America: My Time

Chapter 1585 The Allure of Energy

Chapter 1575 The Allure of Energy
The Japanese guy in front of me outwardly agrees with everyone's proposal, but in reality, he wants to offer John benefits in the retail sector rather than further opening up the financial market. Whether he can persuade these guys is another matter, as these conglomerates all have their own self-interests. Who will pay the price and bear the losses is something that needs to be discussed! This guy is naturally someone from the official central bank of Japan; otherwise, he wouldn't be saying such things!

"If that's the case, and you're all confident you can persuade Mr. John, then we have no problem with that. After all, energy security is more important, and we can accept it if necessary. However, if the retail channels are controlled by them, we will be subject to their control in many ways. I believe everyone understands this, at least in terms of the food market share, they will control more of it!"

John is also a world-class grain trader, but he's kept it well-hidden and has always operated a self-production and self-sales model, even having a stable customer base, especially with wealthy individuals in Russia and the Middle East, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, where he holds a significant market share. Energy security is important, but food security is equally important—this is the chaebol's counterattack!
"For a long time, we will need cheap food sources. I don't think this will affect Japan. In fact, it will reduce our pressure. After all, they have an absolute cost advantage in this area, which we don't have. They can wage a price war, but we can't! However, capital is in it to make money and it's impossible for them to wage a price war with us. So your worries are unnecessary. At least for a long time, that won't happen!"

“You’re right. If that’s the case, we’re willing to make sacrifices. Shopping malls, supermarkets, and convenience stores are all available for trade. But we should also get the benefits in return for our sacrifices. We want to take the lion’s share in energy cooperation.”

"Impossible, we don't accept it. If that's the case, we're willing to put up our retail assets for the deal!" Soon, a dispute arose among the Japanese conglomerates. They all wanted to take the initiative and gain the upper hand, and none of them wanted to fall behind!
"Please, gentlemen, refrain from arguing. I don't understand. You all so readily believe that Mr. John will agree to our proposal and join us in developing the energy resources of Sakhalin Island?" The officials were somewhat dumbfounded, not understanding why the tycoons were reacting so strongly; this was different from what they had expected. Although this outcome was good and in their best interests, they still wanted to understand the reasons!

"Compared to you all, we are more inclined to believe in Mr. John's sincerity. In our past cooperation, we have never suffered a loss. As long as he has this idea, there is a chance of success. And as long as there is a chance, we have ways to persuade him."

Everyone knows what method they used! Naturally, it was through beautiful female escorts. After all, John had so many beautiful Japanese women around him, so it was easy to succeed by whispering sweet nothings in his ear. Moreover, this wasn't the first time they had done this, nor was it the first time they had succeeded. And it all started with Akio Morita, after all, that guy was the most capable!
"Alright, since everyone thinks so, then you can decide how to distribute it yourselves. We won't participate!" These Japanese officials weren't as confident as the chaebols. Of course, even if they wanted to participate, it was impossible now; the chaebols wouldn't give them that opportunity, wouldn't let them share in the profits!

Why are these guys so confident? It's all because of John's generosity. Back in the day, John sold world-class mines, and that alone was enough to tempt them. Not to mention, they've never suffered a loss in their normal cooperation with John. As for the losses, it's because they were too greedy, and they can't blame John. At least, they can't find any reason to blame John.

These guys are well aware of the importance of energy; even the Americans are making plans. If they don't speed things up, how can they expect to benefit? Besides, as long as John agrees, there shouldn't be any problems with Russia. After all, given John's relationship with Russia, this isn't a big deal; at least it's beneficial to Russia!

Soon, a fierce battle erupted among the Japanese conglomerates, each wielding all their power to vie for a share. Even though there was no clear indication of who was in the picture, these guys were fighting tooth and nail, making the Japanese officials shake their heads in disbelief! Unlike the conglomerates, the officials only cared about the outcome. In their eyes, John was no longer the young man he once was, and his relationship with Japan had gradually cooled. How could he possibly offer any benefits to Japan under such provocation?

It's normal and reasonable for these guys in the Japanese government to have such thoughts, but they're wrong. John really does have such thoughts, but he's scheming against these guys in Japan and wants to gradually withdraw investment and take away profits from Russia. After all, Russia has begun to change, and John needs to be cautious.

John knew very well that in a few years, Russia would no longer lack food and would not be under pressure to meet food needs. At that time, his cooperation with Russia would gradually come to an end. Without this pressure, coupled with a strong president, one could imagine what his investment in Sakhalin Island would look like!
Of course, even if Russia were to renege on its promise and take everything back now, John wouldn't suffer a loss. With its frenzied development, it had already recouped all its costs. However, John would still have a considerable shortfall on the surface, since at least half of the resources were not recorded in the books due to the transportation via undersea pipelines and oil tankers.

All the original problems have vanished with the asset restructuring. Even if Da Mao wanted to investigate, it wouldn't be an easy task. This was John's plan: to leave Da Mao no chance to target him. By completing the new round of asset restructuring, Asian Energy eliminated all the hidden dangers of the past.

However, while the Japanese were going crazy for it, Russia also noticed that China was having some ideas as well, given Sakhalin Island's excellent geographical location. Naturally, Russia wouldn't allow them to have any such ideas; if John wanted to cooperate, why couldn't China participate?

"Mr. John, we've heard that Asia Energy is interested in jointly developing energy resources on Sakhalin Island. We wonder if we can participate!" The first company to approach John was China's China National Offshore Oil Corporation. If the cooperation were successful, it would greatly increase their energy reserves, so even if there was only a sliver of hope, they were willing to accept it.

Upon seeing this person's arrival, John sighed inwardly. His plan had taken an unexpected turn; he had intended to trick those guys in Japan, but instead, he had attracted this person from China. However, if China were involved, it wouldn't be tricked, since Russia had also taken back the Chinese shares. But Japan was a different story. "Indeed, we do have such an idea. I believe you understand the reasons. Asian Energy needs to recoup its investment and make strategic relocations. However, there's no rush. After all, this still needs to be discussed with Russia. This isn't something Asian Energy can decide on its own. In any case, we will respect Russia's wishes!"

John made no attempt to hide anything and directly stated Asia Energy's upcoming plans. This surprised the people in front of him; they hadn't expected John to be so easygoing, readily revealing such important information—it was completely different from what they had anticipated. Such a friendly atmosphere had never been present in their previous collaborations with foreign partners.

Seeing the shocked expressions on their faces, John smiled calmly and said, "However, you should all understand that this is no small matter, nor can it be accomplished in a short time. Although Asian Energy has a good relationship with Russia, it will take time and effort to push all of this forward. Even if it succeeds, it will be impossible within one or two years. Furthermore, investment involves risks, so you should all think carefully!"

The group from China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) naturally understood John's warning. What investment is risk-free? And how could a risk-free investment possibly fall into their laps? The only difference was that the investment in Sakhalin Island was far less risky. At least, everyone had known this for many years; while it couldn't be said to be a guaranteed profit, preserving capital was certainly not a problem!

"We understand that time is not an issue! We just don't know when Asian Energy will launch this project, so we can make some preparations in advance to avoid any unexpected situations!"

"There are some things we can't control, and we have to wait for the decision from the Russian side. At least for now, Asian Energy hasn't started yet. Even if it were to start, it would have to wait until Asian Energy itself stabilizes. An asset restructuring has left Asian Energy with many internal problems that need to be solved. So even if it wanted to start, it would be at least the end of the year!"

Is half a year too long to prepare? No, for such a big project, this amount of time to prepare is nothing. Even if negotiations begin, it won't be possible to get results in a short time. It will still take a lot of time. If things go well, we can get results in a year. If things don't go well, it will drag on for a long time. After all, Russia is not easy to talk to!
In what direction will Asia's strategic energy shift develop? Naturally, it will lead to the countries that emerged after the collapse of Russia. Those countries need more investment, so it's understandable that Asia's energy assets are facing some pressure. Although the development of Sakhalin Island has entered a stable phase, the more stable it is, the more difficult it becomes for Russia to negotiate, making Asia's energy investment more risky. John dares not take that risk!

However, now that China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) is willing to enter the market, it gives CNOOC a greater opportunity to put pressure on Japan and extract more benefits from Japan. Unless Japan is willing to put its energy lifeline in the hands of Russia and China, Japan will have to pay a higher price to cooperate with CNOOC!
Given the capabilities of those guys in Japan, they would naturally be aware of the changes in China immediately. At that time, it would be impossible for them not to pay the price. They couldn't afford to gamble, especially during this special period. Japan had no right to act recklessly, and they couldn't afford the high price of energy supplies. Therefore, making sacrifices was inevitable!

"We can accept it by the end of the year, it's not a problem!" In fact, CNOOC Group had no choice in this matter, since the initiative was in the hands of Asia Energy. As long as Asia Energy did not move, there was no use in their anxiety!
"That's good, but you all need to think this through. Sometimes, Asian energy is not a matter of choice, and it's impossible for them to make their own decisions. Not to mention Russia's thoughts, other forces will also get involved! Japan and South Korea won't just stand by and watch; they will take action, and that will lead to a struggle for interests!"

John wants to make this clear upfront: once his plan is launched, it will be no small matter. It won't just be South Korea and Japan that will get involved; the Americans won't stand idly by either and will try to sabotage his plan. Even Russia doesn't want the CNOOC Group to join, since Russia isn't exactly a saint either! Of course, there are no saints among nations, only interests, and John is well aware of this.

Upon hearing John's words, the others vaguely understood what he meant and nodded in acknowledgment.

"Mr. John, please rest assured that we will assess the risks involved. As for the outcome, it will not affect our friendship. We also understand that this is not something that either party can decide. Times have changed, and the environment is also changing!"

"Yes, times have changed, and the current environment is also changing. Asia Energy has no choice but to carry out an asset restructuring, or even a strategic relocation. We can't bear all the risks ourselves. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, Asia Energy will fall into a crisis of bankruptcy liquidation, and I can't afford the consequences!"

With the changing environment, John understood that he could no longer monopolize the investment in Sakhalin Island; Russia would not accept it. Therefore, change was inevitable. However, before his plan could even proceed, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) was involved, leading to this unexpected situation. Even China was paying such attention, so it was impossible for Japan and South Korea not to have any ideas, or for Russia not to have any ideas. Thus, from the very beginning, everything was out of his control, and he didn't even have the initiative. But John was completely helpless!

There's a saying: "You have to give up something to gain something." When the time comes to act, you have to be decisive. You can't wait for Russia to make the first move; that would put you in a more passive position and cause an energy crisis in Asia—something John doesn't want to see. It was precisely because of these concerns that John made this arrangement, choosing to use Japan as a testing ground at this time. He just didn't expect things to change so suddenly!
(End of this chapter)