Winthin JW Capital and its subsidiaries, there were only a few people Jasper could trust. Wendy was one of them, of course; Malcolm and Jack too perhaps, but that was all.
Now that Greg was here, there was one more person that he could mostly trust.
Hence, Jasper decided to give Greg a special mission.
Greg replied determinedly, “I want to start from scratch. Regarding what kind of work, I’ll accept whatever you assign me.”
“But what if it’s difficult and filled with obstacles?” Jasper’s gaze burned into Greg as he asked.
“To be frank with you, I’m planning to assign you to somewhere completely new. It’ll be a huge challenge for you once you go there.
“This is because it’s going to be a completely new environment and industry. I can give you start-up capital, but you’re going to have to start from the bottom for everything else.
“The chance of failure is extremely high and the road to success will be long and arduous. Therefore, I’ll respect whatever decision you make.
“If you still wish to stay in the Southeast Province, then you can choose any position within the province and I will get you that job, no problem.”
Greg was stunned for a moment. This was different from what they had discussed in the beginning.
Frowning slightly, he asked, “Can I ask what kind of work you’re arranging for me?”
Jasper raised his hand and patted Greg’s shoulder before pulling his phone out. He said, “Look at this, this is Nokia’s newest mobile phone. Equipped with the Symbian operating system, this phone has many strong features and is really useful.”
Greg nodded dumbly and asked, “I know, but what does this have to do with my job?”
Jasper placed the phone on the table and pointed at it as he explained to Greg, “If I told you, that this small gimmick will one day become an important tool that people cannot part with, and will also represent the prime application of future science and technology, would you believe me?”
Greg looked at the insignificant mobile phone on the table and answered instinctively, “Are you kidding me?
“Someone said that computers would change the way people lived a decade ago. No one believed them, but look at the it now.”
Jasper continued softly, “I dare say that mobile phones will change the way humans live in the next ten years.”
“So you want me to manufacture phones?” Greg asked in shock.
“Bingo. Counterfeit mobile phones are everywhere within the country, but only a few are actually manufacturing their own brand. I want to enter this field, but I’ve got too much on my hands right now. I have too few capable people by my side, so you’re the only one I can ask.
“I can give you a start-up capital of 200 million, but you’ll have to find your own technicians, equipment, and employees. And I’ll need results within the year.”
Jasper reminded Greg, “Think about it carefully before you decide. Don’t force yourself either, as there will be no hard feelings regardless of your decision.”
Greg stared at Jasper and asked, “You’re going to trust me with 200 million just like that?”
“You’re worth the price,” Jasper smiled.
“Then what more do I have to worry about?” Greg shrugged. “If you’re not afraid that I’ll lose this 200 million, then I have no reason to be afraid of trying. Still… Where do you want me to start?”
“Cavern City!”
“Cavern City? Seems like a good place to start, considering it’s a Special Economic Zone,” Greg spoke.
Jasper chuckled and said, “That’s not the only thing. Being adjacent to Harbor City, Cavern City has the advantage of being by the harbor, which naturally makes transportation extremely convenient. In comparison to Waterhoof City, Cavern City also has a much thinner foundation, which means there’s more room for development.
“Waterhoof City is a special zone too. In fact, it’s even a municipality. But unfortunately, its foundations are too thick. Moreover, Waterhoof City’s already registered as the country’s financial center, so it wouldn’t be suitable to set up factories there.”
“Indeed,” Greg nodded and agreed, “I also heard that an equivalent area of land in Waterhoof City is five times more expensive than in Cavern City. Not to mention that it’s also more expensive to employ people there. I agree that it would be better to set up factories in Cavern City.”
“Go,” Jasper clapped Greg’s shoulder and spoke, “Create a whole new world.”
“Alright!” Greg nodded seriously, “I won’t let you down.”
Just like that, Greg took the 200 million Jasper gave him and made his way to Cavern City.
Neither of them knew when they would meet next and in what setting.
On the way back, Wendy was told about Jasper’s plans for Greg.
“Greg? He used to be our ex-classmate, right? We didn’t talk much before, but his story sure seems like a touching one from what you’ve told me.”
“It’s good to see him doing well now,” Jasper spoke.
Wendy looked at him and asked, “You trust him with the 200 million?”
“I wouldn’t ask him if I didn’t trust him. He knows what to do,” Jasper spoke calmly, “I wouldn’t just give him 200 million if I didn’t have my own contingency plans, though I do hope I’ll never have to resort to them.”
At this, Wendy changed the subject and asked, “Why the sudden desire to manufacture mobile phones, though?
“Mobile phones are going to be an important electronic device in the future. The MP4s and MP5s we’re making now are nothing more than small fry to people in the electronics industry.
“The battlefield of mobile phones is going to be where the king of the industry is decided. Therefore, we have to enter the industry and start setting up in advance!” Jasper replied.
“If that’s the case, don’t we already have an electronics company? Why would you still ask Greg for help?” Wendy asked confusedly.
Jasper chuckled and replied, “Having both a well-known and a secret company is very befitting of our current situation.
“We might have to invest a little bit more in the beginning, but if it succeeds, 1+1 will equal more than just 2. We’d be reaping 3 or even 4.”
Wendy shook her head and replied in exasperation, “Nevermind. I won’t be able to understand your thoughts when it comes to business.”
“Oh, right. Let’s go to the county tomorrow,” Wendy suggested.
“What for?” Jasper asked.
“Do you still remember Ms. Tiana?”
When she mentioned this name, Jasper’s mind immediately filled with the mental image of an average-looking middle-aged woman with gentle features.
Ms. Tiana was Jasper and Wendy’s homeroom teacher back in senior high school. She could be considered a truly nice teacher who had her students’ best interests in mind.
“My familial conditions were horrible during senior high, and Ms. Tiana used to call me over to her office to eat lunch that she had brought from home. She even brought me straight to her house for dinner sometimes.
“But for the sake of my self-esteem, she did all that under the guise of tuition. How could I forget her?” Jasper answered softly.
