Chapter 487 Friends (Two in One)

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

This also meant that Yi Ke and his team could finally board the flight to Houston.

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

As a secretary, Zhao Zhishan was quite depressed.

From the recording on the 2nd to today, in two days, this episode of "Tokyo Online" has not been broadcast. Some informal shooting angles began to appear on some channels, which put the boss in the spotlight.

Seeing this, many Japanese programs responded quickly and also sent invitations, and they were live interviews.

These invitations were all declined.

However, without the parties involved, relevant experts can still make comments, and the comments are more sharp.

"The criticism from President Yi Ke is undoubtedly despicable and malicious."

"Sony's situation will never continue like this, and it will be adjusted quickly."

"The listing of Yi Ke seems to have made Fang Zhuo swell up, but he should understand that his business is still only competing with a part of Sony's many businesses."

There are those who defend Sony and blame Fang Zhuo, and naturally there are those who seriously 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 seriously analyze Sony's current problems. Some of Fang Zhuo's words still make sense."

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

The time is still short, but the public opinions of different positions have already shown signs of mutual debate, and the current voices are still mostly critical.

Zhao Zhishan thought it was outrageous. The program had not been broadcast yet, and the boss's complete speech had not been seen yet, but he started to attack. The local business community was so rude!

But she observed the boss and found that President Fang didn't care about this at all, so she could only hold back her depression.

The passenger plane took off smoothly.

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

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

Occasionally, Fang Zhuo asked Zhao Zhishan to write down the valuable parts, and he would also pause for a while to think.

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

"No more, no more, let me rest my brain."

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

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

However, she soon saw that Mr. Fang took out a document that she and her colleagues had sorted out, which contained a list of senior executives of Sony Group's major businesses.

Mr. Fang's resting brain was... to design a conspiracy against Sony?

Zhao Zhishan only heard the boss's half-time judgment that night, and did not hear the content of his phone call with Stringer, but she also had some guesses and insights. Was it possible that Sony might step on the gas and adjust to a foreign leader in a completely westernized way?

And the Stringer that the boss had contacted was the vice chairman of Sony's board of directors.

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

"Well, companies should not be so anthropomorphic friends and enemies. We are originally partners with Sony Music." Fang Zhuo said casually, "As for friends, I want to be friends with Stringer."

Zhao Zhishan showed his intelligence a little: "Does Stringer have a chance to control 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 Sony Group's local executives also have many excellent talents."

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

Zhao Zhishan heard the boss's implication. Probably from the perspective of Stringer's friends, the boss would rather see a foreign leader appear in Sony, otherwise... why is he studying Sony's executive list?

He must want to provide advice to Stringer and pay attention to possible competitors.

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

Fang Zhuo took a pen and outlined a few names on the information, and said thoughtfully: "For example, this current Sony vice president, Ryoji Nakabachi, or this current president of Sony Computer Entertainment, Ken Kutaragi."

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

Fang Zhuo smiled: "Just from the resume, Ryoji Nakabachi has a high enough vision and leadership ability. Sony actually needs stability now."

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

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

Fang Zhuo gave the secretary an approving look.

Of course, this is just an advantage. Stringer still has a considerable disadvantage if he wants to get promoted.

But if he really gets promoted and really intends to become an external director of Sony Music, or even further helps occupy an external director seat of Sony Group, Yi Ke can consider cooperating with Sony Music on equity.

Sony Group is a behemoth.

Taking advantage of its current confusion, it is a good choice to cut a piece of meat or two.

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

Fang Zhuo is not sure what the specific cooperation intentions of the two sides are.

However, on the evening of the 2nd, Stringer mentioned further cooperation between the two parties, so it is possible to try to get involved a little bit. Anyway, you want me to be an external director, so it is reasonable to take some shares, right?

It's not that I won't pay!

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

It will inevitably fail.

Take a little share first. With Sony's current nature, it may be a good idea to deal with music companies whose value is further reduced in a few years when the global financial crisis occurs.

Fang Zhuo has already regarded Stringer as a friend in his heart, and decided to help him compete for the highest position in Sony within his ability, and collect some rewards by the way.

When Bingxin can release production capacity next year, there may be more room for cooperation between the two parties.

"Singer 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 was found. "By the way, Xiao Zhao, what major are you studying?" Fang Zhuo gathered his thoughts and glanced at the temporary secretary who had been using him in recent days. "Project management." Zhao Zhishan replied. Fang Zhuo asked curiously: "Then why is your Japanese so good?" "My father knows several foreign languages. I learned them since I was a child. I also studied Japanese and German in college." Zhao Zhishan explained. You also know German? Fang Zhuo thought for a few seconds and said, "Are you interested in being the president's secretary? Would it be a waste of talent?"

Zhao Zhishan asked a question: "I heard that Mr. Fang's secretaries don't stay long?"

"I think there will be several new ones every year." Fang Zhuo smiled, "Yi Ke lacks talent, and those who can be selected as secretaries around me are all good. They can look at the company from a higher perspective, and then practice in the company, and they will become very good."

"I think you are also good, very smart, and sensible. Yi Ke will have a lot of international business, and there is still a lot of room for you."

Zhao Zhishan nodded: "I am lucky that Mr. Fang let me learn from you."

Fang Zhuo smiled slightly and adjusted his seat: "Okay, this is it. Take a rest, the flight is long, and there will be work 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 and pledge of Yi Ke shares, and a small part came from the sale of Sina stocks.

That is, after the acquisition is completed, the MIGA Foundation will publicize the successful operation of the fund, and will use the fact that a Chinese bought an NBA team through stock profits as a publicity point to attract customers to the maximum extent.

As for the actual main funds for purchasing the team, it will only be downplayed. The media will release dozens of times of profits, the fund's judgment on Chinese stocks, and a good operating model.

These funds will continue to be invested in the US real estate subprime debt market. Washington Mutual Bank, which undertakes the pledge of Yike shares this time, has always had a good cooperation with Fang Zhuo, and it also provides access to the subprime debt market.

From the first pledge of shares to obtain funds for the acquisition of Sina, to now MIGA Fund has also entered the real estate subprime debt through this bank, both parties are very satisfied.

However, according to the report of Kong Yu, the head of the MIGA Fund, Washington Mutual Bank has made great steps in subprime debt, which is certainly convenient for the fund to act, but there are indeed risks.

Fang Zhuo did not respond to this report, but just increased investment as always. There is still a large market for subprime debt, and it is far from the time to cut.

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

Fang Zhuo and his four companions arrived at their destination across the ocean and time zone.

The people who met here were the employees of Yike who had been waiting for several days. In addition, there were the financial and legal teams in the hotel. They had contact with the Rockets owner Alexander for several rounds.

The price of the team was also reduced from the initial offer of 450 million US dollars to 385 million.

Referring to the Hawks, which was just sold for 250 million US dollars this year, this price is already quite good. At least, Alexander is satisfied with it.

Similarly, Fang Zhuo also thinks this price is acceptable.

The two sides have been contacting the team acquisition in secret, but because it involves the team alliance, the news that the team is going to change the owner is still flying all over the sky.

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

There are also rumors that it is not a British tycoon, but a Middle Eastern tycoon.

So, that night, when NBA reporters took pictures of the dinner between Yike President and Rockets owner Alexander, Fang Zhuo's phone was immediately bombarded by Yao Ming.

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

"Yes, 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 league will approve it."

Yao Ming was shocked by Mr. Fang's personal confirmation and subconsciously asked, "Why do you want to buy it?"

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

Yao Ming: "..."

He couldn't even say that this was a joke.

He's almost the owner of the team!

"Are you unhappy? Have you forgotten that it was you who thought I knew basketball last time that gave me the courage to buy the team." Fang Zhuo smiled, "Thank you for giving me the courage."

Yao Ming felt that this wealthy man from China was a bit of a cat cake. If he couldn't even hear such polite words, how could he have such a fortune now!

He was stunned for a long time and had to tell the truth: "The team's current strength may still be a long way 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 again, he wouldn't say that just now.

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

Yao Ming was afraid that this boss didn't understand basketball, so he directly got rid of the team's All-Star guard. Mr. Francis has taken good care of himself in the past two years.

"I will carefully consider it, don't worry, Yao." 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 man?

He was so anxious that it was scary.

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

As expected, poor rest directly led to a mediocre performance on the court the next day, but something more worrying happened.

In the guest team lounge at the New York Knicks' home court, the Rockets suddenly became agitated after losing the game.

"Yao, Yao, is this your compatriot? Our new boss has been interviewed by many sports media."

Francis shouted at the Eastern giant.

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

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

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

Mr. Fang laughed: "Impossible, the lowest is the Western Conference Finals. If the Rockets can't even enter the Western Conference Finals, I am willing to kiss the donkey's ass."

Two years ago, when Yao Ming first entered the league, he was belittled by commentator Barkley, who claimed that Yao Ming would kiss the donkey's ass if he couldn't score 19 points in that game.

Now, the suspected new owner of the team has made the same bold statement.

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

After reading the interview, Yao Ming covered half of his face, suspecting that Mr. Fang had misheard 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 remained silent. What happened to Mr. Fang, who was so straightforward and a little arrogant in the interview? The last time he met him, he was very graceful and dignified!

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