America: My Time

Chapter 1435 The Temptation of Profit

Chapter 1425 The Temptation of Profit
During this period, John, Morgan, and Rockefeller were all unwilling to engage in a full-scale conflict, as it would benefit no one. John had already made it clear that if anyone dared to provoke them, they would only bring about their own destruction, and no one would stand up for them.

Is it possible to abandon the internet and the personal computer industry? Absolutely not. Despite John's words, Morgan wouldn't believe it, especially since John gave him a two-year deadline, clearly a way to find a way out and a reminder to make a comeback.

“John, I need a detailed timetable. As you know, many people are tempted after the Asian financial crisis, since everyone has a lot of money in their hands. So, early next year, many people will be interested in internet companies!”

“I know and understand how much pressure you are under. Dream World will be completely sold by the end of next year, as will Nvidia. I won’t make things difficult for you. I will also sell all those listed internet companies at the beginning of the next two years. I’m doing this because I don’t trust those old guys’ credibility and I’m worried that they might sabotage me in the dark and disrupt my plans. You should know how long asset restructuring takes. I have no other choice!”

When John had laid everything out, Morgan suddenly didn't know what to say. Since John had already spoken so frankly, he couldn't press him any further, or he would appear tactless. John wasn't someone to be easily fooled, and he had no idea how astonishing the funds John possessed were. They had managed to plunder so much wealth during the Asian financial crisis, but John's plans were much earlier and better prepared, and the funds he held were definitely not simple.

Morgan Stanley disagreed with the speculations of Soros and his ilk. Even if John had previously invested most of his funds in gold futures, where were the gains from the Asian financial crisis? It would be a lie to say that Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong wasn't prepared to buy at the bottom. In Morgan Stanley's view, the calmer John was and the more composed Standard Chartered Bank was, the more likely they were brewing a big move and were well-prepared. If anyone ignored Standard Chartered Bank's existence, disaster awaited them.

Although Morgan thought so, he didn't remind those people, whether it was the old guys like Rockefeller or the oil giants like Soros. If these guys paid a heavy price for it, it would be most beneficial for Morgan. After all, they were all rivals in the financial market, especially since Morgan and Rockefeller were not exactly on friendly terms.

If you say John had no ulterior motives, Morgan wouldn't believe it. Once things are out in the open, it means the bottom line is clear. Once that line is crossed, it's a fight to the death, an outbreak of all-out war.

"John, be careful with investments. Don't go too far in the US either, or some people will get impatient and take targeted actions. If those guys suffer heavy losses, they will definitely not be satisfied!"

Although Morgan didn't directly name the people, John knew perfectly well that it was Oil Capital. If these guys suffered heavy losses in Hong Kong, they would definitely turn their attention to him again, and they would have 'ample' reasons. After all, John's investments in Asia exceeded those in the United States, and in recent years, Asia had been his primary focus!
"I had no choice. Someone was determined to target me, so I was forced to leave. Over the past ten years, I've made countless investments, but no matter the outcome, I've had to give them all up. Game World, Western Energy, Nvidia, Dream World, and so on. It's not that I didn't want to invest in the US, but that someone didn't want to see me grow and thrive. If things really come to that, don't blame me for being ruthless. If they dare to do it, I dare to retaliate. Their hands aren't clean either!"

Was John afraid of those people's threats? Not at all. John had enough power to protect himself, and this time he had offered enough benefits in exchange. If those guys were still not satisfied, then it would be a bloody battle to see who would have the last laugh and who would give up first.

John was well aware of the cunning and ruthlessness of the Oilfield Capitalists, as well as their madness. He also knew the role Rockefeller played behind the scenes. Although his presence had affected Oilfield Capital's development in media and entertainment, and slowed down their wealth accumulation, Oilfield Capital's strength still grew rapidly, thanks in part to the efforts of Rockefeller and Morgan.

To put it bluntly, John's asset restructuring this time was a trade of interests. He offered enough benefits to these old guys in exchange. Although there were many disputes involved, the result was relatively good. At least everything proceeded smoothly without causing any major trouble. John was quite satisfied with all of this. As for whether others were satisfied, that was not his concern. Whatever those guys thought or schemed, that was their own business. John had no intention of getting involved in their disputes!
This time, John spoke frankly with Morgan, making final preparations. After all, the Asian financial crisis would end soon, and he would face even more troubles and problems. It was much better to have everything settled in advance than to face further turmoil later. The distribution of profits would be left to the old guys to fight over, and Morgan would also have control over it; John would not participate.

After hanging up the phone, Morgan sighed. John was even more reckless than he had imagined, but there was nothing he could do, or things would get really messed up. In fact, Morgan had been prepared for this all along. John had given Morgan so much of his assets and such a huge benefit, so naturally Morgan needed to take responsibility. Trying to drag John back into the game was out of the question.

Morgan couldn't say for sure how much profit John was offering, but given the current state of the internet and personal computers, the potential gains were staggering. Whether he could hold onto it was another matter, especially considering John had given him two years. All Morgan could do now was inform others; their reactions were beyond his control. He also didn't intend to concern himself with the situation in Hong Kong.
"Jimmy, let those old guys know that if there are any more problems, it has nothing to do with us. They'll have to face the consequences themselves. The benefits are there for them; it all depends on their 'sincerity'!"

Even as he said this, Morgan didn't relax. Instead, he was thinking about John's next move. If he had some concerns before that John wouldn't give up such a huge profit, he no longer needed to worry about that. What he needed to worry about was what those old guys would do for the sake of profit.

“Boss, isn’t this a bit too early? After all, we haven’t finalized everything yet.” Jimmy was hesitant to accept John’s words. In his view, things might still change, especially since the Asian financial crisis wasn’t over. “No, everything is finalized. John wouldn’t lie about this, and he won’t go back on his word. Besides, he doesn’t have that much time. It’s just that everyone underestimated John’s determination. He’s even more reckless than everyone imagined. Who would have thought this guy would even change his investment in Hurricane?”

Yes, that's why Jimmy couldn't believe it. It was Hurricane Investment. Such a change meant a reduction in profits and would cause unrest and turmoil. So many hidden dangers made Jimmy think it was fake and impossible. Compared to industrial development, this change in finance would have a huge impact on Hurricane Investment's operations!
“But…” Jimmy wanted to say something more, after all, the news was too shocking!

"There are no buts. John's integrity is the best guarantee. Rockefeller's calculations are going to fail. John will not increase his investment in electricity and gas in the United States. His target is Canada and Mexico. The industrial relocation has led him to relocate his electricity as well. It can only be said that those old guys Rockefeller are overthinking things!"

"Industry, this transformation came too suddenly. The situation in Oregon is also changing, and people in California are starting to worry. They are afraid that John will further transfer assets, and that he will also move Gulfstream Aerospace's assets to Oregon. The relocation of General Motors has caused quite a stir!"

"So what? It has nothing to do with us anymore. We've completely severed ties with General Motors. Let's not worry about it anymore. John will take full responsibility for everything. Besides, I think his plan is right. Staying in the US is a dead end. Only by expanding overseas can we survive. Look at Bentley Motors now, and then look at General Motors. The gap is still huge. John has already started to consolidate his business in South Korea. I'm more worried that he will do the same in Japan. If that happens, there will be a big problem."

"Boss, are you worried that John will break up his assets into smaller conglomerates? But what good will that do him? It will only increase unnecessary expenses and may even affect his own development?"

"He's preparing for the future, or rather, for his descendants. You see, while John's own conglomerate is very powerful, it lacks a solid foundation. Coupled with the numerous problems within his family, he's under considerable pressure. When he was around, things weren't too bad, but things will be different after he's gone. He wants to dismantle the entire conglomerate while he still has the ability to do so. Even if problems arise later, it won't be completely destroyed. He's worried that his descendants will follow in the footsteps of the Vanderbilt family. Otherwise, do you think he would make such a huge sacrifice?"

"Is he thinking about all this now? It doesn't seem necessary. After all, the price he'd pay for making a move at this time would be too high!" Jimmy couldn't understand. In his opinion, John's plan was a bit too early, and with John's abilities, there was no need for him to rush into planning.

"That's what makes a prodigy different. It's much easier to lay the groundwork now than later. It's safer to lay the groundwork in his prime than in his old age. At least he has enough time to ensure his plan will succeed! As for the cost, it seems staggering to you, but it's a different story in John's eyes. Most importantly, it can avoid a lot of problems. At least it will be much harder to use antitrust clauses against him!"

At this point, Morgan sighed, shook his head, and continued, "I originally thought he wouldn't make arrangements for his descendants so quickly, after all, he had plenty of time. Now it seems I underestimated him, everyone underestimated him. This guy is truly ruthless, a true madman. He doesn't care about the immediate losses; he's looking much further ahead. The Koreans are just the beginning, the split and consolidation of Quantum Mining is just the beginning, and the even more insane things are yet to come. He will handle everything properly within his lifetime, leaving no trouble for his descendants. If I'm not mistaken, this guy has only abandoned the US internet company, but he won't abandon overseas. He has enough power in both Asia and Europe!"

"So he's going to split his conglomerate into three? Isn't he worried about the family splitting up?"

"Judging from the current situation, it's not just three, it might even be more. As for a split, that's impossible. You don't think John only has the assets we know about, do you? I can tell you for sure that he has a lot of assets hidden in Europe, and even globally. Don't forget this guy's power in finance. Just watch, if something unexpected happens and someone on Wall Street falls, he will be the next Wall Street tycoon. He's just waiting for the right moment. His compromises and concessions are all for better development and better planning in the future. If he successfully hides his assets this time, there will be no more hidden dangers!"

To be honest, Morgan Stanley didn't really want to see this happen, but he couldn't stop it because it was all an open conspiracy, all laid bare. However, driven by profit, everyone had no choice but to accept it. After all, such a huge exchange of interests is tempting; who wouldn't be tempted?

Soros might not have seen through John's scheme, nor the secrets hidden beneath his compromises, but not everyone in the oil and gas industry is blind to its intricacies. Once someone understands it all, nothing serious will happen, because understanding reveals just how insane and terrifying John's scheme, built on exchanging interests, truly is. It's precisely because he understands how terrifying this scheme is, and how astonishing the profits are, that Morgan has no choice but to accept it. The interests of the company force him to accept all the changes, because he alone cannot stop it from happening!

(End of this chapter)