America: My Time

Chapter 1497 The Cocktail Party Begins

Chapter 1487 The Cocktail Party Begins

Naoko had been with John the longest, and she was also one of the people who had the most contact with old Martin. After all, young Martin had gained old Martin's approval, which allowed her and her son to gain the approval of the Bayard family. However, John's current attitude made her realize that everything from the past was fading away, and the changes in people's hearts had affected everything.

Naoko wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat. She didn't know how to begin, and she was also worried that her impulsive actions might cause trouble for Martin. After all, things weren't as simple as they seemed. Especially this party—why would they have gathered here again without special arrangements?

Just as Naoko was thinking, a voice rang out: "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. There are some things that are beyond our control, especially those involving family members. It's best if we don't get involved. Think about my situation, and you'll understand everything!"

This is Akina Nakamori's voice. After dealing with her mother's affairs, she stayed in the United States and had some understanding of John's situation. She also had different views on family ties, since everything she had experienced was something Naoko had never experienced. So at this moment, Akina Nakamori could understand John's thoughts and feelings, but Naoko could not.

Of course, it's not just Naoko who can't do it; almost none of the beautiful women around John can either, because they don't have the same experiences as Akina Nakamori. They have never been betrayed by their relatives, nor have they faced the oppression from family ties.

"I understand, but I'm worried that problems might arise. After all, tomorrow is the reception, and if something goes wrong at the reception, it will have a big impact, since we are in charge of arranging this reception!"

Although the party isn't until tomorrow night, John has already arranged for preparations to begin. This time, he's brought along all the beautiful women around him to help them get used to everything. However, they still maintain their own small cliques. For example, when Naoko and Akina Nakamori have something to do, only the Japanese beauties come to inquire; the others don't seem to care.

Of course, even these beautiful women from Japan have different feelings, and not everyone has the kindness of Nakamori Akina. The smart ones have already understood John's intention in arranging this, so they all want to perform better and gain more of John's approval.

“John, you’ve gone a bit too far and been too hasty. Even if you don’t like those family members, you should at least give them some face. And you shouldn’t have been so harsh on your grandfather. Also, don’t you think it’s a bit inappropriate to let them participate in this party right now? After all, not everyone can make this transition. They all need time.”

Upon hearing his mother Anna's words, John sighed and said, "Mother, I have no choice. I know this is a bit too hasty, but time waits for no one. This is the best opportunity. If we miss this chance, it will be even more difficult to achieve it again. After all, everyone has their own selfish desires. As for the family, I don't think I've done anything wrong. I can't always cater to their ideas. Since we're going to part ways, let's do it cleanly. Grandpa keeps trying to drag me into their affairs, which I can't accept. In his eyes, there's only the family. He's never cared about my feelings. He can sacrifice everything for the family, but I won't. I have my own path to walk!"

Upon hearing John's words, Anna shook her head. Although she knew how much Old Martin valued the Bayard family and understood the price John had paid over the years, she herself did not want to see John constantly making sacrifices. As a mother, she preferred to stand by John's side, but she did not want to see John harbor resentment towards Old Martin!
Although his mother didn't try to persuade him again, John understood her worries. He smiled calmly and continued, "Mother, I know your concerns. Don't worry, I won't hold a grudge against the old man. He's just too concerned about the family. We simply have different paths and can't work together. It's not to the point of holding a grudge. If I really wanted to be petty with them, I wouldn't have given them so many benefits. This arrangement is just to tell those old guys not to use this family affection to influence me anymore!"

"You understand this yourself, just make sure there are no problems with the arrangements for the party. If there are any problems, it won't be good for your reputation. Even if there are big problems, don't cause any conflicts at the party!"

"Don't worry, I understand your concerns. I won't clash with those old guys. Even if they try to provoke me, I won't fight them in this situation. Besides, they wouldn't be foolish enough to make things difficult for me under these circumstances. That's a blood feud, how many people do you think would think that way? Of course, if someone really does jump out and do that, I'd be looking forward to it. At least it would let me know who my real enemies are. Keep an eye on things at the party for me. After all, they don't have much experience. I'm just afraid I don't have the time or energy to pay attention."

John's invitation to everyone was not just for a simple cocktail party; there would be a negotiation between them. The reason for inviting Laugh Tale and Little Bush was to have them as witnesses!
“You’re too ambitious. You just let them do all this, using a top-notch party as a training ground for them. It’s insane! No wonder your uncle always says you’re too radical!” Anna said, shaking her head. Although she didn’t approve of John’s approach, she wouldn’t object. Just as John said, no one with a modicum of intelligence would do anything foolish, and no one would cause trouble at the party and embarrass John.

Actually, Anna's biggest worry was that the beautiful women might lose their manners. After all, this wasn't an ordinary party; it was attended by people at the very top of American society, and she worried that some might not be able to handle the pressure. "Good heavens, John is really crazy! He actually sent his own brother, Allen, with those beauties to greet everyone. It seems he's serious this time, truly going all out to cultivate his child, sparing no expense. I wonder what old Martin's reaction will be when he sees all this. Judging from the current situation, Allen will replace Calvin, helping John to openly control Oregon. This guy is insane!" Upon entering the manor and seeing Allen and the beautiful women surrounding John, Morgan sighed deeply. Given his relationship with John, he naturally wouldn't arrive at the party right on time; he would arrive a little early. This wasn't for any personal interaction with John, but rather to express his friendship to others!
“Yeah, I never expected John to be so crazy!” Jimmy couldn’t help but say. His wife, however, remained silent, as did Morgan’s wife. They both understood that this was not the time for them to speak up. Morgan and Jimmy could speak, but they couldn’t, lest they be misunderstood.

When Morgan walked into the venue, he found he wasn't the first to arrive. The party was already packed; the Bush family was present, along with old Bush and Laughlin. It seemed they valued their 'friendship' with John more. As for the Hollywood figures at the party, Morgan didn't pay them any attention, given the vast difference in their social standing.

When Morgan arrived, the men chatting at the party were all taken aback. They hadn't expected him to arrive so early. Their early arrival had its own reasons and calculations. The Bush family was there to network with John's men and gain more support. The Richardton family did the same.

Before Morgan could even speak, a voice came from behind: "Morgan, you're really early. I thought I could get here before you, but I didn't expect you to beat me to it!"

This was Rockefeller's voice. Rockefeller was somewhat surprised by Morgan's early arrival. He had thought he could speak with John before Morgan, since Rockefeller also had some things to discuss with John!
“Isn’t this normal? Given my relationship with John, do you think I would arrive late? You arrived early, so how could I not arrive early as well? Besides, some people arrived even earlier than us. Look at the Laughlin family and the Bush family, they were all ahead of us, not to mention those people from Hollywood and John’s CEOs!”

“Yes, some people are more proactive than us. They all have their own needs. But don’t you think John’s arrangements are a bit too extravagant? I really didn’t expect him to do this. Don’t you have any thoughts on this?” Rockefeller said calmly to Morgan, wanting to hear Morgan’s thoughts on the arrangements for the party.
Morgan shook his head and said, "You're just trying to cause me trouble. Do you think I can comment on a party like this? John has his reasons for doing this, and you should know that. Although it's a bit unexpected, it's also reasonable. You don't have any complaints about John's arrangements, do you?"

Just as Morgan was launching his counterattack, more people arrived, this time it was DuPont. Clearly, they all had their own plans and hadn't arrived at the designated time for the party, choosing to arrive early instead. When Morgan appeared, John was already there. As the host, he naturally wanted to ensure the distinguished guests were well received. Having finished his conversation with Laughlinton, he personally greeted Morgan and his entourage.
Before long, everyone John had invited had arrived. Before the cocktail party was even scheduled to begin, everyone was already there. As the host, John took the initiative to invite Morgan, Rockefeller, and the other old guys to the conference room to discuss some things, since there were other arrangements for this cocktail party as well.

After John and his party left, the atmosphere at the reception changed, and everyone became more relaxed. Although some people wanted to know what John and Morgan were talking about, unfortunately, they had no way of knowing. They were not qualified; their status and position were not enough for them to be on equal footing with John.

“John, just tell us what you want. We all know that what happened before went too far, but we were often powerless to change things. As long as it’s reasonable, we won’t refuse.” After sitting down, Rockefeller spoke up before John could even open his mouth. He represented not only himself, but also many of the old folks.

"I don't have any grand demands, and I understand your concerns. Rest assured, my initial promises will not change, and the conditions I agreed to will remain unchanged. If I had to ask for anything, it would be simple: I will no longer be actively promoting the development of those industries in the coming period. Some of you may not understand or accept this, but this is my stance. I also don't have the time or energy for this. For a long time to come, I need to focus my energy on my own integration efforts, and I believe you all understand my difficulties!"

I understand. These old guys don't want to understand John's predicament, but they can't object. After all, John has already given them enough face and benefits. If they are still not satisfied and want to cause trouble, then they are a bit out of line. Such a foolish act would not happen to them. They are not so lacking in wisdom!

“We understand, we all understand and accept it. And as you said before, we remember it. Don't worry, no one will bring this up. We understand your efforts, and we wouldn't want to put you in a difficult position for our own benefit. Besides, you've already let go, so how could we ask you to step in again? Rest assured, we will follow up on the internet-related arrangements!” At this moment, Lassoton spoke up. After all, this was a promise he made as President, and he had been promoting the development of the internet all along, so naturally he was willing to communicate with John under these circumstances!

“Yes, John, don’t worry, we’re not the kind of people who don’t know when to back down. We can all accept your terms!” Rockefeller replied to John, after all, this was related to his own interests, so he couldn’t help but take it seriously.

"That's good. With your words, I can rest assured. After all, you have your own ideas, and I have my own plans. Since everyone has different ideas, let's act separately. Just make sure not to ruin anything, so as not to affect our development or our 'friendship'." John gave Rockefeller face and adopted a humble attitude. This was not to show weakness, but to remind everyone present that he was not someone to be trifled with, and that he also had his own ideas about all of this.

(End of this chapter)