America: My Time

Chapter 1571 Entering the game personally
Chapter 1561 Getting Involved
"They compromised. Enron and WorldCom compromised. They had no choice but to accept the acquisition offer from Western Energy and Bell Labs. What should we do next?" At this moment, Jimmy looked at his boss with a worried expression. Although he already knew that his boss was about to retire, Jimmy's heart remained unchanged.

"This time, we all underestimated John's actions and his control over energy and communications. Those old guys from Rockefeller are already regretting it. This directly gave Western Energy control of a larger oil pipeline network, more assets, and even allowed them to create a terrifying energy platform! In comparison, Bell Labs' plan is nothing. I advised those guys long ago that there was no need to resort to these petty tricks; they were completely ineffective. But some people just wouldn't listen, and there's nothing I can do. Now we can only take it one step at a time. None of their so-called carefully prepared traps have worked. Look at those power companies; they haven't been acquired by Western Energy at all!"

"Boss, if John really wants to give up on energy and power, this is the best opportunity for him. Moreover, if he makes a move, he can acquire a lot of assets, since many energy and power companies are already facing bankruptcy!"

"Even the best opportunities are toxic. You think John will make a move, and you underestimate his scheming. It seems like this guy is targeting energy and communications, but have you noticed that his real estate plans are even more aggressive? His projects are all accelerating. Have you thought about how terrifying the profits are? They are all scheming against John, trying to drag him into Asia, but how do they know that this is not the situation John wants?"

"You mean John deliberately got involved, pretending to be tricked and dragged into Asia, and that even the current acquisition is just a cover-up? His real estate target is those neighborhood projects. That's insane! Doesn't he worry about how serious the consequences of failure would be?" Jimmy stared at his boss in shock. Since his boss had seen through John's plan, why didn't he stop it? Why did he let it all happen?
Unfortunately, Jimmy didn't ask those questions, because he knew some things were better left unasked. But he wanted to know why John had the confidence to get involved in this situation.

"What constitutes failure? What is failure in your eyes? Is it a failed acquisition, or something else? Is a failed acquisition important to John? Will it affect Western Energy and Bell Labs? It won't affect them. At most, it will just mean a loss of some assets. But Hurricane Investment will yield amazing returns. Do you think John would refuse such a failure? Also, do you really think those old guys only have their presence in South Korea and Hong Kong in Asia? They've also been active in Japan, but those guys in Japan are more discreet. They haven't made a big fuss. Unfortunately, no matter how careful they are, it's useless. The moment they had the idea, the moment they took action, their fate was sealed. Greed will make them pay a heavy price."

"Neon, could it be that someone has persuaded them? Weren't these guys already unwilling to believe Rockefeller's promises anymore? Why would they make a move again? Could it be that someone offered them incredibly tempting terms?"

"Good, it's good that you can see this now. What kind of conditions do you think would entice those guys in Japan? What would make them willing to cooperate, but also make them cautious and hesitant to make a big fuss?" Morgan said, turning his gaze to Jimmy. Although he was about to retire, he didn't want to see Jimmy retire with him. After all, Jimmy was still capable and incredibly loyal. Even if he did retire, he wouldn't dare to completely relinquish control; he needed someone to keep an eye on everything within the Morgan Group to prevent any unforeseen events. Jimmy was undoubtedly the best candidate!
After a moment's thought, Jimmy said with a serious expression, "It's energy and mining, these are what Japan lacks most!"

"Well said, those are the two points. Those guys from Japan went to Russia, wanting to take over the development of Sakhalin Island, an energy hub in Asia. And if they succeeded, they would also have the opportunity to invest in Australian mining, fundamentally solving the resource shortage problem for the Japanese conglomerate and preventing them from being held hostage! Unfortunately, they failed. They were immediately betrayed by Russia after meeting with them. Do you think John will teach them a profound lesson?"

"Hiss! Killing two birds with one stone! Rockefeller and his men want to drive a wedge between John and the neon, to break them up!"

"That's right, exactly. Akio Morita, who was closest to John, is dead, and John's relationship with Japan has been repeatedly strained. So many people think this is the best opportunity, and Japan, tempted by greed, has also entered the game!"

"This is insane! Aren't they afraid of John's retaliation if he finds out? After all, John has more leverage, and his methods are far more ruthless than theirs!" Jimmy asked with a worried expression. Knowing John as he did, he knew this wouldn't end there; there would definitely be a counterattack!
"Be afraid? Why should we be afraid? Do you think John still has the energy to fight back? After John's real estate plan begins, how much energy do you think he will have left? And with the expansion of his bank, how much energy can he spare? Not to mention semiconductor chips and communications. No matter how energetic John is, there is a limit!"

“I understand. They’re betting that John won’t have the time or energy to spare. After all, his assets have just been restructured. On the surface, everything seems fine, but there are many internal problems that need to be solved. Making a move at this time is when John is at his weakest, and it’s also the easiest time to succeed!”

Morgan nodded and said, "Everything is as you said, but unfortunately they still failed. They underestimated John's madness. He hurt himself as much as the enemy. That was John's choice. It seems that John seized a lot of assets from those guys this time, but both WorldCom and Enron are toxic and John will have to pay a heavy price. Not to mention his counterattacks against others, all of which will come at a cost."

"Why? Isn't it worth it at all? With John's influence, there's no need for him to lift a finger." Jimmy couldn't understand. In his view, John hadn't maximized his influence or the benefits.

"This is a difference in stance and perspective. For you, maximizing profits is paramount. But John values ​​reputation and status, so he chooses to act personally rather than incur favors, maximize profits, or even seek exorbitant gains at the expense of his own interests. He sees this as the most advantageous approach, allowing him flexibility and freedom from pressure—the pressure shouldn't fall on Rockefeller and his ilk!" Morgan sighed, shook his head, and continued, "Jimmy, have you considered what the impact would be if John were forced to leave the US, or even faced scheming from Rockefeller and his ilk in Asia, having to contend with those in South Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong?"

"Hiss! This is insane! Is it really necessary?" Jimmy was shocked by his boss's words!

"What you see as unnecessary, John sees as absolutely necessary. That's the difference in your positions and perspectives. John wants security and initiative, even if it means sacrificing some interests. At least the American people are on his side. Even if someone brings up John's assets or his overseas investments, he has ample reason to explain that he was forced to leave the US and had to endure all this oppression. It's precisely because he did this that those guys at Oilfield Capital dare not bring it up. Otherwise, they wouldn't have dragged those old guys like Rockefeller into it; the consequences would be unbearable for them. Rockefeller and his ilk use Oilfield Capital as a knife, and John uses them as a shield to block Oilfield Capital's schemes!"

"This is insane, this is terrifying! Their confrontation is beyond my comprehension; it's far beyond my imagination!" Jimmy, utterly shocked, revealed endless worry in his eyes. Cooperating with someone like John was too much pressure on him, impacting both his mind and body!

“Jimmy, the reason I’m telling you all this is that I hope you can stay after I retire and maintain your relationship with John. I don’t want anyone to ruin the friendship between Morgan and John. After all, many people want to see Morgan and John part ways, and they’ve been scheming about it all along. I’m worried that young people might act impulsively and fall into someone else’s trap. Those old guys at Rockefeller keep saying they want to retire, but can they really relinquish their power?”

Not to mention Rockefeller, even Morgan himself couldn't do that. Otherwise, why would he leave Jimmy in Morgan as his eyes and ears, so that he could know everything about Morgan? To put it bluntly, he viewed Rockefeller from his own perspective, so naturally he had to make many preparations in advance to prevent the worst from happening!

“Boss, I’m glad you trust me, but I can’t hold on for long. You know how much pressure there is in working with John. My heart can’t take the shock of such a monstrous talent!”

“I know, and I understand. I want you to hold on for a few more years until everything is back on track before considering retirement. In the current situation, you are the only one I can trust!” Morgan sighed, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

Since his boss had put it this way, how could Jimmy refuse? Besides, he knew far too much; if he refused now, he feared he wouldn't have a good ending either. So he nodded and said, "Alright, I'll do whatever you say. I just hope that day comes soon. After all, standing next to a prodigy like John is too much pressure!"

"That's good. With you here, I feel much more at ease and can enjoy my retirement in peace, allowing myself to live a few more years. After the election and the New Year, that will be my retirement time. I hope everything will be more stable after the Elephant comes to power, and that no more trouble will arise. After all, John is becoming more and more dangerous!"

As for whether other problems might arise during the transfer of power, Morgan wasn't worried. What he was most concerned about now was John's retaliation. After all, John now had virtually no weaknesses and was operating behind the scenes, which would have an impact on many people. The more John acted this way, the more dangerous and terrifying he became in Morgan's eyes.

Jimmy dismissively said, "That shouldn't happen. After all, John and Little Bush have a good relationship. At least we won't see a situation like Donkey's, or a crisis like President Laugh Tale's!"

"Jimmy, you overestimate John's relationship with John. In personal matters, there might be no problem between them, but in business, it's a different story. If John uses personal relationships to handle business matters, he won't fare well. After all, John has always been ostracized by high society, not because he lacks ability, but because his stance differs from the mainstream. So even if John and John are close, it's useless; John wouldn't dare stand against everyone! It's precisely because John understands his situation that he doesn't want to stay in the US, choosing instead to spend most of his time overseas. He's avoiding conflict with high society, preventing it from escalating. As long as those old guys don't go too far, John won't bother with them. Similarly, those old guys don't dare to provoke John too much; at least they're unwilling to act personally. Even when they test him, they find scapegoats. Now you understand John's stance with those old Rockefellers, and you understand why John has always been overseas, even during the election, he was in Asia."

As his boss meticulously explained everything about John, Jimmy finally understood that there were so many reasons hidden behind it all. What he had seen was only the surface. Both John and Rockefeller maintained a calm attitude, but what attitude did his boss have towards this prodigy, John? Although he had some doubts, Jimmy knew that this wasn't a topic he should ask. He just needed to listen quietly to his boss's analysis, and keep everything else to himself.
(End of this chapter)