The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai.

Gilberto, the head of the West Coast Technology Company delegation, went to find Juan, the head of security, as soon as he returned to the small building where he was staying.

He gestured with his eyes: "Let's go for a walk and chat for a bit."

Juan followed, and the two of them went into the courtyard together.

Gilberto took out a cigarette and handed it to Juan, then lit one for each of them. He took a drag, exhaled the smoke, and said, "Something strange happened today."

Juan flicked off a small piece of cigarette ash and asked, "Surely the Indians aren't going to give us money?"

“That’s right, we have to give money.” Gilberto was clearly not joking: “In order to delay the negotiations, we not only demanded that we get the best land in the Mumbai industrial zone for free, but also that the authorities build free factories according to our most complicated design requirements, and that Indian state-owned banks provide us with a five-year interest-free loan.”

Even though it wasn't the first time Juan had heard these outrageous demands, he still felt like punching someone.

American companies do business like they're robbing people.

The fact that the Indians are still willing to negotiate such outrageous conditions shows that the West Coast has something they want.

He asked, "Did they agree?"

Gilberto also found it outrageous: "Yesterday's negotiations were still going on and on, but today the Indians suddenly agreed, catching me completely off guard. I was almost stunned by the Indians. Fortunately, the other members of the delegation did not know our true purpose. Seeing the Indians make such concessions, they were all very excited."

"Something feels off." Juan, having joined Butterfly Company from its early days, was quite knowledgeable and experienced. "Where is the problem?"

Gilberto said, "It's not clear at the moment."

Juan was baffled: "This is so strange, what kind of trick are the Indians using?"

Gilberto was momentarily confused: "Is this a strategic retreat?"

Juan said, "Then let's just deal with it as it comes."

“But we can’t refuse the Indians. If we refuse such conditions, it will make them suspicious.” Gilberto turned to look at the small building, where faint sounds of celebration could be heard.

He added, "We can't explain it to our own people either."

Juan agreed: "It will severely dampen the team's enthusiasm for work."

This would be a dream come true for other investment teams, but for them, it's a difficult problem.

However, this did not stump Gilberto, who was leading the team. After a moment's thought, he said, "The Indians are so sincere that we really can't refuse. But if things don't go smoothly, we will inspect the Indian factory in the strictest way possible."

Juan thought: "The Indian side wants an Indian construction company to build the factory, and we're asking them to advance the funds. Given the Indians' work style and attitude, the factory will definitely have all sorts of problems."

Gilberto laughed: "That's right. The Indians' work ethic is notoriously bad. The fact that the factory's technical equipment is delayed is entirely the responsibility of the Indian side."

He added, "We also want loans from Indians, high-interest loans with five years of interest-free financing, which can do so much."

Juan reminded them, "The message should also be relayed to the Los Angeles authorities."

Gilberto replied, "I'll make the call right away."

Someone walked over and said quickly, "The Indian liaison representative, Darkan, suddenly called and wants to come over for a visit. He just arrived at the hotel entrance."

"Go and greet them," Gilberto instructed, then called Juan back into the building, saying as they walked, "It seems we'll have a clear answer soon."

Soon, the two met Darkan in the reception room, along with the unfamiliar faces he had brought.

Darkan solemnly introduced, "This is Adal from Reliance Industries, India."

Adal shook hands with the two men and said quite directly, "I am here on behalf of Mr. Mukesh Ambani. I wonder if you are satisfied with the gift from Reliance Industries?"

Juan was not good at this kind of social interaction and remained silent.

Gilberto had a big smile on his face, but he was actually furious.

The inspection team's work plan was progressing very smoothly, and they were negotiating at their own pace. This sudden incident is absolutely terrifying.

Darkan also cooperated fully: "It was under Mr. Mukesh's impetus that we made such a huge concession."

Gilberto resisted the urge to slap the Indian man and smiled as he thanked him, saying, "Thank you very much for your help."

Reliance Industries paid a considerable price and mobilized a vast network of connections to push this forward. Adal couldn't let all of that go to waste, so he said, "Please convey Mr. Mukesh's goodwill to Mr. Hawkesmon."

Even if the other party didn't say anything, Gilberto still had to report it, and immediately replied, "I will inform Los Angeles today."

Having achieved his goal of selling well, Adal quickly took his leave and left the Four Seasons Hotel with Darkan.

Gilberto brought out a satellite phone and called his boss, Henderson.

As the new workday began in Los Angeles, Henderson delivered the feedback from India to Hawke's desk.

Hawke, after learning what had happened, said, "There are always unexpected things that can happen in a plan. Since someone has kindly offered to help, we can't just turn back the clock."

He put down the faxed copy of the Indian contract in his hand and said, "The Indians have agreed to the land, factory buildings, and loans, so let's sign the contract. The rest will be handled as Gilberto said."

Henderson said, "Gilberto has a great idea."

Hawke nodded: "Tell him to do it."

Henderson understood that Gilberto had come into the big boss's sights.

Hawke asked, "Are there any restrictions on the interest-free loans we get from India?"

“It’s going to be used in India.” Henderson understood Hawke’s implication and said, “We’re looking for the right way to spend this money, such as ordering a large amount of industrial equipment.”

Hawke encouraged him, "Go for it without worrying too much."

Henderson said, "Mukesh Ambani has made key connections between the Indian and Mumbai authorities and has also made contact with our people."

Hawke pulled out Mukesh's file, glanced at it, and said, "Is this guy currently in Los Angeles?"

Henderson said, "I have confirmed information from Campos that Mukesh is currently in Glendale, living near DreamWorks."

Hawke could easily guess: "The Ambani brothers have completely fallen out, and Anil is acting in a high-profile manner. It seems that Mukesh has designs on his little brother."

Henderson offered a reminder: "Mukesh is probably India's richest man on the surface."

Hawke, however, said, "Indian money is still money, and Mukesh might be sending sugar-coated bullets."

Henderson understood the meaning of "sugar-coated bullets": "We eat the sugar and figure out a way to fire the bullets back."

Hawke asked again, "Did Anil go back to India?" "Yes, he did." Henderson and Roger Keane saw him off at the plane. "He left a team of assistants in Los Angeles to handle investment matters."

Hawke guessed, "Mukesh will probably contact me or you soon. He's been a great help, so I need to meet him and arrange a discreet location."

The two chatted about the Ambani brothers for a while, then the topic turned to the arms supplier business.

Currently, the only arms trading partners for West Coast technology are the Pentagon and India.

Henderson’s statement was related to both: “After the Pentagon signed an order with us for individual soldier transport vehicles, India placed an additional order for 1.5 vehicles, and the contract is still being executed according to the previous agreement.”

Hawke nodded: "Do it according to the plan we've finalized."

Henderson added, "In addition to procuring individual soldier transport vehicles, the Pentagon also needs to procure related spare parts."

This was Henderson's first deal with the Pentagon, and he took it very seriously, specifically asking, "How should we price the parts? The former Pentagon general we hired suggested setting the prices wildly."

General Walker also discussed this issue with Hawke, who asked, "Which parts of the vehicle are most prone to damage and most frequently replaced?"

Henderson thought for a moment and said, "All kinds of screws."

Hawke borrowed an existing template: "How about packaging all screw-related parts into a separate repair kit, and pricing it at $9.9?"

Even though he was already used to this kind of business that undermined the federal government and siphoned off American resources, Henderson was still shocked by the outrageous price, saying, "Our import price is only 9.9..."

Hawke raised his hand to interrupt him: "The Pentagon would like that offer."

Henderson was only briefly shocked before realizing that it wasn't the West Coast that was undermining America's foundations; it was the Pentagon generals who were doing it.

Often, the Pentagon only buys the most expensive, not the most suitable.

Hawke said, "Draft a quote and give it to General Walker to see his reaction."

Henderson made a note of it, then took his leave.

Hawke had specifically inquired and found that many military industrial companies sold vehicles or aircraft weapons to the Pentagon, and the various spare parts for subsequent maintenance were extremely profitable.

Besides the three-wheeled motorcycle, Hawke was also considering what other weapons, which would not enhance the combat effectiveness of the US military but would still look impressive.

These companies can only consider new businesses, because the old businesses have long been dominated by the military-industrial complex.

Even coffee cups have their own dedicated supplier system.

Sucking on the massive body of America is too addictive.

In October, the Congressional Budget Committee enters its annual review season, voting on a large number of funding projects.

The Elephants are now the majority party in Congress, and Tom Emer has been holding back, refraining from retaliating against George Walker for the time being, in order to unite Congress and get his series of plans passed.

His rise to power represents various forces, including Hawke's Twitter network, which need to gain tangible benefits.

If he doesn't get it, Tom Emer's position will naturally be unstable.

On the third Tuesday of October, the Budget Committee passed Tom Emer’s high-tech economic development plan by more than two-thirds of the votes.

Under this plan, the federal government will invest $5558 billion over the next three years in the high-tech industry.

As part of a high-tech project, several of Hawke's initiatives were approved by a majority vote without exception.

The Starlink project has been highly praised, and the Budget Committee has decided to allocate $225 billion to boost private space technology.

SpaceX's plans to return to the moon and land on Mars have been granted $85 billion in government subsidies.

The civilian drone market development subsidy program has also been approved, and those who purchase civilian drones at different price points will receive different percentages of government subsidies.

Compared to traditional industries such as energy, military, and finance, civilian drones are an emerging industry where traditional players do not have an advantage. Currently, the West Coast accounts for more than half of the drone market.

Its unparalleled price advantage has utterly defeated its American counterparts.

The Budget Committee also approved the federal government's network communications hardware and software upgrade plan.

The software aspect is handled by LinkedIn, a subsidiary of Twitter, and the project involves an investment of $118 billion.

Regarding Twitter, the federal government has decided to strengthen America's leadership in global online media by providing a total of $114 billion in subsidies over the next five years, covering areas such as employee training, financial assistance, and technology upgrades.

The AI ​​Manhattan Project has been designated as a strategic technology initiative for the United States, and the Tom Emer government will comprehensively enhance it, most directly through financial subsidies.

On top of existing funding, the federal government will provide an additional $678 billion in research and development subsidies over the next ten years.

These figures may seem like a lot, but they are still far from the $1600 billion in single subsidies that Hawke recalled.

In addition, some of Hawke's plans to remain behind the scenes have also been approved by Congress.

Tesla's electric vehicle development plan has made its presence felt by leveraging the environmental measures such as the carbon emission plans and carbon emission trading systems that Europe and the United States have been vigorously implementing this year.

The federal government will vigorously promote new energy vehicles through market subsidies, tax incentives, and policy measures.

Although it didn't achieve what Hawke told Musk, it's still a huge positive for Tesla.

The government's mandatory promotion of a certain market share for new energy vehicles in a certain year is Musk's long-term goal.

There is another aspect that relates to the overall picture of America's future technological development.

Various Indian-American organizations across the United States, under the call of Indian mutual aid associations, have demonstrated the advantage of Indians' tendency to band together.

During Tom Emmer's campaign, they provided a range of support, including funding. For example, Boeing's new CEO and chief technology officer for India called on Boeing employees to fully support Tom Emmer.

Now it's time to reap the rewards.

First, the plans of several technology companies, including Boeing, to outsource the production of some components to Indian companies, or even to establish branch factories in India, have been approved.

Boeing, in particular, has several high-ranking executives of Indian descent who seem eager to move all of Boeing's production lines to India.

Secondly, the High-Tech Talent Program, proposed by numerous technology companies and Indian-origin associations, has officially become a federal law.

High-tech talents from India can automatically obtain permanent residency upon joining a US company, provided they receive recommendation letters from relevant technology companies and executives.

This also aligns with the growing trend of Indianization in the American tech sector in recent years.

The news caused a sensation in India, with a surge in confidence. (End of Chapter)