Chapter 672 - From Enemies to Friends?
Jiang Chen didn’t give Natasha a clear response in regards to the Russian president’s invitation; he only stated that when the time was right, he would make a trip to Moscow. Restricted by Russia’s economic situation, Future Group’s development in Russia was limited. The sales of Phantom were incomparable to the popularity in Asia and North America.
When Jiang Chen received a call from Xia Shiyu, he headed to the company.
It was a representative from B City Consortium that has asked for a meeting, and his identity was not be underestimated.
The two determined from their discussion that there was a high chance that the intention of the trip was to settle the feud.
In the battle against Future Group, they were no longer willing to remain in a stalemate. They lost over 10 billion over a 1.5 billion dollar project.
Of course, Jiang Chen’s side also suffered heavy losses. The most profitable Future Technology showing red on the bottom line was already a worrisome sign.
But if this war persisted, B City Consortium would be the eventual loser. Even if the Federal Reserve assisted them, even if they upgraded their cybersecurity; Jiang Chen with the backup of the quantum computer would penetrate the wall eventually.
The next morning, beside a Gulfstream G650 landed in Coro Island Airport and Jiang Chen met with Carson Loki, the majority shareholder of Frist B City Bank. Different from the other renowned financial tycoons, Jiang Chen never heard of his name before nor did he know anything about the Loki family.
While they are one of the members that controlled the B City Consortium, their recognition was far less than the “cursed” Kennedy family or the Adams family that participated in the Declaration of Independence, but the mysterious Loki family still possessed a tremendous amount of power.
He was not only the majority shareholder of the bank, but he was also one of the secret shareholders of the Federal Reserve. The Ghost Agent in UA had to do some work in order to gather this information.
The kind-looking elder in a blue suit was far more powerful than he appeared.
“It’s nice to finally meet you in person. Mr. Jiang Chen looks much younger in person.” Carson Loki walked forward and shook Jiang Chen’s hand.
Just from the smile on his face, it was impossible to imagine they were in amidst a bloody financial war.
“Mr. Loki is flattering me.”
Jiang Chen was fathoming the purpose behind his personal visit while chatting with him in a lighthearted mood.
Because Carson Loki was staying in the presidential suite in Sheraton inside the Heart of the Sea, Sheraton’s limousine already arrived at the airport. When Mr. Loki arrived at the hotel, Jiang Chen asked Future Tourism’s CEO Wei Yun to prepare a conference room.
After half an hour, the two met inside the conference room.
“In some areas, there might be some misunderstandings. And the purpose of my trip is to clarify our misunderstandings.” Carson was straightforward.
“For example?” Jiang Chen smiled.
“For example the freshwater project in Saudi caused us to have some differences, and the differences resulted in frictions in our other businesses.” Carson paused and looked at Jiang Chen. “I will be straightforward. It is beneficial to no one to continue this stalemate. At this point, it is about who has the biggest loss, do you agree with my perspective?”
“I concord with you, but it doesn’t mean we will compromise. Future Group only promises to not use unethical tactics first.”
“Oh? So you’re saying you are the person behind the information leak?” Carson laughed.
“I never said that. Please don’t twist my words, and please don’t accuse without any evidence,” Jiang Chen stated.
Carson Loki gazed at Jiang Chen, and then paused.
“We will discuss with the other shareholders in Matrix to withdraw from the freshwater project in Saudi.”
In terms of technology, Matrix already lost to Future Heavy Industrial. Withdraw or not, their odds of winning were low. Unless Saudi insisted on building their own treatment plant, their technology was unattractive.
The favor lacked sincerity.
“This was a wise choice. I want to say, however, the problem doesn’t lie here.” Jiang Chen shook his head with one hand on the table as he continued while staring into Carson’s eyes. “Since you have the intention to settle, I will be straightforward as well. Stop any unethical tactics against Future Group and return to ethical competition.”
He paused, then said seriously.
“Or else, we will continue to escalate our measures.”
Silence lasted for two minutes, Carson began to explain.
“The anti-trust investigation against Future Technology has been in the agenda for a while. With the rise in the virtual reality network, UA will never rely its cybersecurity to a foreign company. We just brought the proposal ahead of the agenda.”
“Is that so? Then we express the deepest regret for the client information leak at First B City Bank. I heard UA received thousands of attacks from foreign IP addresses. I think this leak may be accidental.”
“Accidents may happen again.”
Carson was silent again. After a long moment. Then he used a calming tone.
“We are here to reach an agreement, aren’t we?”
“If you’re here to settle, then please bring out a proposal with some sincerity. Mr. Loki, I have to remind you that you started the war,” Jiang Chen said fiercely.
From the moment Blue Seagull directed its campaign against Future Group, the war was no longer limited between Matrix and Future Heavy Industrial. There was only one way to naturally end the war and that is to stop the attacks from both parties.
The Department of Justice must stop the anti-trust investigation against Future Technology and Future Technology will cease the cyberattack against First B City Bank.
Carson’s finger gently tapped on the table and he said.
“We can help you to throw the anti-trust investigation out of the court, but shouldn’t you do something for our loss as well?”
“Your recommendation is?”
“Help us recover our credibility and market cap loss.”
“We’re not the best in stock manipulation. I don’t think I can do too much.” Jiang Chen opened his hand.
“It has nothing to be with the stock itself. There is a proverb in China. Out of blows friendship grows. Since continuing the fight no longer matches both of our interest, then there is only one option remaining. Are you interested in a strategic partnership with us?” Carson Loki smiled.
Carson’s proposal surprised Jiang Chen. B City Consortium was willing to set aside their differences and enter a strategic partnership with Future Group?
Jiang Chen contemplated for a long time.
“Your proposal is extremely tempting. But I want to hear the details of this partnership.”
“I came prepared.” The elder took out a document from his briefcase; his smile was bright.
Jiang Chen scanned it through; his eyebrows rose.
[Partnership? Interesting.]