America: My Time

Chapter 1388 The Temptation of Profit

Chapter 1378 The Temptation of Profit
Regardless of John's true thoughts, the Japanese didn't dare take them seriously and didn't want to continue the conversation, choosing instead to change the subject. John's stance was clear; now it was up to them. Some even tentatively inquired about John's views on the Asian financial crisis, but unfortunately, John didn't respond. Trying to learn from him? Those guys were dreaming; there was no way he would tell them.

When John mentioned he was going to see Akio Morita the next day, the Japanese guys suddenly remembered John's previous arrangements. This round trip would waste a lot of time, which would be a considerable burden for them. When someone offered to sell their shares in Universal Studios Japan to John in exchange for the internet company he wanted, those who held shares were also tempted and had the same idea, but they still needed to go back and discuss it.

Seeing John's calm demeanor and his complete disregard for their reactions had a significant impact on the Japanese guys. Some of the more scheming individuals, who had previously felt that John's situation in the US wasn't ideal and thus harbored inappropriate thoughts, had to abandon their ideas upon seeing John's composure and tranquility.

However, the 'sincerity' of those with good intentions found themselves in an awkward situation. They hadn't expected John to bring all those beautiful women, which slightly affected their 'sincerity' plan. But these guys weren't going to give up so easily. True 'sincerity' was the only way to gain more benefits, especially since John had previously stated that if they had enough assets to trade, selling directly wouldn't be a problem, which made them even more tempted.

John didn't know how many informants were at the party, but he was certain that there were spies from those old guys in the US among them. Moreover, the fact that he was having such a good time talking with these Japanese guys would surely be reported to those old guys by their informants. Looking at the smiling faces of the Japanese conglomerate tycoons, even a fool would understand that they had gotten everything they wanted from John.

Although they are still trading assets, with John's promise, these guys are not worried about any problems. They just need to figure out which assets can be sold and which cannot.

Interests are the best glue. Previously, some guys were dissatisfied with John, after all, he directly shorted the yen without any concealment, which made many people in Japan unhappy with John's actions, but they dared not show it. Now, with John's offer of profit sharing, they have forgotten the previous unpleasantness and their conversation has become more harmonious.

These guys were also probing John's industrial consolidation and transformation. They weren't completely unaware of John's plans. Although many people said that John was intentionally hiding his assets, these guys found that things weren't so simple. John's consolidation had more to it than met the eye.

"There's no other way. We have to be prepared for the worst. You don't think that Oil Tai Capital will give up so easily. You don't think that they will negotiate with me after this financial crisis. That's impossible. I have to guard against these guys' schemes. So asset integration must be completed before the financial crisis ends. Only by completing all of this can we be invincible and not have to worry about these guys' underhanded tactics!"

John's answer surprised the Japanese guys. They hadn't expected him to say that, nor that he valued oil capital so much, and that he was already preparing for it before the financial crisis was over.

"Mr. John, given your status and position, is it really necessary for you to be so cautious? Is your logistics and transportation business just because you're worried about their schemes, worried about being held hostage?"

Upon hearing this, John nodded solemnly and said, “Yes, it’s absolutely necessary. You should know how greedy the Taiwanese are. And do you think they’re on my side? Since they’re not on my side and there’s conflict, they’re enemies. What do you think they’ll do to an enemy? The reason I want to continue expanding logistics and transportation is that I don’t want to be schemed against or manipulated by them. Most of the aviation industry in the United States is controlled by the Rockefeller Group. My relationship with them isn’t good. The situation in Europe is even more complicated. Even if I wanted to acquire it, it wouldn’t be possible. Those guys would definitely stop me. I can only establish a presence in Asia. There’s no possibility in Hong Kong. Further expansion would make them uneasy, so I have to make other arrangements!”

If things really come to a head, John is worried that his fleet will be targeted by oil tycoons, especially in ports. So he needs to make his own plans. Fortunately, he had laid a large net before, and now he is just filling it in little by little to make the net more perfect.

John made no secret of the port and dock layout; after all, such things couldn't be hidden, and controlling a complete transportation network was the best option. John didn't want to be controlled by others, and those guys in the oilfield capital weren't good people either. If they found an opportunity, they would definitely target him, and Rockefeller was no exception. If these two parties joined forces, his transportation would be significantly affected.

While John was having a good time with the Japanese guys, Momoko Kikuchi ran into trouble, forcing her to consult Riko. After all, this was the first time she'd encountered something like this, and she was at a loss for what to do.
"Riko-nee, what should I do?" Kikuchi Momoko quickly explained her situation. It has to be said that these guys in Japan are really something. When they couldn't find an opportunity with John, they turned their attention to those beautiful women. Kikuchi Momoko was the one they chose to 'cooperate' with.

"The reason they gave you is really hard to refuse. You're different from Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki; they don't need to stick together. But you can't. If you don't have any help, you might really have problems. Now they've approached you, wanting to cooperate. If you refuse, they'll find someone else. Do you think the Nakayama sisters and Yasuko Sawaguchi will accept? When they were able to return to Mr. John's side, didn't you notice that their relationships changed? Yasuko Sawaguchi and Norika Fujiwara became closer, the Nakayama sisters remained united, and only Chisato Moritaka was excluded." Riko didn't give Momoko Kikuchi a direct answer but instead analyzed the current situation for her.

"But if I agree, I'll be on the opposite side of everyone, and I'll be hated by everyone. It might even provoke his dissatisfaction. After all, this is not something I can decide!" Kikuchi Momoko said worriedly. She was now in a dilemma, in a very awkward situation, and the current situation was very unfavorable to her!

"No, you're overthinking it. Do you think Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki would care? If anyone does care, it's the Nakayama sisters, Yasuko Sawaguchi, and the like. They'll be affected, but you need to consider their feelings. You're not on their side, so there's no need to concern yourself with them. As for Mr. John, it's even easier to say. Just explain everything. You can't make decisions like this. You just need to bring the people over, and leave everything to Mr. John! It doesn't matter if you fail; it won't affect you. But you really need to have your own 'allies'!" Riko clearly understood the situation of the beauties around John. After all, she was an experienced woman and knew what was going on. Before returning to John's side, Yasuko and the others were of one mind and worked together. But after their success, they began to split. The Nakayama sisters were a natural alliance and didn't need to choose. As for why Yasuko chose Norika Fujiwara, Riko knew perfectly well: it was because the other was easier to control, at least for now. The initiative would always remain in Yasuko's hands. In contrast, Chisato Moritaka was directly excluded. This is what happens to a rookie.

Looking at the small cliques among the people at the party, one can see through the current situation of the beauties surrounding John. Naoko, Hitomi Kuromori, and Akina Nakamori seem indifferent to everything, completely unconcerned about anything. But it's different with the others. Although Momoko Kikuchi appears to be John's representative in Japan, her abilities and her own situation are rather awkward.

"Then I'll agree to their terms. I hope there won't be any problems, otherwise I'll be in big trouble!" Kikuchi Momoko sighed, a faint unease flashing in her eyes.

Hearing this, Riko laughed dismissively, "Momoko, haven't you noticed what's going on with Lee Boo-jin? If she can do it, why can't you? Although this is a conglomerate's plan, it won't have much impact on you. As long as you tell Mr. John everything, it won't be a problem. Also, if you can, try to bring Moritaka Chisato into your camp. The more people you have, the more strength you'll have!"

If Riko and Momoko Kikuchi weren't now in the same boat, she wouldn't have said those words. After all, Riko didn't want to see Momoko Kikuchi run into trouble, and she didn't want to see her status gradually diminished. Everything Momoko Kikuchi had came from John, and if she didn't get John's approval, her fate would be predictable.

Looking at the crowd reveals their status. Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki are surrounded by the most people, while Akina Nakamori is significantly less well-off. The reason is simple: the greed of the Nakamori family has caused Akina Nakamori to lose too much face in the eyes of many people, so her situation is far inferior to that of Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki. However, Momoko Kikuchi's situation is also relatively bad. The reason is simple: her abilities have not been recognized by everyone, and many people do not have high hopes for her.

“Remember, you must find Mr. John immediately after the party and explain everything clearly. This matter cannot wait, otherwise you will not only be affected yourself, but also be resented by those people. They are not petty, especially since there are huge interests involved. Think about why they made such arrangements at this time?”

It's all about profit, as Momoko Kikuchi knew perfectly well. If there were no profit, why would these guys be so concerned? It's been so long, and their sudden move must be for profit.

“I understand, they’re all trying to take advantage of this situation to gain more benefits. I know what I should do, but I’m worried about potential problems. She has absolutely no experience and no sense of respect, which is not a good thing!”

"Don't worry about so much for now. Just focus on doing your own thing. Success is great, but failure isn't a big deal. Besides, she's not really related to you. She might become your 'ally' only if she succeeds, but that's not necessarily true. She might just be using you as a stepping stone."

It wasn't that Riko was overthinking things; rather, she had witnessed many such incidents, which was why she reminded Kikuchi Momoko that even if some things were permissible, one should still be cautious and vigilant, otherwise problems could easily arise.

"That doesn't matter. If she really did that, it would be too foolish. If someone can betray someone who helps them, who do you think would still believe them? Besides, someone like that can't possibly gain their approval. I'm not worried about that. I'm just worried that she lacks respect and might do something foolish that could drag me down with her. Even Yasuko Sawaguchi made that mistake. I'm afraid a young girl like her will make even more mistakes."

"Don't worry, even if she runs into trouble, it won't have anything to do with you. She chose her own path, and at least she's been in this industry for a while. If she doesn't know anything, it just means she's too stupid. There's no need to care about someone like that. If you really 'cooperate' with someone like that, do you think you won't be implicated? Don't worry too much about gains and losses. Relax. For you, success is good, but failure is also acceptable. This could even be a good opportunity!"

"But I'd rather not have this opportunity. Why didn't they choose Naoko, Hitomi Kuroki, or Akina Nakamori? Why did they have to choose me to cooperate with?" Momoko Kikuchi finally asked this question. She had been wondering and didn't understand why those people had to choose her and involve her in this matter.

“You are the best choice. Naoko and Hitomi Kuroki no longer need this kind of cooperation. As for Akina Nakamori, her family is the biggest problem. No one is willing to accept such danger, so you have become their choice and the person most likely to accept their plan!”

(End of this chapter)