Chapter 284: The Invisible Hand (19)
Governnts around the world began to move in response to these overwhelmingly attractive offers.
And Trenton’s reaction to all this was…
— We must block the export of core AI equipnt and components! Not just to China, but to any country that cooperates with China!
This was an even broader move of retaliation and containnt. But China didn’t back down either.
— Should any act infringe upon our legitimate national interests, we will consider appropriate counterasures, including restrictions on the export of rare earth elents and other related resources.
If the U.S. blocks AI, China will limit its rare earth supply. A trade war was looming.
In response, a new frenzy began to stir beneath the surface.
“We have to buy now!”
A full-blown panic-buying spree was underway. To secure GPUs, China was even willing to pay a premium and swept up all available stock. Other countries and corporations also scrambled to place massive orders ahead of impending regulations.
This buying surge significantly boosted corporate earnings:
Stock prices reacted just as enthusiastically. AI stocks, long plagued by concerns of a bubble, soared day after day. NVIDIA, which had started the year at $32, now broke past $105. Other AI companies also saw steep increases—rising between 200% and 400%.
Those who had sold early, convinced the market was at its peak, now regretted deeply.
— Where’s that guy who said this was a bubble?
— I moved my retirent funds to “safe assets” and now it looks like I’ll be retiring at 97.
— I thought it was a bubble, but turns out it’s a bubble made of mithril…
— Can this even pop at this point...?
— No way. It’s beco a matter of national pride now.
— China vs. U.S... They’re basically in the world’s most expensive slap fight right now.
anwhile, watching all of this unfold, Ha Siheon nodded with satisfaction.
“Is this enough?”
Speeding up AI developnt was important—but just as crucial was making sure “the system ran by itself.”
And now? AI had beco the centerpiece of the U.S.-China tech supremacy battle. Both nations, driven by pride, were now pouring in massive investnts on their own.
“It’s going even smoother than I planned.”
China had not only advanced its 2017 AI roadmap by several years, but even implented a quota system—sothing unthinkable in his previous life.
There was only one unexpected side effect...
“I’ve beco too conspicuous.”
In fanning the flas between China and the U.S., Ha Siheon had beco a prized asset both countries wanted.
Worse still, during the U.S. election campaign, a performance dubbed “Protect Sean” had firmly solidified that image. Now, even just stepping outside...
“Sean! We’ll protect you no matter what!”
“You’re a national treasure!”
Comnts like this had beco a daily occurrence. So many eccentric followers clung to him now that he had to increase his security team to five guards.
“My movents are way too restricted these days...”
Just today, he had wanted to dine at a favorite restaurant—but considering the possible commotion, he had to settle for takeout instead.
Then, as he was waiting for his order…
Ding!
A ssage ca in. The sender? None other than White Shark.
It was a ssage from White Shark. And the “results” referred to none other than the Triangle Club admissions.
“Ah... right, there was that too.”
Although his main goal behind all these grand sches was to develop a cure, the Triangle Club entrance exam had been progressing in parallel. It had been so far from his mind, he’d nearly forgotten…
“Well, shall I head over for now?”
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