gates pondered for a moment before saying, "Wintel, Simon, are you referring to Microsoft and Intel?"
Simon nodded, "Exactly".
Bill Gates immediately looked dismissive and said, "Simon, since 1981, Microsoft and Intel have always been excellent partners. I don't need you to remind me of that".
"I know that, of course. However, just as IBM forced Intel to license its x86 architecture patent to other manufacturers, what will you do if IBM decides that Microsoft also threatens its dominance and introduces other operating systems to divert Microsoft's market share?"
In the late 1970s, Intel launched its powerful x86 architecture processor. To prevent Intel from monopolizing the market, IBM forcibly demanded that Intel license the x86 patent to over a dozen companies. As a result, although Intel has consistently produced the best-performing processors over the years, its market share in the processor chip field has not had a significant advantage.
Recalling IBM, a behemoth with a market capitalization still exceeding $70 billion after the stock market crash, Gates was momentarily silent. Even Microsoft and Intel combined currently have a market capitalization of less than $5 billion. If IBM truly takes measures to restrict Microsoft, he would have little power to fight back against IBM.
Seeing Gates's silence, Simon continued, "Therefore, simply being partners is definitely not enough. Microsoft and Intel must be tightly integrated into a technological alliance that advances and retreats together, so that users, by choosing one, must simultaneously choose the other. Graphical user interface operating systems are destined to be the future trend of PCs, and Microsoft has already gained a certain head start. The core patent for x86 is ultimately still in Intel's hands, and compared to other chip manufacturers, it also has many advantages. If you two form a strong alliance, in a few years, even in front of IBM, you should have a fighting chance".
Bill Gates said, "This might be a good idea, but Intel may not be willing to tie itself to Microsoft".
Simon shrugged and said, "That's your business. I'm not Microsoft's largest shareholder".
Bill Gates thought for a moment and then said, "Even if your idea can be realized, everyone isn't stupid. If Microsoft and Intel do this, IBM and other manufacturers might kick both of us out".
Simon said, "This goes back to the products of your two companies. Intel's processors are absolutely the best on the market, and this company controls the core patents, so the possibility of being completely excluded from the market is very low. In comparison, Microsoft's foundation is indeed too shallow, and the Windows system's operating interface is still imitating Apple's Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly turns hostile, there might not even be Windows 3.0 in the future".
Hearing Simon's words implying that Windows copied Apple's computer operating system, Bill Gates's expression was a bit unpleasant, but he still said, "Can you solve this problem?"
Simon smiled and said, "Coincidentally, I also bought 4.9% of Apple's shares. See, this is the benefit of having a lot of money. If Apple and Microsoft have friction in the future, I think I can help mediate".
Although he was also a billionaire, over 95% of Gates's net worth was in Microsoft stock, and he only had a few million dollars in disposable funds. Besides the inevitable envy of Simon's immense wealth, Gates even felt a bit absurd.
A young man not yet twenty years old had earned wealth in one year that others would struggle to achieve in several lifetimes.
What on earth was wrong with this world?
Did it have a bug, like an operating system?
After a moment of internal struggle, Gates finally spoke again, "Simon, if you insist, I can agree to your personal inclusion on Microsoft's board of directors, rather than some unknown lawyer from New York".
"I'm very busy and don't have time to fly to Seattle frequently for Microsoft's various meetings," Simon decisively shook his head and said, "Bill, James is my spokesperson. I will keep abreast of Microsoft's operations through him and offer my suggestions".
"You must guarantee that he will not arbitrarily interfere with Microsoft's corporate decisions".
"Of course, even I wouldn't," Simon nodded and said, "Actually, I'm happy to offer suggestions, but I don't particularly like to persuade someone to agree with my views. For Microsoft, the most direct way for me to express my personal intentions is through stocks, buying or selling, it's that simple. In fact, if you need it, I can transfer the voting rights of Westeros Company's shares to you".
Bill Gates was not at all polite: "Really?"
"Of course it's true, but in exchange, sell me some more of your shares, 5% at 90% of the market price, how about that? Bill, you're already a billionaire, you definitely need a little more spending cash, right? Public selling will be subject to SEC reduction limits, but private transfers are fine. Then, I'll authorize you with the voting rights of Westeros Company's 10% stake".
Bill Gates looked at the guy, who resembled a big bad wolf, and almost instinctively shook his head, saying, "Sorry, Simon, I have no plans to sell shares for now. If you want more, you can acquire them from the open market".
As they chatted, lunch was quickly served.
After their exchange, although he still felt a bit strange, Bill Gates unconsciously let down his guard against Simon, and the atmosphere of their subsequent conversation became more relaxed. Having achieved his goal, Simon also appropriately revealed more of his thoughts on the Wintel alliance.
After lunch, Simon and Gates parted ways. By the time Simon returned to the company headquarters, it was already past two o'clock.
As soon as he walked into the company office building, Amy appeared before him with a script. Simon saw the script Amy handed him, and a strange expression immediately appeared on his face.
'Rain Man'.
Could it be...
Is it true that what's meant to be yours can't be avoided?
He was originally going directly to the editing room, but upon seeing the 'Rain Man' script, Simon turned towards his office with Amy. Sitting down behind his desk, Simon had already composed himself from his initial surprise and was reading the script with interest, while waiting for Amy to explain.
Amy sat across from the desk and said, "Simon, this was just sent over by Michael Ovitz. It's a story about the fraternal bond of an autistic patient. He also called, but you weren't in".
Simon asked, "He wants us to invest?"
Last Friday, Simon had Amy spread the word that Westeros Company intended to invest in film projects, and 'Rain Man' had clearly come knocking this way.
Amy nodded and said, "Actually, I've heard about this project before. Since last year, Ovitz has been pushing for 'Rain Man' to be greenlit. It's said that when Ovitz was studying psychology in college, he participated in charity activities to help autistic patients and was deeply moved by it, so he really likes this script and brought in Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to play the lead roles".
Simon opened the script in his hand and asked, "A project with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise shouldn't be short of investment, right?"
Amy said, "The story lacks commercial appeal, and Hoffman and Cruise won't agree to lower their salaries. The budget needs 25 million US dollars, and no one in Hollywood is optimistic about this project. Warner, Universal, Paramount, and other companies all rejected this script, and several A-list directors who took it on successively also chose to withdraw. In the second half of the year, Spielberg had originally agreed to direct and even helped raise funds. However, he recently announced his withdrawal as well. The public reason is to direct 'Indiana Jones 3,' but I think Steven probably isn't optimistic about this project either".
Simon smiled and said, "Then why did you bring it to me? Are you really taking me for a fool?"
Amy also smiled and said, "United Artists has now taken on this project, but they hope to find other investors to share the risk. Ovitz heard that we are interested in the 'Hobbit' copyright held by United Artists. He said on the phone that if Daenerys Entertainment is willing to bear $10 million of the investment, he can help persuade United Artists to transfer the 'Hobbit' copyright to us",
Simon glanced at Amy and asked, "What do you think?"
Amy shook her head and said, "The risk is too great, and I don't advocate investing. However, because it's related to 'The Hobbit,' I brought it to you. Since Ovitz has spoken, he must be confident in helping us acquire 'The Hobbit' copyright. Moreover, the $10 million investment share should also have room for negotiation".
Due to concerns about being too prominent in Hollywood, Simon had originally planned to let go of 'Rain Man', which was the highest-grossing film in North America in 1988 in the original timeline. However, over the past year, Simon's actions in Hollywood and Wall Street could no longer be simply described as being too prominent; there was no longer a need to be overly restrained.
Having made up his mind, Simon closed the script and told Amy, "I'll read the script tonight and reply to Ovitz tomorrow".
Amy nodded and brought up another matter, saying, "The actresses you were interested in have all rejected the invitation for 'Basic Instinct,' Simon. Next, we'll only be able to choose a leading lady from second and third-tier actresses".
With a release date set for next summer, 'Basic Instinct' had been in intense preparation during this time.
Aside from the inherent controversy and the sensationalism of its erotic theme, the success of 'Basic Instinct' at the box office hinged crucially on whether the lead actress could generate chemistry with the male lead, Michael Douglas, and portray a powerful, calm, and ruthless female writer.
Simon had taken charge of the lead actress selection from the beginning. He first set his sights on Michelle Pfeiffer, but the script was rejected directly due to too many nude scenes. He then carefully selected several popular actresses and sent out invitations, but unexpectedly, they were also rejected.
Helplessly stroking the 'Rain Man' script in his hand, Simon said "In that case, let's choose from second and third-tier actresses. Have the agency send a list of candidates as soon as possible. The film starts shooting in February next year, and we don't have much time".
Amy agreed, and after they discussed a few more things, they both began their afternoon work.