America: My Time

Chapter 1146 Influence and Secrets

Chapter 1136 Influence and Secrets
Jimmy hadn't expected things to happen, and the meeting quickly spread throughout high society. For these old guys, there were no secrets, and they needed approval for what they had done.

When all this news reached Old Martin's ears, he couldn't help but sigh. He hadn't expected things to come to this, and many of the old men who made the decision were people he knew well. But he could understand their choice. If he were in their position, he would have made the same sacrifice for the family.

However, Martin Luther King Jr. harbored deep resentment towards the White House. This time, the White House had been hiding behind the scenes, reaping the benefits without lifting a finger. Such shameless behavior disgusted him, but he couldn't do anything about it. After all, it was an election year, and John had already decided to remain neutral. If Martin Luther King Jr. were to make any moves at this time, it could lead to negative consequences. It might even raise suspicions that this was part of John's plan, causing him considerable trouble—a situation he desperately wanted to avoid!
This meeting also affected the oil capital group. When they received the news, they were all shocked. They had not expected such an outcome. They were well aware of the extent of Westinghouse Electric's influence and the astonishing profits it generated. If they were in John's position, they would not have made such a decision or given these guys such benefits. This made the oil capital group members extremely angry.

Did Oilfield Capital not want to take over such an important industry? No, they did, but those old-guard American families wouldn't give them the opportunity; they didn't want to see Oilfield Capital control the 'foundation' of the United States. Westinghouse Electric's connection to national security is understandable; after all, they naturally attach great importance to companies related to nuclear energy.

John's acquisition of Westinghouse Electric was easy because he was also a member of an established family business. However, it would be impossible for Oilfield Capital to acquire it. Those old guys in the US would not agree to it. They would not hand over such an important asset to the other party, not to mention that Westinghouse Electric still had such a large stake in it. Those old guys would not give them such an opportunity to get all of this. So no matter how much they coveted it, they could only give up.

If OilTai Capital were to step forward at this juncture and attempt to join the acquisition, the consequences would be severe. A misstep could lead to unimaginable changes, causing the situation to spiral out of control. Heavy industry enterprises are the foundation of long-established family businesses; companies related to national security, such as oil, steel, and mining, are all controlled by these families.

John's rapid growth was due in part to the support of Japanese banks, which provided him with sufficient loans, and in part to his family's prestigious lineage, which protected him from ostracism by high society, allowing him to thrive. John was well aware of this.

Why did John readily agree to acquire those old-timers' assets without being rejected? This is the tacit understanding among established families, and also a repayment of favors. Morgan's words were a way of telling them that past favors had been largely exhausted, and further action would have to be done according to the rules.

Of course, this relationship doesn't refer to the relationships between those old-established families, but rather their relationship with John. At least when John acquired those companies, these old guys didn't stop him, which is a favor. However, this favor is hidden beneath the surface, but it still needs to be repaid.

Was Westinghouse Electric important to John? Actually, not as important as many people thought; at least not to John. But for some, it was very important. After all, having shares in Westinghouse Electric would be quite beneficial to their own development, providing them with significant support for a considerable period!

"What? You're going to China to talk to John in person?" Smith was shocked when he received the call from his father. Although he knew that some things had happened in the United States recently, he did not expect his father to want to see John. This would not happen if it was not something important.

"Can I ask what happened? Is it worth your intervention? Your actions will make many people uneasy and may even have a significant impact." Smith was still a little hesitant to accept it and wanted to find out the reason behind it.

"Don't ask so many questions. This has nothing to do with you. Just focus on your own business. I'm just letting you know so you won't be completely unaware. As for the reason, you're not qualified to know!" Old Martin's words left Smith on the other end of the phone feeling annoyed but helpless. If it were a serious matter, he, as the father, wouldn't be qualified to know; being informed at all was already a good thing.

"Alright, since that's the case, I won't ask any more questions, lest I put you or John in a difficult position!" Old Martin wouldn't want to do this if he could, but the situation forced him to. If he did nothing, it would significantly impact the family, especially since it involved the White House and established families. Although Morgan and DuPont hadn't intervened, Rockefeller had called him, along with several other familiar old friends. He needed to accept this favor, and he had no choice but to go personally to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Despite the presence of Jimmy Morgan, those old guys were still uneasy. After all, Morgan's words had put them on guard. They couldn't accept the possibility of him standing against John. So even though they were willing to take over Westinghouse Electric and were willing to sacrifice their relationship, they could still follow Martin's lead and try to maintain the relationship as much as possible.

After the White House's meeting with those established families ended, the Elephants immediately learned of everything, and soon they found out that even Old Martin had been persuaded by these guys, so they all had their own thoughts.

"Dad, have those guys gone mad? Asking old Martin to come out of retirement at this time and go to China to see John? Isn't that targeting the elephant? Aren't they afraid of causing even bigger trouble?" Little Bush looked at his father, the former president, with a puzzled expression, finding it hard to understand.

"The donkeys aren't crazy. This wasn't their own decision. Besides, Old Martin's departure this time was at the request of those old guys like Rockefeller. So the White House won't bear any pressure, and the Elephant can't say anything either. Moreover, things aren't as simple as you think. If someone tries to stop us now, they'll offend a lot of people. Do you think there won't be any Elephant people among those who benefit this time? We ourselves will benefit greatly. This isn't just about Westinghouse Electric; it also involves 'cooperation' in the energy sector!"

Old Man Martin was well aware of Old Man Martin's true intentions for this trip. If it weren't for the fact that it was not advisable for John to appear in the United States at this time, things would probably not have escalated to this extent. They could have easily held a reception to communicate, but doing so during an election year could easily lead to trouble. If things got out of hand, it would be difficult to handle. Therefore, those old guys were unwilling to see John's return.

Although they all wanted to gain something from John, they wouldn't risk letting him return to the United States for such a small benefit. After all, it was an election year, and even the slightest carelessness could cost them both dearly.

"Dad, Morgan has already intervened, and this matter is still unresolved. Now Old Martin needs to step in. Isn't this a bit astonishing? Is everything really that serious?" Little Bush's expression turned grave, finding it hard to accept. Energy 'cooperation'—what kind of cooperation could this be?

"Alright, don't think too much about it. You just need to know this. If you hadn't already made your own progress, you wouldn't know about this. This is a huge deal. Not only the White House, but also those old families agree that John now wields power beyond their imagination and has the ability to influence their plans. So these old guys have no choice but to bow their heads and negotiate with him to avoid causing an even greater crisis!"

At that moment, Xiao Bushi's heart stirred, and he nodded and said, "I understand. No wonder everyone attaches so much importance to this. But can these guys really persuade John? Even with Old Martin's intervention, it may not be an easy task. The slightest mistake could cause a huge uproar."

"You understand this yourself, but don't tell anyone. This matter is of great importance. If something goes wrong because of you, the consequences will be unimaginable!" Old Bu Shi carefully reminded him. He was also very pleased that Xiao Bu Shi was able to react in such a short time. After all, being able to see through everything meant he had the right to enter the game and the right to face the danger.

When it comes to such matters, understanding is either one thing or another. If you don't understand, it's very difficult to find out from others, even within your own family. After all, no one wants to cause trouble for themselves. For those who lack the ability, letting them know about such important matters will not only not bring them help, but will also bring them considerable trouble and hidden dangers, and even endanger the family!
That's why Lao Bushi couldn't be too blunt, lest problems arise and affect or implicate the family. Now that Xiao Bushi understands, he naturally knows how terrifying and horrifying the interests behind it are!
(End of this chapter)