Reinventing the Millennium

On April 4, heavy rain in Tokyo for two days and two nights finally stopped.

This also means that Yi Ke and his team can finally board the flight to Houston.

Although he boarded the plane at night and did not see the sunshine after the rain, Fang Zhuo was still in a good mood.

As a secretary, Zhao Zhishan was quite depressed.

In the two days from the recording on the 2nd to today, this episode of "Tokyo Online" has not been broadcast yet. Some unofficial filming angles began to appear through some unknown channel, which suddenly put the boss at the forefront.

Upon seeing this, many Japanese programs responded quickly and also sent out invitations, and even conducted live interviews.

These invitations were declined.

However, without the parties involved, relevant experts can still make comments, and their comments will be more pointed.

"President Yike's comments are undoubtedly despicable and have evil intentions."

"Sony's situation will never continue like this and will adjust quickly."

"The listing of Yike seems to have inflated Fang Zhuo, but he should understand that his business is still only competing with part of Sony's many businesses."

There are those who defend Sony and criticize Fang Zhuo, and naturally there are also those who carefully analyze the content of the foreign president’s remarks.

"Sony must make adjustments and strengthen the company's technological innovation capabilities."

"It is necessary to carefully analyze Sony's current problems. Some of Fang Zhuo's words still make sense."

As for what part makes sense, it is still secretive and has not been discussed in detail.

Time is still short, but public opinions from different positions are already beginning to debate each other, and criticism is still the majority.

Zhao Zhishan felt that it was outrageous. The program had not even aired yet, and the boss had not yet seen the complete speech, but he started to attack the boss. The local business community was so rude!

But she observed her boss and found that Mr. Fang didn't care about it at all, so she could only keep her depression in her heart.

The passenger plane took off smoothly.

Fang Zhuo took the latest newspaper he bought and read it with interest.

However, he did not understand Japanese, so he first picked up the English newspaper and read it, and then asked his secretary to translate the contents of the Japanese newspaper for him in a low voice.

Occasionally, Fang Zhuo asked Zhao Zhishan to write down something he found valuable, and would pause for a while to think about it.

I read the newspaper very slowly, which was a good way to kill the flight time.

"No more, no more, let's rest and rest our brain."

Fang Zhuo put away the newspaper and took a sip of juice.

Zhao Zhishan also breathed a sigh of relief. She was worried that she would mistranslate the content and mislead her boss's judgment.

However, she soon saw Mr. Fang take out a document that she and her colleagues had compiled together, which contained a list of top executives from Sony Group's major businesses.

Is Mr. Fang’s resting mind just to plot a conspiracy against Sony?

Zhao Zhishan only heard half of the boss's conclusion that night and did not hear the content of the phone call between him and Stringer. However, she also had some guesses and insights, fearing that Sony might step on the accelerator and adjust to the end of Westernization. A foreign leader?

Stringer, who has connections with his boss, is the powerful vice chairman of Sony's board of directors.

"Mr. Fang, do we want to be friends with Sony?" Zhao Zhishan found a topic.

"Well, companies shouldn't have such anthropomorphic friends and enemies. We are originally collaborators with Sony Music." Fang Zhuo said casually, "As for friends, I want to be friends with Stringer."

Zhao Zhishan showed off his intelligence in a small way: "Does Stringer have any hope of taking control of Sony?"

Fang Zhuo did not express any surprise and shook the information in his hand: "Who knows? Idei must be responsible for Sony's situation, but the local executives of Sony Group also have many outstanding talents."

"From the perspective of group development, I think Sony should choose a local executive with a global perspective to replace Nobuyuki Idei."

Zhao Zhishan heard the implication of the boss's words. Probably from the perspective of Stringer's friends, the boss would rather see a foreign head of Sony. Otherwise... why would he be studying the list of Sony's executives?

He must have wanted to advise Stringer and pay attention to possible competitors.

The boss also said yesterday that a Sony in chaos is a good Sony. Is he going to act as a magic wand to... mess up the situation?

Fang Zhuo took a pen and sketched out a few names on the information, and said thoughtfully: "For example, this is Nakahachi Ryoharu, who is currently the vice president of Sony, or this is Kutaragi Ken, who is now the president of Sony Computer Entertainment."

Zhao Zhishan asked curiously: "Mr. Fang, why did you choose them?"

Fang Zhuo smiled: "Just judging from his resume, Nakahata Ryoji has a high enough vision and leadership skills. Sony actually needs stability now."

He continued: "Kutaragi Kenma, his advantage is that the business he is responsible for is a very successful part of Sony. The PS game console and PS2 are very successful. This is a very good weight. The failed Sony needs someone with success genes. chairman of the board."

Zhao Zhishan suddenly said: "Doesn't Stringer have both? He is responsible for Sony America, and his current business is also very successful."

Fang Zhuo gave his secretary an approving look.

Of course, this is just an advantage. Stringer has quite a few disadvantages if he wants to rise to the top.

But if he really takes over and really plans to make himself a foreign director of Sony Music, or even further help occupy a foreign director seat in Sony Group, Yike can consider cooperating with Sony Music on equity.

Sony Group is a behemoth.

While it is confused now, it is a good choice to cut off one or two pieces of meat.

There are rumors in the market that Sony Music is suspected of cooperating with the German media giant Bertelsmann Group in the music business. The two parties may merge into a music company to cope with the challenges of the Internet music era.

Fang Zhuo doesn’t know what the specific cooperation intentions between the two parties are.

However, on the night of the 2nd, Stringer mentioned further cooperation with us, so we could try to get a little involved. Anyway, you want me to be a foreign director, so it makes sense to get some shares, right?

It’s not like they don’t give money!

As for whether the Internet music challenges faced by these two cooperations can be successful...

That will inevitably fail.

Let’s take a small stake first. Considering Sony’s current situation, if the music company encounters a global financial crisis in a few years and its value is further reduced, it might be a good idea.

Fang Zhuo already regarded Stringer as a friend in his heart, and decided to help him compete for Sony's top position to the best of his ability, while also receiving some compensation.

When ice core production capacity can be released next year, there may be more room for cooperation between the two parties.

"Stringer really found the right person."

Fang Zhuo sighed.

Zhao Zhishan kept his curiosity in his heart and planned to wait and see how the public information turned out.

"By the way, Xiao Zhao, what major do you major in?" Fang Zhuo gathered his thoughts and glanced at the temporary secretary who had been working so well in recent days.

"Project management." Zhao Zhishan replied.

Fang Zhuoqi asked: "Then why is your Japanese so good?"

"My father knows several foreign languages, and I have learned them since I was a child. When I was in college, I also studied Japanese and German." Zhao Zhishan explained.

Can you speak German?

Fang Zhuo thought for a few seconds and said, "Are you interested in officially becoming the president's secretary? Wouldn't it be a bit unfair?"

Zhao Zhishan asked a question: "I heard that Mr. Fang's secretary doesn't last long?"

"I can change it to someone older every year." Fang Zhuo said with a smile, "Yike lacks talents, and the ones I can choose as secretaries are pretty good. Let's look at the company from a higher perspective, and then let it go and practice. , have become quite outstanding.”

"I think you are pretty good, very smart and measured. Yike will have a lot of international business, so there is still a lot of room for you."

Zhao Zhishan nodded: "I am lucky that Mr. Fang allows me to learn from him."

Fang Zhuo smiled slightly and adjusted his seat: "Okay, that's settled. Let's take a rest. The flight is long and we will be busy when we arrive in Houston."

It takes 12 hours to fly from Tokyo to Houston, and the contact team there has been waiting for a long time.

Most of the funds for the acquisition of the Rockets came from the financing pledge of Yike shares, and a small part came from the sale of Sina shares.

That is to say, after the completion of this acquisition, the MIGA Foundation will vigorously publicize the successful operation of the fund and will use the profit of a Chinese to buy an NBA team as a publicity point to attract customers to the maximum extent.

As for the actual main funds used to buy the team, it will only be understated. What will be released in the media will be dozens of times of profits, the fund's judgment on Chinese concept stocks, and a good operating model.

These funds will continue to be invested in the US real estate sub-debt market. Washington Mutual Bank, which is responsible for the pledge of Yike shares, has always had good cooperation with Fang Zhuo, and it also provides access to the sub-debt market.

From the first time it pledged shares to obtain funds for the acquisition of Sina, to now MIGA Fund is also involved in real estate subprime debt through this bank, and both parties are very satisfied.

However, according to Kong Yu, the head of MIGA Fund, Washington Mutual Bank has made great strides in subprime debt. Although this makes it easier for the fund to operate, it also does involve risks.

Fang Zhuo did not respond to this report, but continued to increase investment. There is still a huge market for subprime debt, and it is far from time to cut it off.

At six o'clock in the evening, the passenger plane from Tokyo landed at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Fang Zhuo and his party arrived at their destination across oceans and time zones.

The people here to pick up the plane were Yike employees who had been waiting for several days, as well as the financial and legal teams at the hotel. Their contact with Rockets owner Alexander lasted several rounds.

The team's price has also dropped from the initial offer of $450 million to $385 million.

With reference to the Eagles, who were just sold this year for $250 million, this price is quite good. At the very least, Alexander is satisfied with it.

Similarly, Fang Zhuo also thinks the price is acceptable.

The two parties have been in contact with each other about the team acquisition in secret, but because of the involvement of the team alliance, news that the team will change the owner is still flying everywhere.

Rumor has it that a wealthy British man wants to buy the team.

There are also rumors that it is not a British rich man, but a Middle Eastern plutocrat.

So, that night, when NBA reporters photographed President Yi Ke and Rockets owner Alexander having dinner together, Fang Zhuo's phone was immediately buzzed with calls from Yao Ming.

"Mr. Fang? Mr. Fang! Are you going to buy the Rockets?" Yao Ming's voice on the phone was unbelievable.

"Yeah, oh, I forgot to tell you, but it's a very recent decision." Fang Zhuo was already quite tired when he returned to the hotel, but in a good mood, and added, "Not necessarily, it depends on whether the alliance will approve it. .”

When Yao Ming received Mr. Fang's personal recognition, he was shocked and subconsciously asked: "Why did you buy it?"

Fang Zhuo said deeply: "Dayao, I'm here to help you win the championship."

Yao Ming: "..."

He couldn't even say it was a joke.

He is about to become a team owner!

"Are you unhappy? You have forgotten that you thought I knew football last time, so I had the courage to buy the team." Fang Zhuo said with a smile, "Thank you for giving me the courage."

Yao Ming felt that this rich man from China was more or less a bit of a cat person. If he couldn't even hear such polite words, how could he have such a net worth!

He was stunned for a while and had to tell the truth: "The team's current strength may still be some distance away from the championship, Mr. Fang."

"That's right." Fang Zhuo said without hesitation, "So, the team needs to change."

Yao Ming: "..."

If he could do it all over again, he wouldn't say what he just said.

He thought again and again: "Mr. Fang, many people on the team are very good, such as Francis."

Yao Ming was afraid that the boss didn't understand the game, so he directly removed the team's All-Star guard. Boss Fu has taken good care of himself in the past two years.

"I will weigh it carefully, don't worry, Dayao." Fang Zhuo said seriously.

Yao Ming said a few more words and ended the call a little worried.

He still felt that Mr. Fang's purchase of the team was a bit of a joke, but the reporter's revelations and the phone calls from the parties proved that the acquisition was already in progress.

Is this a rich person?

The wind, wind, and fire are so scary.

Yao Ming was so shocked and stunned that he couldn't sleep for half the night. He had an away game tomorrow.

Sure enough, poor rest directly led to a mediocre performance on the court the next day, but something even more worrying appeared for him.

In the visiting team lounge at the New York Knicks' home court, the Rockets suddenly became commotion after losing.

"Yao, Yao, is this your compatriot? Our new boss has accepted many interviews from sports media."

Francis shouted to the Eastern giant.

Yao Ming approached with a sense of fear and saw Mr. Fang's bold words.

"I think the Rockets have the potential to enter the finals this year! I believe in the players and I believe in the coach!"

The reporter asked: "Mr. Fang, everyone generally believes that the Rockets' upper limit this year is the semifinals."

Mr. Fang laughed loudly: "No way, the minimum is the Western Conference Finals. If the Rockets can't even advance to the Western Conference Finals, I'm willing to kiss the donkey's ass."

The year before last, when Yao Ming first entered the league, he was criticized by commentator Barkley, claiming that Yao Ming could not score 19 points in that game, otherwise he would kiss the donkey's butt.

Now, the suspected new owner of the team is making the same bold statement.

This immediately spread throughout the league, and many sports media were attracted to the incident.

After Yao Ming finished reading the interview, he covered half of his face, suspecting that Mr. Fang had misunderstood what he said last night.

"Yao, I like our new boss." Player Francis said to his teammates with a smile.

Yao Ming was puzzled: "Why?"

"Hahaha, he is very straightforward and has great confidence in us." Francis said, "I also think we are very strong this year."

Yao Ming was silent. What happened to Fang Zongzong, who was so straightforward and a little arrogant in the interview? I remember the last time I met him, he was very personable!

He felt a little bad. Mr. Fang might have really miscalculated this time.