America: My Time

Chapter 394 Trampling on the Rules
Chapter 394 Trampling the Rules

Now it depends on each other's vision and whether they have the determination. The oil extraction in the United States is no longer at its peak in the Permian Basin in the 70s. Many oil fields in the Permian Basin are now nearing the end of their lifespan, and can be said to be almost like a chicken rib. John is right. Now the oil extraction in the United States has also shifted to Mexico Bay and Alaska, so for them it is just a chicken rib that is tasteless to eat and a pity to throw away.

"This kid's character is truly awful, so petty. Look at his behavior; he's clearly enjoying watching the 'enemy' suffer!" The people in the White House whispered among themselves. John's actions this time revealed his pettiness and explained why these old guys were so wary of him. His ability was one thing, but even more terrifying was his insane determination. Trading the entire Permian Basin—that was an astonishingly large sum. Even if it were a worthless deal, it was still an incredible transaction, a decision not everyone could make.

"Why do you think John wants to acquire the entire Permian Basin? It can't just be a security company issue; he must have another purpose?"

"Perhaps he's betting that advancements in Permian shale oil development technology will allow the Permian oil fields to return to their peak!"

"That's impossible, at least for a long time. We all know that perfectly well. If it were possible, why would we give up? I don't think John, an outsider, could have such a crazy idea. Perhaps his development direction is different from ours, after all, his vision is different from ours!"

"Alright, now is not the time to discuss John's vision, but whether we agree with this little guy's request. The pressure is no longer on John, but on us!"

"Morgan, what are your thoughts?" Soon, someone turned their attention to Morgan, wanting to hear his opinion.

"We have no objections. I've said before that Morgan will always stand by John's side. This time, persuading John to accept your proposal is the limit. We will not participate in your transactions anymore. The main players in this deal are not Morgan, but you oil giants! However, I must remind you that this is a request you made, and John's ambition for the development of Western Energy is not as simple as it seems. If the investments in the Middle East yield results, it may be impossible for you to get him to accept this 'goodwill' again, not to mention the layout in Asia, which makes some people even more worried!"

At this point, Morgan was also eager to see Rockefeller's predicament. After all, this proposal was put forward by Rockefeller, and whether or not to accept John's demands had become his biggest pressure. Such a decision was not easy to make. Rockefeller had already deeply regretted the sale of Pan Am and West Airways. If this decision went wrong again and John went even further, Rockefeller's reputation might be affected.

"Alright, now that everyone has reached a reconciliation, let's put this matter aside for the time being and move on to the next topic: how to make changes regarding Japan and limit its impact on American industry." At this moment, Paul Walker stepped forward again to help Rockefeller out of the predicament and shifted the topic to Japan, which was a key issue for the United States.

"I think we should raise tariffs to protect the interests of our domestic companies, restrict Japan's exports, and make them open up their financial markets!" At this moment, the old man Rockefeller stood up to express his opinion, and as soon as his voice fell, he immediately gained the approval of more people, and many people stood on the side of the old man Rockefeller.

"Mr. John, what do you think of this proposal?" Although John didn't speak, Paul Walker wasn't about to let him off the hook and asked, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

“I understand what you mean, but what does this have to do with me? This is not something a junior like me can talk about, and I don’t think I have the ability to do so!” John replied calmly to the question, not taking Paul Walker’s words seriously at all, nor did he want to get involved in these guys’ plans.

"Ahem! Mr. John, it's like this, the main reason I invited you here today is to address the issue of Japan. You know Japan better than anyone else in the entire United States, and the United States needs your help now!" At this point, the President had no choice but to speak, knowing that he was under the most pressure among everyone present.

"Does the United States need my help?" John's face showed a faint sneer. He had already made his position clear: he would not interfere in their struggle with Japan. What did he mean by saying this now?
“Yes, Mr. John, the United States needs your help. You know Japan best, and you are the American Japan trusts most. There are some things only you can do. We need your help!” At this moment, the President said to John with a very serious expression, his eyes revealing boundless sincerity. Unfortunately, John didn't trust this guy at all, nor would he accept his offer. He refused without hesitation, saying, “I'm sorry, I understand what you mean, but I refuse. Do you think I'm stupid enough to use the 'friendship' I've worked so hard to build with Japan to benefit you?”

“Mr. John, you can’t refuse this. As an American, you should take on this responsibility!”

John looked at the guy in the white house with a sneer, and scoffed, "Do you know what you're saying? Do you have the right to stand in front of me and say such things? Know your place and stop being so ignorant and stupid!"

When John finished speaking, everyone stared at him in shock, unable to believe what they had seen and heard. Even Morgan was stunned. John's reaction was too extreme, showing no respect for the White House, or more accurately, no respect for President Reagan. You can refuse, but you can't go so far as to make things this crazy. Isn't this just making people lose face?

"Mr. John, do you know who you're talking to?" The White House expert quickly stood up and glared at John, his eyes filled with anger. Even when facing old guys like Rockefeller, he had never been so disrespected. Now, he was being looked down upon by a young upstart. How could he tolerate this?

"I don't know who you are, nor do I want to know. And gentlemen, I remind you not to mistake me for someone else. I am not your subordinate, nor do I need to give you face. Do what you want yourselves, don't come to me. We are not on the same side. I am here today to give Morgan face, not to give you face. Knowing yourselves is the most important thing. If you have any problems, then let's part ways!"

The guys who had been so arrogant just moments before suddenly shrank back, and some of the old men present even looked embarrassed. Even President Reagan looked incredibly awkward. If John hadn't slapped them across the face, they would have really thought they were some kind of big shot, some kind of powerful figure.

The United States is not without rules. If these guys dare to trample on the rules, John will not have any scruples. Moreover, those old guys would never dare to do so. As for the White House guys, they are utterly ridiculous. Giving them face means they are high-ranking officials in the United States. If they are not given face, they are just a bunch of employees. If they displease the corporations, they can overthrow them at any time. If they give you face, you are the president. If they don't give you face, you are nothing.

"What a bunch of good-for-nothing bastards! Do they really think they can do whatever they want after being re-elected? Do they really think they can 'cooperate' with some guys to threaten John, this little fox? Do they really think the rules are just for show?" At this moment, Morgan couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He didn't expect John to be so shameless towards these guys, slapping them across the face. He also didn't expect that guy in the White House would be so incompetent, unable to withstand John's pressure.

Now that things have escalated to this point, Morgan has no choice but to step in and act as a peacemaker. After all, he invited John to the dinner, and if he didn't step in to defuse this awkward situation, things would get much worse.

“John, don’t get so agitated. This gentleman isn’t targeting you; he’s just thinking about the United States. After all, all major industries in the US are currently being impacted by Japanese companies and are facing difficulties. Since he works at the White House, he has an obligation to help the President find solutions. He’s just in a hurry; he doesn’t intend to offend you or break the rules!”

Trampling on the rules is a consequence no one can afford. Let alone just working at the White House, even the President would pay the price for breaking the rules. It's not like no one has ever paid such a price before. So, Morgan dares not hesitate for a second on this issue. If John were to use this as a reason to unleash his power, someone would inevitably pay a heavy price. Even the President in front of him would have to bear unimaginable consequences. If things escalate, it won't be good for anyone.

Rules are not only constraints, but also protections. Anyone who dares to violate the rules will face the backlash of the crowd. Once it comes to this, all the conglomerates present must participate in the counterattack, because this was the agreement made by everyone. Anyone who refuses will be kicked out. No one dares to violate the rules, not even the president! Anyone who dares to cross this line will pay a bloody price. No one is exempt. That is the rule!

(End of this chapter)