The world is in trouble

Chapter 318 Glory! Magic!
Prior to this, although there were already conflicts within the Sony board of directors, they had not yet become public.

Especially regarding their previous stances on Google and quantum technology, both Kazuo Hirai and Amy Pascal privately pressured Chairman Howard Stringer to make a statement.

Because he didn't have to pay a substantial price, Howard Stringer was always able to publicly express his stance after being pressured. But this time was different. The fact that Sony's internal leaders directly demanded that Howard Stringer forcefully suppress Sony Ericsson and make them support quantum technology through their actions.

Instead of being vague, they made a very firm statement and immediately announced the project's initiation, launching a flagship phone equipped with the X operating system.

Howard was unwilling to suppress Soai, and deep down he had an instinctive aversion to Lin Xiao.

Therefore, the entire conflict was made public.

The top executives at Sony have already launched a direct attack on Howard Stringer at the board meeting.

Howard was furious.

Has the Sony Group become so reliant on a Chinese person?

"Can Sony not develop without him?"

"Is Sony's strategic development going to be hijacked by a Chinese man? To the point of offending the world's most powerful internet company and the most powerful technology capital group, thereby dragging the entire Sony into a very dangerous situation?"

"I'd like to ask, what percentage of Sony Group's revenue is related to business with Lin Xiao?"

Kazuo Hirai picked up the report and said slowly, "Although this fiscal year is not over yet, according to the rough data, Sony Group's revenue for the entire 2009 fiscal year is $810 billion."

"The total revenue related to Lin Xiao is about $29 billion, accounting for about 3.6% of the total revenue."

Upon hearing this data, some people showed a slight look of disdain.

Kazuo Hirai continued, "And for the entire fiscal year 2009, the net profit of the entire Sony Group was approximately $7.9 million."

"This data is far better than expected, and the profit figures have impressed relevant institutions."

"But do you know how much net profit the Lin Xiao system has brought us?"

"$15 billion!"

"Nearly half of the revenue he brings us is net profit."

"Moreover, it is sustainable, with high-growth net profit."

“If we exclude the business related to Lin Xiao’s group, Sony’s net profit for the entire fiscal year would be negative. Without the business related to Lin Xiao’s group, the Sony Group would be operating at a loss.”

Amy Pascal said coldly, "Everyone knows about our Sony Group's transformation strategy: gradually shedding some heavy asset burdens and moving towards a light asset, high-profit model."

"Our cooperation with Lin Xiao's system almost entirely involves high profits and the highest quality assets."

Kazuo Hirai: "In your opinion, especially given Mr. Howard's racially charged remarks, our pressure on Sony Ericsson to make a statement seems to be for the sake of our electronic entertainment business, for the sake of our film and television business, which is why we are flattering Lin Xiao."

"Then I would like to tell you a few more things about the Sony Group's investments in Lin Xiao, including Dream Vision, Facebook, YouTube, and Quantum Technology."

"Facebook and YouTube have very low stakes, while Quantum Technology and Dream Vision have relatively higher stakes."

"Do you know how many times our investments in these assets have multiplied?"

"Overall, it has increased sixteenfold. And the value of these assets already accounts for a quarter of Sony's total market capitalization."

After the economic crisis, Sony's market value plummeted, but this is still much better than in the past, when Sony's market value had fallen to more than 20 billion US dollars at this time.

"Furthermore, Mr. Howard believes that we are flattering Lin Xiao and dragging Sony Ericsson into a dangerous situation."

"On the contrary, I am fighting for a last chance for the group's mobile phone business."

"Gentlemen, change has arrived."

"On the surface, it seems like we have a lot of time, and even Nokia, Motorola, and LG feel that we have a lot of time."

"But I can tell you all, there is no time left."

"This mobile phone revolution will be more intense than we imagine, and this elimination round will be more brutal than we imagine."

"Anything that doesn't adapt to the trend will be completely eliminated."

“I would even say that 2010 and 2011 were the last chance, the last chance to build brand value.”

"Chaos is a ladder, and these three years have been a typical period of great chaos and reshuffling."

"Visionary manufacturers, such as Quantum Technology and Apple, are desperately trying to gain market share and build brand value. But what about Sony? It has been constantly fighting internal battles, watching its most precious golden age slip away."

"Therefore, Mr. Howard is no longer suitable to lead the Sony Group. He is too slow-witted and lacks decisiveness."

Amy Pascal: "I agree that at this crucial moment, the Sony Group needs a strong and clear leader, and I recommend Mr. Kazuo Hirai."

At this point, Sony Group held its first vote.

And the result...

Almost there.

Howard Stringer has temporarily retained his position as chairman.

The board felt that, on the one hand, it was essential to strengthen strategic cooperation with Lin Xiao. On the other hand, betting the entire Sony Ericsson on the success of quantum technology and completely offending Google and the capital groups behind it was far too dangerous.

Sony is a relatively old company, so it can't be too aggressive; it needs to be cautious.

Kazuo Hirai and Amy Pascal exchanged a glance after the vote.

“I obey the board’s decision, but I want to say that in the next few years, looking back, you may have destroyed the last hope for Sony mobile phones.”

"At a time when brand value is unstable, your will is so unstable."

Howard Stringer: "Gentlemen, the entire board has agreed to further deepen the strategic cooperation with the Lin Xiao system and to continue to strengthen the friendship between the two sides."

Kazuo Hirai: "How do we strengthen it? By talking? Now he's giving us benefits, not the other way around. Our only bargaining chip is the Sony Ericsson brand, which still has some value, and the Japanese and European markets. Any friendship that's unwilling to give up anything is a cheap friendship."

Amy Pascal: "Howard, you were in charge of CBS for a long time. But now, two big projects in collaboration with CBS, Dreamscape and Dreamscape, are about to launch."

“I was once your subordinate and your friend. Rhys Moonvis was also once your subordinate and your friend.”

"But now you've already lost my friendship, and when the Dream Vision and CBS projects achieve huge success and bring in billions of dollars in profits, you'll lose those friendships too."

Then, the two left.

Howard Stringer shrugged at the two presidents of Sony Ericsson.

Hideki Komiyama smiled but didn't say anything. Although he was Japanese and had met Lin Xiao through Kazuo Hirai's introduction, he wasn't fond of Lin Xiao.

Meanwhile, Sony Ericsson's new president, Botte Rodberg, wholeheartedly supports Google's Android and rejects Lin Xiao's quantum technology.

So on several occasions, whenever Sony Group sided with quantum technology, he would come out and disagree, and then, under pressure from the group, he would back down slightly.

However, in internal meetings at Sony Ericsson, especially when he took over as CEO of Sony Ericsson, he said that he wanted to make Sony the number one Android brand.

Originally, according to his wishes, Sony Ericsson had already begun manufacturing and promoting Android phones.

However, the voices and influence of Sony Group's top management in support of quantum technology are too strong. Therefore, the tug-of-war continues, and once Sony Ericsson expresses its strong support for Android and produces flagship Android phones, Sony Group's top management will immediately slap them in the face.

This tug-of-war resulted in Sony Ericsson being slower than ever before in its progress with smartphones.

........................

At this point, not only Google saw the growing ecosystem of applications for the X operating system, but Microsoft did as well.

Google is pursuing two paths. One path is to completely replicate, or even completely imitate, the powerful applications of quantum technology, creating something exactly the same.

Another option is to wave a check at the companies that own apps like ONLYFANS and Twitter, either by directly acquiring them or by investing heavily to seize control of these apps.

However, after actual negotiations, it was discovered that all of these powerful applications were controlled by Quantum Systems.

Talking to the heads of these companies is completely useless; you can't circumvent quantum technology. Many of these powerful applications were even pre-planned and custom-designed by Lin Xiao.

However, he found the right people to be in charge of management and development.

Microsoft is another giant that has also recognized the potential of these ecosystem applications.

In the first half of this year, Microsoft wasn't in a big hurry, but the second half of the year saw a dramatic change in the situation.

Whether it's Apple, quantum technology, or even the Android system, smartphone shipments from all three have suddenly surged.

The market share of traditional mobile phones is declining almost visibly, and the trend is accelerating and becoming more pronounced.

Microsoft hasn't entered the smartphone operating system market yet.
At this point, Microsoft had already decided that it must launch a brand new smartphone operating system, namely Windows Mobile 7, in the first half of next year.

However, Microsoft was initially confident that it was the monopolist of computer operating systems, and even the dominant player in mobile application systems for the past few years. Therefore, it had no shortage of applications in its ecosystem and even had a huge advantage.

But now it seems that this is not the case at all.

The rules of the game have completely changed.

Although the ecosystem of smartphones is just beginning to take shape, in the eyes of the giants, once the initial shape is established, the overall structure is set.

Currently, a significant portion of the most powerful applications in the entire ecosystem come from the quantum technology system.

Microsoft then realized that its Windows Mobile 7 system was now in need of Lin Xiao's help.

This series of applications is needed, and new versions have been developed specifically for Windows Mobile 7.

This...this is really upsetting.

Six months ago, Microsoft had just visited Quantum Technology, and at that time Microsoft still had a sense of superiority and was somewhat condescending.

Ballmer's visit to quantum technology was more of a safety net, a way to end the state of confrontation.

Therefore, the cooperation between the two parties is more about form than substance.

At the time, Microsoft felt that it had no way to get help from Lin Xiao.

But now... things are different.

Are we going to have to go and visit quantum technology again?

So... what kind of bargaining chips can you offer this time?

So, Ballmer dialed Wu Lingxi's number again.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ballmer said, "Ms. Wu, if it's convenient, I'd like to visit Facebook again, is that alright?"

Wu Lingxi: "Is it about those major ecological applications?"

Ballmer: "Yes."

Wu Lingxi: "I can make the decisions, but in all strategic directions, I will unconditionally obey Lin Xiao. So, you still need to find him."

Ballmer grinned.

When you have the upper hand, negotiating with Lin Xiao is actually quite pleasant, because he is not only generous, but also not cunning at all, and frighteningly frank.

However, negotiating with Lin Xiao is painful when you have no cards to play.

Because he always has his own clear answer, and it will never change because of your conditions.

Ballmer took a deep breath and dialed Lin Xiao's number again.

Lin Xiao: "I can come to the United States to discuss this, and I can do so under the guise of attending the premiere of the film 'The Graveyard Book'." "Regarding the issues that Microsoft is concerned about, I am willing to negotiate at Facebook headquarters in the United States. You don't need to lead a team to China again."

"But I also have two prerequisites."

Ballmer: "You say it."

Lin Xiao: "First, both Mr. Bill Gates and you will be attending the premiere of the movie 'The Graveyard Book' together."

"Second, both of you must be holding a quantum phone, either the Quantum 1Spro or the Quantum NOTE1."

Ballmer remained silent for a long while. Were Lin Xiao's conditions high?

It's not high at all, but it's really uncomfortable.

Leaving aside Ballmer, Bill Gates is on a much higher level; to some extent, he represents American technology.

Having him attend the premiere and hold the quantum phone would greatly enhance the brand value of the quantum phone and would definitely generate a lot of buzz.

“Wait a moment, I’ll make a call,” Ballmer said.

Next, Ballmer called Bill Gates.

He simply mentioned it and then decided that the other party would do it.

Historically, Microsoft's mobile operating system strategy was a complete failure, costing them astronomical sums of money. But Microsoft is unaware of this outcome; all they know is that the mobile operating system is crucial, even Microsoft's most important strategic focus.

Therefore, relatively speaking, Lin Xiao's conditions can really be considered quite lenient.

Bill Gates: "In his style, he would basically agree, and wouldn't impose very harsh conditions."

Ballmer: "Based on my years of dealings with him, this man's strategy is very consistent over the long term. Once he decides on a direction, he won't change it unless there's a major upheaval. So once he decided to form a partnership with Microsoft, that trend won't change either. He won't change his overall direction for short-term gains."

Bill Gates: "Say yes!"

Ballmer: "Okay."

..............................

After hanging up with Ballmer, Lin Xiao immediately received a call from Kazuo Hirai.

"I am very sorry, Mr. Lin Xiao, our operation to expel Mr. Howard has failed, but we are getting closer and closer to success." Kazuo Ii: "As compensation, Sony Imaging Solutions will once again renew its exclusive agreement with Quantum Technology."

This exclusive agreement involves Quantum Technologies and Sony Imaging collaborating to develop the most advanced CMOS sensor, with Quantum Technologies enjoying an exclusivity period of several months to half a year. Even after the exclusivity period ends, Quantum Technologies retains priority in purchasing the sensor.

Because Sony's imaging division severely underestimated the explosive potential of smartphones, it was very conservative in terms of production capacity.

This has resulted in almost all production capacity being monopolized by quantum technology.

This year alone, Sony's most advanced CMOS modules, represented by Quantum Technology, have been purchased in more than 20 million units.

The latest CMOS has not yet been fully developed, but quantum technology has already placed orders for more than 30 million units next year.

It's fair to say that all the relevant production lines are now operating at full capacity. There's simply no spare capacity to supply other companies.

Currently, Meizu's CEO, Mr. Huang, is extremely grateful to Lin Xiao.

Because he has great ambitions; he wants to make top-of-the-line mobile phones.

He needs a top-of-the-line screen, a top-of-the-line SoC, and a top-of-the-line camera module; his first phone's configuration must be on par with the Quantum 1S.

Moreover, the prices are 2599 and 3199.

On the surface, Coolpad's configuration is the same as that of the Quantum Phone, but both its screen and camera module are a level lower.

But Meizu's new flagship is different; it aims for top-tier specifications and strives to be the ultimate flagship.

However, given his size, he simply cannot control the supply chain, whether it's SoC, screen, or CMOS, he can't handle it and has no chance of getting top-tier products.

He couldn't even handle things with the contract manufacturers.

So he went to Lin Xiao for help.

According to everyone's thinking, Lin Xiao would never agree to that.

Because you're aiming for the high-end market, you're trying to steal my quantum phone market share!
Unexpectedly, Lin Xiao agreed and helped him sort out the entire supply chain.

Immediately, the entire Meizu executive team was stunned. We hadn't paid any heavy price, had we?
I'm just siding with you.

Are you really going all out to help us?

Now we've truly learned our lesson; you're really going all out to support your allies.

Having put together such a grand plan and produced such high-end specifications, Meizu decided to go all out and hired Li Duanduan, who is now an international superstar, as its spokesperson.

The press conference is about to begin.

As always before, whenever Lin Xiao appeared, Li Duanduan would always be by his side, holding his arm. She not only didn't care about the rumors anymore, but she even hoped for them.

Jingle Bell.

Lin Xiao's phone rang again; it was Ballmer calling.

"Lin, Bill Gates has agreed and he is very much looking forward to meeting you."

Lin Xiao: "Okay."

Then he looked at Li Duanduan beside him.

I was making a private call, and instead of avoiding me, you came over to listen?
You haven't experienced the harsh realities of capitalism at all?
When she saw Lin Xiao looking at her, she even gave him a sexy and charming expression.

Then, Lin Xiao's phone rang again; it was Wu Lingxi calling.

Li Duanduan's pretty face leaned closer again, indicating that she wanted to hear clearly.

Lin Xiao remained silent and walked to the side to answer the call.

"Come to America, let's talk business. And while we're at it, I want to fuck you!" After saying that, Lin Xiao didn't reply, and Wu Lingxi hung up.

Lin Xiao stared blankly at the phone. "Are you a man, or am I a man?"

You're the boss, and I'm the boss.
However, Li Duanduan probably didn't hear this. She was so far away. When she saw Lin Xiao looking at her, Li Duanduan blinked her beautiful big eyes and looked innocent.

"Mr. Lin, the press conference is about to begin," the assistant outside said.

Lin Xiao straightened his clothes slightly and then walked out. Li Duanduan took his arm without hesitation and walked gracefully into the press conference venue.

Suddenly...

Everyone in the room stood up.

All eyes were on him, and they applauded enthusiastically.

Li Duanduan's expression was just right; her beautiful face and demeanor seemed flawless.

However, under everyone's gaze, she leaned close to Lin Xiao's ear and said in a very dignified tone, "Boss, I also want to fuck you to death!"

After she finished speaking, she waved gracefully at the camera, as if what she had just said was perfectly innocent.

........................

This evening.

Meizu's launch event was a great success.

The third branded mobile phone based on the X operating system has been officially released.

Despite Lin Xiao's repeated requests that he not be mentioned at the press conference and that the camera not focus on him, but rather treat him as an ordinary audience member.

The press conference did indeed achieve this.

But in the end, Mr. Huang said, "I still want to thank that person."

"Without him, there would be no Meizu M9!"

"Without him, there would be no such top-of-the-line configuration at all."

"Without him, there would be no tonight."

"Your Excellency, may your reign last a thousand generations, and may you unify the martial world!"

Then, the entire audience shouted in unison: "Our Lord, may your reign last forever, and may you unify the martial world!"

next day!

Meizu's exclusive stores across the country have officially started selling the product.

Then, the familiar scene unfolded once again.

Long queues formed outside every store, some even longer than in history.

Not only that, but online shopping was also almost paralyzed.

This phone became an instant hit.

24 hours later, Meizu released an announcement on its official website.

The Meizu M9 series sold over 20 units on its first day.

This has brought yet another small shock to the domestic mobile phone market.

Is Er Gou's magic really that amazing? Let's not even talk about Coolpad's huge success; Meizu is a manufacturer that has never made mobile phones before.

This is my first time making a mobile phone.

Sales exploded immediately; it's like picking money off the ground!

Is it possible to be this awesome just because you have the halo of the Second Dog Cult Master?

………………

After attending the press conference, Lin Xiao flew directly to the United States to attend the premiere of "The Graveyard Book".

Moreover, this premiere coincides with the global release date.

However, with big names like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer in attendance, this premiere was destined to be completely different.

Lin Xiao's plane had just landed.

A car drove into the airport, and the stunningly beautiful Wu Lingxi stepped out.

"Shut up, and don't ask me why I came to pick you up. It was just a strange impulse."

Then, she cupped Lin Xiao's face and kissed him passionately.

"Damn it, I miss you so much."

...............................

Note: That's all for today. Please vote with your monthly tickets! Thank you so much!
(End of this chapter)