Laying Out Southeast Asia

This declaration came too quickly, too directly.

Nakayama Takuya set his teacup back on the table, somewhat helpless.

He had originally prepared an entire set of talking points, analyzing the company's current state, looking ahead to future strategy, and had even prepared a few bargaining chips for exchanging interests.

In the end, these two did not play by the usual rules at all and laid their cards on the table directly.

"Gentlemen, doing it like this makes the draft I spent all night preparing completely useless." Nakayama Takuya spread his hands. "At least go through the motions. Raise a few conditions. Let me experience a little of the ritual of a power struggle."

Laughter rang out in the office.

"Ritual can't be exchanged for hard cash." Hoshino laughed very happily. "From avoiding the collapse of the domestic economic bubble, to shorting oil futures during the Gulf War, to sniping the pound, plus Silicon Valley Online's listing this time—you've led us in nothing but victorious battles. Following you makes money. That is the hardest truth there is. Raise conditions? That would just be asking for trouble."

Sugiura added, "We only care about one thing. Where is the next chance to make a fortune?"

Nakayama Takuya put away his helpless expression, leaned forward, and rested his crossed hands on his knees.

"Have you two been paying attention to the economic situation over in Southeast Asia lately?"

Hoshino and Sugiura exchanged a glance.

"Southeast Asia?" Sugiura asked. "Which countries specifically?"

"Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia." Nakayama Takuya named four.

After thinking for a moment, Sugiura raised a question. "What about Vietnam and Singapore?"

He automatically excluded Cambodia, where the political situation was turbulent.

Hoshino picked up the thread and answered on Nakayama Takuya's behalf. "Vietnam won't do. After fighting that war with China,