Chapter 907: It Was a Booming Year

[Chapter 907: It Was a Booming Year]

On Monday, November 20, William White rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. This wasn't the first time he'd done so, but caught up in the atmosphere around him, he felt a bit unsettled.

The trading floor buzzed with energy, but there was something off about the vibe today. William White wondered, why does everyone keep looking at me?

"Filson, did you accidentally hit mute? Aren't they supposed to be screaming and shouting?"

Coughing and chuckling, Filson was about to respond when suddenly, the trading hall erupted.

"32? Who else is in? Five hundred lots!"

"Cough, cough, boss, they're just waiting for the first trade to go through. Based on what just happened, there's a strong reluctance to sell in the market."

"I see. I thought maybe my tie was an issue."

Filson grimaced; even if he stood here in plain view, they wouldn't pay much attention. Ever since the trading hall opened, everyone only focused on the numbers.

William White couldn't hold back a laugh as he watched traders in their colorful vests shout and call to one another. He curiously thought that former aircraft carrier commanders must have started as traders too.

See, they had a common thread; those in charge of trading and commanding were distinguished by their various colored vests.

"This is insane, the market just soared past forty dollars in ten minutes! Are they planning to shoot for the stars?"

"Ha! Warren, with this momentum, fifty will be a breeze. We're already talking over two hundred billion in market value. Are they really looking to take on the Big Blue?"

"Charlie, the market is just too hot right now. It's completely lost its sense. If you let William White choose, he'd obviously pick the Big Blue."

William White naturally couldn't hear the two old-timers' jabs, and even if he did, he wouldn't care. Of course, the Big Blue was more significant, but sadly, he found himself powerless in this big game.

While William White was enjoying the moment, Morgoridge couldn't stop chatter, his tongue wagging excitedly.

"Sir, with this situation, we're at least looking at sixty and above."

"Morgoridge, keep pushing on, we're not just an internet company; we have tangible assets. By the way, John, let's not delay those acquisitions; wrap them up quickly."

"Sure thing, boss, we've already got letters of intent. We'll finalize after Thanksgiving."

"Sounds good, I'm very satisfied."

Morgoridge brought John Chambers along, and William White clearly understood his intentions. The old guy was ready to exit while on top. After working hard to become a billionaire, who would dare want more?

There are always winners and losers. As they say, life isn't fair.

Sequoia Capital had been bustling for ages, their new place finally ready, a hefty dowry paid, competitors brushed aside, and the bride brought home.

Cough, cough, everything seemed perfect.

Unfortunately, at the last moment, someone kicked them out.

Don Valentine felt miserable; he didn't want to venture out. Maybe it was just his imagination, but no matter who spoke from the other side, he always sensed a hint of mockery.

Resentment? Perhaps it existed; at the root of it, he had started with impure intentions. Moreover, he had misjudged William White's resolve and overestimated Citicorp's strength.

"No wonder the old-timers are interested. Allen, this is a three hundred billion dollar company? Tell me, I'm not dreaming, am I?"

Alan Greenspan could only chuckle in response; weren't you just saying this was a bubble? Keep talking.

"Paul, even without forty billion in revenue next year, it probably won't be far off. Three hundred billion? That valuation is low. Without some powerful competitors in the mix, it's just a matter of time before they surpass IBM."

Paul Volcker fell silent; this wave of the internet boom had completely surpassed his understanding.

You can still bicker about Netscape, but the current PE is simply outrageous. What could you say about Cisco? Their products are in high demand; that is an undeniable fact.

Negotiations between Disney and Pixar clearly reflected a willingness to inflate expectations. Both companies' stocks were surging, leaving shareholders with little to complain about. If Disney's stock started to slide, William White would face some trouble, though.

Cisco was different; it remained outside of the White systems. It was a unique and independent company. Therefore, the current achievements were astounding. Yet, the two old-timers at the Federal Reserve saw no signs of decline.

Speaking boldly before the IPO, then pulling a 180 after the launch? That wasn't a phenomenon exclusive to the East. Everybody played this game. Sellers of produce knew to tout their wares, and if stock sellers didn't know how to do the same, they might as well change professions.

For Netscape and Pixar, analysts could still claim overvaluation and rationalize market volatility. But not with Cisco. What? Are you suggesting Cisco's annual report was falsified? Unless you had a score to settle with the boss, nobody would dare say such things.

Talking about business was one thing; but no matter how arrogant William White was, if someone caught him with a weakness, he had to bite his tongue.

If not, even firms with the size of Citicorp or Morgan Stanley wouldn't easily engage in a direct confrontation with him. At the end of the day, a CEO didn't possess such authority.

William White's prickliness was well-known on Wall Street. If you had significant stakes, that was one thing; if not, it was best you didn't provoke him.

At the Regent Hotel on the corner of Fifth Avenue, it was bustling today. The choice wasn't because William White wanted to favor the Sheraton's business; he simply didn't want to steal the show.

Ringing the bell was not something he had given much thought to. But who knew if it was a show of humility?

Morgoridge and John Chambers were starting to believe it; William White truly wanted to push them into the spotlight.

The two of them exchanged glances and, apart from a bitter smile, looked like they wouldn't display any other expressions again.

"William, could you have been any later? It's Thanksgiving already; aren't you doing any promotions this year?"

The group of old-timers paused, surprised. When did that Galvin kid become so familiar with this guy?

"My friend, you know, that rocket company is just too costly. We're about to have an experimental launch soon."

"Oh my, you're serious?"

"C'mon, I'm building a launch pad! What did you think? Of course, formal commercial use won't come that quickly."

"Find a time, I want to check it out. You know, if launch costs remain high, our expenses will be hefty."

"Sure, you're always welcome to offer your insights."

Seeing the hustle and bustle of the execs, John Chambers couldn't help but grumble privately. If security faltered here, Wall Street would likely be in chaos tomorrow.

Of course, his worries were unnecessary. The lights hadn't blinked yet; those resentments hadn't peaked against the American way.

Besides this one guy posing some threats, the rest of the small fries couldn't touch him at all.

The Peterburg Club looked impressive, huh?

Its security was nowhere near what this place offered.

There was another clear feature: William White's parties invited guests from every background. It was definitely not just an Anglo-Saxon show.

"Rosen, did you notice?"

"Notice what?"

"Back in Haifa, tell the folks at home, unless absolutely necessary, don't provoke this guy."

"Sir, I didn't see anything; just some overweight guys."

"You fool! Didn't you notice it's a melting pot here? People from every race, every faith!"

"Cough, cough, doesn't seem that deliberate, does it?"

"Come on, don't stare at those women; it's rude."

*****

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