In a mansion located in the affluent Williamsburg neighborhood of Potomac, northwest of Washington, D.C.
It was late autumn.
After waking up early, Janet dragged Simon out for a leisurely stroll along the estate's paths, which were covered in thick layers of red and yellow leaves. The scenery was picturesque, and they didn't return to the villa until 7:30 a.m. to have breakfast.
By 8:00 a.m., after finishing breakfast, Janet went to get dressed and do her makeup, while Simon headed to the study.
Neil Bennett made a brief appearance, updating Simon on the events that had transpired in Los Angeles the previous night. Simon acknowledged the information with a nod and then dismissed it.
In truth, the situation could have been resolved much more simply. Even if Jamie Spears had filed a lawsuit, it wouldn't have had much impact on Simon. After all, three years ago, the Hearst family's scandal had already tarnished Simon's public image. At this point, another lawsuit wouldn't make much difference.
The world works in strange ways. People are overly critical of those perceived as "good," scrutinizing every flaw. But for those seen as "bad," especially those in high positions, the tolerance is much higher. Anything they do is almost expected, and people just watch the drama unfold.
Moreover, the Westeros family's private intelligence network had hacked into Jamie Spears' computer the night he made his threats and retrieved the original, unedited audio evidence. Even though Spears wasn't entirely stupid and had deleted the files, if the FBI were to search his computer, the evidence would still be there.
In the end, it would all be exposed as a farce.
Simon didn't opt for the simplest solution, not just to teach Spears a lesson he'd never have a chance to reflect on, but also to send a warning to others.
And finally, it served as a kind of "live exercise."
The Westeros family had a lot of people working behind the scenes. If they weren't given tasks regularly, over time, like an army that hadn't seen battle, their effectiveness would undoubtedly decline.
After Neil left, Simon connected to a video call with China.
Chen Qing appeared on the computer screen.
This was a pre-scheduled conference call.
However, as usual, Chen Qing didn't dive straight into business. Instead, she started with some gossip, her tone lively and intrigued: "Boss, that Qin Buzui is quite interesting."
Simon wasn't in a hurry. Leaning back in his leather chair, he listened to Chen Qing's chatter and smiled. "Oh? What happened? I remember you mentioned last time that she returned to China?"
Chen Qing, with dramatic flair, replied, "Yes, she went back to China and took two foreign maids with her to her hometown in Sichuan. She said it was to pay respects at her late grandparents' graves. Quite a filial girl, right?"
Simon knew there had to be more to the story and waited with a smile for Chen Qing to continue.
"But in reality, she's like a female Count of Monte Cristo—she went back for revenge," Chen Qing said, her tone full of intrigue. She paused for effect before adding, "Paying respects at her grandparents' graves was real, but it was also a cover. She waited in her hometown for three days with her two foreign maids until her mother and... well, her nominal stepfather showed up."
"And then?"
"Then they got into a fight."
Simon looked unimpressed. "Sounds pretty low-end."
Chen Qing chuckled. "No, boss, imagine this: a beautiful mother and daughter, completely disregarding their image, rolling around and fighting. Doesn't that sound exciting?"
As she spoke, Chen Qing pulled out a photo like a magician and held it up to the camera.
The photo showed a mother and daughter standing side by side, dressed in what could be considered fashionable by Chinese standards.
However, their expressions were stiff and unnatural.
It looked like a forced photo op, with both women appearing somewhat timid and eager to please. The mother, in her thirties, had fair skin and captivating peach-blossom eyes. She bore a resemblance to Qin Buzui and was similarly tall, around six feet. But she had a fragile, delicate air about her.
The girl next to her looked about fourteen or fifteen.
Clearly not Qin Buzui, likely a half-sister or stepsister.
Looking at the photo, it was hard to imagine such a stunning woman would engage in a messy brawl with her daughter.
But thinking about it, it did sound rather thrilling.
Chen Qing, on the other end, deliberately didn't explain the photo in detail, instead winking suggestively and adding, "Oh, and don't worry, boss. Both their faces were fine—no scratches. Qin Buzui did get a few marks on her neck, but nothing serious. They won't scar."
Simon finally showed some curiosity. "Why did they fight?"
"That's the best part," Chen Qing said, as if she were holding a gavel ready to strike. "First, let's talk about the family's surnames. Qin Buzui's surname is Qin, her biological father's surname is Zheng, her stepfather's surname is Zhang, and her mother's surname is Wei. Oh, and her name is Wei Mu," Chen Qing said, holding up the photo of the woman again. Then she shifted gears slightly: "But Qin Buzui's grandfather's surname was Guan. So, boss, guess who Qin Buzui's surname comes from?"
"Her grandmother."
Chen Qing looked surprised. "Boss, how did you know?"
"You hadn't mentioned her grandmother yet."
Chen Qing realized her mistake and stuck out her tongue playfully before continuing, "So, just based on these surnames, boss, you can probably guess how many stories are hidden in this family."
"I don't have time for a long story."
Chen Qing pouted, looking disappointed, as if to say, "How can you not be interested?" But she quickly got back on track: "Nominally, she went back to pay respects to her grandparents, but in reality, she went back for revenge. Qin Buzui's grandmother died of illness three years ago. While it wasn't directly caused by her daughter, the constant harassment and arguments certainly contributed. After her grandmother's death, her grandfather passed away just a month later. The reason? A set of jewelry."
At this point, Chen Qing took a sip of water to moisten her throat before continuing, "It's a shame you don't want to hear the backstory, boss. Qin Buzui's grandfather, the Guan family, were major warlords in Sichuan before the liberation. They were wealthy and powerful. Even after going through many upheavals, they managed to hold onto some assets, including a set of jewelry belonging to Qin Buzui's grandmother. The old couple, due to their strained relationship with their daughter and their love for their granddaughter, decided to leave everything to Qin Buzui as her dowry, leaving Wei Mu with nothing after her two marriages."
Simon, seeing Chen Qing about to pause for dramatic effect again, played along: "And then?"
"Before, it didn't matter much. Back then, whether you had money or not, life was pretty much the same. Wei Mu, though angry, tolerated it. But about three years ago, Wei Mu's second husband, who had been working in a government office, decided to quit and go into business. It's a popular trend in China now, and he needed money. Encouraged by her husband and feeling cheated herself, Wei Mu started causing scenes at her parents' home, eventually driving the old couple to their deaths. Qin Buzui, with the help of relatives, buried her grandparents and then ran away from home. She only returned a few days ago."
Chen Qing paused again before adding, "When Wei Mu heard her daughter was back, and given that her husband's textile factory was struggling and they were being pressured by the bank for repayment, she gathered a group of people to capture Qin Buzui. If Qin Buzui hadn't brought those two foreign maids with her, Wei Mu might have sold her daughter off—after extracting the jewelry, of course. But because there were foreign guests involved, the police showed up quickly to avoid an international incident. Boss, you wouldn't believe it—the Lincoln SUV Qin Buzui drove was smashed up. In that small town, no one recognized the car, and the little girl clearly did it on purpose. The repair estimate came in today: over a million yuan. Wei Mu and her husband couldn't afford it even if they sold everything they owned."
After finishing the story, Chen Qing teased her boss a bit by holding up the photo again: "So, this is the compensation—a pair."
Simon remained noncommittal. While he enjoyed collecting beautiful women, he had a high immunity to such temptations. He simply nodded and said, "Alright, storytime's over. Let's get to business."
Chen Qing, hearing her boss's tone, didn't push further. She straightened up, pulled over a thick folder, and began: "Boss, you've probably seen the notice from China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television about the reform deadline, right?"
Simon nodded.
It was about the theater networking and cinema chain reforms in China's film industry.
Chen Qing had mentioned it a while back when Simon was still in China. The plan was to release the relevant documents while he was still on the mainland, but things didn't go as planned. The most severe "Westeros Effect" in years had forced Simon to leave Asia. The following Friday, China's State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television issued the "Guiding Opinions on Further Promoting the Reform of the Cinema Chain Mechanism and Computerized Ticketing in the Film Industry."
The core of the document had two main points: All cinemas in county-level cities and above in China had to complete the formation of cinema chains and implement computerized ticketing by December 31, 1997. For cinemas that failed to meet the deadline, the punishment would be the withholding of imported film copies starting in 1998.
Yes, the punishment was the withholding of imported film copies.
It might sound strange, but it was a necessary move.
If local cinemas refused to reform, given that each province had its own film production companies and other provinces could supply films, it would be difficult for the administration to enforce stricter penalties without affecting the livelihoods of many in the industry.
However, imported films, which only the China Film Group could provide, were under the administration's control. Even though there were only ten imported films a year, they accounted for a significant portion of the domestic box office. Therefore, if cinemas faced this punishment, many struggling theaters wouldn't survive, forcing them to reform.
Historically, China didn't complete its cinema chain reforms until 2003. This time, thanks to Simon's persistent efforts, the process was accelerated by six years.
The reason this was possible was that these changes didn't touch on sensitive issues in China's film and cultural sector, such as censorship or rating systems. Instead, they focused on economic and structural reforms. Even after these changes, what types of films could be made, how they were reviewed, and which films could be released would still be entirely up to China.
As for increasing the quota of imported films, which was more directly tied to the Westeros family's interests, Simon hadn't even brought it up during his discussions.
He knew that before China's accession to the WTO, such efforts would be futile.
There was no point in wasting energy on something that would only lead to frustration for both sides.
In the original timeline, in 2003, the highest-grossing film in China, Cell Phone, earned only 53 million yuan, and no film that year crossed the 100 million yuan mark. But in 2004, after the cinema chain reforms were fully implemented, three films—Kung Fu Hustle, House of Flying Daggers, and A World Without Thieves—each surpassed 100 million yuan at the box office. This demonstrated the power of industry standardization.
While it might become harder for cinemas to underreport box office earnings, anyone with a bit of sense would understand that this was a win-win situation.
Simon and Chen Qing discussed the Jin Shu Cinema Chain.
After the second batch of 20 flagship cinemas in key cities across China were completed over the next two years, combined with the initial two, they would form a national cinema chain. Of course, due to China's industry regulations, they would still have to collaborate with the China Film Group.
Next was the second matter.
"I attended a meeting with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications earlier today. The latest decision is that China Telecom will undergo another round of restructuring. First, using China Telecom's Hong Kong subsidiary as a foundation, China Mobile will be established to focus on mobile communications. The remaining China Telecom will be split again, with its fixed-line business spun off to form a new China Telecom company. The operational model will be similar to China Mobile's—first establishing a subsidiary in Hong Kong, then gradually integrating assets from various provinces through financing. However, this new China Telecom will focus on developing broadband internet services alongside its fixed-line business. They're not rushing to go public but will first conduct a private placement. In addition to our AOL and Soros' Quantum Fund, a group of Hong Kong investors will also be brought in, raising the total financing to $3 billion."
In the study.
Simon listened as Chen Qing outlined the plan. He wasn't surprised by the sudden inclusion of Hong Kong investors.
In the current climate, this move served multiple purposes.
He nodded and asked a key question: "Which provinces or regions will be included first this time?"
"That hasn't been decided yet," Chen Qing said, then chuckled. "Last time, during the IPO, no one had confidence and were afraid of taking responsibility if it failed. This time, it's the opposite—everyone's fighting for a spot. Some people even came to me. But, like last time, only three or four provinces will be included initially, not too many."
Simon smiled. "Let me guess: Jiangsu and Zhejiang, at least."
Chen Qing's eyes curved into a smile. "Boss, you're so smart."
"And Guangdong, given its special position?"
Guangdong, adjacent to Hong Kong and Macau, is China's largest open gateway.
Chen Qing seemed to recall something amusing and almost laughed, covering her mouth. "It just so happened that someone brought it up during the meeting today, and people started arguing. They said Guangdong already got a big advantage last time. Besides, Guangdong isn't short on funds. Even if they don't get a spot in the first round, their broadband development won't fall behind. Other provinces, though, might not be so lucky."
Simon thought about it and understood.
It all came down to money.
Provinces included in the first round would get funding sooner, allowing them to develop their infrastructure faster. Those left out would fall behind. With the success of the last round, everyone was eager to secure a spot.
However, Simon could make an educated guess.
Aside from the predetermined Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the remaining one or two spots would likely go to provinces with strong economic standings. Including underdeveloped regions would be a waste of resources at this stage. Additionally, Beijing and Shanghai wouldn't be included, not just because of their unique political and economic status, but also because, like Guangdong, they weren't short on funds.
After discussing some details, they moved on to the third matter.
Regarding Hong Kong.
The plan was basically set. When the Hang Seng Index reached around 10,000 points, Simon and Soros would publicly support the market, while the Hong Kong Monetary Authority would also step in. They had quietly amassed $15 billion to ensure the Hang Seng Index didn't fall below 10,000.
Chen Qing brought up a side note: "Boss, recently, I teamed up with Lin Su and took a long position on the Hang Seng Index at 9,500 points with a $370 million stake. If we lose, I'll be crying."
$370 million, even with 10x leverage, meant $37 million in capital.
Not a huge amount, but certainly not small.
Simon wasn't sympathetic. He smiled and said, "If you lose, it's your own fault for playing the insider trading game."
Chen Qing pouted, leaning slightly toward the camera. "I'm definitely not the only one. I originally wanted to stake $500 million but barely managed to secure $370 million. It shows that other capital is flowing in too. Two weeks ago, hardly anyone dared to go long on the Hong Kong stock market."
Simon shrugged. "That's even better."
Those with access to such information were likely influential players. If they were all going long, Simon and his allies would have an easier time defending the 10,000-point mark. The ones who would suffer would be the smaller funds and retail investors who didn't have access to such insights—the unlucky ones.
This was the fundamental difference between the players and the pawns.
After wrapping up this topic, Chen Qing brought up the establishment of a life sciences research institute in China under the Westeros umbrella, as well as scholarships in related fields.
After Simon's private dinner in Beijing, the project had been given the green light.
Next was the entry of Ypay, the online payment tool under Igeret, into China. This had also been approved, and the Igeret China team had begun negotiations with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC). They planned to establish China's first online payment company, with ICBC holding a 51% stake and Igeret holding 49%.
The preliminary agreement was that ICBC would handle regulation, while Igeret would manage operations.
Each would play to their strengths.
Finally, there was the matter of South Korea.
Simon hadn't taken many concrete actions within South Korea itself yet. However, in China, Westeros-affiliated capital had already started negotiating acquisitions with some pre-identified South Korean companies. The most promising deal so far was with a port machinery company in Qingdao, Shandong, invested in by the Hyundai Group.
The Hyundai Group was desperate for cash and was practically selling at a steep discount.
But the more important actions would take place within South Korea itself.
Once the South Korean government could no longer hold out and turned to the IMF for help again, Simon planned to send Chen Qing with a team to work alongside the IMF and secure more favorable terms for the Westeros family. Chen Qing had been preparing for this for a long time, studying extensive materials on South Korea and even learning to speak Korean fluently.
______
(≧◡≦) ♡ Support me and read 20 chapters ahead – patreon.com/INNIT
For every 50 Power Stones, one extra chapter will be released on Saturday.