Zhang Tianxing frowned deeply as he looked at the feasibility report. Damn it, he was still too young and hadn't anticipated how deep the waters of the mobile phone industry were.
The main question was whether Zhang Tianxing wanted to assemble phones or design and produce them himself. However, a significant issue here was the matter of technical patents.
According to the report compiled by Guo Jiajia, Qualcomm not only produced mobile phone chips but also issued patent licenses, thus achieving initial capital accumulation.
It seemed he needed to find a way to bypass this vampire, Qualcomm. Otherwise, the better he performed, the more he would be working directly for Qualcomm.
Zhang Tianxing could only manage a wry smile, setting the mobile phone manufacturing feasibility report aside and rubbing his temples vigorously. It appeared this battle would be perilous, far more complicated than he had imagined.
Perhaps he could pay the licensing fees first and start with assembling phones.
Guo Jiajia walked in softly at this moment. Seeing Zhang Tianxing's distressed expression, she couldn't help but burst into laughter. "So, you're having a headache now? You boasted about entering the mobile phone industry, but you're just young and impulsive, not knowing the immensity of the sky. Do you know what people are saying about you out there?"
All sorts of things were being said, but the gist was that no one was optimistic about Zhang Tianxing, widely labeling him as a "money-scattering boy of the new era."
It truly echoed the ancient saying: money that comes easily goes lightly.
"By the way, Sister Jiajia, what do you think about us acquiring Qualcomm?" Zhang Tianxing suddenly proposed.
"Save it. With your meager funds, you'd only be a small shareholder," Guo Jiajia retorted, giving him a dismissive look and a very pragmatic answer.
Alright, so his money was still insufficient; he was still poor.
Opportunity favors the prepared. While there was still time, if he didn't build a team now, Qualcomm would seize the moment to file all their patents, and then Qualcomm could lie back and rake in money.
This plan wouldn't work. It seemed the key was to offer a high price for even a small gain, to make others believe he had the strength and ability to accomplish this, thus attracting talent.
Thinking this, Zhang Tianxing chuckled happily. "Sister Jiajia, I've thought of a way that might solve our recruitment problem."
"Tell me, let me see if there's a breakthrough in this costly endeavor. I'm out of ideas. Amidst this internet bubble, I've only managed to recruit a few peripheral figures, not the core members, the soul of the team," Guo Jiajia said, a hint of curiosity in her voice, wondering what brilliant idea Zhang Tianxing could come up with.
However, from Guo Jiajia's perspective, this was very challenging. Zhang Tianxing's company was too young, and the few people who had joined were mostly drawn by his reputation as the "number one air investor."
Reputation precedes one. If one cannot establish their fame, they cannot gain others' recognition.
"Patents are the first lifeblood," this was Qualcomm's guiding motto. It was said that 20% of their annual profits were invested in R&D.
Their R&D department was where they had the most high-caliber talent, and it was the most crucial part of Qualcomm.
What he needed to do now was to find a way to apply for patents first, to avoid being technologically controlled by others.
As for R&D projects, Zhang Tianxing already had his targets. Now, he just lacked people. No, he still lacked a bit of money.
Glancing at the stock market, the US market was filled with despair. The Nasdaq had plunged dramatically, dropping by 50%.
Further declines were expected. However, Zhang Tianxing adhered to the principle of not trying to catch the last penny, as long as there was profit, it was fine.
Moreover, the esteemed Professor John F. had sought out Zhang Tianxing for a conversation.
"Tianxing, you are my most accomplished student. I have a word of advice, and I hope you will listen."
"Professor, please speak," Zhang Tianxing held Professor John F. in high regard. As long as it wasn't a matter of principle, he would agree without hesitation.
"It's like this, do you think the Nasdaq has further room to fall?"
"I personally believe there is further room for decline. Why? Because people still hold onto hope, and there are still people investing money in the stock market."
"The stock market has always been a place of comings and goings; it's always been like this." John F. didn't quite grasp Zhang Tianxing's words. The casino opens every day, and if it's open, there are customers; that's perfectly normal.
"It's like this, Professor. There's a saying: 'The market is born from despair.' Since people haven't despaired yet, I believe there's still room for decline." Zhang Tianxing stated his conclusion directly, omitting certain matters he couldn't delve into too deeply.
In America, freedom of speech wasn't absolute, especially when one was on the FBI's watchlist.
Zhang Tianxing was very cautious now, resolutely avoiding giving those perverts any opportunity.
The world has suffered under America for too long. Now is the time to stand up.
He went directly to Morgan Stanley's investment bank and found Old Kellen. "Help me close my positions. I'm no longer shorting the Nasdaq."
Old Kellen couldn't believe his ears. Zhang Tianxing was finally going to close his positions! Because Zhang Tianxing refused to do so, his recent days had been incredibly difficult.
Scolded thrice a week, lectured heavily every five days. It seemed he was finally free from the scolding.
"Mr. Zhang, this way please. I'll settle your accounts for you. You've profited handsomely, earning a full billion US dollars. You put in one hundred million and got eleven out. I've never seen such a record," Old Kellen stammered incoherently.
Damn it, this was a disaster! Did the company have that much money? Old Kellen fell into deep doubt.
Now, Morgan Stanley had been interested in Zhang Tianxing's one hundred million principal. Who knew Zhang Tianxing was interested in their money.
They had lost a fortune. Morgan Stanley was almost forced to declare bankruptcy. Fortunately, they had a strong foundation, and although it was a serious blow, they could still come up with the money.
Originally, Old Kellen intended to use delaying tactics, but after seeing Zhang Tianxing's personal lawyer, Jimmy, he fell silent.
Jimmy was the most renowned lawyer in Washington. Since he gained fame, he had an undefeated record. Morgan Stanley had suffered losses at Jimmy's hands several times.
Their leadership had directly stated that for any case represented by Jimmy in the future, they should settle directly. In the end, it would always result in a loss.
"When will this money reach my account?" Zhang Tianxing asked. The rate at which he was spending money was increasing, and recruiting personnel was indeed a very costly endeavor.
"Within a month. Primarily, your funds are too substantial, so it cannot be expedited," Old Kellen forced a grimace. There was nothing he could do; the amount was too immense, and their chairman would feel a pang of heartache upon seeing it.