Chapter 203 Meeting

"You may be seated, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard. Oh, and this Chinese Mr. Hu, welcome to IBM. ”

IBM New York headquarters, very few well-known electronics companies dare to set up their headquarters in New York, for a variety of reasons. But the high price of land in New York and IBM's presence here should be the two main reasons.

IBM's position in the electronics industry is too special, and it is normal for one mountain to tolerate two tigers.

Joey's demeanor is very decent, coupled with his handsome and steady appearance and conversation, which gave the Leonards a good impression at the beginning.

On the IBM side, Joey only brought his assistant Parker, while on the Cisco side, there were three people, Leonard and Hu Wenhai. Such a lineup can be said to be quite different from normal business negotiations.

This is also a little careful thinking on the part of Joey, who doesn't want to make the atmosphere so official, but like friends communicating privately, and a lot of things are easier to say.

"Thank you Mr. Joy for the invitation, IBM's headquarters is very beautiful. ”

This is the compliment that Joey has heard the most, the design of IBM's headquarters is very distinctive, and everyone who has been to IBM's headquarters will always express their sincere admiration for this building.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard sat down with Hu Wenhai, and Joey and his assistant Parker sat across from each other just as casually.

It's not a formal conference room, but a floor-to-ceiling window in a restaurant at IBM's headquarters. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer an endless view of the forest park, which makes people feel refreshed at a glance.

It has to be said that such an environment can greatly alleviate the hostility between the two sides of the conversation.

"Mr. Leonard, I have to make one thing I responsible for clarifying about ABC TV advertising that IBM has absolutely no intention of manipulating the market, and there is no so-called 'plan'. Used to promote PCs to replace mainframes and servers. The market expansion of the PC is entirely the result of the market's self-selection, and there is no conspiracy. ”

What Joey said about this is full of confidence and a clear conscience, because it is the truth. The first personal computer was Apple's Macintosh, and IBM's PC program was only launched after the market had grown. If it weren't for Macintosh's sales so good that IBM would have been jealous, IBM would not have abandoned its mainframe business to make such a "toy"-like product.

Leonard and his wife looked at each other. Shaking his head, he said, "I thought IBM would support our idea, and it should be a good thing for IBM to use a server-to-client model in the market." ”

At this time, the waiter in the IBM cafeteria brought coffee, and Joey personally served the slightly steaming coffee cups to the three people opposite, and the cup handles were also specially adjusted.

As a business executive at IBM, his approach has been able to flatter many professors with considerable experience in the computer industry.

"That's right, you're right. Joey nodded sincerely and explained, "IBM has a big advantage in the server market and the mainframe market, and we are certainly happy to see the market expand. But IBM is also a leader in this industry. What we would like to see is that the pie of the industry is getting bigger and bigger, rather than competing with other companies in this market for areas that have already been developed, which will stifle the potential of our industry. ”

Joey had carefully studied the Leonards before this, and knew that these two were some idealistic scholars, so he simply did not mention money at first, but intended to persuade them through feelings and reason.

Either way, Cisco's technology has its merits. The router invented by the Leonards is completely different from all the switches or hubs on the market today.

To put it simply. The hub is the simplest form of reshaping and amplification of line signals, and belongs to the first layer of OSI physical layer equipment. It can extend the distance of the network connection, but it does so much more.

A switch is a brain that accepts commands and distributes different data to different systems or machines based on the commands. In this process, the switch is able to work in full-duplex mode, ensuring that the bandwidth of each interface is complete. At the same time, the data itself is verified and organized. Correction of errors made during transmission.

But whether it's a hub or a switch, the data they transmit is the same in and out. That is, the system must be the same at both ends of the line, otherwise the signal cannot be understood.

But the router, the device invented by the Leonards for "romance". But there is a magical function. No matter what system sends the signal, after it is forwarded, the system at the receiving end can read it.

In other words, a server-to-client system is only possible with a router. Instead of the host-to-terminal model of the mainframe in the past, the mainframe terminal itself has no processing power and is itself a part of the mainframe.

Because the server that mainly provides computing services obviously cannot be the same system as the client, and even the server cannot regulate what system the client uses.

With a router, then it is possible to bring all the computers into the same network.

It is clear that it is not wrong to say that the Leonards opened the door to the Internet.

Without a router, there is no last mile of the internet.

In the eyes of IBM, such technology is obviously worth acquiring.

"So, IBM brought us here today, what exactly do you want to do?" Leonard asked the most crucial sentence of the day.

Joey smiled and said sincerely: "There is some truth in what your advertisement says, and IBM is willing to try it in this regard." Or some commercial sector, such as banking or logistics, is clearly suitable for this system. So instead of using Cisco's weak power to promote this matter, why don't you join the IBM family and use greater power to promote this cause?"

"IBM wants to buy Cisco?" asked Leonard cautiously.

“ofcourse。 Joey confidently opened his arms and nodded and smiled.

Normally, when IBM shows a "good money" acquisition request, most of the time when Joey says "ofcourse", he will be used to opening his arms.

It's as if the orchestra is finished playing, and the conductor turns around and bows. It's not that "I thank you for listening to me make noise." In effect, they are saying "applause here".

However, some people are not born to act according to the script. For a hero who aspires to be a martyr, the demeanor of the enemy only poses a more difficult challenge to his heroic righteousness.

Leonard picked up his coffee and took a slow sip.

Mrs. Leonard and his hands clasped tightly together, and looked at each other affectionately.

"I'm sorry, we refuse. Leonard's tone was understated.

“what？”

Joey had no idea that this would be the case.

"I mean. Leonard repeated in an accentuated tone: "We refuse." ”

"But. Why?" Joey couldn't understand the other man's train of thought.

"Server-to-client architecture should not be the product of a few specific occasions, but should be an option for the masses. If the PC system does not change, the people will always be held hostage by the greed of capital. ”

"The true meaning of the dish is that the people have the right to choose, and the right of some people to choose cannot be infringed on the choice of another part of the people because of the choice of some people. In order for people to have the power to choose their server-to-client system, Cisco must work to make it as widespread as possible. ”

Joey was almost stunned, he had a poi on his face, and he didn't know how to describe it.

Where did this SB come from, and who brainwashed it into this virtue?

Let's talk about business. What are you talking about with me? In front of the largest capital in the computer industry, what are you talking about "the greed of capital kidnapping mankind"?

Is this child lacking a tutor, or is he failing EQ?

"Mr. Leonard, I think you may have misunderstood IBM......"

"No, I didn't misunderstand you. Leonard was categorical: "I just don't believe you." ”

Joey was dumbfounded, and he realized that he had made a mistake. A prejudiced person cannot be convinced, so he has been working in vain all along. Long before the contact, Leonard had already put on tinted glasses on IBM. Then whatever favorable conditions he throws out, the other party will not think it is goodwill.

That being the case-

Joey put away the kindness on his face. The originally handsome face became cold and stiff: "Mr. Leonard, I hope you can realize that you are rejecting the request for cooperation from IBM." ”

"Even IBM can't stand in front of the tide of history. Leonard held his head high.

Joey put his hand on his forehead and decided to kick everyone in the intelligence gathering department in the ass when he went back. Apparently Leonard's worldview is completely contrary to their intelligence, and this thing is simply a "liberal Democrat".

To put it simply. It's a guy who has been brainwashed by human rights, freedom, and boiling.

Among Americans, the Democratic Party was already a leftist before Clinton took office. The so-called liberal Democrats, on the other hand, call themselves leftists and have no pressure at all to carry the banner of the Soviet Union.

When encountering such a person, large American companies often go around. The Tao is different, and it is not conspiratory. Americans have to take a political stance when doing business.

"In that case, I don't think we have anything more to talk about. Joey realized that nothing could be done and ended the conversation on the spot.

Leonard stood up, nodded reservedly, and simply turned away.

His wife followed, and Hu Wenhai also quickly got up and chased after Leonard. It's just that he doesn't seem to have as much tacit understanding as the Leonards, and he is a step slower in his actions and falls behind them.

Neither of the Leonards nor the couple saw it, and Hu Wenhai made a gesture of six, put it in his ear, and shook it gently.

Chapter 204: Appointment

"The Leonards' attitude has been very clear, and their idea of a server-to-client model cannot be shaken. But apparently the Chinese are not interested in this, and this can be exploited. ”

Seeing the Leonards and Hu Wenhai disappear from sight, Joey was thoughtful.

Hu Wenhai's last gesture of making a phone call made him think or make up a lot of rich details in his brain.

The Chinese are obviously not in the same boat as the Leonards, but China may have requirements for network technology - this is normal, Iraqi intelligence is unilaterally open to the Americans, and through his connections in the US government, Joey has long collected Hu Wenhai's role in the Sino-Iranian arms trade.

In his opinion, Hu Wenhai is a person. Although it is too young, it is certainly the white glove of the Chinese military. Perhaps his youth proves that there is an immeasurable force behind him.

Returning to the issue of China-Iraq arms trade, what the Chinese are selling to Iraq is not new. Even in the eyes of Americans, it is clearly a bit of a simplification.

But even such a rudimentary system is also inseparable from the needs of the network. Hu Wenhai's guiding ideology on the Iraq project is to use the military on behalf of the people. Cobbling together a passable system with civilian products, without seeking absolute performance, as long as it is better than the Iranian system.

Under such a guiding ideology, the switch and router technology in Cisco's hands is obviously very attractive to Sino-Iranian military trade.

From this, Joey judged that the Chinese should not want to get involved in the confrontation between the Leonards and IBM. This is normal, IBM has a strong influence on the US government, and since Hu Wenhai is a white glove of the Chinese military, he cannot ignore the political influence.

Based on the consideration of Sino-US relations. Hu Wenhai's approach is completely understandable.

"Parker, go and contact this Hu Wenhai privately to see what the Chinese are planning. Joey pondered for a moment and gave orders to his assistant.

……

"Mr. Hu, what should we do next?"

Although it is indeed handsome to simply reject IBM, the results of the handsome Leonards are not unclear. Rejecting IBM's "goodwill" is not something that anyone can do.

What awaits them next must be IBM's thunderous means.

"Don't worry. I'm ready. Hu Wenhai vowed: "Next, we must make two preparations, one is to continue to launch a public opinion offensive." Let more people understand the machinations of computer companies, and introduce the server-to-client model to more people. At the same time, we can't just talk about it, and then we will immediately start technology research and development, and strive to develop technologies that can be commercialized as soon as possible. ”

"But it takes a lot of money, right?" Leonard looked worried.

Hu Wenhai smiled: "Don't worry, I have prepared a lot of funds." The only thing we need to think about is how to spend all this money. ”

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard nodded excitedly. It seems that I have seen the highlight moment of my life.

"Let's go, I'll take you back to the hotel first. Hu Wenhai sat in the co-pilot's seat, and the "Zhongnanhai bodyguard" sat in the driver's seat.

When Leonard and his wife got into the car, the car drove smoothly out of the parking lot in front of the IBM headquarters building.

Joey stood at the window of his office at IBM headquarters, watching with cold eyes as the car Hu Wenhai and the others disappeared at the end of the road. He picked up the phone. Dialed an internal number.

"Yes, book me a plane ticket to Paraalto, California. Well, the fastest. ”

……

"It's not early, so I won't bother much. Hu Wenhai looked at his watch and stood up apologetically: "If there is any problem, we can talk about it tomorrow, the two of you haven't had a good rest today, I will tell the hotel to try to meet your requirements, please don't be polite." ”

In the presidential suite of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the Leonards couldn't help but look up at the window, and sure enough, it was already nightfall. After returning from IBM headquarters, the three of them had been chatting for so long before they knew it.

It was only then that the Leonards felt the tiredness return to them.

The two couldn't help yawning, their eyes were a little open, and naturally they didn't have the energy to talk anymore. They sent Hu Wenhai to the door, dragged his tired body back to the bedroom to rest, and did not wait for it.

Hu Wenhai came down from the floor of the presidential suite of the Oriental Mandarin Hotel, and saw Lu Xin standing at the front desk of the hotel, looking left and right anxiously.

"Hu Wenhai, this way!"

Lu Xin waved his hand, jumped up and shouted anxiously.

Two bodyguards who had been waiting in the hotel lobby also stood beside her, and when they saw Hu Wenhai coming out of the elevator, they hurriedly greeted her.

"There's your phone, it looks like it's an IBM guy named Parker. Lu Xin handed Hu Wenhai the note that was holding a little sweat stains in his hand: "This is his phone, so that you have time to call him back." ”

"Parker. Hu Wenhai thought about it, and remembered that it should be the assistant next to Joey who was the same as himself and never made a sound.

"How am I doing?" Lu Xin asked a little nervously when he saw Hu Wenhai's thoughtful expression.

Seeing this, Hu Wenhai smiled: "You have done a good job, you deserve praise!"

"Hmph!" Lu Xin wrinkled his nose: "You are not older than me." Who wants you to compliment. ”

But looking at her appearance, she was obviously very happy.

Hu Wenhai unfolded the note handed over by Lu Xin, asked the front desk for a phone number, and then called out according to the number on it.

Sure enough, the voice on the phone was the same Parker I had seen at IBM headquarters. Although neither of them spoke much during the negotiation today, there was a gap between self-introduction and conversation. Always say two sentences.

Parker's voice is a little hoarse with a northern accent, but it is still relatively recognizable.

Obviously, Joey understood Hu Wenhai's actions before leaving, which allowed Parker to contact him. Both parties had the idea of contact, so they simply hit it off and agreed on the phone to meet at a time and place.

"Let's go, you haven't eaten yet? Hu Wenhai put down the phone, looked at Lu Xin and waved his hand with a smile on his face.

Kim George's Restaurant, one of New York's most prestigious three-Michelin-starred restaurants. Don't look like it's two stars worse than a five-star hotel, the evaluation system of the two is different. Three Michelin stars is already one of the top restaurants in the world.

Lu Xin looked at the high-end and elegant Golden George Restaurant, and felt as if he had lost two pairs of eyes. It was the first time she had seen such a magnificent and high-end place.

She looked at Hu Wenhai with a little curiosity, and wondered in her heart. Why is it that everyone is the same age and has a small difference in the growth environment, but the gap between the two sides is so big?

Compared with Hu Wenhai, she is like a Cinderella who broke into the ball, at a loss.

"Don't be afraid. ”

Lu Xin's hands suddenly warmed. The palm of the hand, which was covered with sweat because of nervousness, was suddenly grasped. She raised her head in some panic, but she saw Hu Wenhai with a calm face.

"It's just a meal. No matter how well it is decorated, it is also a canteen, and the things are not as delicious as the potato roast beef made by my mother. ”

Puff -

Lu Xin couldn't help but laugh when she heard Hu Wenhai's analogy. To compare a three-Michelin star tire -- ah, no, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant to a canteen, I'm afraid only he can make it.

Look around at the people eating. Which is not a suit and a straight manner. I'm afraid there are really few people who come to Kim George's restaurant to fill their stomachs.

Being held by Hu Wenhai's hand like this, Lu Xin inexplicably subsided his nervousness and relaxed. However, just when she was a little dependent on this feeling, Hu Wenhai suddenly took his hand away from hers.

"Mr. Parker. ”

Hu Wenhai stretched out his hand and shook it with Parker, who was already seated.

"Mr. Hu. You may be seated. Parker stretched out his hand to invite Hu Wenhai to take a seat, and turned his head to look at Lu Xin next to him: "This beautiful young lady also sits, I don't know what to call it?"

Hu Wenhai first pulled out the chair for Lu Xin, and then introduced: "This is my assistant Lu Xin, oh, in Western terms, it should be xinlu." ”

"Missluxin, welcome. Parker smiled and nodded to Lu Xin.

"Hello, Mr. Parker. Lu Xin's palms felt a little sweaty, but on the surface, he behaved very decently.

"Miss Lu is very beautiful, and Mr. Hu is very lucky to have such an assistant. Parker blinked knowingly, his usual American straight up.

At this time, Lu Xin really couldn't hold back, his face was red like a burning cloud, and he didn't even know where his hands were.

Hu Wenhai smiled, grabbed Lu Xin's hand again under the table, and nodded: "That's right, it is indeed my luck to have an assistant like Miss Lu." ”

Although Lu Xin's face was still red as if it was about to drip water, his heart settled down inexplicably. It's strange that Hu Wenhai took her hand, and he felt a sense of security in his heart, as if the whole world couldn't hurt her.

"Well, Mr. Parker isn't just here to see pretty girls. Hu Wenhai took the menu from the waiter's hand, ordered the dishes by two, and sent the idle people away.

Of course, IBM hopes to work with Mr. Hu to facilitate a cooperation that will benefit both parties. ”

Hu Wenhai nodded indifferently: "I want to hear about it." ”

"IBM wants to buy Mr. Hu's shares in Cisco, I wonder if you are willing to sell?"

Hu Wenhai thought about it and nodded happily: "No problem, it depends on what IBM is willing to pay." ”

Lu Xin raised his head and looked at Hu Wenhai in amazement. Wasn't he the one who swore to encourage the Leonards before? Why did he turn his head and agree to IBM's request so happily......?