"Oh, so now you're questioning me?" Lou Xiao'e raised an eyebrow.
"No, no, I don't have that kind of courage."
"Now you can tell me, why did you suddenly become so interested in Wang An? Do you have a high opinion of the computer industry?"
If we're talking about the current industry leaders, then it's undoubtedly IBM and Wang Laboratories' "Wang PCs".
But in this industry, some are optimistic and some are pessimistic, and it's all unknown. Lou Xiao'e didn't know why Wang Shouren made such a judgment, and she wanted to know the reason.
Similarly.
In Wang An's office.
Wang Lie had the same question: "Father, in our deal, we were clearly at a disadvantage. Did we just do it for the sake of cost?"
Wang Lie couldn't understand. Frankly, most of the cost of software development is in the research and development phase; the subsequent sales are mainly about marketing. The hardware aspects aren't particularly difficult. Why would they be so eager to cooperate with China just because it can manufacture chips?
In Wang Lie's view, this was completely unnecessary.
cost?
Hardware costs are simply not an issue for tech companies like theirs.
"If he hadn't told me his analysis of personal computers, I wouldn't have agreed to this collaboration. Perhaps I would have, but I wouldn't have been so enthusiastic. At most, I'd help him poach a few people out of consideration for our shared Chinese heritage." Before Wang Shouren left, Wang An put down several packs of cigarettes, opened one, and lit it for himself.
My son doesn't like smoking. He's good at scientific research, but not so good at business.
"I'm asking you, do you agree with what he said?"
Wang Lie pondered for a moment and nodded: "If hardware costs come down and labor wages increase, then the era of human computers will come. Do you remember our survey? The labor productivity of American workers has increased by 90%, while white-collar workers in offices are still using typewriters from decades ago. Because of this, we launched the Model 1200 computer."
He paused for a moment, then said, "If both sides improve, then the next step will be for people to have higher demands for the spiritual world, and white-collar workers will also have higher demands for computers."
"When we start using personal computers, how big do you think our company will expand to?"
“Well…” Wang Lie didn’t know what to say.
"A hundredfold, a thousandfold increase. Our company could even rank among the top in this country." Wang An's eyes narrowed slightly. "If we can gain a foothold in the personal computer industry. But, Lie'er, do you know what we'll be facing?"
"What?" Wang Lie was stunned by the future his father spoke of and was momentarily speechless.
A hint of disappointment flashed in Wang An's eyes: "This country claims to be a free country, but Lie'er, remember this: there is no truly free place in this world. The economy always serves politics. If we really achieve that, if we achieve that with our technology, then at that time, the leader of my company, and your future company, will definitely not be me, nor will it be you."
"This leader could be white or black, but definitely not one of us Asians."
"No...it can't be that bad, can it?" Wang Lie swallowed.
"Ha, how could it not be that bad?" Wang An sneered. "Do you think IBM doesn't target us? It's because of their antitrust laws. No matter what, they need a competitor, and I am that competitor. I'm completely absorbed in technology, and even going public is just for funding research. For them, I am the best competitor. Even if I develop later, as long as they get rid of me, they can have whatever they want."
"To be honest, after seeing the situation clearly, I have been thinking about how to break the deadlock. I never expected that my country could give me such a big surprise."
"A surprise? But if we actually help him train talent, won't we be targeted?"
"Lie'er".
"ah?"
“I think you’re better suited to be a researcher than a leader.”
"Huh?!" Wang Lie was stunned. What did his father mean by that?
"Right now, the US isn't paying much attention to our field, and IBM is unhappy with the interference from higher-ups; we've seen signs of this over the years. So, they'll be exceptionally lenient with us. Sending talent is a long-term plan; it's not about directly recruiting from academia and bringing people over. It's about gradually and subtly moving them into our own backyard, understand?"
"Oh!" Wang Lie suddenly realized.
He looked at his father with a complicated expression. For the first time, he realized that the pressure on his father's shoulders had always been so immense.
Wang An patted Wang Lie on the shoulder: "Lie'er, when we develop to a certain point, this is something we can't avoid. If I go there and you don't understand it, or can't see the point, then just give this company away to that kid who came today. At least that kid takes scientific research very seriously. You can use this transaction to establish your own research institute. I mean, establish a research institute back in China."
“Father…you…” Wang Lie frowned deeply.
Wang An waved his hand: "Don't worry, I'm not going to die that soon. I'm just giving you a way out. The domestic standards aren't good enough yet, and you won't have anywhere to find one if you go back. But I think if we cooperate with him for ten or twenty years, China will probably be able to build a first-class laboratory. As long as you think about it, there's always a way. It's a fallback plan."
At Lou Xiao'e's villa, Wang Shouren said the same things to Lou Xiao'e.
"If this possibility holds true, then Mr. Wang's days are probably numbered. He may seem to be living a life of luxury, but in reality, he's being exploited. If the company isn't big, it's fine, but if it is, he'll be a lamb to the slaughter. In this land, once you reach the top, no one talks to you about freedom or equality. They're quick and ruthless in their actions."
"So, you're trying to persuade him to turn back?"
“No, no, no, it’s not that profound.” Wang Shouren shook his head: “I just gave him a path to cooperation, which can be considered a possibility for the future. If he does his best to help us operate and arrange, then he might understand what I mean. If he does me a favor out of consideration for being Chinese, then he might not understand what I mean.”
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