A Wall Street Genius's Final Investment Playbook-Chapter 200

[I can come to you if needed…………]

Gerard expressed his willingness to come here himself.

He must be in quite a rush.

However, I firmly drew the line.

“How about a different location? I’ve been staying in the hotel for a week, and it’s getting a little suffocating.”

[……………Then where?]

If we’re going to meet anyway, it should be somewhere that can only be accessed through Gerard’s network.

The problem was, no specific place came to mind.

‘A few months ago, I would have mentioned a high-society private club…'

But the situation now was different.

Even without Gerard's introduction, wealthy individuals were lining up to meet me.

With just one phone call, I could get into most places.

“Where are you staying currently?”

[Me? I have a mansion in San Francisco……………]

“Would it be possible to meet you there?”

[At my house?]

Yes, an old money residence.

That’s the kind of place you don’t get to visit easily.

“Actually, I’ve been traveling frequently to California, and I was just looking for a second house in the area. I met a real estate agent today as well.”

At that point, Gerard seemed to have no reason to refuse and agreed.

But after ending the call, complicated thoughts filled my head.

‘What’s going on?'

The last conversation I had with Gerard was about expanding the pet food business.

But—

‘Is there something that could be a problem?'

In the future I know, Marquis's pet business thrived.

From pet food to a veterinary network, it integrated everything and became a golden goose, making up half of their total revenue.

Of course, just because long-term success was guaranteed didn’t mean the process would be smooth……………….

At that moment, someone spoke to me.

“Heading out?”

The question came from COO Crane.

I had told Gerard I had time, but today was actually a busy day.

I had a meeting scheduled this evening with an AI startup I had invested in.

“Yes, a sudden important appointment came up. Will you be okay going alone?”

“That’s not a problem…………… but the last item is an issue. It’s the regulatory risk.”

My brows furrowed involuntarily.

Regulatory risk.

This was a rumor that had been spreading rapidly in Silicon Valley lately.

“I checked again today with a fund manager I know, and it seems highly likely that regulations on data use will be introduced.”

To develop an AI model, a vast amount of training data is required.

To that end, I had already acquired several companies managing patient data through my private equity fund and RP Solutions.

In other words, I possessed the data.

Under current HIPAA law, it's allowed if converted into de-identified data.

However—

“They’re planning to greatly strengthen the conditions for use. Mandating expensive security systems, or limiting medical data usage to companies with years of experience in the field.”

“So basically, startups are effectively excluded.”

“Yes.”

In short, it was the logic that only verified companies should handle patients’ highly sensitive medical data.

‘This regulation didn’t exist in my previous life……………..’

But I couldn’t rule out the possibility that a butterfly effect had occurred because of me.

“Do you think it’s highly likely to happen?”

“It’s a risk we can’t ignore. Big Tech and Big Pharma have been actively lobbying lately………… If that’s true, then it’s likely an attempt to create a barrier to entry.”

Big pharmaceutical and tech companies that had set their sights on healthcare AI.

They were in fierce competition with numerous startups.

While startups are small in size, that small size can be an advantage.

If AI development is a race against time, then agility and flexibility are powerful weapons.

That’s exactly why big companies are trying to build legal barriers through lobbying.

‘If this continues………..?'

The startups I’ve invested in will be disqualified from using data.

Which means, my plan to develop an AI model could be derailed.

“Can’t we hire lobbyists to counter it?”

“Lobbying isn’t just about money. It’s about long-standing networks and trust. It’s more realistic to negotiate or form alliances.”

Big Pharma and Big Tech.

I would have to meet with them one by one and reach agreements…

That process would take time.

One year, two years, maybe even longer.

But the one thing I lacked most was time.

‘To develop the treatment, I need to start AI research right now.’

Negotiations would take too long.

Then what if I chose to push through instead?

That would mean going head-to-head against the giants of Big Pharma and Big Tech.

In a battle over regulations, the deciding resource is clear.

Political power.

I needed influence to mobilize for lobbying.

But politics is a realm dominated by white elites.

A young Asian man with no connections to that world—how much influence could I really wield?

“I’m sure today’s meeting will touch on this topic. Are you sure you want me to go alone?”

Given the situation, this wasn’t the time to casually offer help to Gerard.

‘Should I just call and tell him we’ll meet another time?’

That would be the rational decision.

But as I lifted the phone to cancel the appointment, a strange resistance welled up inside me.

A chilling unease crept up my spine.

‘This feeling…….?’

It was similar to what I had felt over a year ago during the Genesis incident.

My heart pounded for no reason, and my mind felt dizzy.

It was as if every cell in my body was sounding the alarm.

This shouldn’t be delayed.

This absolutely must not be missed.

‘Why?’

Gerard’s issue couldn’t possibly be more important than developing my treatment.

Besides, strictly speaking, the pet business had little to do with me.

I might just end up wasting time listening to Gerard complain.

And yet……………….

Every cell in my body was screaming.

That I absolutely had to go meet Gerard.

‘What could I possibly gain from just helping with some pet issue……?’

That’s when it hit me like lightning.

“How about animal data?”

“Excuse me?”

“Training the AI model using animal medical data.”

“… . . . . . !”

Crane’s eyes widened.

Understanding slowly spread across her face.

“If it’s animal data…………… the regulatory risk would certainly decrease. There’s a big difference in sensitivity after all.” freёwebnoѵel.com

Yes, the training data needed for AI development didn’t have to be human.

“But would an animal-based model be applicable to humans?”

“It wouldn’t be completely irrelevant. Clinical trials start with animal testing, don’t they?”

“Well, that’s true, but……..”

“Of course, the final model would need to be refined using patient data. But we can’t just sit around waiting while the political issues are sorted out. Wouldn’t it be smart to use animal data to develop the initial model in the meantime?”

Given the current situation, this was the best way to save time.

“Bring it up at today’s meeting.”

“Understood.”

Crane nodded, but after a brief hesitation, she spoke again.

“Then…….. will you be acquiring a company that holds animal medical data? The industries are completely different, and there’s little synergy. Plus, the acquisition costs wouldn’t be small…….”

I smiled.

“That’s not something we need to worry about right now. I think I have another solution.”

#

Inside the sedan the hotel concierge had arranged,

I took out my phone and searched for ‘Marquis’ and ‘pet’.

And unexpectedly, this result popped up.

<Marquis Acquires Animal Hospital Chain ‘PawCare Group’>

Marquis had already acquired and been operating an animal hospital chain since 2007.

In other words, it meant they already possessed animal medical data.

For me, it was extremely welcome news.

‘So I just have to ask for it?'

If I made Gerard the successor and then asked for the animal medical data?

There’s no way he could refuse the request of someone who handed him the successor position.

Besides, this wasn’t just about securing data.

‘A family like Marquis must have considerable lobbying power too.'

Marquis was the largest private company in the U.S. and a prestigious family with a long lineage.

Gerard’s father, Raymond, was once Kissinger’s lawyer, and Rachel had once hinted that she’d met President Clinton.

‘Perfect to offload the political issues onto.'

But then.

A new question suddenly popped into my mind.

A fundamental question about the problem Gerard was facing.

‘Why would he hesitate to expand the pet food business if they already own animal hospitals?'

Thinking back to our previous conversations, it seemed like there was resistance among the family elders regarding Gerard’s direction.

But if they already operated veterinary hospitals, weren’t they already deeply invested in the pet industry?

Pet food, in fact, could generate strong synergy with the existing business.

‘Then why oppose it?'

I continued searching with that question in mind, but the family was so secretive and the company private that no useful information was publicly available.

‘Whatever it is……!'

I need to solve this issue and make Gerard the successor.

In return, I would gain data and political influence.

Not a bad deal.

While I felt satisfied with that, the driver’s voice interrupted.

“We’ve arrived.”

#

The Marquis family’s San Francisco mansion was completely different from the Greenwich estate I’d visited last time.

If Greenwich boasted classic charm, this place pursued extreme simplicity and sophistication.

Made of black steel and sleek stone, it was the epitome of a modern house.

“Shall we start with a tour of the house?”

Perhaps because I mentioned real estate, Gerard volunteered to show me around as soon as he saw me.

“This is the main living room. The night view’s pretty great, right?”

Beyond the floor-to-ceiling glass wall stretched a panoramic view of San Francisco.

The city’s scenery acted like a massive, living frame that filled the space.

“There are six bedrooms, nine bathrooms. Let’s start with the primary room.”

Gerard introduced the house with what felt like a sense of obligation.

“My father got this place when his business trips to California became more frequent…”

This mansion, owned by Raymond, reflected his taste perfectly — pure minimalism.

But to my eyes, it looked a bit bland.

Clean, yes, but nothing particularly striking.

Only the bathroom stood out.

The salt room made from Himalayan salt blocks and the sauna built with natural cedar were quite impressive.

“No swimming pool?”

“Swimming pool? There is one, but……………”

Gerard’s gaze faltered.

He was clearly preoccupied with something else.

“Want to see it?”

“No, I’m hungry. Let’s eat first.”

After all, the real purpose wasn’t a house tour.

Better to get to the point quickly.

As we headed to the dining room, a private chef was already waiting.

“Please wait just a moment, your meal will be ready soon.”

Finally, it was time to hear Gerard’s concerns.

However—

When we sat at the table, only a heavy silence followed.

‘Seems like it’s hard for him to bring it up.’

Important requests are often the hardest to say out loud.

To ease his burden, I started the conversation first.

“How’s the pet food business you mentioned before going?”

“Oh, the acquisition went smoothly. We’re currently going through the integration process.”

That’s it?

“Is something wrong? I gave you that advice, so I’ve been wondering.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s just……………!”

Gerard tried to change the subject but stopped himself.

We had already talked about updates and Rachel during the tour — we didn’t have much else in common.

Just as an awkward silence fell—

“Here’s the antipasti.”

The chef brought out the first course.

“Burrata cheese and heirloom tomatoes. This cheese is from a special farm in the Puglia region……”

The dish was excellent.

It looked like a simple combo of tomato and cheese, but—

The texture of the burrata, with its soft cream bursting in your mouth, was exquisite.

The tomatoes were so tender their skins practically melted, and they had a sun-kissed sweetness.

“Tastes good, right?”

“Yes, it does.”

The conversation ended just as briefly again.

As another heavy silence threatened to descend—

“Here is the agnolotti.”

Thankfully, the next dish arrived.

Inside the thin and smooth agnolotti dough was soft ricotta cheese and fresh spinach, gently wrapped in the aroma of sage.

And then.

It wasn’t until we were halfway through the main dish — sea bass — that Gerard finally spoke up.

“Do you remember what my mother said during Thanksgiving a while back? She asked if your algorithm could be applied to food companies…”

Gerard spoke as if recalling a light memory.

But this seemed to be his true reason for inviting me.

‘So he needs my algorithm.’

I smiled gently and responded.

“Applicability to other industries… It might be possible, but I don’t really have the bandwidth for such a project right now.”

“I can provide whatever budget is necessary.”

That wasn’t a good attitude.

He was treating me like a tool that could be bought with money.

I guessed Gerard was looking for a one-off, cash-settled transaction.

But—

‘I can’t let that happen.’

I needed to use this as leverage to extract more from him.

‘To do that, I need to make him owe me.’

A persistent, clingy, inescapable kind of debt.

That’s the kind of relationship I wanted.

“I’m sorry, but I’m at a stage where my time is more valuable than money.”

“Still, wouldn’t it be okay as pocket money? I can pay you well enough that it won’t feel like a loss……”

Even after repeated refusals, Gerard kept trying to solve it with money.

Maybe he still remembered the old me from my Goldman days.

Maybe he still thought I was someone easy to buy.

Then I had no choice but to correct that.

“It’s difficult to buy my help with money. I’m pretty expensive.”

“How expensive are we talking? Just tell me. I can afford it.”

“Can I be completely honest?”

“Of course.”

I slowly wiped my mouth with the napkin and looked Gerard straight in the eye.

“In one of my projects this quarter, I earned about $12 billion. Assuming 10 hours of work per day, that means my hourly rate is about $13 million. Daily, that’s $130 million.”

“……”

Gerard’s expression froze.

His face was a mix of disbelief and shock.

Well, it was understandable.

The price I named wasn’t exactly reasonable.

$13 million an hour, $130 million a day.

I smiled at him.

“Would you still try to solve this with money?”

The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel