Hollywood Immortal

[Chapter 366: Investing in Yahoo]

In the end, Hillary didn't make it to Los Angeles by the end of March. The New York Times was entering its final phase of major breakthroughs.

As the key figure behind the whole operation and also the one standing to gain the most, there were countless matters she had to coordinate and decide on. She simply couldn't get away.

She even called Linton to complain, "Linton, you know I promised to visit you in LA at the end of the month, but looks like I won't be able to make it."

"I understand. This is a critical time; you just focus on your work."

"Can I come to LA more often in April to make up for this missed opportunity?"

"Of course, just handle everything on your plate first."

"Great! Oh, by the way, the funds for short selling the stocks have all been settled. I'll transfer the money to you tomorrow."

"So fast?"

"Yeah, this stage is completely wrapped up."

"And how much did we make?"

"Better than expected. After fees and financing costs, your total earnings are $98 million."

"Wow, so the net profit is about $72 million."

"Exactly. Don't you think you owe me a little bonus?" Hillary's tone turned teasingly coquettish.

"Ahem, we'll talk about that when we meet." Linton chuckled to himself, knowing Hillary's secretive nature often slipped a little.

"Alright, I'll finish up quickly and come to LA."

---

The next day, Winnie burst into Linton's office, beaming with excitement, handing him a settlement sheet and a bank transfer confirmation.

"Darling, the short-selling earnings from the New York Times have come through -- in less than a month, we made $72 million in profits!"

"Fantastic. Looks like our Winnie really is a genius." Linton had known the results for a while but seeing the numbers on the transfer made him unusually thrilled. He even joked around with her.

"Darling, I can't take credit for it all. It was all your plan, and I just followed your instructions. Besides, short-selling isn't something just anyone with ability and insight can play."

"Well, regardless, you scored a big win."

"Darling, since you say I did such a great job, how are you going to reward me?" Winnie, unusually playful, used the chance to make a little request.

"What do you want?"

"How about we enjoy a private night together here tonight?"

Thinking back to the passionate night they had shared here when Netscape closed their Series A funding round, Linton felt his heart race. He stood up, closed the office door, and swept Winnie into his arms.

"The work is done for today. We don't have to wait till tonight; let's start now."

Sweet and joyful music played....

In the sprawling penthouse suite spanning over 4,000 square feet, the office, lounge, conference rooms, screening room, swimming pool, home theater, gym, garden terrace, master bedroom, bathroom, and everywhere else bore the marks of their love.

---

After a long while, their passion subsided. Winnie lay softly in Linton's arms.

"Darling, the first $50 million of the internet venture capital fund is almost used up. I think it's time to kick off the second round."

"Sounds good. How much do you plan to invest in the second round?"

"One hundred million dollars. Some startups have already passed the initial stage and are entering Series A funding."

"No problem. Let's do it as you say. What else?"

"I'm still optimistic about the computer and telecom industries. I believe these two sectors will keep growing rapidly for a long time. So I want to invest more money in stocks of related companies."

"That makes sense. Any specific targets?" Linton was well aware that until 2000, computer, telecom, and internet companies were going to boom wildly, eventually forming an incredible bubble.

Investing in these two industries, as long as one exited before 2000, had a guaranteed 7 to 8 times profit potential.

"The usual suspects: Microsoft, Cisco, America Online, Oracle, Intel, Nokia, AMD, Compaq, Dell, and Comcast, which is just starting to show its potential."

"Good choices. Let's do exactly that."

"Darling, do you remember when we first set up the internet venture capital fund, you said to focus on three areas?"

"Of course. Netscape is the representative of the first area. What about new investment ideas in other sectors?"

"At the beginning of the month, a company named Yahoo submitted an angel investment proposal to our Mangrove Capital. Their plan is to provide users with a comprehensive information search service. It perfectly fits the second area you mentioned."

"Yahoo? Are you serious?"

"Yes, Yahoo! What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just go on."

"I reviewed their plan. Besides bringing various information, especially the most up-to-date news online, they also offer extensive search and query features. It seems very feasible."

"Did we invest?"

"We already put in $4 million and got a 20% stake."

"Great! I think this sector's future is even better than the first one. The market potential will be much bigger. You should watch it closely."

"You mean this company's future is better than Netscape's? That's hard to believe. Netscape has been growing so fast, practically the Silicon Valley internet poster child. Jim Clark even called me a few days ago saying they plan a Series B in a month and aim to go public by August."

Linton vaguely remembered Netscape's initial public offering was scheduled for that August, which explained why it was hailed as the first great internet stock. His investing hadn't slowed down its progress at all.

"Netscape's outlook is excellent, no doubt. But trust me, the comprehensive internet information search sector has a wider market than the browser segment and is still in its pioneering phase."

"Of course, whether Yahoo can claim the top spot depends on their capability and growth speed. But you should keep a close eye and give them support when you can."

"Got it. I'll follow your lead."

"Sweetheart, rested up?"

Linton felt a fire lit inside him after learning Winnie had secured the angel investment in Yahoo.

"Darling, tonight I want to be on top."

The battle reignited, and sweet, joyful music echoed through the empty 16th-floor office building....

*****

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