Both Tinkerbell and Broadcast are actually entirely controlled by the Westeros system.
When Clark heard Simon mention an IPO, she was puzzled and said, "Boss, I think that as long as you agree, there's no need for Tinkerbell to go public."
Most IPOs are primarily aimed at raising funds.
However, for Tinkerbell, despite being a relatively new company, thanks to the strong sales of its products, it has already started generating enough stable cash flow for the next phase of expansion. Even if financing is required, debt financing would be quite easy at this stage.
The most crucial point is that going public now would be highly disadvantageous for Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell has maintained over 100% growth for the past two years, and revenue growth in the first few months of this year shows no signs of slowing down. Coupled with the recent success of the iPlayer digital music player, which has quickly gained market recognition, the longer the IPO is delayed, the higher the valuation the company can achieve, just like Igret.
Going public now would be like selling at a discount.
Clark was well aware of this too. Her mention of Broadcast to Simon was merely a suggestion for their boss to merge the two companies privately. She didn't intend for Tinkerbell to go public.
Simon just shook his head and said, "There are other reasons as well, C. Are you really satisfied with the current scale of Tinkerbell?"
Clark suddenly smiled sweetly. "Honestly, boss, when I first started, I never imagined Tinkerbell would grow to this size. So, yes, I am quite satisfied."
Simon was momentarily speechless.
Clark chuckled softly.
After a brief exchange of humor, Simon took a sip of his coffee, then put on his sunglasses to shield himself from the afternoon sun on the terrace and said, "Actually, it's not just about Broadcast. I also want Tinkerbell to acquire Apple in the next couple of years."
Clark was surprised. "Boss, Apple's decline is obvious right now, and..." She paused, realizing something, and sat up slightly, looking at Simon. "Boss, are you planning to support Apple and the operating system Igret has been quietly developing to compete with Microsoft?"
After some negotiation, Igret had officially reached an agreement with Microsoft to preinstall the IE browser on overseas versions of Windows. However, both industry insiders and the media had noticed a growing rift between Microsoft and the Westeros system, with numerous signs surfacing recently.
Being in the same circle, Clark felt it even more deeply. When Simon mentioned Apple, she quickly pieced it together.
Simon did not deny it. He simply nodded and said, "Not only to compete with Microsoft, but Apple also holds many things that both Igret and Tinkerbell need."
Clark caught on quickly. "Patents?"
This was the result of Simon's constant emphasis.
Since the early days of Tinkerbell's founding, Simon had repeatedly stressed the importance of patents. Across the entire Westeros system, nearly every company had dedicated departments responsible for applying for various trademarks and patents globally.
The results had been impressive.
Simon nodded again. "Yes, patents. Because Apple started developing operating systems earlier than Microsoft, they hold a large number of core patents related to operating systems. Only by acquiring these patents can we successfully launch an alternative platform to ensure that the Westeros system's internet ecosystem is not constrained by Windows. Honestly, as Microsoft's second-largest shareholder, I don't want to create a second operating system to compete with Windows. But since Gates not only refuses to integrate Microsoft into the Westeros system but also harbors significant hostility towards us, I have no choice. However, even if we introduce Linux-based personal computers, they won't capture a large market share. It also won't become the core business of Igret or Tinkerbell. Ultimately, it's just an insurance policy, a way to make Microsoft wary. I want Gates to understand that if Microsoft doesn't support the Westeros internet ecosystem, the result will be driving users to our Linux platform."
Clark knew how crucial Simon had been in Tinkerbell's success. Over the years, she had developed an almost blind trust in him while witnessing the rapid rise of the Westeros system. After hearing Simon's explanation, she said directly, "Then, boss, should I start preparing for the IPO soon?"
Simon tapped his fingers lightly on the wooden frame of the deck chair and shook his head slightly. "Here's the plan: you first discuss the merger with Broadcast with Jeff and the team. Although I can make the decision myself, we still need cooperation from Igret and The New York Times Group, as they are major shareholders of Broadcast. Once you finalize the merger, then start the IPO process."
Clark turned on her side on the lounge chair to confirm, "So, boss, you're agreeing?"
Simon was never one to lack decisiveness.
Whether they kept Broadcast operating independently, aiming to become a major online audio sales platform for all digital music players, or merged it with Tinkerbell to enhance the iPlayer's market advantage, both were viable choices.
However, both outcomes couldn't coexist.
Moreover, realizing the first option would take an unknown amount of time, and there could be many variables along the way, while the second option was right at hand and an easier choice.
Merging the two companies would also significantly enhance Tinkerbell's internet presence, boosting its IPO valuation.
Agreeing with Clark, Simon added, "That's right, but you'll face more challenges ahead. Initially, my plan was to gather all the major global record labels onto the Broadcast platform and make it the sole online platform for selling legitimate audio content for all digital music players. Because Broadcast wasn't tied to any hardware company, this task was relatively easy. Now, once you merge, it'll be much harder to get licenses from the record companies. Take Sony, for example—they'll definitely resist licensing their music for sale on Broadcast to protect their Walkman."
Clark blinked and asked, "Boss, do you think there will be another company capable of competing with Tinkerbell in the digital music player market?"
Simon smiled. "That's inevitable. I know you've already built a very strong patent barrier. However, we ultimately can't match the accumulated experience of legacy companies like Sony. Given the strong sales of the iPlayer this past month, unless other companies are foolish, they will definitely start developing similar products soon."
Historically, the iPod was launched in 2001, but it wasn't until 2005, under mounting pressure, that Jobs opened the MP3 player to platforms like Windows, which led to the iPod's sales boom. By then, the iPod had already missed its prime opportunity to dominate the market, as major digital music player manufacturers had already introduced their own products, and there was a massive gray market of knockoffs.
Moreover, the smartphone era arrived shortly afterward, with traditional feature phones beginning to incorporate MP3 functionality, leading to the swift obsolescence of MP3 players.
As a result, the iPod's dominance only lasted a few short years starting in 2005, despite the fact that the shift to a new era had slowed other manufacturers' efforts to develop MP3 players. Even then, by 2006, the iPod's market share had dropped to around 60%.
But things were different now.
Although Moore's Law predicts a rapid doubling of semiconductor performance, it still takes time. This means that from 1995 to 2005, at least ten years remained before semiconductor chip performance could sufficiently improve. It would be impossible for electronics manufacturers to over-integrate products like digital cameras or music players—not because they couldn't, but because the performance wouldn't meet expectations, and the cost would be prohibitively high. This guaranteed that products like the iPlayer would have at least ten years of prosperity.
Ten years is more than enough time. Even with Tinkerbell's strong market position, the massive profit potential will undoubtedly attract relentless competition from other manufacturers.
Clark's main goal in merging with Broadcast was to gain more leverage in content.
Now, after listening to Simon's perspective and his alternate plan for Broadcast, she realized that she hadn't thought as far ahead as her boss.
Simon, noticing Clark's thoughtful expression, added, "There's one more thing. The iPlayer's widespread adoption will likely rely heavily on pirated content, similar to the VCD I'm planning to push in China. You've probably noticed this trend recently. Giving Broadcast to you will be good because it'll help silence the record companies. Of course, this is something we all understand, but we should never say it out loud."
Clark grinned mischievously, as if she had just conspired with her boss to do something underhanded, and added, "But Sony has already lodged a protest against us."
Simon chuckled. "Sony is the last company that has any right to do that. Back when Hollywood sued Sony over the VCR, they won. If Sony sues us similarly, their own case will be used against them as a precedent. Of course, from my perspective, the primary role of piracy should be to force those record companies to authorize Broadcast to sell legitimate music content. You must keep this in mind. At the right time, Igret and Tinkerbell will have to take the lead in cracking down on internet piracy. C, you must understand, copyrights are the foundation of the entertainment industry. If we don't respect that, rampant piracy will destroy the industry, and Tinkerbell, a company dependent on it, will ultimately fail."
Clark nodded solemnly, indicating she understood.
They continued chatting until about 2:00 PM, when they both rose from the terrace.
Clark left first to continue her work at Tinkerbell's headquarters, while Simon headed to the villa's master bedroom. The housekeeper was still asleep but sensed his presence and woke up, her face flushed like a spring flower in
early bloom.
Simon walked over and gently pushed her back onto the bed, lying down beside her, propping his head up with one hand as he gazed at the cold beauty beside him and asked with a smile, "Isn't it nice to take a break?"
Perhaps because she had just woken up, the housekeeper's usual fiery demeanor was replaced by a touch of softness. She slightly tilted her head to meet Simon's gaze and responded, "I should get to work."
Simon couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her lips lightly, like a fleeting dragonfly, and said, "We'll work together in a bit."
Alice simply hummed softly in response, continuing to gaze at the man so close to her.
Due to Simon's personal instructions and Clark's "assistance," the housekeeper now worked less than ten hours a day and was required to take weekends off. Although her schedule still exceeded that of most Westerners, in Silicon Valley, it was quite normal. The housekeeper had also been forced to learn to delegate more of her work to others.
Alice wasn't ungrateful; she knew Simon did it for her own good.
No one can sustain such high-intensity work for long. Moreover, whether she liked it or not, physically, a woman's stamina can never quite match a man's.
Despite working less, Amazon's growth hadn't been affected. With more time to think about the intricacies of e-commerce, Alice increasingly appreciated Simon's advice about managing people effectively.
For a small business, micromanaging everything is fine, but for a company aiming to grow, micromanagement becomes counterproductive.
Igret's e-commerce business had grown immensely.
If Alice didn't delegate more to specialists, the division would either collapse or stagnate.
Recently, after receiving her well-earned stock options, Alice suddenly found herself with a net worth of over $2 billion, far exceeding even her wildest goals. This unexpected wealth left her feeling a bit lost. Lying on the large bed, gazing at the man next to her, she finally asked softly, "Boss, you already have so much. Why do you keep pushing yourself?"
Simon paused briefly before smiling, "Ah, we're talking about life? I like that."
He then kicked off his shoes and made himself more comfortable.
Alice rolled her eyes but shifted over slightly, still looking at him with curiosity.
Simon settled beside her, enjoying her scent, gently caressing her smooth cheek, and asked with a smile, "Are you feeling lost now that you've earned so much money?"
Alice hesitated for a moment but then nodded slightly.
Just as she was expecting a long lecture, Simon suddenly pressed his weight down on her. Before she could react, she heard him mischievously say that he much preferred the last step of talking about life between a man and a woman.
It wasn't until 4:00 PM that they finally left the bay villa and headed to Igret's nearby headquarters to start working.
Still, Alice received an answer from Simon.
When you're feeling lost in life, set a goal for yourself. It could be for the next year, month, day, or even just an hour, and then try to achieve it. Repeat this process. The goal doesn't need to be something grand or ambitious; it could be anything that suddenly comes to mind—drink a glass of water, fold a paper airplane, read a poem, clean your desk, learn a drawing technique, or take an impromptu trip.
Maybe, looking back in the distant future, you'll feel that your life was, at the very least, fulfilling.
Like an ant.
Diligently spending its life fulfilling its instincts, with no regrets when the end comes.
Ultimately, in the vast scale of the universe, a human life is no different from that of an ant. When lost or confused, instead of pondering life's meaning, simply live it to the fullest.
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