America: My Time

Chapter 724 Arrangement
Chapter 714 Arrangements

In contrast to the undercurrents in the United States, Lanai Island is relaxed and carefree. John's large investment in construction has yielded huge profits. The tourists here are not ordinary people, but big clients. The resort island has all kinds of facilities, and Japanese people can be seen everywhere. However, John's estate on Lanai Island is not open to the public and is not a tourist attraction. It is not affected by the large number of tourists and is the most suitable place for vacation.

"What's wrong? Just say it. There's no need to hold back in front of me. Tell me, what happened?" John frowned when he saw Kuroki Hitomi's hesitant expression.
"It's about the Internet Cafe Alliance. Momoko has received a lot of applications from friends, including Akina's family, so she doesn't know how to handle it. Sony's production capacity is limited right now and can't keep up with the expansion of the Internet Cafe Alliance, so these people all want to cut in line, which makes Momoko feel awkward. I've never dealt with such a thing before."

"I thought it was something serious. You can decide this yourself. Explain the pros and cons to them. The Internet Cafe Alliance has a lot of dark forces involved, and it's probably difficult for ordinary people to control. The Internet Cafe Alliance is indeed very profitable now, but the investment costs are also considerable. If you have spare money, then there's no big problem; but if you're taking out a loan, then you should be cautious. If you want a stable income, it's best to invest in convenience stores. The Internet Cafe Alliance has too many uncertainties, while convenience stores don't have so many problems. In time, 7-Eleven will continue to expand! As for Akina's family, don't tell her about it, so as not to put her in a difficult position. Explain the pros and cons clearly and let them decide for themselves. That family is ambitious but incompetent, always thinking about getting rich quick without any ability. I don't have a high opinion of them."

Actually, John had anticipated this situation when he was promoting the internet cafe alliance. Although Kuroki Hitomi didn't say much, only that she was Momo's friend, many more people would want to participate. After all, who wouldn't be tempted by such a high-profit project? If they didn't have connections, that would be one thing, but since they clearly did, why would they turn a blind eye?

"I don't have a high opinion of them either, but I'm afraid these guys will bother Akina again. So much time has passed since what happened before, and these guys are already stirring up trouble again. I'm a little worried, and Momoko is a little scared too!"

"If these guys insist, give them a store slot, and ignore the rest. Even if they want to apply later, don't pay attention. With their abilities, they can't manage even one store. By the way, are they still involved in stocks and real estate?" At this moment, John thought of the upcoming stock market crash and worried that these guys would fall into a deep pit again and bother Akina, causing new trouble. After all, this family is too extreme.

"I don't know either. Ken-on is handling Akina's situation right now!"

"With Ken-On involved, there should be less trouble. Hopefully, that family will cause less trouble. You guys shouldn't dabble in stocks either; it's not something you can handle. Land prices in Japan are insane right now, and the stock market is insane too, creating a huge bubble. Nobody knows when that bubble will burst. Internet cafes are good, but whether Japan's economy can sustain itself is a big question. So, be cautious and don't jump in impulsively. Besides, personal computers are being upgraded very quickly; you'll need to upgrade at least three times in five years. Although you can make money, the costs are also considerable. Don't take out loans; the pressure is too great, and you could easily get caught up in it."

Hitomi Kuroki nodded, a hint of understanding in his eyes. Now he understood why John hadn't handled the Japanese market, but instead handed it over to Sony, focusing only on internet cafe alliances, collecting franchise and management fees, without producing personal computers or promoting them—all because he was worried about a decline in the Japanese economy.

John's pessimistic view of the Japanese economy is no secret; many people know it, even the Japanese giants. This is why many Japanese assets have been sold off. So, at this moment, Hitomi Kuroki is not surprised at all.

"Go and call them all over. There are some things we need to discuss, so you won't be caught off guard!" With the game world going on sale, many people in Japan will be tempted, and there might be another round of frenzied buying. Time is running out; it won't be long before the Japanese stock market crashes. John believes those old guys can't wait any longer. Soon, Kikuchi Momoko, Moritaka Chisato, Nakayama Miho, Nakamori Akina, Kamachi Sachiko, and Sawaguchi Yasuko arrived.

"Sit down, everyone. I called you here today just to remind you not to make any investments. Anyone who has bought stocks or taken out a loan for real estate should stop immediately. If any of your family members are thinking about opening an internet cafe, think twice. Although internet cafes have high profits, the costs are also very high. Be careful if you take out a loan. In comparison, convenience stores are easier and more stable. Also, the Japanese record market is about to recover, so you should all be prepared. As for your own development, please bring up any ideas you have. Momoko is doing very well, but the internet cafe alliance is just a transitional phase, to let you practice and get a feel for business. I'll give you a few options. First is Phoenix Group, with three choices: one is TV Tokyo, where Akiko used to work, but now she's just a figurehead; two is Nikkatsu Pictures; and three is Phoenix Comics and Animation. Next is Eternal Group, Uniqlo, or Toyo no Hana. Think about it yourself, don't rush to make a decision."

John had initially thought some of them would choose to retire like Kikuchi Momoko, but none of them had that intention, which surprised him somewhat. Being an idol in Japan is incredibly demanding; promotions require constant running around, and without resources and exposure, popularity will decline. John had to admit he underestimated the impact of fame and fortune; not everyone can make the decision to give it up, at least these beauties couldn't. Whether these women would heed his advice was beyond John's control; it was their personal decision.

"Is there something else?" John asked, noticing Sachiko's hesitant expression. First it was Hitomi Kuroki, and now it's Sachiko. What was going on? They all seemed afraid of him, which surprised and puzzled John. "Yes, I'm wondering if my younger sister can also study in the US. I don't want her to go to a junior college like me!"

"I thought it was something serious. What's so difficult about this? What subject does she want to study? What are her thoughts?"

"She wants to study medicine, but she doesn't have any other ideas!" It's not easy to get into a prestigious university in Japan, so studying abroad is the best option and the beginning of changing herself. A good degree is a great passport.

John thought for a moment and said, "Studying medicine isn't that difficult. The University of California, San Francisco and UCLA are both good, as is Stanford. If she doesn't want to stay in California, Johns Hopkins University and NYU are also good options. It's up to her to choose, but we need to be quick. We need to get her decision at least two weeks before the start of the semester so we have time to make arrangements. However, it's best to be quick, as that will make things easier. But the best university isn't necessarily the right fit for her. It depends on her abilities. The more prestigious the university, the greater the pressure. As for internships, we also need to consider that. Medicine is different from other disciplines. If it were in California, I could make some arrangements!"

John always supports education, and it would be even better if the student had the ability to pursue it. He owns a hospital and can provide focused training, so he would never refuse either Naoko's or Sachiko's requests.

However, John looked at Sachiko carefully and shook his head, saying, "Did you stay up late again? You look so pale. Don't think that makeup can cover it up. You don't usually wear makeup." Soon John noticed the makeup on Sachiko's face. No matter how much she tried to cover it up, she couldn't completely hide her pale complexion.

Although Sachiko is not pursuing an idol career but rather a band, given the current popularity of the ZARD band, she still needs to do a lot of high-intensity work. Under such pressure, it is inevitable that she will often experience symptoms of neurasthenia and depression. In order to relax, many artists start drinking, smoking, or even using illegal substances.

Because he understood all this, John repeatedly gave them chances to withdraw, but no one accepted, wasting John's good intentions. Now, seeing Sachiko like this...

"No, I didn't stay up all night!" Even though she was seen through, Sachiko still stubbornly refused to admit it, which made Akina smile and think that Sachiko was very cute. Such a lie was not convincing at all.

"Alright, stop laughing at her. Your complexion isn't much better either, at least not compared to Momoko and Akiko. Don't make yourself live such a tiring life. Maybe you're trying to numb yourself with work, but that won't work. If you can't get over it, you'll only make yourself and others suffer more. Learn to let go of everything and don't carry so much burden on yourself. You are yourself, and you don't need to live for others, understand?"

John's words were easy to say, but difficult to actually do, especially for Akina. It wasn't that she hadn't tried to let go of everything, but that she simply couldn't. Family members aren't something you can just let go of with a few words.

(End of this chapter)