America: My Time

Chapter 678 The Expected Phone Call
Chapter 668 The Expected Phone Call

“John, things should end sooner rather than later. After all, dragging it out will put a lot of pressure on you. Since the British are already considering a compromise, let’s just end it here and not continue!” To John’s surprise, his grandfather Martin called right after he finished speaking with the White House. However, Martin’s voice sounded tired, which was obviously because some people in the family were causing trouble again.

“Grandpa, I have my own ideas. I have already given up the family’s rights, and the family should not influence my decision. Tell those guys to behave themselves and not to challenge my bottom line. The game between me and the British is none of their business. If anyone dares to challenge my bottom line, they should be prepared to pay the price!”

Although he knew his grandfather was also in a difficult position, John did not intend to compromise with those guys. Otherwise, these greedy bastards would only become more self-righteous and have more inappropriate ideas. After all, there were too many greedy people in the family, and those guys were all scheming for themselves. They even dared to interfere in such matters, which showed how stupid they were.

Of course, John also understood that the appearance of this little life inside Naoko's body would also give these guys inappropriate thoughts and lead them to do some foolish things. That's human nature; greed is ingrained in their bones, and given the chance, these guys will never give up easily.

The news hasn't spread yet, but it won't be long, because those guys will find out about it sooner or later. They might even do something ridiculous again.

“John, I understand your thoughts, but the family is not something I can decide alone. You don’t need to stoop to their level. After all, there are always people who get blinded by the temptation of profit and do some foolish things!”

“I understand. I won’t make things difficult for you, nor will I stoop to their level. Just don’t mess with me or cross my bottom line. I can tell you clearly that the White House has made a decision, a decision opposite to yours. You should understand what that means. If they don’t want to be dealt with, they’d better behave themselves!”

"This is perfectly normal. What do allies matter when it comes to interests? Just do your own thing and make your own decisions. Those words only represent those guys' thoughts and not mine. But as the patriarch of the family, I have to say it. You should understand."

John naturally understood that his grandfather, as the patriarch, must be in a very difficult position. Not everyone has foresight, especially when faced with the temptation of profit; many people will choose profit and make foolish decisions.

"I understand, but those guys are just criticizing me again, probably because they think I didn't participate in the family's annual meeting!"

"It's good that you understand, but you can't go on like this forever. Some things still need to be resolved. After all, you are a member of the family!"

“I know, but they’re just too greedy. They want more, and my confrontation with the British has reached a critical moment. I don’t want to be influenced by those guys and make the wrong decision. If I really haggle with them, they won’t get the help of the two major media groups at all. But even so, these guys are still not satisfied and still want more. Do you think that’s possible? Their ambitions are too big now. I can’t accept it.”

There was a sigh on the other end of the phone. How could John's grandfather not know? But there was nothing he could do. After all, even the clan chief couldn't make these guys give up their greedy thoughts or calm them down. Who could blame them when the benefits from John were so great? Even just giving them a little bit would be enough to make them stuffed.

"John, what are your thoughts on marriage? We also need to address the issue of the children!"

“I make my own decisions about my marriage, and that’s unchangeable. As for the children, that’s even easier to talk about. There’s no need to hide anything. If any family members have concerns, let them be. I have no intention of getting their approval.”

"John, perhaps you should change your mindset and learn to share. Maybe the results will be different!" As the clan leader, he also had many difficulties. Moreover, in his eyes, John's actions were a bit too crazy. Although the clan had its problems, it was still much better than outsiders. That's why he said that!

“Grandpa, I also want to share the profits with them, but what have they done? They are so disappointing. Every time I'm targeted, I haven't received a single bit of help from them. All they care about is profit, and this time is no different. How can I trust them? We are not on the same path. We are not meant to be together. It's better for us to go our separate ways. I will still give them the help I need, but nothing else.” After hanging up the phone, John couldn't help but sigh. If only those people in the family could change even a little, if only they weren't so greedy, he wouldn't have treated them like this. The company will eventually go public, and giving the family some shares isn't impossible. It's just that those people are not worth his effort.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling a bit heavy-hearted? Actually, it's nothing. This is family. We should help when we need to, but we don't need to give what we shouldn't. Human desires and wants can never be satisfied. Just walk your own path. Your mother and I will always stand by your side. You have your own life, and there's no need to care about other people's opinions. You are you."

“I understand, it’s just a little painful. I’m not sad about those things, but about Grandpa’s sacrifices. Those guys only care about profit and can’t see family affection at all. Perhaps profit is everything to them. If they had even a little bit of genuine affection, things wouldn’t be like this now!” John sighed softly as he spoke, perhaps the arrival of the child had brought about a slight change in his heart.

"No, those people will never give up their interests. Family ties don't exist for them. Families cultivate elites, and emotions are tradable in their eyes. That's the reality of families. Otherwise, why would you reject their interference in your marriage? Because everything they have is valuable, including marriage!"

"That's true, I was overthinking it. I need to make some preparations, and I need to speed up the previous plans. After all, I have too many assets, which makes many people tempted and uneasy."

“You do need to be prepared. Just like the family’s arrangements, you need to plan ahead. Although we gave up the family’s interests, we all received a subsidy from the family back then. Even if you have already repaid everything, you should still show some appreciation. As for how to do it, that’s up to you. As for the child, you should also assure him that the family provides such support to any of you to ensure that your future life will not be difficult.”

"I will, but I won't give them to them now, otherwise those guys will only become more greedy. After the child is born, I will set up a personal fund for him. This time, I will also prepare funds for Eva and Allen, as a token of my appreciation. After all, we are siblings, and I don't want to see any problems in their future lives. Family is family, and I am me!"

"You can decide this matter yourself. Speed ​​up your foundation's plans, or you'll get into more and more trouble. Neither your mother nor I expected you to get to this point in just a few years!"

"I didn't expect this either, but now I'm stuck in a situation where there's no turning back. This confrontation with the British is a perfect example. If I back down this time, endless trouble will follow. Even if it costs me a lot, I have to fight them to the end. That's the best choice. Otherwise, the trouble in the future will be endless, and I don't know how many people will be watching me. I don't think those guys in the family can't see through this, but they still made that ridiculous decision to have the old man come out and persuade me."

When interests are involved, endless changes can occur. If John shows weakness this time, the consequences will be unimaginable. It is precisely because of those people's decisions that John has some new ideas.

"John, having more backup plans and more funds will make things safer. Remember, you must keep the bank under your own control. It's better to have less development than to have it under your control. Your Chengxin Bank should be more restrained and not get involved in investments. Just focus on being a savings bank. Don't aim for great development, just ensure the safety of your funds. Otherwise, you'll eventually have to contend with those old guys. The Federal Reserve is in their hands, do you understand?"

“I understand, which is why I acquired Standard Chartered Bank and didn’t rush into the US market. Instead, I focused on securing Asia, Europe, and Africa first, while the US market was controlled by Integrity Bank.”

"But the situation at your Chengxin Bank has changed. Don't think your methods are very covert; those who are interested will still notice! Don't underestimate your enemies, or you'll suffer a great loss."

After hearing his father's reminder, John smiled calmly and said, "I know, this is actually part of my plan. I wanted to take this opportunity to see who is watching me closely and to see their reaction. After all, there are too many enemies hiding in the shadows. I don't even trust Morgan, let alone the other old guys and those guys on Wall Street. If they don't take the initiative to come out, how can I tell who is the enemy and who is the friend?"

(End of this chapter)