Chapter 242: Microsoft Without an Operating System

"Hey, Goodman, what's up? Sorry, I just got back to the hotel. I've been at the beach all day. The beach here is really nice, I recommend you come with your wife and kids for a vacation sometime!"

After smoking half a cigar and having a cocktail with Jim, Carter continued to chat about the new plan. He returned to his room, lying on the hotel's large bed, embracing two soft bodies. With a cigar in his mouth, Carter felt he was indulging.

And it was a rapid descent into indulgence.

"Haha, we'll talk about that later. As long as you're having fun. I called this morning to remind you that Paterson might come looking for you."

"Ah, I've already met him. Tell you what, Paterson actually gave me a new idea."

Taking a drag of his cigarette, Carter gestured for one of the girls to hold his phone while he fondled something indescribable with one hand and held his smoke with the other. Even as he indulged, Carter didn't forget to communicate with Goodman about relevant matters.

"I have to say, Paterson gave me an idea. If this thing can be done, dealing with the construction side of things will be easy. At least in the short term, there won't be a shortage of work. Then if we can attract a few Japanese companies to come in and help with employment, I can free up some energy and funds to swallow up a few more banks."

"I don't know much about Japan, but I'll inquire. If Japanese workers' wages are as high as you say, then I think this could work! Free land, cheap labor, and being in a consumer market, if I were Japanese, I'd think it's unreasonable not to do it."

Goodman thought about Carter's words and then about Japan's small land area.

"But there's a problem. If what you say is true, wouldn't it be cheaper for them to go to Mexico to set up factories?"

"In Mexico, costs should be lower than here. But you can't just look at things that way. I think the quality of Mexican workers can't compare to us Americans. Plus, there's the issue of security. If factories are in Mexico, can they be as stable as they are here? And there's the issue of raw material channels... Anyway, I'll see how to talk to them about it."

Furrowing his brow, Carter chose to avoid the reality that Mexico might have lower costs than his area. After all, the objective conditions are there, and the key is how he negotiates afterward.

"I'll give Mr. Robertson a call later to see if New York can help me get in touch with the Japanese. Also, Goodman, there's something I need your help with regarding the road construction project."

"I'll call Mr. Benjamin first to see what he thinks, and I'll ask him to help contact Albany and Columbus. If it's generally okay, I'll need you to go and talk to them about the procedures."

"Don't worry, if it can be done, I'll do it. These are actually small things. The key is your investment attraction. Can you represent the government of Agar to negotiate?"

"Why not? As long as it brings them benefits, who cares who you're dealing with? Besides, if Agar isn't willing, aren't there Neles and Dupont nearby? And if all else fails, come to Douglas. If they want trouble, let them have it!"

Sneering, Carter wasn't worried that Agar City would sing a different tune on this matter. In this buyer's market, whoever holds the money bag is the boss!

So, is he trying to find a Japanese boss?!

He quickly shook his head, dispelling this absurd idea from his mind. It's impossible to find a boss, and even if he did, it wouldn't be a Japanese boss.

Continuing to make calls, after nearly an hour of discussion with Benjamin and Julian, the dusk was deepening. The unashamed nightlife was finally about to begin.

The stress brought by the troublesome matters also eased slightly after a night of enjoyment.

Early the next morning, a sleepy Carter was suddenly awakened by a ringing phone. Reaching over the soft body next to him, Carter grabbed the phone:

"Could it be that it's already sorted out so quickly?!"

"Ah? What sorted out?"

The voice on the other end of the line was unfamiliar, causing Carter to pause. It wasn't Julian? It wasn't Benjamin? Not even Goodman?!

"Who are you?!"

"I'm Paul, can't you recognize my voice?"

"Paul...Paul?! Why are you calling so early? Wait, why are you calling me like this? What's the matter so early in the morning? Sorry, I was a bit... uh, a bit tired last night, and my mind's a bit fuzzy now. Wait a moment, let me wash my face to wake up."

Rubbing his eyes, Carter put the phone down on the bedside table, confirming his state of mind by feeling the soft body next to him. Carter, somewhat agitated, asked.

What the hell is going on with Microsoft? Why aren't you doing the operating system business?!

"Are you sure you're awake now, Paul? I mean, how was your rest last night? If you're not awake, you can sleep a bit longer, and we'll talk later this afternoon."