Chapter 134: A Proposal Delivered

Staring at the word on the fax paper, Bill Gates quickly realized, "Wintel, Simon, are you suggesting a partnership between Microsoft and Intel?"

Simon nodded, "Exactly."

Gates showed a dismissive expression and replied, "Simon, since 1981, Microsoft and Intel have been very good partners. That's something you don't need to remind me of."

"I know that. But, just like IBM forced Intel to license the X86 architecture patents to other manufacturers, what will you do if IBM decides that Microsoft is a threat to their autonomy and introduces other operating systems to dilute Microsoft's market share?"

In the late 1970s, Intel introduced the powerful X86 architecture processors. To prevent Intel from dominating, IBM forced Intel to license the X86 patents to over a dozen companies. As a result, despite producing the highest performing processors, Intel's market share in the processor chip field wasn't dominant.

Reminded of IBM, a behemoth with a market value still exceeding $70 billion even after the stock market crash, Gates fell silent for a moment. Even combined, Microsoft and Intel's current market values didn't come close to $50 billion. If IBM really took measures to restrict Microsoft, Gates realized they would stand little chance against them.

Seeing Gates' silence, Simon continued, "So, being mere partners is obviously not enough. Microsoft and Intel must form a closely-knit technological alliance, ensuring that choosing one inevitably means choosing the other. The graphical user interface operating system is undoubtedly the future of PCs, and Microsoft has already taken the lead. The core patents of X86 are still in Intel's hands, and compared to other chip manufacturers, they have many advantages. If you two could join forces, even against IBM, you'd stand a chance."

Gates responded, "That might be a good idea, but Intel may not be willing to tie itself so closely to Microsoft."

Simon shrugged, "That's your issue to handle, not mine. I'm not Microsoft's largest shareholder."

After a moment, Gates added, "Even if your idea is feasible, everyone's not a fool. If Microsoft and Intel do this, companies like IBM might just kick both of us out of the market."

Simon replied, "That brings us back to the quality of your products. Intel's processors are undoubtedly the best on the market, and they hold the core patents. It's highly unlikely they'd be completely ousted from the market. In contrast, Microsoft's foundations are indeed shallow. The Windows operating system's interface is still imitating Apple's Macintosh system. If Apple suddenly turns hostile, there might not even be a Windows 3.0."

Hearing Simon's insinuation that Windows copied Apple's operating system, Gates looked displeased but asked, "Can you solve this problem?"

Simon smiled, "As it happens, I also own 4.9% of Apple's shares. See, that's the advantage of having a lot of money. If Apple and Microsoft start clashing, I think I could help mediate between the two."

Although Gates was also a billionaire, over 95% of his fortune was tied up in Microsoft shares, and he had only a few million dollars in liquid assets. Facing Simon's vast wealth, Gates felt not only inevitable jealousy but also a touch of absurdity.

A young man not yet twenty had earned a fortune in one year that others couldn't reach in several lifetimes.

What was happening to the world?

Had it encountered a bug like an operating system?

After a pause, Gates finally spoke again, "Simon, if you insist, I can agree to you personally joining Microsoft's board, not some unknown lawyer from New York."

"I'm too busy to fly to Seattle for various Microsoft meetings regularly," Simon firmly shook his head, "Bill, James is my representative. Through him, I'll keep informed about Microsoft's operations and make my suggestions."

"You must ensure he doesn't arbitrarily interfere with Microsoft's corporate decisions."

"Of course, even I wouldn't do that," Simon nodded, "Actually, I prefer to offer suggestions rather than persuade someone to agree with my views. For Microsoft, and for all other companies that Westeros Corp holds shares in, the most direct way I express my personal intentions is through stocks—buying in or selling out, it's that simple. Even, if you need it, I could transfer the voting rights of Westeros Corp's shares to you."

Gates was straightforward, "Really?"

"Absolutely, but in exchange, sell me some more of your shares—5% at 90% of the market price. Bill, you're already a billionaire. Surely you need more liquid cash, right? A public sale would be restricted by the SEC, but a private transfer wouldn't be a problem. Then, I could give you the voting rights for 10% of Westeros Corp's holdings."

Gates looked at the man across the table, who seemed almost like a wolf in sheep's

 clothing, and almost instinctively shook his head, "Sorry, Simon, I have no plans to sell my shares right now. If you want more, you can acquire them from the open market."

As they talked, lunch was quickly served.

Despite the odd feeling, Gates gradually let his guard down, and the atmosphere became more relaxed. Having achieved his goal, Simon further shared his ideas about the Wintel alliance.

After lunch, Simon and Gates parted ways, and Simon returned to his company headquarters. It was already past two in the afternoon.

Just as he walked into the office building, Amy approached him with a script in hand. Seeing the script Amy handed over, Simon's face immediately showed surprise.

"Rain Man."

Could it be?

Was this destined to be his, unavoidable?

Initially planning to head straight to the editing room, seeing the "Rain Man" script made Simon instead steer Amy towards his office. Sitting behind his desk, Simon composed himself and began reading the script with interest, waiting for Amy to explain voluntarily.

Although Amy noticed Simon's strange expression, she didn't think much of it and sat down across the desk, saying, "Simon, this was sent over by Michael Ovitz, a story about the affection between brothers, one of whom is autistic. He called as well, but you weren't in."

Simon asked, "Does he want us to invest?"

Last Friday, Simon had Amy announce that Westeros Corp was looking to invest in external film projects, and "Rain Man" had clearly found its way to them because of this.

Amy nodded, "I've heard about this project before. Ovitz has been pushing for "Rain Man" since last year. Supposedly, during his college days studying psychology, he participated in charity work for autism, which left a deep impression on him, so he's very fond of this script. He even brought in Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise as the leads."

Simon flipped through the script and asked, "A project with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise shouldn't lack for investment, right?"

Amy replied, "The story lacks a commercial selling point, and Hoffman and Cruise won't cut their fees, so the budget needs $25 million. Hollywood doesn't see the potential in this project—Warner, Universal, Paramount, and others have all rejected the script, and several top directors who initially took it on eventually backed out. Earlier this year, Spielberg had agreed to direct and helped raise funds. However, he also recently announced his withdrawal, publicly stating he's directing 'Indiana Jones 3,' but I think Steven likely sees little potential in the project too."

Simon chuckled, "Then why did you bring it to me, thinking I'm an easy mark?"

Amy also laughed, "United Artists has taken on the project now, but they hope to find other investors to share the risk. Ovitz mentioned that we're interested in the rights to 'The Hobbit,' which United Artists holds. He said on the phone that if Daenerys Film is willing to invest $10 million, he can help persuade United Artists to transfer 'The Hobbit' rights to us."

Simon looked at Amy, asking, "What do you think?"

Amy shook her head, "The risk is too great, and I don't recommend investing. However, because it's related to 'The Hobbit,' I brought it to your attention. Since Ovitz has made the offer, he must be confident he can secure 'The Hobbit' rights for us. And, the $10 million investment might still be negotiable."

Originally concerned about shining too brightly in Hollywood, Simon had planned to pass on "Rain Man," a film that was the box office champion in North America in 1988 in the original timeline. However, over the past year, Simon's actions in Hollywood and Wall Street could hardly be described simply as being too prominent. There was no longer a need to hold back.

Deciding, Simon closed the script and told Amy, "I'll read it tonight and reply to Ovitz tomorrow."

Amy nodded, then brought up another matter, "The actresses you were interested in have all declined 'Basic Instinct.' Simon, we'll have to choose the female lead from the second or third tier actresses now."

With 'Basic Instinct' scheduled for next summer, the film had been in hectic preparation.

Besides the controversy and allure of its erotic theme, the success of 'Basic Instinct' critically depended on whether the actress playing the female lead could spark chemistry with Michael Douglas and portray a strong, calm, and ruthless female writer.

From the start, Simon had kept the selection of the female lead in his hands. He had first considered Michelle Pfeiffer, but she had outright refused due to the numerous nude scenes. After carefully selecting several popular actresses and extending invitations, he had still been turned down.

Frustratedly handling the "Rain Man" script, Simon said, "In that case, let's pick from the second and third-tier actresses. Have the agency send

 over a list of alternatives soon. The film starts shooting in February next year; we don't have much time."

Amy agreed, and after discussing some more matters, they both got busy with their afternoon tasks.

___________________

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT