Chapter 332: You Don't Know What's Going to Happen

Two hours later, Reyes Corporation posted on their social media channels, announcing the acquisition of Cherry Mobile. The post featured a sleek, professional graphic with the logos of both companies merged into one, symbolizing the beginning of a new era.

The caption read: "Exciting News! Reyes Corporation is proud to announce the acquisition of Cherry Mobile. Together, we aim to revolutionize the smartphone market and bring cutting-edge technology to every Filipino. Stay tuned for more updates! #ReyesCorp #CherryMobile #Innovation"

The post quickly garnered attention, with likes, shares, and comments pouring in from all directions. Industry analysts, tech enthusiasts, and the general public were abuzz with speculation and excitement about what this merger would mean for the future of Cherry Mobile and the local smartphone market.

Inside the Reyes Corporation headquarters, the atmosphere was electric. Michael, Bridget, Juliet, and Antoinette were gathered in the conference room, monitoring the reactions to their announcement. The positive reception was a promising start.

Michael turned to his team, a satisfied smile on his face. "The response has been overwhelmingly positive. This is exactly the kind of buzz we needed."

Juliet nodded, scrolling through the comments on her tablet. "People are really excited about the potential for innovation and improvement. Our plan to revitalize Cherry Mobile is resonating well with the public. Not only that, the stocks of Cherry Mobile have already started to climb. Investors are clearly seeing the potential in this acquisition,"

"What was the value of the stocks before the acquisition?" Antoinette asked, looking over the financial reports on her laptop.

Juliet quickly pulled up the data. "Before the acquisition, Cherry Mobile's stock was hovering around ₱15 per share. Since the announcement, it's jumped to ₱22 per share. That's a significant increase in such a short time."

Bridget leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. "I want to see how much it will be in the next three hours."

***

Three hours later, Juliet refreshed the stock data on her laptop. "It's now at ₱25 per share," she announced. "And it is steadily rising. This is an incredible turnaround."

"Looks like we're in for a busy day," Bridget commented, glancing out the window at the crowd gathering outside.

"It always has been."

As the time for the press conference approached, the room filled with the hum of conversation and the click of cameras. Michael, Bridget, Juliet, and Antoinette took their places on the stage, ready to address the media.

Michael stepped up to the podium, the room quieting as all eyes turned toward him. He took a moment to survey the crowd before speaking, his voice steady and confident.

"Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today. We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Cherry Mobile by Reyes Corporation, a move that marks a new era of innovation and growth for both companies. Together, we are committed to revolutionizing the smartphone market and bringing cutting-edge technology to every Filipino."

He paused as a ripple of applause went through the room. "Our first major initiative is the launch of the QuantumPhone Q1—"

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Thomas Greene was watching the livestream on one of the media sites that was covering the press conference. He was tapping his pen on the table as Michael doesn't have any idea that in the next moment, the United States will begin to make it move.

"Sir...Operation Falling Dragon is ready for undertaking," The Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff Reginald Thornton said. "Should we proceed?"

"I heard that there were some modifications on the plan?" Thomas asked, glancing up at Reginald.

"Yes sir...To make it look like this isn't planned, we are planning on using the Weather Manipulation Satellite to induce a thunderstorm in the area of Senkaku Islands. A Japanese patrol craft will be there, ready to be sacrificed."

"I see...let's go forward with it. The Falling Dragon Operation is a go."