Reborn in America, I am a legendary short seller on Wall Street.

Chapter 280 A Tribute to Ourselves! And a Tribute to the Great Electric Age
"Given away for free? A cash register? This thing doesn't look cheap, does it?" Koster asked, frowning.

But Larry didn't answer his question. Instead, he stared intently at Coffin, whose eyes were fixed on the electric cash register, a thoughtful expression on his face. Clearly, even today's top business elites wouldn't immediately grasp the sudden, dramatic shift in Larry's business thinking.

We still need to guide them a bit!
Larry walked up to Coffin, meeting his towering 1.9-meter frame, tilted his head back, calmly met Coffin's eyes, and described the scene with a smile.
"Mr. President, if you were to lay out a residential or commercial power grid in downtown New York, would anyone proactively request that you add more power outlets besides the light fixtures?"

"No! People will think of electric lights as the old gas lamps, and electrical wires as gas pipes. Aside from lighting, people won't see the point of having extra electrical outlets... Oh!! My God, wait... I think I understand..."

Coffin initially answered Larry's question calmly, but halfway through his answer, his expression suddenly changed, revealing a complex mix of novelty at the unprecedented way of thinking and awe at the new business model. His face underwent a dramatic transformation.

Everyone in the salon focused their attention on the two of them, but most people, including Koster, looked confused, having no idea what Larry was talking about or what Coffin was surprised about.

Only one person, Owen Young, GE's production manager, reacted even faster than Coffin. He had already realized the intricacies of the matter and now looked at Larry with reverence.

A devil! This blond young man is a devil!!
Owen Young was inwardly impressed, not with curses, but with amazement. He had felt a stirring in his heart when he first heard the phrase "delivering cash registers," and by the time Larry gave him a few pointers on the power grid, he completely understood the other party's intentions.

General Electric can proactively open up new business models for electricity applications in the home! General Electric is not just laying out an upgraded version of "gaslights," but is actively promoting the commercial application of electric motors to businesses, and is doing so by "giving them away for free."

In that case, putting everything else aside, GE will be able to immediately deploy more "outlets," and the increase in outlets will greatly increase the potential electricity load, significantly raising the upper limit of electricity usage in communities and commercial areas!
Giving away an expensive electric cash register for free might seem like a losing proposition, but it can actually unlock the potential of the power distribution network... While the consequences may be unimaginable for now, it could directly double a merchant's electricity consumption!
Conversely, greater electricity consumption will lead to a more robust power grid, more power plants... and behind all of these are GE's profitable projects!

Meanwhile, Coffin had recovered from his initial shock. He stared at Larry, his thoughts racing. Instead of asking why he was "giving away" the cash register, he immediately began to discuss the feasibility of the plan.

"Mr. Livingston, how many units do you think would be appropriate to send?"

Larry hesitated for a moment, then said directly, “New York is the benchmark. We need to send out at least 1000 units to create a sensation. Of course, you have to adopt a ‘first-come, first-served’ approach. Whichever business responds to GE’s call and leaves a socket when installing lights, GE will send them a cash register.”

Coffin nodded; the number wasn't too far off from what he'd expected. "What about the other cities?"

“In first-tier cities… oh, I mean, the key cities on the East and West coasts, each city should send electric cash registers to the top 100 businesses when installing the power grid. That way, GE’s power grid will quickly spread throughout the commercial districts, and with the commercial districts leading the way, the residential communities will quickly follow suit,” Larry replied.

As Coffin had expected, he immediately bent his knees slightly, trying to look Larry in the eye, not wanting the other to feel superior because of the height difference, before asking the question he was most interested in.
“But… this is a considerable sum of money, Mr. Livingston. The cost of laying power grids in various locations is already enormous. If we add the free electric cash registers to that, General Electric may not be able to afford it in the short term.”

Coffin's gaze was very calm, but the worry in the corner of his eye seemed to indicate that he was genuinely concerned about some "cost issue." However, Larry had already understood what he meant, so he smiled and told him the plan that he had been considering since morning.

"Why not set up a factory and invest together? We can jointly produce these electric motors and electric cash registers. After all, you need a production factory anyway. This way, you can also reduce the cost of purchasing electric cash registers."

Coffin couldn't suppress a smile. It was so convenient talking to smart people! He was thinking about this plan too. If they could set up a factory to produce electric motors and small electric motors, his procurement costs would drop dramatically.

Of course, this is only the direct benefit. The indirect, or even greater, benefit lies in the enormous potential profits of this electric cash register, which will allow General Electric to reap a huge slice of the pie!

Seeing the flickering flame in Coffin's eyes, Larry also had his own thoughts.

He had originally intended for Browning Brothers Firearms to produce electric cash registers, as this would maximize profits. However, every advantage has its disadvantages; having a profitable product would require a time-consuming and labor-intensive sales network.

In the modern world, without the network marketing of later generations, building a distributor network across various regions is no easy task! It costs a fortune, and more importantly, it takes a lot of effort.

However, if you take advantage of GE's "buy one get one free" grid installation channels, the situation will be completely different! The initial orders for electric cash registers will be paid by GE, while subsequent sales can also utilize its channels in power plants and distribution networks around the world.

This is similar to how a certain Chinese website in the past launched a paid online novel reading service. Those who didn't know how to "leverage" the trend all died out, but this website was able to expand wildly by leveraging Shanda's game point card distribution network and become the number one online novel platform!
Of course, joint production with General Electric would mean sharing profits; but it would also result in a larger and stronger shipment volume! Profit sharing was inevitable, since even if the cash register were produced by Browning Brothers Firearms Company, they would only own 49% of the shares.

Now it's different. If we set up a new factory, we can invest our own capital! We'll have to redistribute the shares according to the amount of our investment.

Anyway, of the $200 million that was transferred out, only $20 has been paid for the Mr. Porter Foundation, and the rest of the money is being desperately sought!

As for the money to acquire Bausch & Lomb... didn't you hear what Mr. Koster said? JPMorgan is going to beat the short sellers to a pulp, while they themselves hold 3 shares at a cost of only $40 each!
Larry and Coffin, each with their own ulterior motives, exchanged glances, and soon after, they smiled at each other.

"Mr. Livingston, what do you think is a reasonable price for this electric cash register?" Coffin continued.

"40 to 50 dollars! Because mechanical cash registers now cost 20 to 30 dollars!" Larry already had the answer to this.

“Oh…I understand. You want to maintain an overwhelming advantage in both price and performance, like doubling the price.” Coffin nodded in agreement.

But Larry shook his head slightly.

"That's not all! Mr. President, the higher the price of the electric cash register, the more value you'll be giving away! Once this machine achieves scale or brand recognition, then this seemingly high price will become a 'reasonable' ordinary price for merchants!"

Coffin paused, nodded, and exclaimed, "Brilliant!"

Larry further explained, "Also, the new factory will benefit from the high-profit cash registers in the future."

Coffin nodded and said softly, "I still need to discuss this with the company's board of directors..."

Larry added with a laugh, "The patent for the electric cash register belongs to Browning Brothers Firearms Company, and I'll have to consult Matthew about it too."

The two smiled at each other and went their separate ways.

Although Koster didn't understand the specific technical issues the two were discussing, his intelligence allowed him to grasp the crux of the matter. He only cared about completing JP Morgan's commission to inflate the stock price and didn't care at all about their negotiations or how they would split the profits!
In short, I wasn't wrong about this blond guy! I'll get him sooner or later...

Koster's summary was simple and direct.

While Coffin was negotiating with the directors and executives of GE present, Larry had already pulled Matthew aside and started explaining how he had just negotiated with Coffin about "selling electric cash registers together," how they planned to "jointly build a new factory to produce these products," and how Larry envisioned Browning Brothers Firearms Company using its "inventory rights" technology as equity investment...

Larry explained in great detail and with great patience, because after all, Matthew was the nominal inventor of the electric cash register, and unfair profit-sharing could easily cause internal turmoil.

But to everyone's surprise, Matthew didn't care at all!

His mind is now completely consumed by rifles and automatic pistols. In his eyes, compared to the arms business, electric motors and cash registers... are utter garbage!

Even though cash registers seem to be more profitable now, or even if they really are more lucrative, Matthew and his brother still don't care! They were born for guns!
“...Or perhaps you could consult John Browning again?” Larry kindly suggested.

“No need to discuss it! Larry, you can arrange it as you see fit. I swear to God, I've discussed it with my brother many times. His biggest worry is that the gun designs won't be accepted and won't generate sales. But now we have gun orders…” Matthew's eyes shone brightly. After a moment to calm himself down, he continued…
"To be honest, if the order for 2000 handguns starts, it would be unbelievable for the company to squeeze out production capacity to make cash registers!"

Larry smiled, nodded, and patted Matthew on the shoulder. That's it! It's settled!
At this moment, the General Electric team discussing the matter suddenly paused after a moment of discussion. Then, Coffin turned to Larry and said apologetically,

“Mr. Livingston…we were just discussing something, but it still comes down to you. Since you have power application solutions for businesses, what about for residential communities? Do you have any? If so, we can also address the grid upgrades for residential communities…Of course, the new inventions will also be manufactured in the new factory.”

Yes, we do! And we're already in the process of applying for a patent.

Larry thought to himself that this was no big deal for him and that he could easily convince them that he had already applied for a patent.

Coffin's eyes lit up as he stared at Larry and asked, "What invention is it? Oh, let me think... If it's for home users, they certainly can't afford such an expensive new machine. Your invention must be cheap enough, and like the light bulb, it must have enough universal value."

“No problem! This thing is cheap enough and universal enough, because it’s called—an electric fan!” Larry said with a laugh.

"An electric fan?! What's an electric fan?!" Everyone was surprised.

Larry slowly explained his invention of the electric fan, a summer essential, to everyone.

The principle behind this thing is not complicated. Once you have a motor, any person with a brain will naturally think of this creative invention of an electric fan from the ventilation system driven by an electric motor.

Larry gave a brief explanation, and everyone immediately understood, realizing that the invention truly matched what Coffin had just said: cheap and universal enough.

The group then realized that Larry and his team had already patented the invention, making them feel that this young man was truly visionary and unfathomable.

"Great! Great! This is a turnaround!" Coffin was extremely excited.

The other executives also wore expressions of joy.

Coffin didn't hesitate any longer. He walked up to Larry, pointed to his team, and said, "We're all set. What about you guys?"

“Same here, solved!” Larry nodded.

Coffin cautiously probed, "We've just made a preliminary plan, and the registered capital of the joint venture factory will be at least $240 million, since we'll be opening two or three production lines... I wonder if your cash register patent company intends to contribute its technology as equity, or license production?"

This is crucial because it involves the equity distribution of the joint venture factory.

But Larry was very calm. He directly stated his plan: "The patent for the motor is held by the fund that Mr. Tesla and I established. This will be produced under license. As for the real owner of the electric cash register—Browning Brothers Firearms Company—we will contribute our technology as equity. The patent for the electric fan can also be considered as contributing our technology as equity..."

To avoid tying up too much of your company's working capital during the initial startup phase, I've made a difficult decision: I'll invest the same amount of capital you do... We need to share the risk!

Upon hearing this, Coffin's expression changed. He exchanged a glance with his partner, then looked at Larry with suspicion. "Mr. Livingston, you need to listen carefully... the potential investment in that factory exceeds $2.4 million! Even if it's a 50/50 split, it'll still be over a million dollars!"

Larry nodded. "Yeah! What else? What are your doubts?"

Coffin thought to himself, "We're fucking skeptical, how could you possibly pull out a million dollars?!"
Before Coffin could speak, Mr. Coster stepped in to smooth things over. He gave Larry a meaningful look, then turned to Coffin and the group of GE executives and board members, and said...
"Hey! Don't worry about Livingston unnecessarily. I understand. It's just a 50/50 investment and equal shares, right? I think it's fine!"

Coffin looked at Koster in surprise. It wasn't that he was heartbroken about losing the shares in the new factory; he genuinely couldn't believe that this young man could actually pull out a million...

Koster glared at him. "Mr. Coffin, this needs to be settled quickly. Other things can wait. The reporters will be gone soon... Go and announce this important news to them!"

"Oh, okay, okay!" Coffin seemed to snap out of a daze, looked at Larry, and finally showed unprecedented respect on his face.
“Mr. Livingston, we’ll do as you say. We’ll discuss the details later. Don’t worry! With Mr. Coster here, everything is easy to talk about!”

Larry smiled and nodded, but to Coffin, that warm smile no longer held the kindness he had just witnessed; instead, it conveyed a deep-seated composure and confidence.

Coffin suddenly felt a little awkward staring into Larry's eyes.

He then avoided Larry's gaze, bid farewell to the crowd, and said, "Alright, you all stay here and continue enjoying the celebratory champagne... I'll go up front and announce this to the reporters!"

Without further hesitation, Coffin turned and walked towards the signing ceremony outside, loudly announcing to the still-present reporters,

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have some important news to share with you. To promote the application of electric motors and to facilitate the smooth progress of GE's power grid project, we will be launching a free giveaway of 10000 electric cash registers in 100 cities!"
To reward the merchants who support our power distribution network, we will be giving away each electric cash register worth approximately $60—for free! This generous giveaway could amount to nearly a million dollars in total from GE!

The reporters thought they had already gotten the breaking news, and some of them had already slipped out of the signing hall to rush to publish their stories. But little did they know, the real bombshell news was right here!

The reporters who remained in the signing hall, upon hearing Coffin's announcement of the "100 Cities, 10,000 Units" free giveaway plan, looked at each other in bewilderment and fell silent.

But soon after, they all burst into loud exclamations of surprise.

What is an electric cash register?
Is it really true that 10000 units will be given away in 100 cities?

Is General Electric planning to give away a million dollars to businesses for free?
Has General Electric gone mad? Or is this gilded age truly on the eve of revolution?!
The reporters, disregarding their image and displaying utterly unseemly astonishment, nearly blew the roof off the private club!

The noise, like a bomb exploding, even drew the attention of passersby outside the hotel.

"Besides that!!" Coffin continued after the reporters' commotion subsided, "we also have a super invention for ordinary residential communities! But I must keep it a secret for now. But believe me, gentlemen, our company is not just a light-emitting company that produces high-end 'gas lamps,' but a super company that will change America and even the world!"

After the reporters gradually accepted the facts and calmed down, Charles Coffin, the first president of General Electric, beamed with a bright smile and confidently summarized to them,
"Gentlemen! Time will prove that General Electric is the undisputed leader of the electric age! Join us in witnessing this great era!"

The reporters were taken aback at first, then applause suddenly erupted from nowhere, like a match igniting the entire hall. A wave of applause followed, and everyone's excited faces and eyes were flushed.

……

Larry stood in the lobby, holding a champagne glass, quietly observing everything happening in the foyer, enjoying the cheers as well.

As the applause reached its climax, Larry raised his glass, his faint silhouette reflected in the glass door, and softly said,
"A toast to myself! And a toast to the great electrical age!"

Larry then downed the glass of champagne in one gulp.

(End of this chapter)