America: My Time

Chapter 1434 John's Attitude
Chapter 1424 John's Attitude
"John, what you're saying is correct. Your decision to split Quantum Mining into three is part of your strategy across the three major metal industries?" After failing to persuade John, Morgan asked the question everyone knew: the strategic plan behind the three-part restructuring of Quantum Mining.

“Yes, that’s what I think and that’s what I do. After all, professionalism is the best. If you want to transform from mining to industry, you have to do a good job of upstream and downstream layout. Quantum Mining focuses on iron ore, steel, and heavy industry. North American Aluminum focuses on electrolytic aluminum production and rare earths. Copper America focuses on copper and gold. There’s no need to hide it. You can understand it with a little research!” John answered this question very straightforwardly, without any concealment. After all, these are all things that are out in the open.

"In other words, this is a comprehensive transformation, a transformation from mining to industry, a shift towards upstream and downstream integration!"

"Yes, that's exactly why I need more funds. I can't accept those old guys' share swap. What I need is funds, development funds. Not to mention how huge the funds needed for the restructuring of the heavy industry group in South Korea are, just the funds needed for the split, restructuring and transformation of Quantum Mining alone are massive. Funds are the key!"

John's words made Morgan sigh. He knew quite a bit about the restructuring of Quantum Mining, as it was an open operation that was easy to understand with a little attention. Quantum Mining itself didn't need much capital for development, as everything was already well-established; in contrast, Alcoa and CopperCorp were the real problems, requiring substantial funds. This situation meant that the old guys' plans to undermine John's development were doomed, and it also indicated that John was truly abandoning his internet ambitions to focus entirely on industrial development. Although this was his thought, Morgan still wanted to ask, as such a decision would have significant implications.

Then Morgan asked, "John, are you really going to give up on developing your internet business? You've put a lot of effort into it; isn't it a bit crazy to just abandon it like this?"

"Giving up is inevitable. Haven't I already handed over the list of companies I want to sell to you? I will only keep a few companies. My future plans in this area will change. I will focus on my own development and coordinate with the development of other companies. As for the development of the Internet, it will not be of much concern to me. I will focus on basic development and retail layout. Other things are not my concern. At that time, these companies will be handed over to you! If they want to exchange shares, I need shares of companies that match my own development, not worthless ones. I don't have much energy to waste on these things anymore. You should understand this."

It is precisely because Morgan understood John's transformation that he took it so seriously, and that's why the old guys took it so seriously. From the current perspective, John is indeed no longer focusing his energy on the internet, but has chosen to shift to other areas. However, no one dares to ignore his existence. After all, John still controls some assets, and most importantly, he still has the strength to make a comeback. This is what worries many people.

Was abandoning high technology and shifting its focus to retail, industry, and pharmaceuticals in the US merely to avoid conflict with those old guard? No, John's intentions were far more complex. He wanted to control more people. Only by having enough workers under his control and maintaining a positive public image could he solidify his position. Even after nearly twenty years of development and the influence of his family, John understood that there was still a significant gap between him and families like the Morgans and Rockefellers. This is why John made this decision.

If John were solely driven by profit, he could have easily maximized it, but he didn't. Instead, he chose to steadily consolidate his power in Oregon, expand overseas, and gradually build strength within the United States. His numerous retail initiatives have given John more power and improved his ability to protect himself.

John didn't believe he could hide his plans from everyone. At least, he couldn't hide them from old guys like Morgan and Rockefeller. The reason he rejected Morgan's proposal and didn't want to get involved in the US energy and power industry was because it was controlled by those conglomerates. His excessive involvement would only lead him further into their schemes. This was also why John wanted to break up Western Energy. It seemed like he was forced into it, but in fact, it was all part of his plan.

This is especially true in the financial sector, particularly among Wall Street giants. Unless someone falls, it's difficult to become a new giant; otherwise, one risks being suppressed by their combined forces. This is precisely why John chose to develop the bank separately, rather than merging it into a single powerful bank and risk pushing those old guys to their limits. Developing overseas is easier than in the US, and it avoids the machinations of those old men.

Rockefeller and Morgan were both developing quietly, while the only ones pushing themselves into the open were Oilfield Capital and John himself, the 'unexpected' intruder. Now that John also wants to keep a low profile and retreat behind the scenes, he will naturally be subject to more scheming and have to pay a greater price. This is one of the reasons why John wants to share the profits with those old guys.

Having seen through John's scheme, those old guys naturally wouldn't give him such an opportunity. This is also why John's continued retail development in the US has been hindered; no one wants to see John wield such power. Of course, John's desire to retire behind the scenes also benefits them. It's precisely because of these benefits that their plans were completed quickly without facing significant obstacles. Now, Morgan's persuasion is just a test!
Despite the good relationship between John and Morgan, and Morgan's consistent cooperation, John never fully trusted them and remained wary. Morgan, in turn, felt the same way. After all, the market was finite, and John's expansion would squeeze their profits and growth. If John hadn't been constantly exploring new avenues of profit, conflict would likely have erupted long ago. Even with John's ability to offer Morgan benefits, things wouldn't be as they are now.

"John, are you really going to stop investing more money and energy in high technology for the time being? This is no joke. The market for personal computers is enormous."

"I won't be making any investments in these areas in the short term. I need to improve myself in the next few years, at least by restructuring my assets. High-tech investments require not only capital but also energy, which I don't have right now. For one thing, Gulfstream Aerospace alone is causing considerable trouble, and we also need to make changes in the financial sector, otherwise many people will feel uneasy. I believe you understand why I need to restructure the assets of South Korea and establish a heavy industry group!"

When John mentioned the restructuring of South Korea's assets, Morgan sighed inwardly. He understood John's calculations perfectly. While seemingly avoiding conflict with American financial groups, John was actually seeking a suitable direction for development, even forming a small conglomerate to prepare for the future. Although John was also a member of an American financial group, and his apparent power was no less than Morgan's or Rockefeller's, his conglomerate was too fragmented, and everything rested on his shoulders. If the South Korean plan succeeded, he could gain more insights and make more arrangements.

Conglomerates don't put all their eggs in one basket. They have comprehensive plans. If they put all their eggs in one basket, they can easily fall into a desperate situation and become targets for exploitation if an industry crisis occurs.

"John, this is a difficult step. You can still regret it now, but once you take this step, it will be hard to regret it later. After all, a new industry develops very quickly. By the time you want to make a comeback, it will probably be too late, even if you have some power left!"

“I understand, but I have no other choice. And what I need to change is not just these things. Hurricane Investment will also undergo a transformation after this Asian financial crisis. Investment will no longer be the main focus; asset management will be the main focus!”

"You're insane! Even if you want to retire behind the scenes, there's no need to go this far!" Morgan was shocked when he heard John's words. This was something he hadn't expected. He never imagined that John would have such a crazy plan to transform Hurricane Investment.

"No, I'm not crazy. If I don't do this, do you think those guys on Wall Street won't be worried and scared? Rather than being targeted, it's better to start transforming sooner rather than later. At least the assets I hold need a suitable management company to handle them. Otherwise, even if I wanted to retire, it would be very difficult!"

Soon, Morgan understood John's calculations. Hurricane Investment's transformation to focus on asset management meant that the shares of John's companies would be more rationally allocated to fund companies and banks. John could successfully avoid all trouble. As long as he could accomplish this, no matter how many schemes he had planned in the future, it would be useless, because John had completed a comprehensive layout, leaving no opportunity for his enemies to plot against him!

"Is it worth it? You don't need to rush into action at all. You have plenty of time to operate. Doing this now will cause you to lose a lot of benefits. The price you pay this time is astonishing!" Morgan naturally understood how much John was paying this time. In his opinion, with John's current strength, there was no need to rush into action. He could have proceeded slowly to avoid suffering too much loss.

"It's worth it. I'm not you, nor am I the Morgan family. You have a well-established management system, while I don't. Paying a price now for future stability is a good deal. You have to give to receive. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be those guys from Oilfield Capital jumping out; I would face even greater pressure. I know their concerns, especially Rockefeller's. The reason they gave me this 'benefit' is that they don't want to see Western Energy slip out of their control. But they're overthinking it. Western Energy won't continue expanding in the US and won't impact their interests. This is its limit. Western Energy will focus on research and development in mining technology. Protecting its current interests is enough!"

"I understand, I will tell them!" Morgan understood John's intention in speaking so confidently. John was using him to tell those old guys in the United States, especially Rockefeller, that John would not expand further in finance or energy, and would not touch their interests. John had already taken a big step back. If anyone did not know when to advance and retreat, then only war would be left, and someone would have to pay a bloody price!
"That's for the best. Two years should be enough time for them to make their move. If they lack the ability to manage things properly, they can't blame me. I'll focus my efforts overseas from now on. I hope they stop playing with fire and that no one in Hong Kong resorts to underhanded tactics. My patience has its limits!"

When John mentioned Hong Kong, Morgan felt a surge of frustration. There were always people who insisted on playing with fire and making pointless tests. If they succeeded, that would be fine, but they had no effect whatsoever and only provoked John's anger. This was something Morgan couldn't accept.

In the eyes of some fools, Standard Chartered Bank's funds were insufficient, and their energy was focused on gold futures. However, Morgan Stanley did not think so. He believed that John must have a backup plan. After all, John's layout in Hong Kong was not something that could be accomplished overnight. Most of the British's assets had fallen into John's hands. With so many assets in hand, how could John not have any reaction or preparation?

"Don't worry, someone will warn them, and this won't continue. Nobody wants it to escalate any further. But I can only represent myself and Morgan; I can't represent anyone else!"

"Your words are enough. Everything else is understandable and acceptable. As long as no one crosses my bottom line, I'm easy to talk to. After all, profit is the foundation of everything, and I won't do anything without benefit." John was right; profit is the foundation of everything. Only a fool would do something without benefit. If you're going to stand against John just for the sake of a personal argument, then you're a fool. If you really anger John, even Morgan can't withstand his wrath. That would be another bloodbath, another disaster!
(End of this chapter)