As expected, Richard eventually reached an understanding with William. While he pretended to deliberate for a long time, he gave William a meaningful look and said, "Let's not rush into this. Even if you manage to figure out how to clone dinosaurs after returning to Earth, it'll take time. Besides, we'll need Parliament's approval, and that's uncertain."
This was typical political maneuvering—avoiding a direct agreement to avoid leaving any incriminating evidence, while subtly leaving the door open. After all, in a capitalist country with a lobbying system, getting approval was often a matter of aligning interests.
Both parties wanted to avoid accidents. William's willingness to let England assume the legal responsibility for the project's operation was just a safeguard in case things went awry.
If a dinosaur outbreak caused civilian casualties, the government would be the one facing public backlash, thanks to clearly defined contractual responsibilities.
While William wouldn't face criminal charges, the civil damages he would have to pay could still harm his reputation to some extent.
After Richard left, William turned to Wilson. "I hear you've been dating someone. How's it going?"
Wilson, caught off guard by the sudden change in topic, snapped, "Kate's been wanting to meet you for ages, but you've been hiding in your estate, making me break my promises to her over and over again."
"Oh, please," William smirked. "I don't believe for a second that you'd actually bring a girl you've just started dating to meet me."
Wilson chuckled sheepishly. Bringing a new girlfriend to meet William would indeed be foolish—she might just decide William was the better catch.
"Alright, let's get to the real topic," Wilson said, putting on a serious expression.
William, amused, laughed. "Relax, this isn't anything major."
Seeing Wilson's slight frown, William quickly clarified, "Well, it's not minor either. It's something you're perfectly suited to handle.
"As for the more dangerous stuff, buddy, we're not exactly in a position to take risks ourselves—that's why we have people working for us."
Wilson's expression softened, his pride no longer wounded. "Is this about the live broadcasts? Or your potato bet?"
William nodded approvingly. Wilson might act careless at times, but he was sharp when it mattered.
"First, I've chosen an independent English television network to partner with. From now on, they'll handle rebroadcasting my livestreams worldwide.
"I need you to negotiate the deal for me."
"Are you planning to buy them outright?" Wilson asked, surprised. "If so, why not go for the biggest network?
"Based on the reported viewer numbers, your broadcasts are drawing at least 3 billion viewers during peak times and over a billion even during off-peak hours.
"With numbers like that, you could easily negotiate a stake in the BBC. Why settle for an independent station?"
William's gaze flickered briefly. He couldn't exactly explain that the independent network was chosen because it was fairer and had decent relations with China.
"The BBC isn't a purely English company," William replied. "And there's no reason for me to abandon an English-owned company when the majority of England supports me.
"Besides, I'm not looking for a full acquisition. Tell the independent network that I'm offering £500 million for a 33% stake."
"Alright," Wilson agreed, though he remained skeptical. He knew William wasn't the type to act without reason, but he didn't press further.
"£500 million for a one-third stake in a £1.4 billion company, combined with the billions of viewers your livestreams are drawing? There's no way they'll turn that down."
"If they do, then let them be," William said with a shrug before continuing.
"The second matter: my website will be ready to launch soon.
"With over a billion people expected to participate in the potato weight-guessing game, I don't want this platform to be a one-time use.
"I plan to turn it into a full-fledged social media site. When the site launches, it will include a basic web chat tool.
"Later, I'll add features like friend requests, comments, personal profiles, and photo uploads.
"The name will be FaceNet, and the tagline will be 'Show Yourself.'"
"You... you..."
Wilson was so shocked he stammered for a while before blurting out, "If you don't let me invest, our friendship is over!"
"Dream on," William teased. "This website will likely be valued at over $1 billion as soon as it launches.
"And if I can maintain daily participation of over a billion users while I'm stuck on Mars, a $10 billion valuation wouldn't be unrealistic."
"You stingy bastard," Wilson groaned, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Why even tell me all this if you're just going to gloat about it?"
"Gloat?" William smirked. "You're calling yourself poor?
"Don't forget, your shares in the energy-efficient lighting company alone are worth nearly £100 million."
Before Wilson could argue further, William interrupted.
"I'll tell you what—I'll give you a 10% stake in the television network deal.
"As for the website..."
William paused, then said, "Tell your circle of aristocratic friends that when I return to London and the site opens its first round of funding, I'll set aside 5% of the shares for you guys.
"But if the site's valuation exceeds expectations and you can't afford it, don't come crying to me."
"No problem, no problem!" Wilson agreed enthusiastically. "I can get the £50 million needed for the TV deal today.
"As for the website, worst-case scenario, I'll use my energy-efficient lighting shares as collateral to borrow money from my grandfather. He won't say no."
"Smart move," William said with a grin. "Even if the TV station's value only doubles or triples in a decade, its influence will be far more significant for people like us."
Wilson nodded in agreement, understanding that being a stakeholder in a television network was an opportunity he wouldn't have without William paving the way.
"Thank you," Wilson said sincerely before adding, "Since you're involving me and my circle of friends, you must have something in mind for us to do.
"Just say the word. Those guys are eager to curry favor with you and will go all out to accomplish whatever task you give them."
"Exactly," William said with a smirk. "If they want a seat at the table, they need to prove their value."
Wilson nodded seriously. Worthless aristocrats were beneath both of them.
"Have them create videos showcasing their skills and talents.
"Encourage public discussion and competition, spurring ordinary users to share their best selves on the platform."
"Got it," Wilson replied, already strategizing.
With Wilson and his network on board, William knew FaceNet was off to a strong start.
(End of Chapter)
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