Chapter 3: Chapter 3
After inspecting his vast territory, William White returned to his ancestral castle, a complex that had undergone generations of continuous renovation and expansion. The ancient castle, while lacking the architectural beauty one might expect, exemplifies Texas's signature style—rudeness.
Forbe's prepared lunch proved hearty, featuring a substantial Boston lobster. In true Texan fashion, meals are robust, often involving barbecued meats—a culinary tradition known as Texas BBQ. A lack of appetite is unheard of, as politeness dictates partaking in the generously offered fare.
In the face of the ongoing devaluation of the US dollar, which exerts a drag on the global economy, William recognizes the potential for significant economic repercussions. The world seems poised on the brink of war, driven by economic malaise.
The roots of global conflict often lie in economic turmoil, and as domestic economies spiral into chaos, nations shift their focus. Gold prices, surging from thirty dollars per ounce to over three hundred, prompt the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates aggressively. However, this strategy seems to be exacerbating rather than mitigating economic issues.
White Farm, situated advantageously near Houston, provides a lifeline amid economic turbulence. Yet, smaller Texan farms face a precarious future, with many struggling to survive.
"Reduce some output, Forbe. This situation might persist for a long time."
"Understood, Master. We planned a 5% reduction in dairy and meat output, and we can continue with similar reductions next year."
"Let's hope this tough period won't last too long."
"Three to five years at most, Master, and things should improve afterward."
"God, if it takes three years, many farms will likely go out of business."
"That's certain. Small and medium-sized farms are less resilient to risks."
"Regarding the futures hype, I won't use my personal account this time."
"London is simpler; the United States presents more challenges."
"Be cautious. Open two one-million-dollar accounts and assign them to two seasoned individuals."
"Of course, young master. I'll arrange it promptly."
With ample time until the year's end, William begins preparations. The intricacies of the rich class often involve overseas capital, and the White family is no exception. William's father held millions of dollars in Swiss banks.
Estate taxes, a purported deterrent for the wealthy, are often circumvented by the elite. However, the burden falls heavily on farmers, many of whom find it challenging to afford the hefty taxes.
"Forbe, sell the items on this list."
"Understood, Master. Are these electronic products?"
"Yes, and I also need to recruit three software engineers and two electronic engineers through a headhunting company."
"I'll handle it immediately, Master."
William understands the significance of the ongoing industrial transformation, a pivotal and precarious time for the White family.
In the IT realm, the rise of personal PCs marks a significant shift. While other manufacturers dismiss their potential, William remains vigilant, focusing on software rather than hardware.
The task at hand involves paying taxes on the family's properties, totaling hundreds of millions. Inheritance tax appears nonsensical to William, akin to a shameless seizure of personal wealth.
"Dinner is ready, Master."
"Excellent. Pour me a glass of red wine."
"Forbe, let's improve the food standards for both the family and the farm workers. We can afford to consume more."
"Understood, young master. I'll implement it right away."
"Considering the challenges with meat and dairy products, let's expand our grape-growing areas. Red wine has a longer shelf life, and it adds to our inventory."
"Master, 70% of this year's wine remains unsold, and the quality is still good."
"No worries. I mean to double the output in three years. We can purchase poorly managed farms nearby. The oil field business can be sold in the future."
"At the beginning, your father considered selling, but the current prices are a bit low."
"It's alright, Forbe. As long as the oil prices remain strong, those assets will rebound. Don't worry about them for now."
"Okay, Master. I understand."
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