Staring at the word on the fax paper, Bill Gates only pondered for a moment before saying, "Wintel. Simon, are you referring to Microsoft and Intel?"
Simon nodded. "Exactly."
Bill Gates immediately showed a dismissive expression. "Simon, Microsoft and Intel have been excellent partners since 1981. That's something you don't need to remind me of."
"Of course I know that. But just like how IBM forced Intel to license the X86 architecture patents to other manufacturers, if IBM later feels Microsoft threatens its own initiative and introduces other operating systems to Microsoft's market share, what will you do then?"
In the late 1970s, Intel launched the powerful X86 architecture processors. To prevent Intel from dominating the market, IBM强行 forced Intel to license the X86 patents to over a dozen companies. As a result, although Intel could still produce the best-performing processors, its market share in the processor chip field hadn't gained a significant advantage.
Thinking of IBM—a behemoth with a market cap still over $70 billion even after the crash—Gates fell silent for a moment. Even combined, Microsoft and Intel's current market cap was less than $5 billion. If IBM really took measures to restrict Microsoft, he wouldn't have much ability to fight back.
Seeing Gates silent, Simon continued, "So, simply being partners definitely isn't enough. Microsoft and Intel must form a tightly integrated, advance-and-retreat-together technology alliance, so that users who choose one will naturally end up choosing the other. Graphical-interface operating systems are destined to become the future trend for PCs, and Microsoft already has a certain head start. The core patents of x86 ultimately lie in Intel's hands, and it also holds many advantages over other chip manufacturers. If your two companies form a strong alliance, in a few years you should be able to stand your ground even against IBM."
Bill Gates said, "That might be a good method, but Intel may not be willing to tie itself so closely to Microsoft."
Simon shrugged. "That's your matter. I'm not Microsoft's largest shareholder, after all."
Bill Gates thought for another moment and said, "Even if your idea can be realized, no one is a fool. If Microsoft and Intel do this, manufacturers like IBM might kick both of us out of the game."
Simon said, "This brings us back to the products of your two companies themselves. Intel's processors are absolutely the best on the market, and the company holds the core patents, making it very unlikely to be completely excluded. In comparison, Microsoft's foundation is indeed too shallow. The Windows interface is still imitating Apple's Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly turns hostile, there might not even be a Windows 3.0 in the future."
Hearing Simon's implied accusation that Windows copied Apple's operating system, Bill Gates' expression darkened slightly, but he still said, "Can you solve this problem?"
Simon smiled. "Coincidentally, I also bought 4.9% of Apple's shares. See, this is the benefit of having large sums of money. If friction arises between Apple and Microsoft in the future, I think I can help mediate."
Although also a billionaire, over 95% of Gates' current wealth was tied up in his Microsoft shares, with only a few million dollars in liquid funds. Beyond the inevitable jealousy towards Simon's massive wealth, Gates even felt it was somewhat absurd.
A young man not even twenty years old amassing in one year wealth others couldn't achieve in several lifetimes.
What's happening to the world?
Has it glitched, like an operating system?
After struggling for a moment, Gates spoke again, "Simon, if you insist, I can agree to you personally joining Microsoft's board, not some unknown lawyer from New York."
"I'm very busy and don't have time to frequently fly to Seattle for various Microsoft meetings," Simon decisively shook his head. "Bill, James is my representative. I'll use him to stay informed about Microsoft's operations and offer my suggestions."
"You must guarantee he won't arbitrarily interfere with Microsoft's corporate decisions."
"Of course, even I wouldn't," Simon nodded. "Actually, I'm happy to provide suggestions but not particularly fond of persuading someone to agree with my views. For Microsoft, and all other companies Westeros Corporation holds stakes in, my most direct way of expressing personal intent is through stocks—buying or selling. It's that simple. I can even transfer the voting rights of Westeros Corporation's shares to you, if you need it."
Bill Gates didn't hesitate at all: "Really?"
"Of course, but in exchange, sell me some more of your shares—5%, at a 10% discount from market price. How about it? Bill, you're already a billionaire; you surely need more liquid cash, right? Selling publicly would face SEC restrictions on reduction, but a private transfer avoids that. At that time, I'll authorize the voting rights for 10% of Westwood's shares to you."
Bill Gates looked at the guy's wolf-in-grandma's-clothing expression and almost instinctively shook his head. "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 talked, lunch was soon served.
Through the exchange, although still feeling somewhat strange, Bill Gates unconsciously let down his guard against Simon. The subsequent conversation atmosphere became more relaxed. Having achieved his goal, Simon also appropriately revealed more thoughts about the Wintel alliance.
After lunch, Simon parted ways with Gates and returned to company headquarters. It was already past 2 o'clock.
Just after entering the company office building, Amy approached him with a script. Seeing the script Amy handed over, a flicker of surprise crossed Simon's face.
Rain Man.
Could it be?
What's meant to be yours, you can't escape?
Originally headed straight to the editing room, seeing the Rain Man script, Simon led Amy towards his office instead. Sitting behind his desk, Simon had already suppressed his earlier emotions and began reading the script with interest, waiting for Amy to explain.
Although she thought Simon's earlier expression was somewhat odd, Amy didn't dwell on it and sat down opposite the desk. "Simon, this was sent over by Michael Ovitz. It's a story about brotherly between an autistic savant and his brother. He also called, but you weren't here."
Simon asked, "Does he want us to invest?"
Last Friday, Simon had Amy spread the news that Westeros Corporation was looking to externally invest in film projects. Rain Man had evidently come knocking this way.
Amy nodded. "Actually, I've heard about this project for a while. Since last year, Ovitz has been pushing for Rain Man to get the green light. Rumor has it that when Ovitz studied psychology in university, he participated in helping autistic individuals and was deeply affected. That's why he really likes this script. He even brought in Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise to play the leads."
Simon flipped through the script in his hand. "A project with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise shouldn't lack funding, right?"
Amy said, "The story lacks commercial appeal, Hoffman and Cruise are unwilling to lower their salaries, and the budget needs $25 million. No one in Hollywood is optimistic about this project. Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, and others have all rejected the script. Several A-list directors who took it on eventually dropped out. In the second half of the year, Spielberg had agreed to direct and was helping raise funds. However, he recently announced his withdrawal too, publicly stating he's going to direct Indiana Jones 3. But I think Steven probably also doesn't have much faith in this project."
Simon laughed, "Then why bring it to me? They really think I'm a fat lamb ready for shearing?"
Amy also smiled. "United Artists has taken on the project now, but they want to find other investors to share the risk. Ovitz heard we're interested in the The Hobbit rights UA holds. He said on the phone that if Daenerys Pictures is willing to invest $10 million, he could help persuade UA to transfer the The Hobbit rights to us."
Simon glanced at Amy. "What's your opinion?"
Amy shook her head. "The risk is too high; I don't recommend investing. But since it involves The Hobbit, I brought it for you to see. Since Ovitz said it, he's likely confident he can get us the The Hobbit rights. Also, the $10 million investment share should be negotiable."
Worried about being too prominent in Hollywood, Simon had originally intended to pass on Rain Man, the top-grossing film of 1988 in his original timeline. However, Simon's actions in Hollywood and Wall Street over the past year could no longer be simply described as 'prominent,' so there wasn't much need for restraint now.
Making up his mind, Simon closed the script and said to Amy, "I'll read it tonight and give Ovitz a reply tomorrow."
Amy nodded and brought up another mtter. "All the actresses you were interested in have rejected the offer for Basic Instinct. Simon, we'll have to choose the female lead from second or third-tier actresses next."
Scheduled for next summer, Basic Instinct had been in intense preparation.
Besides its controversial and erotic thriller themes, whether the leading actress could create chemistry with male lead Michael Douglas and portray a strong, calm, and ruthless female writer was crucial to the film's box office success.
Simon had overseen the female lead selection from the start. His first choice was Michelle Pfeiffer, but she refused outright due to the excessive nudity. He then carefully selected several other popular actresses to approach, but all declined.
Rubbing the Rain Man script Simon said, "In that case, let's choose from second or third-tier actresses. Have the agencies send a candidate list as soon as possible. Filming starts in February next year; we don't have much time."
Amy agreed. They discussed a few more matters before each attending to their afternoon work.