America: My Time

Chapter 1498 Retreating to Advance
Chapter 1488 Retreating to Advance
Did John have any "connections" with these old guys? Absolutely not. Anyone who believed that would be a fool. It was just John being polite, showing them some respect. The Rockefellers and the other old men were perfectly aware of this, and naturally wouldn't act superior. Besides, this was just the beginning! If they couldn't even understand this, there was no need to continue the discussion. After all, John wouldn't end this meeting so easily!

"John, how much help can you provide us in the media field? We'd also like a precise timeframe. Although you're unwilling to be involved in those projects, you'll still benefit, so we hope to get your help in the media. Of course, we'll follow the rules and won't let you do your work for nothing!" Rockefeller quickly made his request to John. Although everything was reasonable, if John agreed, there would likely be some trouble later. However, he couldn't refuse outright in the current situation.

"In principle, I have no problem and can provide you with assistance in this regard. However, I also have conditions. The media will only provide certain assistance, and I personally will not come forward. Please do not try to take advantage of me, and do not spread unverified rumors. After all, the credibility of the media cannot be damaged!"

Upon hearing John's words, Rockefeller couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing his scheme had failed. John hadn't given him a single chance to outmaneuver him, completely blocking that path. Even if he wanted to say something more, to find another reason, seeing John's calm expression, he ultimately gave up.

Rockefeller nodded and said, "Of course. We asked you for help, so we certainly won't put you in a difficult position. Rest assured, we will act according to the rules!"

"That's good. I'm relieved to hear you say that. If any of you have any ideas or requests regarding publicity, you can discuss them with them, and I will let them know. After all, I will be focusing on Asia from now on and will avoid any conflicts with you all, so as not to cause any more trouble and make things difficult for everyone!"

Although John had a smile on his face, everyone's mood was extremely heavy. They could all hear a warning in John's words, but they dared not refuse. After all, John had already given them enough face. If they still insisted on making things difficult for him, it would be a sign of not knowing when to back down and would mean they would have to fight John to the death!
"John, can you tell us how big your community plan is, and whether we can participate? After all, many people have this idea and want to join your community plan!" At this moment, someone asked John, and this guy was obviously asking about those retail companies in the United States.

"I'm sorry, but this is a trade secret and cannot be disclosed to the public. Moreover, 7-Eleven and the retail company are both publicly listed companies, and everyone can share in the profits they deserve. There's no need to inquire so much. Furthermore, the community project is being handled by Jaguar Security Company, which is crucial to the success of the entire project. Involving outsiders would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble, so I cannot accept any losses on your part!"

Faced with John's refusal, the expressions on everyone's faces remained unchanged, but they all sighed inwardly. John's community plan may not have been around for long, but it had developed rapidly, and the profits involved were astonishing, especially in the upscale communities in New York. That guy was truly impressive, with a complete setup and arrangement. It could be said that there was nothing that the entire community couldn't satisfy, even high-end customization.

Although there is only one such community at present, everyone understands that this is just the beginning. Moreover, when they checked carefully, they were all shocked, because John had made numerous arrangements in advance in major cities across the United States. The community in New York was on land that John purchased ten years ago. John has been making such arrangements all over the United States.

The reason John didn't push this plan earlier might be that he was waiting for the right opportunity, waiting to have all the retail under his control and have a complete supply chain before he could start pushing this big plan, which has also attracted many people!
Unfortunately, these old guys didn't know that John was preparing for the future real estate boom. They only saw John's promotion of community projects and his nationwide expansion, but they didn't see his other plans!

“John, if you lack funds, we can invest. There’s no need to sell those valuable assets to those guys in Japan!” Someone else stepped forward to communicate with John, but his plan was a bit too ambitious. He had no idea that John was selling those assets to mitigate risk; after all, 9/11 would severely impact New York real estate, and even the US real estate market. They only saw John’s sales in New York, not that he was selling valuable assets across the entire US, and these assets weren’t even in John’s name!

They did have their doubts, but unfortunately they had no evidence. Moreover, John's community plan had driven many people in the United States crazy, and even the real estate market was stimulated to some extent.

“I appreciate your kindness, but the funding for the community project has been secured. Moreover, as you all know, we have already reached cooperation agreements with major retail companies regarding funding, which will significantly reduce the pressure on the entire community project!” The more John spoke frankly, the more it pained these guys.

Just then, Zipperton spoke up. Although a hint of hesitation flashed across his face, he still asked John, "Mr. John, can't things in Hollywood be changed at all? Can't the three major film studios keep the president in Hollywood so that Los Angeles isn't affected?"

Hearing this, John shook his head and sighed, "Mr. President, I understand your concerns, but it's all too late. Everything has already happened, and making reservations now will only harm my media group. However, don't worry, there will be a branch in Hollywood. Since you've asked, I have to give you face!" John's refusal initially made Laugh Tay frown, but his words after the handover made him breathe a sigh of relief. However, Laugh Tay didn't know that John's arrangement was just to save face for him. The so-called branch was merely a facade, only there to support theaters and cinemas; it had no filming capabilities whatsoever, let alone the ability to develop projects!

In any case, John gave Labour a lot of face at this moment, making it difficult for him to say anything more, otherwise he would be pushing his luck. Even if he were the president, he couldn't afford such consequences. After all, everyone present was the real decision-maker in the United States, so he could only nod to express his gratitude and didn't say anything more!
The calmer John appeared, the more uneasy some people became. After all, everything John had done had a significant impact on them, forcing them to abandon many of their plans. Since John had already made his stance clear, making any further demands would be unreasonable. Before attending the party, none of them had expected John to be so agreeable.

"Too cunning! He's using a feigned retreat to force us to give up!" This was the honest thought of many. Faced with John's performance, they had no choice but to abandon their numerous schemes! In this 'friendly' atmosphere, the meeting quickly came to an end. John's attitude on sharing benefits was very clear: the previous agreements would continue, but everyone else's other ideas were out of the question; John would not accept them.

Compared to the tense atmosphere in the conference room, the cocktail party was a lively affair. Although many of the beautiful women around John were not entirely comfortable with the situation, no one caused trouble. Moreover, the socialites and others present all behaved very politely, greeting the women one by one. Regardless of what they might be thinking, the atmosphere was very lively and without any problems, which surprised many people, especially the Hollywood guys. They knew how arrogant those ladies were, but they behaved very amiably at this cocktail party!

Although many people found it all fake, no one dared to voice their true feelings. They all understood that the ladies and socialites behaved this way because of John's status and the presence of his family. Would anyone look down on the beautiful women around John? No, that wouldn't happen. They weren't fools; they all knew another reason for the party: John was grooming his successor. And who knew how remarkable the children of these women would become in the future? Even if they didn't think of themselves, for the sake of their descendants, they wouldn't act impolitely!

However, there were some differences in their behavior. Familiar faces naturally had more people around them, while the unfamiliar beauties only exchanged polite words. At the party, Jennifer Connelly and Naoko were the most talked-about.

Jennifer Connelly has been helping John manage his interpersonal relationships in the United States and is very familiar with everyone present. Naoko, on the other hand, has gained status because of her son. Martin Jr. has been recognized by the Bayard family and even by Old Martin, so many people are optimistic about her, or rather, optimistic about Martin Jr.!

In contrast, Lee Boo-jin and others received little attention. Even though Lee Boo-jin had a different status and controlled assets in South Korea, she was not considered important by many. After all, in the eyes of the upper class in the United States, South Korea was just an ant. This was true for Lee Boo-jin, Momoko Kikuchi, and others.

"Momoko, are you feeling a little disappointed? You'll get used to it. Even though you're taking over the assets in Japan, you can't compare to Naoko, whether it's in Japan or the US. That's the real side of high society. Don't let them influence you. Just focus on doing your best!" Riko said, trying to comfort her after seeing the hint of disappointment in Momoko's eyes.

Riko's presence at the party shows she knows how to seize opportunities. In contrast, Lee Boo-jin received no comfort or advice, leaving her to bear the disappointment alone. This situation made her realize that even as Samsung's eldest daughter, her status wouldn't bring her much help, especially in the United States, where it would be negligible. This is evident in the cases of Jennifer Connelly and Naoko.

Of course, the other beauties also felt disappointed. Although they had other people around them, they all understood how big the gap was. They also understood that this was another reason why John arranged this party: to let them know how xenophobic the United States was, so that they could be mentally prepared.

“John’s arrangements were too hasty. They should have been given more time to adapt, instead of making such arrangements right off the bat and throwing them into such a high-level event. It’s obvious that many of them are not suited for it!” Anna sighed as she watched the situation at the party. Although she was worried, she couldn’t step in to stop it.

“Mother, you’re overthinking it. My brother has his reasons for making these arrangements. And don’t you think that things are clearer the more you do them? I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it. In fact, I think they did a great job, much better than many of the people in the room. At least no one did anything foolish!” Eva said, shaking her head slightly. Although she had been in high society for quite some time, she hadn’t been to such a high-level gathering many times, so she didn’t think there was anything wrong with it.
“You’ve been corrupted by your brother. You think it’s nothing, but the pressure is immense for them. This party is so high-end. Jennifer Connelly is alright; she’s used to it. But it’s different for the others. Many of them might not even understand the conversation!” Anna sighed, a hint of worry in her eyes, concerned that the pressure of the party would affect these beauties. It wasn’t a fair competition. While absolute fairness doesn’t exist, this party was unfair to them from the very beginning. Jennifer Connelly had all the advantages; she had the advantage of being there and the support of others, far surpassing the other beauties, and her performance was also remarkable!

(End of this chapter)