America: My Time

Chapter 1008 The Importance of Character Design

Chapter 998 The Importance of Character Design
John's refusal distressed Akio Morita. It was already December, and the New Year was fast approaching. If they couldn't reach an agreement with John in advance, their situation would likely become even more difficult next year. Losing the cooperation of the Middle Eastern tycoon would be a disaster for Japan. More importantly, John's energy development in Asia was also progressing rapidly, and he had acquired considerable resources, making Japan's situation even more perilous.

It's too late to admit defeat now. John won't let the Japanese guys off the hook just because Akio Morita bowed down. This time, the Japanese guys have completely enraged John and completely exhausted all past favors. Without personal connections, it's all about profit. If the Japanese guys don't offer enough benefits, how could John possibly give them another chance?

The situation at Toshiba is far from ideal. Japanese automakers and Ford in the US are also struggling because Toshiba's products are nowhere near comparable to those of global navigation satellite companies. However, it's now impossible for them to re-engage with global navigation satellite companies.

"Mr. Morita, let's talk about this next year. I really can't find the time. Your betrayal has disrupted many of my plans, and I'm powerless to do anything about stabilizing myself!"

Upon hearing John's words, Akio Morita couldn't help but sigh. Talking again next year was too late; it would have a greater impact on Japan, and any further problems would have even more severe consequences. At that moment, Morita was inwardly cursing Toshiba. If it weren't for their greed and arrogance, things wouldn't have come to this. Now that problems had arisen, these bastards were cowering, leaving him to solve their problems.

Of course, Akio Morita also understood the hidden meaning behind John's words. Some ignorant people in Japan were interfering with John's investments there. Although it was just minor interference, their actions had crossed John's bottom line. It was utterly ridiculous that they thought such methods could make John compromise. This situation was mainly affecting the workers, whose circumstances were now even more difficult. So, in a moment of anger, some people targeted John's investments in Japan.

"Alright, I'll pass on your opinion to them!" Faced with John's tough stance, Akio Morita had no choice. Sony was also suffering a significant blow. Although he was unwilling, there was nothing he could do. Fortunately, Sony's market share in North America was not affected, otherwise, he would have been in considerable trouble!
"It's good that Mr. Morita understands. If you want to negotiate, you have to be sincere. You can't just think about solving problems with empty words. There's no such thing as a free lunch. Don't worry, our cooperation will not be affected. After all, I know you don't know all this. Even for the sake of our past relationship, I won't make things difficult for you because of this!"

John didn't completely destroy Akio Morita. At least in terms of personal computers and internet cafe alliances, they continued to cooperate, and even in the field of communications. This is why the Japanese chose to have Akio Morita meet with John.

Now that Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki are both out of Japan, it has a significant impact on those guys there; at least their whispers are no longer effective. It's almost impossible for them to influence John now, since John has become 'rational,' which is the most troublesome situation for those guys in Japan.

After getting rid of the old fox Akio Morita, John sighed. His investments in Japan had changed again. Although this was expected, the situation still made John take it seriously. After all, there were still many benefits to be gained in Japan, and it would be a pity to give them up.

John had considered using the power of the US government; he was confident he could get Old Man Bush to intervene. However, he ultimately decided against it. Things hadn't come to that point yet, and there was no need to go to such extremes.

"What's wrong? Something on your mind? Did Riko ask you to plead with me again, asking me not to make things difficult for those guys in Japan?" John asked with a faint smile when he saw that Naoko and Kuroki Hitomi looked a little heavy-hearted.

“Riko did ask us to plead with those Japanese companies, but this is not something we can interfere with. We also know the reason behind it; they did something wrong and should be punished! I'm just worried about Riko; she's not doing well and is under a lot of pressure!” With Naoko, Kuroki Hitomi, and Nakamori Akina not returning to Japan, Riko's usefulness has diminished considerably. Therefore, her position in the old man Morita Akio's heart has become less important. If it weren't for Riko's good relationship with Kikuchi Momoko and others, she might have already been abandoned by Morita Akio. After all, John's 'rational' behavior has made Morita Akio realize that empty words are no longer very useful, and too many favors have been used up!
"You should have known all this long ago. You know what the situation is like in Japan. An old fox like Akio Morita won't care about Riko. If she's no longer useful, she'll be discarded! If you feel bad about it, then contact her more often, but it won't make much difference. If she can see through everything, she should prepare to be abandoned sooner rather than later. Tell Momoko Kikuchi to help her open a few internet cafes. Even if she loses Akio Morita's protection in the future, she can still have a good old age!"

John's persona isn't going to collapse. He believes in getting big results with little money. If he didn't know Riko's situation, it would be fine, but once he did, he naturally had to lend her a hand. At the very least, his image as someone who values ​​friendship can't be ruined. Don't underestimate this seemingly insignificant little thing; if he does it, it will provoke a strong reaction from those guys in Japan.

"By the way, if Akina or your own relatives are interested in this, they can also participate. For a long time, the internet cafe alliance will still have good development. Of course, convenience stores are also an option!" It would be a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity brought by that old guy, Akio Morita, now.

Of course, John wasn't entirely unaware of Akio Morita's scheming. Riko's appearance and situation were part of Morita's test of him. For such a cunning old fox, every move was calculated. John, however, didn't care about such calculations, because this was the outcome he wanted. A win-win situation for everyone; John wouldn't pass up an opportunity to achieve great things with minimal investment, especially since it would be beneficial to him in the long run!
Everyone has relatives and friends, so John's words made Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki very happy. At least they felt more at ease and more certain that their choice was right!
"Don't be too happy yet. Let Peach handle this. It's best if you don't go back to Japan during this time. Even if your families want you to go back, don't agree. Before this contest between me and Japan is resolved, you should be cautious. Also, tell Peach and the others to be careful. Although those guys won't do anything provocative unless they're stupid, there are always exceptions. And there are always some crazy people in Japan, so caution is the right thing to do!"

If Naoko and the others were to return to Japan now, a lot of trouble would arise for them, which is not the outcome John wants to see. It's precisely at times like these that they must be extra careful and cautious, without the slightest negligence, otherwise, serious trouble could easily ensue. If things get out of control, it won't be good for John either!

"What? He refused? We just wanted him to be a middleman. Is he unwilling to do such a small thing? Morita-san, why did it turn out like this? We've already admitted our mistake, what more does he want!"

"Sincerity, he wants sincerity. You don't think that just bowing your heads and admitting your mistakes is enough to end this, do you? Making mistakes has consequences. He wants us to show sincerity. These are his exact words. Now, you can decide for yourselves. I have no other choice. You all know that Sony's situation is not good right now!"

Akio Morita found it laughable that these Japanese guys were still so arrogant. When did they become like this, thinking that bowing their heads, admitting their mistakes, and saying a few words of apology could make everything end? There's no such thing as a free lunch, and if there were, it wouldn't happen to them.

"Sincerity? Aren't we sincere enough? What kind of sincerity does he want us to show? Does he want Toshiba to give up its cooperation with the American navigation company, to give up the production of navigation devices, and to keep holding us by the throat?"

At this point, Toshiba's team had become somewhat reckless. If this situation were to occur, it would be disastrous for Toshiba, plunging them into an even greater predicament. Although they were facing difficulties with the navigation system, it wasn't impossible to catch up. Even if the North American market encountered problems, the domestic market was still manageable. At least this would prevent Toshiba from incurring significant losses. If they abandoned the cooperation, Toshiba would be in serious trouble!
Akio Morita smiled calmly and said, "How to decide is your business. I can't make the decision for you. I'm just telling you John's request. That's all I can do. As for other issues, that's your business. John asked me to tell you that he doesn't have any time before the new year. Let's talk about everything after the new year!"

(End of this chapter)