America: My Time

Chapter 375 Morgan's Shock

Chapter 375 Morgan's Shock
"Actually, we should also reflect on our own problems. This is just a small order, and it's causing such a reaction. Have you considered how those people have cheated us in past transactions? Bentley and Sikorsky, did they ever ask us to add extra charges for modifications? No, they never asked for extra charges for the engine or other modifications because of the desert environment. Their quotes didn't change much. John's cooperation with us was a perfectly normal business transaction, without any scheming or deception. But what have you done? You're resentful over such a small order. I don't want to hear that again!"

With the king's words, no one in Riyadh objected anymore, and those who had previously disagreed began to reflect on their mistakes. It had to be admitted that although John's company offered a high price, it didn't use such hypocritical reasons; everything was a legitimate business collaboration.

Although many people understood that John's offer was driven by self-interest—to help Sikorsky sell more helicopters and gain more profit—he had laid everything out in the open. This was a calculated move that left them with no chance to refuse, unless these Middle Eastern countries gave up the opportunity, which was impossible.

After this incident, no one underestimated John anymore, nor did anyone belittle him because of his young age; his abilities were truly remarkable. Perhaps because of the warning from the wealthy royal family, which made everyone understand everything, some scattered orders soon started appearing again.

John was overjoyed by this amazing achievement. With the help of the Middle Eastern tycoon, his plans would be much easier, and the development of his global satellite positioning system would not be a big problem. In fact, for at least the next few years, Hughes would not lack research funding or face any obstacles.

Before leaving Riyadh, John pondered for a long time and gave his companions a small reminder: "Gentlemen, do not ignore the problems within your ranks. Those who launched the attack may not have been well-intentioned. Some of them have been bribed. Such foolish actions will not only not bring you any benefit, but will also plunge your holy war into crisis!"

The wealthy men were shocked by John's reminder, but they didn't pursue the topic further. They had all seen the change in John after his reminder and knew that he had reached his limit in saying such a thing. Moreover, they couldn't delve deeper into the topic, as there were many things they couldn't control.

In Riyadh, John and Carol Tomé achieved another success. This time, they didn't need to travel far; surrounding countries came to them on their own initiative, and naturally, another large order was secured.

To the surprise of the Middle Eastern tycoons, Western Energy established oil companies in Doha and Oman, preparing to participate in the development of oil fields in both locations. At the same time, something even more surprising happened: Pan Am established airlines in Doha and Abu Dhabi. This situation surprised the tycoons even more.

This was all too crazy, and it shocked them. In their view, the establishment of an oil company might still be profitable, but the airline probably wouldn't have any development.

Amidst everyone's suspicions, John left the Middle East. However, his departure did not end the matter; instead, it caused things to spiral out of control. John's trip to the Middle East naturally could not escape the attention of those who were interested, and soon the orders Gulfstream Aerospace had received from Middle Eastern tycoons were exposed once again.

"Jimmy, what's going on? Didn't I tell you to keep a close eye on Gulfstream Aerospace? How could you not know about such a big thing? Do you know how much this affects us, that they were able to acquire Fokker Aircraft Company so quietly?" Upon learning of the acquisition of Fokker Aircraft Company, Morgan was furious. This was a mistake that should not have been made.

“Boss, it’s not that we didn’t do our best, but John is too cunning. His series of actions deceived everyone. While everyone’s attention was focused on his trip to China, on Hughes Aerospace’s communications satellite network plan, or even on the crazy construction of the Australian Quantum Mining Company, he secretly arranged for someone to complete the acquisition of Fokker Aircraft Company. This acquisition was done without any prior warning.”

"Now we have it. McDonnell Douglas and Boeing are both wary of Gulfstream Aerospace. Gulfstream is building a Fokker aircraft production line in the US. You understand what that means? He's trying to get into regional jet production and compete for the US aircraft market. Now nobody can stop his plan. What a brilliant feint! This tactic is too clever!" "Boss, John not only caught us off guard in aircraft manufacturing, but Western Energy is also venturing into oil field development. This is probably a counterattack from those old guys like Rockefeller. They want to limit John's expansion in the US, so he's chosen to enter the energy sector, with refineries in Japan and Taiwan, and involvement in oil field development in the Middle East. If Western Energy also has the capabilities of Quantum Mining, those old guys will face an even greater crisis."

"Impossible. We all know the situation with Western Energy, and do you think those old guys like Rockefeller wouldn't have any countermeasures? In the oil industry, they have far too many methods at their disposal. Even if John wants to get involved in oil field development, it won't be something that can be done overnight; he needs time."

"Perhaps Western Energy will follow the same path as Quantum Mining, not by building its own team, but by acquiring companies directly. The reason why Quantum Mining has developed so quickly is because they acquired some small companies in advance. If Western Energy does the same, its strength will be different."

As soon as Jimmy finished speaking, Morgan's expression changed, and he said in a deep voice, "Have you found any information about Western Energy? Has this little fox completed such an acquisition?"

“We had focused all our attention on Quantum Mining and hadn’t even noticed the acquisition of Fokker Aircraft Company. We didn’t know much about Western Energy, except that they intended to build more than ten large-scale oil refineries in Asia, and that they had chosen integrated refining and chemical plants. That’s what we were looking at.”

Can we blame Jimmy for not being capable enough? No, we can only say that John's methods were too clever, his feint attack strategy was too brilliant, he manipulated everyone and created such a huge storm, directly covering up many things. Now it's too late to realize it, the other side's plan has already been completed.

"Alas! We underestimated this little fox. This won't have much of an impact on us, but it will have a big impact on those Rockefeller guys. It seems that this time John, this little fox, is determined to fight back and will no longer give them any face. The explosion of Western Energy is just the beginning, and Falk's acquisition is just the beginning."

"Perhaps the previous guess was right. John, that little fox, really is going to make a big leap forward in aviation. With Transatlantic Airlines in Japan, Abu Dhabi Airlines in the Middle East, plus Far Eastern Air Transport and Lion Air which are not yet completed, he is going to complete his layout in the aviation field and then promote the development of Fokker and Gulfstream Aerospace!" At this moment, Jimmy felt that his boss's previous guess was right. Pan Am's methods were too powerful, or more accurately, Gulfstream Aerospace's methods were too powerful, which was shocking to everyone.

"Jimmy, do you think Pan Am can make money with this kind of layout? Is such a huge investment worthwhile?" Although he had already guessed John's plans for Pan Am, he did not expect it to come so quickly and so fiercely. It was simply unbelievable. Would such a crazy expansion be without any loopholes or problems in management?
"In fact, such acquisitions and expansions do not require much capital. The aircraft laid off by Pan Am and West Air can complete such expansions. At most, it's just a matter of personnel expenses. Japan is no longer a problem. At least judging from Japan's reaction, there is no problem at all. There is no conflict of interest between them. Transocean's goal is to be a 'low-cost carrier' and will not compete with ANA and Air Neon for customers. In fact, Air Neon and ANA have directly given up their dedicated cargo businesses and let Transocean take over."

"Are these guys in Japan crazy? How could they make such a decision? Could it be that they've reached some kind of cooperation or deal with that little fox John?" At this moment, Morgan's brows furrowed even more.

Upon hearing this, Jimmy smiled wryly and said, "That's right. Hughes Aerospace's second phase of its plan, which is to accept Japan into the Global Positioning System, was directly supported by a large amount of funding from those crazy Japanese. As for what kind of agreement they signed, we have no idea. They didn't tell us, and even their signing was done in secret!"

"It seems those guys in Japan have big ambitions. But are they so sure Hughes Aerospace's project will be successful? Are they willing to make such a huge investment?" Morgan looked puzzled. After all, he wasn't a professional and didn't understand Hughes Aerospace's plans, nor John's plans. Moreover, in his view, Hughes Aerospace hadn't even completed its first plan yet, so how could anyone believe that their second plan would be successful? That would require a large amount of research and development funding. The Japanese guys were not only investing money but also providing such assistance, which he found hard to understand!

(End of this chapter)