1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 549: Help Victor!

Hilton Hotel Ballroom, Los Angeles

A group of people from the California consortium gathered together at this moment, all with solemn expressions.

Because oil prices started to fall.

“Is it true, as Vick said, that the price of oil will never break through $40?”

At this moment, among the crowd, a handsome middle-aged white man said seriously.

In the crowd, James from Bank of America sighed.

"Paul, the spot market is not like the stock market. It won't go up, down, and then up again, unless there is another war in the Middle East or Northern Europe."

"But the war has only been going on for five months, and there is no prospect of a truce between Iran and Iraq. Under these circumstances, oil production will inevitably continue to be reduced."

"Maybe we can wait!"

Paul whispered.

"But we have too much oil. Are you sure you want to take the risk?"

James asked back seriously at this moment.

Paul was speechless for a moment.

The California consortium actually has far more oil than Li Changhe imagined.

In addition to the oil they bought from the Saudi prince from Li Changhe, they also purchased a lot of oil from the Texans.

After all, the Texas consortium is mainly engaged in oil and military industry, and the relationship between the California consortium and the Texas consortium has always been good.

When oil prices skyrocketed before, it was impossible for them to put all their funds with Li Changhe.

Moreover, Li Changhe's share was limited. The initial threshold of $200 million actually blocked many people, and only the top few families were involved in the oil.

The remaining small families that could not come up with 200 million US dollars did not follow Li Changhe, but they also saw the information about the skyrocketing oil prices.

Therefore, there are also a group of oil purchasing groups within the California consortium, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo.

Therefore, the oil that Li Changhe did not plan for is now in the hands of the California consortium.

They just sold Li Changhe's share of oil to Japan. They originally thought that the extra oil in their hands would continue to grow and then be sold. Unexpectedly, the oil price fell now.

"How about we ask Japan. Isn't it their national reserve? Maybe they can eat it?"

Paul asked hesitantly again at this time.

Matthews from Wells Fargo shook his head. "I've already asked that Misugi Junichi. The price he's offering is only thirty-five dollars, and at least a quarter of the money must be paid in Japanese yen."

"The previous batch of oil we brought allowed them to at least complete most of their oil reserves."

"Now that oil prices have fallen, these damn Japanese are no longer willing to pay high prices, and will only push down the price."

“And he told me that if we didn’t sell it to him next time, the subsequent price would only be lower.”

Speaking of this, Matthews's face looked very ugly.

In recent years, the Japanese have been very disliked in the United States, especially their arrogant attitude of waving money, which makes many Americans disgusted.

"Thirty-five dollars, and one-third of the yen, is not enough to cover our costs."

Paul also said viciously at this moment.

Their average cost is around 32 US dollars. If US dollars is converted into one-third of Japanese yen, they will not even be able to recover their capital.

"So what should we do now? Sell it at a low price?"

"Jim, Matthew, you have to give me some advice."

Paul asked helplessly.

Matthews and James frowned.

They are now in a dilemma.

Wait for oil prices to soar further?
They feel it is a bit difficult. The spot oil market is completely based on global demand. Since prices have fallen, it means that the global supply and demand relationship has changed.

Those customers who are looking to purchase on a large scale are likely to have sufficient reserves. The current market is more of a seller's market than a buyer's market.

But it is also difficult for them to sell at a low price.

The cost of these people in the consortium is not cheap. Paul's price of $32 is already considered low. Some people bought it from the market at $33 or $34.

I just want to hoard some to make some money.

If you sell it at a low price now, there is a high possibility that you will make no profit or even lose money.

Because there are heavy taxes on spot oil transactions.

Almost all of these people are clients of the two major banks.

The so-called consortium is actually a group of wealthy people gathered together with banks as the core, and then they play a certain role and influence.

But this does not mean that the wealthy people in it will definitely stand firmly with the consortium or be tied to the consortium.

If their interests are harmed, these wealthy people may abandon the so-called consortium without hesitation and move to other areas.

Therefore, Matthews and James are in a difficult situation now.

The two major banks have made great efforts in this batch of oil investment proposals, but now they are not sure what to do next?
"Paul, don't worry. Wait until our report on the oil market comes out before we make our next plan."

Matthews came to James' rescue at this time.

The only option in the current situation is to delay!
"Okay, James, Matthew, I trust your vision and judgment. I hope you won't let us down."

Paul spoke coldly to James and Matthews at this moment.

He is considered a representative of some middle-class wealthy groups within the California consortium, and this time they also jointly made the purchase.

Paul was their spokesperson.

After Paul finished speaking, he turned and left indifferently.

At this time, Matthews and James walked aside alone.

The two men looked at each other, their faces full of solemnity.

There is no such thing as a market research report. It's very troublesome to check this thing.

But both of them know with their expertise that the oil price may really reach $40 as Victor judged.

Once prices fall, it is difficult to stop them from rising again.

And now it has indeed fallen after reaching 39, which confirms Victor's judgment.

"Jim, what should we do? Should we persuade them to sell at a low price?"

"If you sell it now, you can probably make two or three dollars."

If we let these guys sell out now, the price will probably be around thirty-six or thirty-seven.

But the conditions are definitely not as good as before. Once everyone sells, there will even be a price stampede.

"The problem is that the volume is not small, and it is difficult for a simple oil trader to take it all. The best way is for the state to purchase it."

"But at present, there are not many countries that have the financial strength to buy it."

"The Japanese side should still be able to take it, but the offer they made now is not sincere."

"I guess they have also predicted that oil prices may fall further, so they are not in a hurry now."

"Perhaps, I think we can look for Victor."

Matthews whispered his advice at this time.

"Looking for Victor?"

James hesitated. "Victor is willing to invest in Japan. He must have a lot of Japanese yen in his hands. So I think Victor can accept the Japanese yen payment."

"And the US dollars he earned from the oil deal this time are actually enough for them to share."

"If Victor acts as a middleman, accepts Paul and his team's oil in U.S. dollars, and then resells it to the Japanese in exchange for a portion of the yen share, I think Victor will most likely accept it."

Matthews said seriously at this time.

James sighed, "It's a pity that Vic is not in Los Angeles right now. He seems to have returned to the East."

"Now it seems to be a festival for them, and it is a festival that the Chinese take very seriously."

Matthews smiled and said, "He's not in Los Angeles. We can go to Hong Kong Island."

"How about going to the East to see the prosperity of that city?"

"Going to Hong Kong Island?"

James' eyes lit up, it seemed that it was indeed possible.

"Okay, let's go there as soon as possible."

In Shanghai, Li Changhe and Zhu Lin are visiting Gong Xue's home at this moment.

"Comrade Changhe, Comrade Zhu Lin, thank you so much for taking care of Xiaoxue."

At the dinner table, Mr. and Mrs. Gong were speaking sincerely to Li Changhe.

Although they had some doubts about Gong Xue's feelings for Li Changhe before, now facing her, Gong's father and mother felt grateful.

Look at the things Gong Xue brought back during the Chinese New Year. Many of them are obviously not something a little actress like Xiaoxue could get.

In addition, their current change in situation also originated from the couple.

After the incident with the Liu family, the Gong family became famous in this alley.

Not only did their reputation improve, but the neighbors around them also became friendlier to them.

After all, everyone knows that the second daughter of the Gong family is capable, and she easily arranged a foreign-funded job for the boy from the Liu family.

In Shanghai, foreign-funded enterprises are more popular than cadres.

They also want to maintain a good relationship and maybe arrange a job for their children.

After all, there are many educated youth who have returned to the city and are unemployed.

Therefore, some of the neighbors seemed to be trying to curry favor with the Gong family.

But if we talk about who is the most attentive to the Gong family now, the Liu family is definitely number one.

The first one is the old lady from the Liu family.

After the old lady of the Liu family was discharged from the hospital, she has basically become a substitute for the Gong family.

Someone had previously spread some rumors about Gong Xue in secret, and the old lady caught him and scolded him for a long time.

After all, his precious grandson's job now depends on someone else's words.

She was even more afraid that if the Gong family turned against her and someone else persuaded them to steal her eldest grandson's job, that would be a huge loss.

Because he works in a foreign company, her eldest grandson is now looking for a girlfriend, and the other party is said to be a female cadre.

In addition to the old lady of the Liu family, Liu Jianshe is now also a big man in the Gong family. He doesn't talk much and has little education, but he is very strong.

Most of the heavy work in the alley of the Gong family was done by Liu Jianshe.

After all, any physical work at home is basically the same and takes about the same time.

But Mr. Gong was a scholar, and it was not easy for him to do some physical work.

He actually benefited a lot from Liu Jianshe's help.

So Mr. and Mrs. Gong actually live very comfortably in the alley now, and they also know that all this is actually caused by Li Changhe.

Without his help at that time, the Gong family would not have been able to have such a change.

"Uncle and aunt, my wife treats Xiaoxue as her own sister, so you don't have to be too polite, just treat us as a family."

Li Changhe said with a smile.

After listening to this, Zhu Lin silently rolled her eyes at Li Changhe.

We are not a family anymore!
Gong Xue, who was standing by, seemed to have heard the "meaning" of Li Changhe's words and lowered her head silently.

"Xiaoxue is so lucky to meet you. Come, eat some food. Eat more."

After a lively dinner, Li Changhe, Zhu Lin and Gong Xue strolled out of the alley.

At the entrance of the alley, a black Mercedes was parked quietly. Outside the car, a few children were curiously looking inside through the glass.

When they saw Li Changhe coming, they dispersed immediately.

After getting in the car, Li Changhe just started the engine, and then a ding-dong sound was heard in the car.

Li Changhe picked up the phone curiously, and then heard the news reported by Catherine on the other end of the phone.

James from Bank of America and Matthews from Wells Fargo are actually going to Hong Kong Island to find him?
And maybe he's on the plane now?
After hanging up the phone, Li Changhe sat there thinking.

"What's wrong? Is there something going on outside?"

Zhu Lin asked softly at this time.

"Two senior bank executives from the United States came to Hong Kong Island to see me."

Li Changhe said casually.

"So are you going back?"

"If you're in a hurry, go back first. Xiaoxue and I will stay here for two days, and then we'll go back to the capital with Kaige and his wife."

Tian Zhuangzhuang and Liang Zuo cannot leave, as they will have to do dubbing next and may even have to go overseas to participate in the competition.

"Well, those two are already on the plane. I'll leave early tomorrow morning. It's too late now."

At this point, it’s too late even if we ask Lin Yuan to arrange military affairs. It’s better to set off tomorrow.

So that night, Li Changhe secretly worked until midnight.

He fed his wife first, and then went to Gong Xue's room while Zhu Lin was asleep to "comfort" her.

Then early the next morning, with the two girls looking reluctant to leave, Li Changhe drove to the Magic City International Airport.

He was too lazy to take a military plane, as that would require him to transfer via Australia Island. It would be better for him to use a fake identity and take a direct flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong Island.

At ten o'clock in the morning, Li Changhe landed at Kai Tak Airport.

Ah Hu had already been waiting here in his car.

They also went back to celebrate the New Year, but they came back two days earlier than Li Changhe, returning after the fifth day of the New Year.

"Boss, where are we going?"

In the car, Ah Hu asked Li Changhe softly.

"Let's go back to Landmark Tower first and wait for someone there."

After returning to the Jardine Building, Li Changhe gave Catherine some instructions and went back to the lounge in the office to rest.

He wasn't tired, he just didn't sleep well last night.

It is far more convenient for two people to comfort someone one after another than to do it together. Unfortunately, this beautiful wish still has a long way to go.

So while James and Matthews were not here, he planned to take a nap in the office and recuperate.

(End of this chapter)