Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Winds of Change
After reading the report given to him by Supervisor Harry, Warren asked Niviya, "Do you know what's most important in the 21st century?"
"Technology?" she replied.
"Talent," Warren answered.
The research and development department seemed to be buzzing with excitement. Warren felt fortunate to have hired such talented individuals in Worthington.
"Sir, about the meeting scheduled for tomorrow... I think it's necessary to consult with you again," Niviya hesitated.
"What's the matter?" Wasn't tomorrow's meeting about discussing the rescue of Mystique?
"It's Senator Stern."
"Who? The old dog?"
"...Yes." Niviya reluctantly acknowledged her boss's nickname for the senator.
Damn it! Why him?
"This is the information on Hammer Industries that you wanted me to organize. Is there anything else?"
"The original plan remains unchanged. We'll meet Senator Stern tomorrow. Inform Jason to come over as well."
"Very well, sir."
Sigh~
Sometimes, you have to compromise yourself for the sake of making money.
A while later, Jason arrived, striding with confidence.
The seasoned businessman didn't bother with pleasantries and went straight to the point, saying, "What's the matter?"
Warren put down the documents in his hand and said, "Hammer Industries."
"Hammer? That ridiculous clown? What about him?" It seemed Jason didn't have a favorable impression of Justin Hammer.
"I want to acquire Hammer Industries."
"What?"
Jason looked confused. Is this guy here to create trouble for me?
"Worthington doesn't have much influence in the arms industry, so I plan to fill that gap," Warren explained.
If it weren't for Warren's recent successful decisions, he might have thought this guy was a fool.
The arms industry is a big pie, and many people are eyeing it. Is it that easy to break in?
Furthermore, even if they wanted to enter the arms industry, wouldn't it be better to find a good partner instead of Hammer Industries?
Of course, it wasn't that Jason looked down on Hammer Industries. He just... well, he looked down on Hammer Industries.
The companies that can stand firm nowadays have their core industries and core technologies. For example, Worthington Industrial has the antidote as one of its core technologies, and the Spider Silk Launcher will become another. And most importantly, these things cannot be imitated by others and are irreplaceable.
But what can Hammer Industries do? They're just bottom-feeders in the arms industry, incapable of producing high-end, cutting-edge products with nothing to boast about.
If even Stark Industries can sell Jericho missiles, why would you waste your time fussing over 7.62mm and 5.56mm? It's embarrassing, really.
Jason took a deep breath and asked, "Does Hammer Industries have any special products about to be released?"
This had to be clarified because Warren had left a wild impression on him.
"No, I just think that a company like this, which managed to survive until now, is really good at bluffing. In the future, let him take charge of blowing our trumpet. As for special products..."
Here it comes!
Jason's expression tightened. It seemed like he was about to make a big profit. My "Wall Street Black Hand" was getting restless!
"Hammer Industries doesn't have any, but I do. However, it will take some time, maybe three months. Within three months, we quietly acquire Hammer Industries and enter the arms market."
"I understand."
Upon hearing Warren's three-month timeframe, Jason felt relieved.
Although he didn't know where this guy's son got all these unconventional methods, making money is a good thing. He was even willing to help Warren clean up the mess.
Wait a minute, did I forget my original goal?
Jason seemed to have realized something, but after a momentary distraction, he cast it aside.
Oh well, making money is the most important thing. With money, you can become a boss. You can even be my father.
So, he went off to deal with shorting Stark.
As for Hammer Industries, it's just a small fry.
...
Indeed, Hammer Industries is not currently benefiting from Tony Stark's leftovers or the orders from the Department of Defense. It is indeed a small fry that is easy to acquire, saving them the trouble of setting up a new department.
Warren's perspective changed after he reviewed the information on Hammer Industries that Niviya had organized. It went from investing to outright acquisition.
Currently, investors don't have much confidence in Hammer Industries because they have consistently failed to deliver good results. So even if they venture into two different lines of business, it wouldn't matter. Acquire them!
As for the technology promised within the three-month timeframe? It doesn't exist. It's just a way to appease Jason.
Warren still remembered how Jason opposed everyone else at the first meeting. He didn't hold a grudge, but in a company, there can only be one voice.
Although Jason is now responsible for dealing with Stark and the production line for the Spider Silk Launcher, those belong to Worthington Industrial. Worthington Pharmaceuticals has completely separated from them, and Jason shouldn't meddle with that.
As for how to regain control... as the chairman and the largest shareholder, Warren has a natural advantage. So he assigned Jason to handle these two major matters behind the scenes. Next, Warren will step into the spotlight and gain the most attention. The glory will be his. When the time comes, he might not even need to speak. Those who can sit in high-level positions are not fools. They know whose voice to listen to.
Everything will have to wait for Tony Stark to return and announce the closure of the Stark Industries weapons division. Warren will make a high-profile announcement of the acquisition of Hammer Industries, the entry into the arms market, and the synergy with the Spider Silk Launcher, as well as the major news coming out of Worthington Pharmaceuticals. All of this will integrate the entire Worthington Group.
Tony Stark gave up the Department of Defense contracts, and Warren definitely won't miss out on that opportunity. He must secure this lucrative piece of meat.
Even Justin Hammer managed to get a piece of it, so Warren should be able to as well. If worse comes to worst, he'll spend money. He'll find a way to afford it.
But of course, not now. For now, he needs to exercise patience and keep the money in useful places.
In order to have more money for spending, they can only endure. After all, spending money is expensive. It's better to earn more now so that they can afford to spend later!
For example, epics. A single pull isn't expensive, only a thousand times the rarity. Even the common ones are a hundred thousand times the rarity. Based on current prices, it's less than $500 million. It's still within the realm of human affordability.
But legendary cards...
A single pull that's ten thousand times rarer in rarity... The Earth's economy wouldn't be able to handle such a catastrophic upheaval. It would cause a financial tsunami.
So even a legendary single pull is difficult, let alone a ten-pull.
I remember reading in a magazine that there are gold planets in outer space. If I want to pull a legendary, I might have to venture into the stars.
...
The next day, Warren encountered an annoying face.
Senator Stern, the undercover agent of Hydra, the one who wanted Iron Man's armor in Iron Man
"Chairman Warren, do I still need to read from the script today?" Senator Stern asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He casually leaned back in his chair.
Damn it!
During the previous hearing, Warren was unfamiliar with the laws on this side, so his legal team had prepared numerous scripts for him. They covered all angles to refute the unreasonable demands of the Military Committee. And now, Senator Stern was using them to mock Warren.
Although he cursed the old dog in his heart, Warren maintained a calm demeanor on the surface.
"Senator Stern, the Warren Lab will always belong to Worthington, and that's beyond doubt. However, there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests."
"Interests? Well, that depends on whether those interests are worthy," Stern replied, his expression growing more amiable. After all, Warren was seeking his assistance.
"Former Mutant Affairs Secretary Henry McCoy once attempted to suppress his mutant gene using a certain formula. However, he failed, and the side effects turned his skin blue with excessive hair growth. Have you heard of this?" Warren asked.
Stern, of course, hadn't heard of it. "So what?"
"I've obtained his formula and can develop a potent hair growth tonic. With this tonic, you can have hair all over your body," Warren explained.
"That sounds like a horror story," Stern remarked.
Although he said that, Stern's casual expression tightened, and he leaned forward, getting closer to Warren.
He's a person who prioritizes his interests.
"But if everyone can accept it, then it's not a horror story but a fashion trend."
Stern's eyes shifted, and he pondered for a moment before aiming for the critical point. "How big is this market?"
"Just the hair growth tonic alone, it's worth over $10 billion. But if we categorize the product as a hair dye or cosmetic, we can easily triple that figure," Warren replied.
A warm smile appeared on Stern's aging face. "Warren, you truly are a born businessman. What do you need me to do?"
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