Jasper’s words stunned both Chad and Lance.
“So you’re actually going to invest the amount, Mr. Laine?” Lance asked in shock.
Chad was a higher-ranked employee, after all, so he had a more comprehensive view of issues. Chad frowned and replied, “Mr. Laine, I don’t think such a large investment is a good idea.”
“I’m sure you two are aware of the basics of the company’s current financial situation.” Jasper leaned back against his office chair and sipped his tea with a crescent-eyed smile.
“We aren’t exactly at risk of a capital chain rupture, but that’s only because all our companies are developing exponentially. The money we’re making is almost completely rechanneled back into the company.
“Our electronics company produces the most profits out of all the subsidiaries, but it only gave the parent company 80 million worth of profit last month. Do you think the parent company can afford to allocate them billions to fund research?”
Lance replied in embarrassment. “It’s mainly because construction of the new factory area has already wrapped up over in Reed City. Therefore, we invested a little more to add a few production lines over there.”
Jasper waved him off and replied, “The company needs to develop, so it will need money. I’m not blaming you for the small profit, but telling you instead that the JW Capital’s cash flow is tight, and it can’t afford such expensive research.”
“If that’s the case, then what did you mean when you said that not every expense can be cut down, Mr. Laine?” Chad asked.
“Exactly what you think I mean.”
Jasper placed the report into his drawer and continued.
“For every enterprise that relies on advanced technology, research funding is an expense they cannot afford to reduce. Take a look at the top advanced technology companies around the world and observe how many of them have research funds that represent at least 50% of their operating costs.
“To a technology company, technology is their lifeforce. A monopoly on technology can lead to endless wealth and a worldwide market to reap from.
“All of JW Capital’s subsidiaries aim to reach the pinnacle of their respective industries. Not just within the province or country, but within Terra or even the entire world.
“Which is why we’re not aiming to be labor-intensive enterprises, but rather profitable technological giants with plenty of influence.”
Jasper smiled as he looked at Lance and Chad who were inexplicably excited. He continued.
“Go back and tell Professor McGee that I already know about his request. Tell him to give me a moment and I’ll talk to him personally soon. He has my vow that he’ll get to research this project.”
“Alright, Mr. Laine. I’ll make sure he is notified of this,” Lance replied.
Jasper waved his hand and spoke, “Leave everything else to me from here on. I’ll take a trip to Waterhoof City to negotiate this, then I’ll update you on the results afterward.”
‘Waterhoof City to negotiate?
‘There are stepper technicians or companies to negotiate with in Waterhoof City?’
Lance and Chad exchange a look, but were smart enough not to ask questions. Now that the matter was settled, the two of them left the room.
Jasper sat in the office for a moment as he thought about the stepper.
A few minutes later, he picked up his phone and called Zachary.
“Hi, Uncle Law. I remember that Old Master Law had donated a stepper to a few years ago, right?”
Jasper continued after hearing the response from the other end of the line.
“Haha, I know that it’s an old device from decades ago. But the old master had the ability and contacts to get a stepper into the country. That’s something that most people can only dream of.
“I know that the west has a technology blockade on the stepper, so I wasn’t planning to look for a stepper manufacturer outside the country. Instead, I was thinking that perhaps Hoofmorn University might have some results after researching the stepper for so many years.”
