Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Echoing

"Texas should be the place where American technology companies come. The guys in Silicon Valley will find this out sooner or later!" Adrian said, seemingly testing the reactions of those around him.

Song Yang didn't react much to Adrian's words, observing the old white men around him. They didn't seem to care too much, and some even frowned.

Seeing this, Adrian immediately changed the topic, introducing several people around him to Song Yang. It was a group of individuals associated with oil, natural gas, trading, and shipping—key industries in Houston and Texas. These individuals held significant sway over the stability of Texas.

Although Song Yang hadn't paid much attention to American affairs before, he had a basic understanding. Texas remained the stronghold of the Republican Party, housing numerous energy, oil, natural gas, and military industry groups—natural supporters of the Republican Party.

Adrian seemed to want to make some noise, supporting the development of emerging industries in Houston, but these energy giants didn't appear too interested in the internet.

"This is Kenneth, you should have met him, the founder and CEO of Enron Energy!" Adrian pointed to Kenneth, the man who had teased earlier.

Song Yang was stunned when he heard the name Enron. Kenneth had single-handedly overthrown several Fortune 500 companies, including WorldCom, and played a part in the collapse of Arthur Andersen, one of the top five accounting firms.

"Song?!"

Adrian was surprised when he saw Song Yang's reaction to Kenneth and Enron. Kenneth also cast a curious look at Song Yang.

Song Yang quickly recovered and looked at Kenneth. At this time, Kenneth was still a significant figure, one of the biggest funders of the Republican Party. He could command influence in Texas and America.

"I've heard the story of President Kenneth, but I didn't expect to see him today. Enron is the most legendary company I've ever seen. It only took 20 years to become the best energy company in the world!" Song Yang said, seemingly in awe.

Hearing this, Kenneth patted Song Yang's shoulder with a smile, taking Song Yang's awe as admiration. "Enron is not good enough. It's not the number one energy company in the world. When Enron becomes the number one energy company in the world, I hope to hear you say this again, Song!"

Kenneth shared his ambitious goal to make Enron the leader of the global energy market.

"This is David Duncan, a senior partner of Arthur Andersen and the president of Arthur Andersen's Houston office!" Adrian introduced the last person, catching Song Yang's attention.

Song Yang, although not knowing much about David Duncan, felt that he had probably provided cover for Enron. Such individuals often ended up being scapegoats.

"Song, have you heard of me?" David Duncan, holding a wine glass, noticed Song Yang's expression and asked.

While Song Yang didn't know much about David Duncan, he responded diplomatically, "Who hasn't heard the name of Andersen Accounting Firm!"

David Duncan handed Song Yang a business card, extending an olive branch. In a place like Texas, with numerous giant companies, Andersen did not lack customers. Doing financial auditing for Song Yang and Double-Click was considered a practical move.

Song Yang nodded, "I will consider it!"

After Adrian introduced Song Yang to the group, people gathered in twos and threes, engaging in low conversations in the small restaurant.

George came to Song Yang's side, casting a questioning look at him. Song Yang shook his head slightly.

Matthews came to Song Yang, saying, "Please wait a moment, Councilor Adrian will talk to Song you later!"

Song Yang nodded, found a place, and began to enjoy the food. The place chosen to entertain Kenneth and others guaranteed good taste. From last night to now, with only a stomach full of drinks, Song Yang was already hungry.

After filling his belly, Song Yang overheard words like "running for election" and "running for office." It seemed that Josiah was right—Adrian came to Kenneth and others today with the goal of securing the mayoral position of Houston a few months away.

Looking at the group conversing with Adrian, Kenneth and others, Song Yang knew that they must be engaging in some kind of "deal." Of course, Adrian couldn't do it alone. Sitting as the current mayor of Houston, others eyeing this position were undoubtedly making various transactions.

"Song, I kept you waiting!"

After talking with Kenneth and others, Adrian and Matthews came to Song Yang.

"Song, I am very happy that a new company like Double-Click can appear in my constituency. I hope to be sure that Double-Click will not move out of Houston, right?" Adrian asked Song Yang with a smile, closely watching him.

Matthews also looked at Song Yang, and Greg was a little nervous. They hadn't discussed this with Song Yang before. Inside Double-Click, Wesley, Ryan, and others had suggested moving the company to Silicon Valley or New York, threatening that these were the centers of America.

"Double-Click Company was born here, and it will always be here!" Song Yang looked at Adrian and replied.

Hearing this, Greg breathed a sigh of relief, and Matthews also relaxed.

"Song, the Double-Click company should expand, you should need more manpower, right?!"

(End of this chapter)