[Chapter 550: Strategizing Internet Market, Netscape Crashes]
Linton had been leisurely enjoying his vacation on the farm, accompanied by Cristiana, Sophie Marceau, Monica Bellucci, the three newborns, and little Lina.
Thanks to Linton's presence, Cristiana, Sophie, and Monica enjoyed their postpartum confinement wholeheartedly, recovering both physically and mentally at an impressive pace. Even during the lively evening parties, Linton could fully indulge himself without worry.
When free, they often strolled through the backyard garden, sipping tea in the lakeside gazebo. Sometimes, they'd even take a boat for a couple of laps around the lake. The lake's water connected to the Missouri River, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water. Positioned at the heart of the Spirit Gathering Array, the lake was incredibly clear, and the fish tasted exceptionally fresh.
When in the mood, the group would dive in for a few swims or pull a few nets to catch fish, handing the haul over to Chef Suarez in the kitchen to prepare special dishes for everyone. If Lina and the three babies weren't around, the four adults would often erupt into playful, intense underwater battles, enjoying the thrill of aquatic play.
September brought harvest season, turning the farm into a scene of joyous abundance. The farmland under crop rotation was planted entirely with rapeseed flowers at Linton's direction, and September marked the peak bloom of these golden fields. A hundred acres of radiant yellow stretched as far as the eye could see, adding breathtaking beauty to the farm.
When spirits were high, Linton would lead the group out of the garden to explore the farm, sharing the joy of harvest and admiring the pastoral scenery. By the end of September, they had harvested sufficient rice, wheat, and soybeans from the hundred acres -- enough to supply everyone on the property and at the Los Angeles estate for the entire coming year.
Grown in land brimming with spiritual energy, the crops possessed abundant vitality, offering remarkable health benefits with long-term consumption. And even if the produce exceeded own needs, Linton firmly refused to let any surplus flood the commercial market to avoid unnecessary troubles.
Therefore, he had Carter begin constructing a rice mill, oil press, and flour mill within the farm's workshop area, ensuring all processing stayed internal.
...
On the last day of September, Linton visited the farm's management office to meet with farm manager Tuck. By then, all crops had been harvested and the grain sold to breweries and sugar refineries. Workers busied themselves maintaining machinery and preparing to refurbish the irrigation channels for next year's planting.
The farm was brimming with festive energy -- it promised another fruitful season.
Tuck enthusiastically reported to Linton, "Boss, congratulations! The farm's had another big harvest this year."
Overall, this year's yield matched last year's, with barley and sugar beet production about 30% higher than neighboring farms. Meanwhile, grain prices had risen considerably. Barley prices climbed 5%, while sugar beet prices remained steady due to year-start contracts with sugar factories, stabilizing risk.
As a result, the farm's profit surged to $30 million, an increase of $7 million from last year.
Although this profit was no longer a major focus for Linton, he was still quietly pleased.
"That's excellent. Since the farm performed well, I can't shortchange you or the crew. Go ahead and notify everyone -- this year, all bonuses are doubled."
"Thank you, boss!" Tuck, well versed in flattering, quickly spread the great news. Soon, cheers of "Boss!" echoed throughout the farm.
After the workers dispersed, Linton pulled out the farm map and gave Tuck further instructions.
"Next year, I want to expand the airport -- reserve another 150 acres here. When you work on the water channels, steer clear of this area."
"Got it, boss."
He then called Goodman to contact local land agents to try acquiring neighboring farms. Linton planned to expand his farm by twentyfold within five years, preparing for the construction of a massive Lightning Protection Array to face the approaching Celestial Tribulation.
---
Unaware, October quietly arrived.
On October 6, Linton returned to Los Angeles with his Vitality Pills and Beauty Pills. As usual, both were quickly snapped up.
Since the children's birth, the estate had gained much livelier energy. In Linton's absence, his harem generally stayed in their private villas, but now, drawn by the irresistible baby energy, they often resided at Linton's estate when free.
Even usually independent Winnie began staying at the estate full-time.
Knowing Linton had returned, Winnie cleared her morning workload early and arrived at the estate before lunch with documents in hand.
After enjoying a sumptuous meal, Linton followed routine and led Winnie upstairs for a warm-up session.
Then, in the study, Winnie handed him a folder.
"Dear, after five months of ongoing investment and stock purchases on the secondary market, the $17 billion in the health company has been fully converted into stocks."
"Oh? What stocks did you buy?"
"About $7 billion went into computer, communications, and internet sectors, mainly matching the previous charity fund investments. The biggest shares are in Microsoft and Cisco, followed by Nokia, Intel, AOL, Compaq, Dell, Yahoo, and such."
"The remaining $10 billion was diversified into military, automotive, energy, chemical, aerospace, logistics, trade, biotech, and other sectors," Winnie continued. "Most came from the target list you got from Buffett, including Boeing, Airbus, American Airlines, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, KFC, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Pfizer, and others.
There were also some new picks our investment team uncovered recently, like Procter & Gamble in daily goods, Estee Lauder in cosmetics, LVMH in French luxury, Nestle coffee from Sweden, Samsung Electronics from Korea, and TSMC from Taiwan."
Linton flipped through the folder listing over seventy companies, with details on investment size and stake percentages. The stakes were mostly minor holdings, under 1%, sometimes less than 0.5%.
"Excellent," he said. "In the last five months, the health company has raised another $7.8 billion. I'll keep $800 million liquid; you take the rest and continue buying stocks on the list. And if the team finds promising new investments, add them in."
"Got it. But I think we've already invested too much in computers, communications, and internet. Including the charity fund, Mangrove Capital, and the health company, investments in those sectors have exceeded $30 billion. I suggest we reduce focus there and diversify into other industries."
"No, I believe the computer, communications, and internet sectors represent new industries and technologies with enormous future potential. We can't stop investing there. But you're right about diversifying to mitigate risk. So the charity fund office and Mangrove Capital will mainly invest there, but if you find exceptional opportunities elsewhere, consider them.
As for the health company, with its steady income, we'll try to avoid those three sectors and focus investments elsewhere. Meanwhile, Mangrove Capital remains focused on internet venture investments."
"Understood."
"By the way, how is the plan to invest in internet startups coming?"
"We've made progress. At Mangrove Capital, we already have two outstanding supervisors for this -- William Lee, a Harvard economics master's graduate like me, and Jennifer Roberts, with a master degree in maths from MIT. I've set up a dedicated investment group led by Jennifer. They're reaching out to Silicon Valley's community and students across America, inviting internet startup proposals to Mangrove Capital.
Additionally, we're establishing a branch in Hong Kong with an initial $20 million investment. William Lee will become general manager there to develop the Asian internet venture capital market."
"Nice. When I visited Hong Kong last time, I spoke deeply with Yahoo's Jerry Yang. We both agreed Asian internet, specifically Chinese market will be huge, far surpassing Europe and Japan. You need to put effort in."
"Of course, we've already received many internet startup plans for Asia. One is by Charles Zhang, a Ph.D. graduate from MIT and Jennifer's schoolmate. His plan is unique. Unlike other startups focusing on the U.S. market in Silicon Valley, his internet startup is based in Beijing, targeting the Chinese market."
'Charles Zhang, MIT Ph.D... Wasn't he the founder of the portal, Sohu?'
"Hmm.. Good idea. Instead of fighting for scraps here, he's opening a new market in China. Did you approve his plan?"
"Yes, approved $1 million investment for a 20% stake."
"And the online bookstore Amazon?"
"Doing fine. Your recent fame gave our venture team more confidence. After negotiations, last month we obtained lead investor rights in the Series A round, investing $6 million for 15% equity."
"Good. I've been following Amazon. Their business model is promising. Keep close watch and continue participating in future rounds, preferably leading and accumulating more shares."
"Will do. Also, two more good news items."
"Good news? Tell me."
"Remember ICQ?"
"Of course. I still use it."
"First good news: After we invested $2 million, ICQ used the funds to aggressively expand in North America. User base has rapidly grown to 11 million. They're now preparing to enter Europe and Japan with a $10 million Series B round for 20% equity, valuing the company at $50 million.
However, because we own 40% from A round, Vigiser fears losing control and refuses our participation in B round. Regardless, our initial investment already made big returns. Even if we skip B round, our stake will only dilute to 36%."
"That's excellent. What's the second?"
"Netscape is in big trouble."
"Netscape? Is Microsoft attacking the browser market?"
"Yes. Microsoft developed IE starting in June, but Netscape still dominated. However, mid-September, as you predicted, Microsoft bundled IE with Windows 95. On September 16, Windows 95 release included IE, instantly slashing Netscape's sales in half.
Jim Clark blasted Microsoft for unfair tactics, planning to sue at the Federal Trade Commission, but no effective countermeasures exist. In October, Netscape's sales kept dropping. Their stock price has plummeted more than half since we sold, with no hopeful signs. It's at risk of collapse."
"Looks like our prediction was right. Good thing we cleared out Netscape's stock in time."
"Of course, but the credit isn't ours -- it's yours. I wouldn't dare take the laurels."
"Who cares about credit between us?"
"Darling, you're amazing." Winnie stood and crossed the desk, straddling Linton's lap, planting a wet kiss on him. "Anything else on your mind?"
"Nope."
"Then let's go upstairs..."
"Why upstairs? Here's plenty fine."
*****
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