America: My Time

Chapter 1386 Greed
Chapter 1376 Greed

"That's no problem. Once I've finalized things with the people in Japan, I'll give you a detailed plan. If all goes well, I'll take 99% of my internet companies public, leaving only a few that are related to other companies. I believe those people have already figured out my assets in the US; they should know what they're doing. If you want benefits, you have to show sincerity, but I don't see any sincerity in them."

John's words embarrassed Morgan. He knew exactly how many internet companies and online businesses John owned in the United States. Even though John used offshore companies and investment firms, a little research could reveal all that. It was incredibly easy for giants like them.

"It's precisely because everyone understands this that they're so nervous and concerned. This is a huge asset, and they don't want the Japanese to benefit from it, much less the Europeans!"

“Then I have no choice. They can refuse the Europeans and the Japanese, but I am at a disadvantage. I have businesses in Europe and Japan, and I need to maintain good relations with them. I can’t leave all the benefits to them. They should wake up and stop having the same old ideas. They need to learn to face everything in the present.”

John would never accept such an excuse. If they were using such a pretext, what benefits could he possibly have? Besides, if they really thought they were too old, they could simply step down and let younger people take charge of the company's development, instead of letting these old guys run it. To put it bluntly, these guys just wanted to take advantage of him.

“I’m afraid they won’t wake up. You know this is America!” Morgan sighed as he spoke, because all the pressure was coming on Morgan. If John disagreed, these guys would want a share of Morgan’s profits. After all, Morgan had made a fortune from his cooperation with John, which had long been something these old guys coveted.

"Then let them be. I will not compromise again. Once my cooperation with Japan is completed, you will understand why I did this. They are full of sincerity, but I can't feel any sincerity from them. Besides, they haven't even gained control of Dream World yet, and they haven't obtained enough shares, but they're already thinking about splitting Dream World up. How can you expect me to work with people like that!"

Upon hearing John's words, Morgan fell silent. He was aware of the matter and had no choice but to accept it. After all, he couldn't keep all the benefits for himself; he had to share them with everyone. He was also aware of the Dream World split plan.

“John, there’s nothing we can do about it. Just like Nvidia’s split, and Dreamworld was split up once too!” Morgan didn’t try to hide anything about this matter, and even brought up the previous hardware split, in which John still held those assets.

"I don't care about their scheming, after all, these are all things I'm going to sell. It's just that they've gone too far. Even if they had such a plan, they should have at least informed me. But they didn't even consider it. So how can I understand them? How can I accept their ridiculous reasons?"

"Okay, you're right, they did go a bit too far. I'll talk to them about your decision. But even if you're going to use those Japanese guys to protect your own interests, it's best not to give them more shares and affect our control over the company. If you have to do it, then bring the Europeans along too."

"I understand. As for the outcome, it depends on their sincerity. Regarding those assets, I will only keep a few small companies. The rest can be listed, or even let go. My focus will shift from the internet to entertainment and retail. Otherwise, these old guys will keep watching me. They don't want to start businesses; they just want to share the profits from me. I don't want to start businesses either, and I don't want to take that risk! They only see my gains, not the risks involved! From now on, I will only consolidate assets and stop doing any research and development. Let's all just lie low!"

John's words made Morgan sigh. If John gave up on the new project, it wouldn't be good for the US or for him personally. But he didn't know how to persuade him. After all, those old guys had gone too far; they were too greedy. Now that John was also giving up, if outsiders knew, it would be a huge joke. A domestic entrepreneur being forced by a group of old guys to stop independent research and development, to stop exploring new projects and opening up new markets—if this were to be exposed to the public, even those old guys couldn't afford such a price!
Although they didn't completely break ties, it was close enough. John's words were a warning to those old guys not to go too far, or they would face dire consequences if things escalated to the public eye. Their situation would be dangerous if they incurred public wrath, especially since the New Money family had always been eyeing the Old Money family. If they were given an excuse, they would be in big trouble.

"John, don't be angry. This is caused by the circumstances, and no one can do anything about it!"

"What does that have to do with me? My kindness has only fueled their even more unbridled greed. I don't want to say anything more to them now. Whether they accept it or not, it's none of my business. If they want benefits, they should offer equivalent assets. Trying to take advantage of me again is impossible!"

Faced with John's insistence, Morgan didn't say anything more. He didn't want to ruin his relationship with John because of these people's greed, so he could only talk to John about the situation in the United States again before hanging up the phone.

John was fully aware of the situation in the United States. He didn't need Morgan's reminder; in fact, Morgan wasn't talking to him alone on the phone—there were several people listening to their conversation. When it came to profit, those guys would do anything; face was unimportant to them.

Just as John had predicted, Morgan, after hanging up the phone, looked at Rockefeller and the others and said, "You all heard it. It's not that I don't want to help, but you've been too greedy, which has already offended John. I warned you long ago not to go too far, not to be too greedy, and to know when to stop, but you wouldn't listen. Now, even with an opportunity in front of you, you won't get the maximum benefit; instead, those guys from Japan have gotten their hands on it." "Those guys from Japan are even more greedy than us. John has lost so many assets in Japan to them. We're not as greedy as they are," Rockefeller said, unwilling to accept Morgan's words, feeling that he was being targeted. His expression was extremely solemn, making the atmosphere in the room tense.

"Heh, who do you think would believe that? It's true that those guys in Japan are greedy, but they wouldn't lower the value of John's assets. But you guys do. That's why John prefers to do business with them; at least there's a guarantee of profit. But what's wrong with you? You just want to get the assets you want from John at the lowest possible price. Don't you think that's going too far? Now, John isn't going to talk to you anymore. Even if you want to benefit from this profit-sharing, you need to show some sincerity."

Faced with Morgan's disdain, Rockefeller was filled with boundless anger, but he was powerless to do anything about it. As for John, the situation was even more dire. In the past, John would have compromised with them, but now everything had changed. Ever since the Asian financial crisis, John's relationship with them had deteriorated rapidly.

To put it bluntly, these guys are too greedy, and they're secretly collaborating with oil giants, treating John like a fool. But the real fools aren't John, they're these self-proclaimed smart guys. John hasn't made a move yet because he's been waiting for an opportunity. Now they can only accept John's indifference and the status quo.

"Think it over carefully. If you still refuse to accept it or have other ideas, you will end up with nothing. The next deal will probably have nothing to do with you. Don't doubt John's determination. No one is willing to accept such a provocation. You are taking John's interests but still want to suppress him. You're just overthinking it! If you want to participate in this feast of wealth, then show your sincerity and stop playing tricks."

“Morgan, it’s easy for you to talk when you’re not in the same boat. You’ve made a fortune, but we haven’t gotten much benefit. And since you’re unwilling to share the profits with us, we have no choice but to do this!” Rockefeller didn’t think it was his fault. On the contrary, he felt that it was the result of Morgan’s unwillingness to share the profits with them.

This is the greed of human nature. They never think they are wrong, only that the fault lies with others. But the more they think this way, the more difficult it becomes for them to succeed, because no one is a fool.

"Alright, I don't want to argue with you about this anymore. You all have your own ideas and plans, and I have my own ideas and decisions. John, needless to say, you wanted me to persuade him, but now the result is in. You can decide what to do next. I won't interfere anymore. I've done more than enough for you all." Under these circumstances, Morgan didn't want to continue talking to these greedy guys. It was unnecessary. These old men were still so greedy, and Morgan had reached his limit!

Treating others as fools makes you the biggest fool. Rockefeller still thinks he's not wrong and that it's everyone else's fault. It's ridiculous. Why is he like this? Is it because he can't see things clearly? No, he knows perfectly well. He's just too greedy and always wants to push things to the extreme!
They soon parted on bad terms again. After all, Morgan had his own interests and would not sacrifice them for them, while Rockefeller and his group wanted to maximize their profits. So their views clashed, and it was only natural that they parted on bad terms. It was just that this time it was a bit serious.

“Boss, are we really not going to get involved? It seems they still won’t give up. I’m worried that if they continue like this, it will affect our relationship with John, and might even cause the situation to spiral out of control, causing problems with the General Motors deal, or even the next deal!” Jimmy watched Rockefeller and his men leave angrily, and couldn’t help but feel worried. After all, these people had too much influence.

"Don't worry, those Rockefeller guys won't dare to act rashly. If they really dare to make a big fuss, it won't be us or John who suffer, but them. If it really comes to the public eye, what do you think their fate will be? I don't know if it's because Rockefeller has been in contact with those oil tycoons too much, but he's become crazy and incredibly greedy, always wanting to take all the benefits!" Morgan sighed. Over the past ten years, he had seen Rockefeller's changes clearly. Perhaps, as John said, his goodwill had only been met with endless greed.

"Should we keep an eye on General Motors, as well as Dreamworld and Nvidia? After all, the deal has already started, and if these guys join forces, they will control a significant number of shares. I'm worried that something unexpected might happen."

Seeing Jimmy's worried expression, Morgan immediately understood his concerns and sighed, saying, "Are you worried that they will acquire absolute control, convene a board meeting, and directly break up Dreamworld and Nvidia?"

"Indeed, there are such concerns. After all, they have already begun to take action. Don't be fooled by the fact that those guys in Japan hold a considerable number of shares; they may not necessarily be on John's side. Moreover, John is already willing to give up these two major companies, making their attitude even more uncertain. If all of this happens, it will affect Morgan's interests, and we must be prepared!"

"That's true. At this point, Rockefeller and his ilk might actually do that in their anger. John might not care, but for us, it would be a crisis that would harm our interests. However, they won't do it in the short term. Those guys in Japan are still eyeing the assets John holds, and they wouldn't dare cooperate with Rockefeller and his ilk at this time. Moreover, a split wouldn't be good for them either; it would have a significant impact on them. Unless they're stupid, they won't make such a decision." Morgan's boss also had to take this seriously. If such a situation were to occur, Morgan's interests would be affected. After the two companies split, their market value would definitely decrease significantly, which would inevitably lead to a conflict.

(End of this chapter)