Chapter 79 New Era

Chapter 79  New Era

Ultimately, this issue can only be resolved in one way.

The ambitions of a nation and its military have fallen flat. They did not anticipate that Tony would be able to make them back down. He remained unruffled and expertly countered all of the Minister of Defense's tactics.

Even their threat that Hammer Industries might replace Stark Industries in partnership failed to rattle Tony in the slightest.

The reason for this was that, upon Tony and Leon's return, they held a global press conference the very next day, announcing Stark Industries' complete withdrawal from the weapons division.

This move was akin to dropping a boulder into a tranquil lake, stirring up a tempestuous sea.

I must concede that Tony is indeed a genius, and he single-handedly sustains Stark Industries in this post-arms era.

No matter how ambitious Obadiah may be, he has to acknowledge that Tony is the backbone of Stark Industries.

Moreover, the advanced weaponry of this nation is entirely reliant on Tony's technical expertise.

Consequently, it was the nation's military that began to panic first.

Simultaneously, it sent shockwaves throughout the entire country's society.

Most shareholders held stocks in Stark Industries. With Stark Group's cessation of weapon sales, it was foreseeable that the stock prices would plummet.

However, Leon and Tony remained unruffled. Not only did they maintain their composure, but they also enjoyed a glass of wine in the top-floor room.

Today, the top floor has been transformed into a more relaxed setting. Tony has gradually delegated his responsibilities to Pepper Potts. He's realized that she is a person he can trust completely, with her having ample capabilities.

Why not go through with it? He no longer wishes to be tied to his work day in and day out.

Thus, he transformed the office into a lounge, a place where he could stay whenever he pleased. It was set to become his new home.

In addition to Leon and Tony, Pepper Potts was also present, but she couldn't enjoy the same leisure as the two 'gentlemen'. She had a stack of documents in front of her that needed processing.

Finally, Pepper Potts couldn't contain her frustration: "Why don't you two lend a hand? These are the first batch of mobile phones we've produced. They're exceptionally advanced, way ahead of our competitors. They'll undergo testing upon release. Are you planning to launch them worldwide simultaneously? Are you certain this is feasible?"

Indeed, Pepper Potts was currently dealing with something pressing—a smartphone from Stark Group.

Because Stark Group was entering this industry for the first time, they were essentially starting from scratch, which naturally led to a frantic pace.

However, observing Leon and Tony lounging by the window, it was clear they were unperturbed, while she was the only one too occupied to even have a sip of her drink.

Leon shrugged, saying, "Don't worry too much. You yourself said we're ahead of the world, far beyond anyone else. As for the global release, we can assure all countries that we're willing to fully disclose the backend to local authorities."

In this age of smartphones, what concerns you the most?

Security, specifically, the security of personal information. The more high-tech our devices become, the less secure our personal data seems to be. For instance, have you ever wondered why a simple game requires access to your contacts?

Some games go even further, demanding not only your real identity but also your agreement to lengthy terms and conditions before registering.

Have you ever read every word of those agreements in detail?

Consider this: you've purchased virtual currency and virtual items, essentially your personal property, equivalent to buying a piece of clothing. Yet, when the game is shut down, all these possessions vanish. Is it not akin to a store repossessing clothing you've already purchased?

This, however, might be pushing it a bit.

Leon understood Pepper Potts's concerns. She worried that other countries might intercept sensitive information due to security issues.

On the other hand, Leon smiled faintly, dismissing her worries entirely.

"But this way, our technology will be exposed," Pepper Potts couldn't help but voice her concern.

It wasn't that there was any doubt that other countries would attempt to decode their smartphone technology, but it was certain that the world would study it.

The reason was that this technology was remarkably advanced.

Consider this: it's now 2008, and even the X generation of Apple's product won't be introduced for another ten years. Yet, the smartphone developed by Leon and Tony rivals the current 15th generation of Apple.

The technological gap is more than fifteen years, not just advanced but exceptionally so. It's poised to usher in a new era.

But Leon remained unfazed, saying, "Let them explore it. As long as we firmly control the core chip technology and possibly transition to chip production exclusively in the future, we can profit every time a company sells a mobile phone. Isn't that a wise move?"

"Moreover," Tony chimed in, "Leon has always maintained that aside from the mobile phone industry, we are already gearing up to launch the era of online shopping. Without a thriving Internet era, the age of online shopping won't flourish. For our next step, even if we have to offer it for free, we must expedite the world's entry into the age of big data."

"That's right," Leon agreed, raising his glass to toast Tony's glass. Pepper Potts stared at them, dumbfounded and somewhat chilled.

Pepper Potts knew their plan extended beyond a single product; it encompassed global ambitions.

They were aiming to leap ahead and capture the world's internet market, taking control of the internet age before the world even realized it.

What would happen if they succeeded?

Some may view it as an exaggeration because, by 2008, the internet was already highly developed. How could they possibly seize the global internet market?

In reality, it was only the first phase of the internet era, still a long way from the age of big data and traffic.

That it was just the beginning.

Only when the world had entered the rapid development phase of the internet, making it convenient to connect through mobile phones, could it truly be considered an internet era for everyone.

In the past, almost everyone who wanted to surf the internet used computers, as old mobile phones were limited in capabilities.

Now, look at what they had achieved.

Leon reassured Pepper Potts confidently, "You can have faith in this; as long as we don't start making cars, we're invincible."

Pepper Potts looked at Leon strangely, not quite understanding the reference. Even Tony, though he smiled, didn't seem to grasp the joke.

It wasn't until the middle of the night that Tony reluctantly sent Leon away.

But upon his return home, he was stopped by a beautiful woman at the door.

Natasha Romanoff regarded Leon with an intense expression and asked, "Did you persuade Tony to shut down the weapons department? What's your plan?"

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Lao Lao Xu: Real Author

Fake Author/Translator Zatch[King]Rex

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