Chapter 224: Sponsor?

September 1st, 2027

Michael adopted a stance in his business, a stance where he'd keep things as they were. Meaning there'd be no major development like starting a new enterprise or whatnot. He wanted to slow it down because he had attracted unwanted people who wanted him out of the business or people who wanted his glory for themselves.

Business on all fronts was doing well. For the solar panels, sales had been increasing steadily. The high-efficiency panels Michael had developed were in high demand, especially in regions with abundant sunlight. The panels were being adopted not only by individual homeowners but also by large corporations looking to reduce their carbon footprints.

The company had secured several lucrative contracts with governments and private sectors alike, pushing its market share to new heights.

In medicine, Michael's groundbreaking Alzheimer's pill was being distributed worldwide. The impact on patients and their families was profound, as the pill had shown remarkable efficacy in slowing the progression of the disease. Michael's pharmaceutical division was working tirelessly to meet the global demand.

Alongside this, Michael was already planning the introduction of new groundbreaking pills in the future aimed at curing other previously incurable diseases. Research and development were underway for treatments targeting diseases such as Parkinson's, ALS, et cetera.

The Medipod, another of Michael's revolutionary products, was also becoming available worldwide. Clinics and hospitals were rapidly adopting the Medipod, and testimonies from patients who had experienced remarkable recoveries were spreading hope globally.

In the transportation sector, Michael's electric buses were gaining significant traction. The push towards sustainable and eco-friendly public transportation has seen cities around the world adding these electric buses to their fleets. Michael's buses were known for their reliability, efficiency, and low environmental impact, making them a popular choice for urban transportation networks.

The company had recently secured contracts with several major cities, leading to a surge in sales. The fleet size was rapidly expanding, positioning Michael's electric buses as the leading choice for public transportation.

From that alone, Michael's net worth was now valued at 35 billion dollars. Making him the richest man in the Philippines, surpassing the Sy siblings. This financial success brought a new level of scrutiny and challenges, but Michael remained focused on his goals.

Michael sat in his new office at the Golden Topper, reviewing reports from each division. The numbers were impressive, but he knew the importance of maintaining this momentum without overextending. His decision to hold off on new enterprises was a strategic move to consolidate his current successes and ensure long-term stability.

Michael chuckled. "That's a good one, but I don't think that can be implemented here in the Philippines given the poor road conditions and chaotic traffic."

Juliet nodded. "True, our infrastructure isn't quite there yet. But it's an interesting concept. Oh speaking of infrastructure, why don't you sponsor a project to improve the roads here?"

Michael considered the suggestion, leaning back in his chair. "It's a good idea, but it's also a massive undertaking. The government would need to be heavily involved, and we'd have to navigate a lot of bureaucracy. And besides the bureaucracy, I don't trust our politicians. They are just corrupt and I fear that the funds I would allocate might end up in the wrong hands," Michael finished.

"Then how about making your own infrastructure? Private companies like the San Miguel Corporation could be partners in such a venture. They've successfully undertaken large infrastructure projects," Juliet suggested.

Michael pondered this. "Partnering with a private company like San Miguel could bypass a lot of the bureaucratic hurdles. It would also ensure better control over the funds and quality of the work. They pioneered themselves by constructing elevated expressways. I want to be different."

"Then how about transportation? You know, their projects favored private cars, how about the public? A railway system. It could ease traffic congestion and provide a reliable alternative for commuters," Juliet proposed.

Michael leaned forward, considering the idea. "A public railway system...but the government already finished lots of it. Aside from the railway, think of something that I can start on."

"True, the government has invested in railways, but there's still a lot of room for improvement, especially in underserved areas. We could focus on regions where public transportation is lacking or outdated."

Michael rubbed his chin thoughtfully. 'That's a start, but it has to be something transformative, something that can really make a difference."

Juliet nodded. "We could look into an integrated transportation network, combining various modes of public transport – buses, trains, and even ferries. It would make commuting more efficient and reduce traffic congestion."

Michael's eyes lit up. 'An integrated network... now that's something worth considering."