America: My Time

Chapter 181 Cocktail Party
Chapter 181 The Cocktail Party
When the invitation to the First Industrial Bank's cocktail party arrived, a knowing glint flashed in John's eyes. At this time, the invitation indicated that it was for matters concerning the mine, or even the bank. This was exactly what John wanted, as he could seize this opportunity to gain more benefits!
The turmoil in the United States will give him more excuses to obtain more funds from these banks, accelerate his expansion in Japan, and exacerbate the conflict between Japan and the United States. At the same time, it will give his enemies more excuses and opportunities, allowing him more time to prepare!
After learning about the chaos in the United States, John never considered resolving the conflict peacefully; he knew it was impossible. In this turmoil, there were not only his business rivals, but also the shadowy figures of conglomerates. Perhaps they weren't directly involved, but they were definitely fanning the flames, not to mention other hidden shadows and those self-righteous scoundrels. These insidious enemies had no regard for American interests; only their own. They were their targets, and John was merely a tool for some.

John understood the struggle between the donkey and the elephant perfectly well. Although it wasn't as chaotic as it would be in later years, the donkeys were still pushing the boundaries of their own lives. They were recklessly trampling on the established agreements. Perhaps they thought they were just young people, and that it wouldn't be a big deal if they schemed against each other. Their experience was enough to solve any problems that arose.

Unfortunately, these donkeys oversimplified things. John knew far more secrets than they did. The battles between donkeys and elephants in later generations were far more brutal, with all sorts of bottom lines being trampled on. The little tricks they were playing now were utterly insignificant. In later generations, elephants could incite riots and rebellions, while donkeys were even more insane, capable of launching a zero-dollar shopping spree, truly living up to the motto "Happy America, shooting every day." They even ransacked the homes of their predecessors. What couldn't they do?

If I give them another 'perfect' excuse regarding the mine, these donkeys might go even crazier. I can then use this opportunity to set up a bigger plan, take my scheme to the next level, and deliver a fatal blow to these bastards! Since these bastards dare to scheme against me, they should be prepared to be retaliated against.

This time, he'll either do nothing or make a decisive, bloody defeat to deter any hidden enemies. To achieve this, he'll have to pay a price. Of course, it would be ideal to drag those greedy Japanese bastards into the fray as well; they're no saints either, and taking them down along with them would be perfect.

Just like the previous parties, John brought Naoko with him. Like the parties he had attended before, it was still in the suburbs. John wondered if all parties in Japan were the same. As soon as he entered the venue, he saw idols singing and dancing on stage, and the whole place was bustling with activity.

John was somewhat surprised this time. Many of the bigwigs at the party had already arrived, and it seemed that they hadn't arranged any meeting room this time, so everyone could sit down together to discuss cooperation!
"Interesting. It seems they have their own ideas too. But that's fine. Let's see what methods you have to persuade me!"

Although somewhat surprised, John calmly led Naoko into the venue. John's arrival naturally attracted the attention of some people. Those who had interacted or collaborated with John knew his identity, but many others were unaware of his background and were therefore somewhat surprised, especially since Naoko, a major idol, was by his side.

At this moment, the bigwigs did not sit together or talk to each other. Instead, they were scattered throughout the party, as if it were just an ordinary party to build relationships, without any ulterior motives!

John was not fooled by all this on the surface. He faced it calmly. Since these people were so casual and relaxed, he didn't need to take them too seriously. That would only make him look like he was desperate to sell his mine and that he was under so much pressure that he needed to rely on the power of these people from Japan.

John smiled and said to Naoko, "Let's go, let's find a place to sit down. It seems this party will be much more relaxed than usual!"

Naoko was somewhat surprised by the situation. It was completely different from the parties she had attended before. No one came up to greet her or make any introductions. It was just an ordinary networking party.

In reality, this was also an unseen confrontation. The Japanese wanted to probe John's thoughts and current situation. They were well aware of the magnitude of the turmoil in the US, especially with a company like First Industrial Bank, but they didn't know John's intentions and thus wanted to use this opportunity to test him. However, their methods were more sophisticated; they wouldn't take any action themselves, or even do anything at all, simply observing the situation.

The business world is like a battlefield. No matter how close or good John's cooperation with these people in the past was, as long as John is in trouble, these bastards will be the first to kick him when he's down. They have no feelings for each other.

Just as they were talking, Naoko noticed some movement in a corner not far away, as if something had happened. When she looked over, she discovered that it was someone she knew well – Hideki Saijo!
John also noticed the situation. Although there weren't many people, the atmosphere was tense. A hint of anger flickered across Hideki Saijo's face, and the ladies sitting nearby also looked annoyed. John was somewhat surprised by the other person – it was the scumbag Kondo Masahiko. John utterly despised this man. A man being lustful is nothing to be ashamed of; it's part of his nature. But toying with a woman's feelings is utterly despicable, let alone deceiving her and swindling her money. Such behavior is a disgrace to men!

"Let's go, let's go see what happened!" Seeing the hint of urgency in Naoko's eyes, John smiled calmly and said softly. Actually, he was also a little curious and wanted to know what had happened over there. He was also looking forward to witnessing something dramatic.

Unfortunately, by the time John and Naoko walked over, it was already over. The scumbag had turned and left, leaving only Hideki Saijo and a few ladies sitting there.

Upon closer inspection, John and Naoko were both surprised to see Yoshie Kashiwabara present. This further piqued John's curiosity, making him want to know what had just happened. However, he hesitated to speak, as he wasn't familiar with these people. What surprised John even more was that, apart from Hideki Saijo and Yoshie Kashiwabara, the others weren't from the music industry. The only people John recognized were Hitomi Kuroki and Mao Daichi, both from Takarazuka Revue.

At this moment, John vaguely understood what had happened. Given the scumbag Masahiko Kondo's character, it was clearly related to a woman. This bastard was shameless to the extreme; there was nothing he wouldn't do.

"Fang Hui-chan, Hideki-nii-san, you're here too!" Naoko greeted them, showing no airs whatsoever!
"Hello, Mr. John and Naoko-chan!"

Soon, Naoko and John sat down at the invitation of the others. The others didn't know John's identity, but Yoshie Kashiwabara and Hideki Saijo did. Although they understood that John and Naoko were the real guests at the party, while they were just invited performers, and there was a huge difference in their status, they didn't sense any arrogant attitude from John and Naoko.

After a brief introduction, John and Naoko quickly understood what had happened. The problem was indeed with the scumbag Kondo Masahiko; lust and shamelessness were clearly ingrained in his bones. He dared to act so recklessly and rudely even in such a situation. When stopped by Saijo Hideki, he showed no remorse and even mocked his senior, demonstrating a complete lack of humanity.

Kondo Masahiko's arrogance stemmed from several reasons. At this time, Saijo Hideki had already terminated his contract with his agency, his access to resources was dwindling, and he was also facing some suppression from his former agency, making his life less than smooth. Kondo Masahiko, this scumbag, had Johnny's Entertainment backing him, so naturally he didn't take Saijo Hideki, a senior whose career was declining, seriously, leading to the scene Naoko and John witnessed earlier.

Naoko wasn't in Japan before, so she was unaware of Hideki Saijo's contract termination with his agency, nor did she know about his situation during that time. If she hadn't encountered him today and experienced this situation, she might have remained oblivious for much longer. Compared to Naoko's 'amicable' termination, Saijo's situation was somewhat unfavorable. It's difficult for an agency to accept the departure of such a cash cow; a peaceful separation is impossible, and some form of suppression is inevitable. Otherwise, managing the agency's artists would be even more difficult.

If Hideki Saijo weren't a superstar, he would face even greater pressure and more severe suppression. Japanese agencies have a strong control over their artists, and they control a lot of resources. Once an artist leaves, they will face suppression or even be completely blacklisted. This is a common occurrence.

When it comes to profit, these agencies will use any means necessary. In their eyes, if an idol or artist does something detrimental to the agency, they will face suppression from all sides. This has almost become the rule in the industry. Without strong power and sufficient confidence, ordinary artists dare not easily confront the agency.

(End of this chapter)