America: My Time

Chapter 430 Warning
Chapter 430 Warning
John had originally planned to stay in Hong Kong longer to make more arrangements for the television station, but now he was not free to do so, especially at this time, as he had many things to handle himself. There were still many things waiting for him in the United States, especially Lehman Brothers, who were already on the verge of collapse. When they learned that HSBC had reached a settlement with John and successfully escaped the crisis of dollar devaluation, they were naturally tempted.

Given Lehman Brothers' financial strength, they were well aware of the White House's plan. The dollar's depreciation would continue, and further delays would only exacerbate their losses, forcing them to compromise and concede defeat. Reaching a settlement with John at this juncture would significantly reduce their losses; otherwise, their losses would mount. If someone with ulterior motives were to deliver a fatal blow, Lehman Brothers might face collapse. Even if they survived, they would be severely damaged.

"Jimmy, what do those bastards at Lehman Brothers want to use to get me to let them go this time? It can't just be a surrender, can it? My settlement with HSBC has yielded considerable results; they should give me a satisfactory explanation. I know very well that they have a lot of orders on hand, and if this continues, they will suffer staggering losses this year!" John smiled calmly as he met Jimmy at Morgan, revealing his thoughts.

"Of course we can't let you sacrifice your interests for nothing. Lehman Brothers has a strong foundation. If you agree, we can negotiate with them to resolve the issue. We have no choice but to do this. The White House has stepped in for these guys again, so we have to give them face!"

"This was expected; those bastards at the White House are no good. However, I don't want to deal with these guys. It's only because Morgan stepped in that I'm willing to wait for the dollar to continue depreciating. Actually, I don't have any other demands. Two hundred million dollars, and I'll close my positions immediately, without delay. Let them decide for themselves!"

“I’ve informed them, there shouldn’t be any problem. I trust they’ll make the right choice! However, your asking price this time is a bit low, which isn’t in your best interest!”

This time, John wasn't too greedy, only demanding $200 million. This benefited Lehman Brothers, allowing them to reduce their losses significantly. It also sent a signal to the Wall Street crocodiles: if anyone else has similar deals, they should hurry up and talk to them; the problem can be solved with just a small price.

However, John couldn't say that. He smiled wryly and said, "Jimmy, you think I don't want more benefits? It's just that I can't do that. I still have to give face to those guys in the White House. Otherwise, if they give me a hard time, I'll suffer considerable losses. I don't want my development in the United States to be hindered."

"John, do you really not want to continue the acquisitions and complete your previous layout in the catering industry?"

"No, I haven't had that thought for a long time. They don't think their shares are very valuable, so that's fine. Right now, my focus is on mining, energy, and communications. The communications satellite network is now complete. Phoenix Group and Legend Entertainment both need time and funds to accelerate their development and expand their presence in various countries. So don't think I have plenty of funds. All of these need to be invested in these areas."

"John, someone in the Middle East wants to talk to you about the Global Positioning System. What do you think?"

“I have nothing to talk to them about. I know what they want to do, but I refuse. My cooperation with the tycoon is going well. Now the tycoon and Japan have provided a large amount of R&D funding, which has made the project more promising. I don’t want my interests to be harmed, and they have no right to make me make such a decision.”

“That’s right. They can use other people’s funds to develop themselves. Who would refuse such a good thing? Those guys are too arrogant. Morgan has advised them not to have such ideas, but they just won’t listen. They always think they have the ability to persuade you to accept their ‘good intentions’!” As he said this, Jimmy couldn’t help but shake his head. He had met those guys and knew how ridiculous and arrogant their ideas were.

"That's the arrogance of those guys. They've all forgotten who they are. It's only because of those old guys keeping them in check that I can teach them a lesson right now and show them why the flowers are so red!"

John had long wanted to wipe out these hidden enemies, but various obstacles had always forced him to give up. Human greed knows no bounds; when these guys' greed takes hold, they become unscrupulous. John faced repeated setbacks, and behind each one was their shadow.

Why was Hughes able to complete its communications satellite network so quickly? It was because of the financial support from Middle Eastern tycoons and Japan. Hughes was fully committed to developing a global positioning system, which accelerated its progress in this area and allowed it to complete the communications satellite network in such a short time. Without the financial support from tycoons and Japan, the network completion time would likely have been delayed.

Although many were skeptical of John's Global Positioning System (GPS) plan, this did not deter Hughes's development and research. Moreover, Hughes's investment in this area was limited, relying almost entirely on funding from Japan and Middle Eastern tycoons. For anyone to suggest that John abandon the project at this juncture was nothing short of a joke, nothing short of arrogance. Now, the GPS system is fully operational, with multiple satellites successfully launched. All that remains is to proceed according to plan; perhaps it won't be long before the system is fully operational. This astonishing pace of development naturally makes some uneasy, and such concerns exist even within the United States.

Unfortunately, no one can stop John's plans or Hughes's development now. Hughes has experienced astonishing growth since John took over. It can be said that, aside from the Permian oil field deal, where John paid a considerable price and endured immense pressure, he reaped enormous profits in other transactions.

As for the Permian Basin oil fields, no one laughed at John for overestimating his abilities; they were more fearful because Western Energy was expanding rapidly. This expansion made the oil giants uneasy. Western Energy in the Gulf Coast was making many moves, and it was also constantly expanding its production capacity in gas and electricity.

In just this short period of development, it has become a leader among independent power suppliers, embarking on a path of frantic expansion in gas-fired power generation. This performance has been incomprehensible to many, as they believe such investment cannot be as rapid as financial investment. With the generator units in operation, all profits, except for those used for operation, have been reinvested in further expansion.

Western Energy not only sees no profit, but is also constantly increasing its debt. Although the debt ratio is much smaller than that of the Permian Basin, some people still think that such expansion is too crazy.

At this time, not rushing to expand and accelerate development while everyone is influenced by low oil prices would be foolish. However, with the depreciation of the dollar and the appreciation of the yen, John also began to slow down Western Energy's development pace, after all, Western Energy itself cannot afford to carry too much debt. Western Energy will not participate in projects that are not absolutely good.

As the yen continues to appreciate and Japan fully enters the bubble era, blowing up a huge bubble, some people might try to take advantage of him. After all, he has a considerable loan in a Japanese bank. At this time, John should prepare for the worst, or even set a trap to teach those who want to scheme against him a lesson.

Although it's a bit early to make such preparations now, the sooner the better, at least it won't be noticed by others, and you can deliver a fatal blow when the opportunity comes.

John soon met Morgan and the White House representatives. To John's surprise, the representative was still Old Bu Shi. It seemed that he had a good relationship with Lehman Brothers, otherwise he wouldn't have pleaded for these guys time and time again and come to see John again and again. This would not be possible without a good relationship.

"Two hundred million dollars, that's my demand. I've already told Jimmy that I'll give them the minimum price out of respect for White House and Morgan. But I want to make this clear: there's no second chance. If they mess with me again, don't blame me for not giving White House and Morgan any face. They'll have to pay the price for their stupidity!"

“Of course, I understand your thoughts and the sacrifices you have made. The White House will remember this favor.”

"I don't expect you to remember my kindness. I just hope you won't bother me. As long as the two hundred million dollars arrive, Hurricane Investment can be liquidated at any time. I don't want to see the US economy in turmoil and affect my own development."

Although it sounded like official rhetoric, everyone present understood John's thinking. If there were a next time, it would be a war to the death. No matter how powerful Lehman Brothers was, its development and security would be affected by constant attacks on its foundations.

Unfortunately, these words yielded no results. The Wall Street crocodiles were greedy to the core; as long as they felt there was a chance, they would strike again to scheme against John. Greed was ingrained in their very being, indelible! Even if they failed again this time, they would soon forget about it—that's life. But next time, they wouldn't have such a good outcome; no one would come to their rescue.

(End of this chapter)