America: My Time

Chapter 735 The Great San Francisco Earthquake
Chapter 725 The Great San Francisco Earthquake

Time passed day by day, and not long after October began, before the Americans could achieve their goal of persuading Honest Bank, a disaster quietly struck San Francisco, plunging the entire city into chaos and bringing their negotiations to a standstill. This disaster also drew the attention of the entire United States.

Yes, a massive earthquake struck, a devastating quake that completely disrupted those guys' plans and thwarted all their schemes. At this point, no one was willing to negotiate with them anymore. Their previous petty actions had become a laughingstock, making them objects of widespread hatred. They had once again used John's safety in California as a pretext, but now John was innocent; they were the ones at fault. When the earthquake struck, the buildings were completely undamaged; their safety was guaranteed. This made those who had accused John look foolish.

The devastating earthquake in San Francisco caused concern for Naoko and Sachiko Kamachi, who worried about their younger sister's safety. Fortunately, John had made preparations, and security personnel quickly relayed the news that they were safe. However, the chaos in San Francisco forced them to evacuate. Even John's family had to leave San Francisco, as the situation was too chaotic, and even with security personnel present, their safety couldn't be guaranteed.

There are too many crazy people in the United States, and the security problem is also very serious. In a country where there are shootings every day, and everyone has a gun, the safety is questionable. Under normal circumstances, the problem can be suppressed, at least on the surface. But when a major disaster strikes, some people have inappropriate ideas.

A wise man avoids dangerous situations; no one wants to risk their life. However, while John's family had withdrawn from San Francisco, Jaguar Security Company did not. Instead, they increased their protection of the company and its assets. At this time, many people were eyeing John's businesses, and some even had designs on Dreamworld and Nvidia, hoping to use this opportunity to steal the company's secrets.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Other businesses under John's umbrella also face this situation. Whether it's car dealerships, 7-Elevens, or even Costco, they may all be robbed by some guys. As for luxury stores like jewelry and clothing, it goes without saying that this is the reality.

When the major earthquake struck, Jaguar Security's base in San Francisco reacted immediately, taking over the protection of these businesses without giving anyone a chance. Their speed was so fast that even the US police could not match it.

Following the San Francisco earthquake, Jaguar Security immediately notified its boss and requested instructions. Upon receiving the notification, John could no longer remain on Lanai Island for his 'vacation'; he was required to make a public appearance and demonstrate his goodwill.

Upon learning of the San Francisco earthquake, John immediately returned to California. At this critical moment, not making a public appearance would be foolish, not establishing a public image would be idiotic, and passing up such a good opportunity would be incredibly stupid. John flew back to California that same day. Naoko originally wanted to return to San Francisco as well, but John stopped her.

On the same day the San Francisco earthquake struck, John returned to California and appeared before the media, announcing that 7-Eleven convenience stores would be distributing free supplies to ensure food availability for disaster victims. The distribution would be conducted by personnel from Jaguar Security, who would accompany staff. Costco would also provide full support, as convenience store supplies are limited and without continued support, the operation couldn't last long.

Meanwhile, Pan Am also participated in the relief efforts following the San Francisco earthquake, transporting relief supplies free of charge. This immediately solidified their positive image, making anyone who dared to speak ill of John at this time a target of public outrage. At the same time, 7-Eleven and Costco gained immense popularity, and Pan Am earned nationwide recognition.

Look at John's reaction, then look at the White House, look at their official response—the difference is immediately apparent. John was still on "vacation," and although his "vacation" was a bit long, he had a legitimate reason: his child had just been born and it wasn't convenient for him to leave Lanai Island, which is a fact. Moreover, under these circumstances, John returned immediately upon learning of the San Francisco earthquake and actively participated in disaster relief efforts. This level of awareness absolutely deserves everyone's praise.

Looking at the official response, they hadn't accomplished anything. 7-Eleven and Costco had already begun mobilizing supplies, but the government hadn't reacted at all. They hadn't provided any supplies, not even any funds; they were still discussing it. After making arrangements immediately and establishing a strong public image, John had another good idea: he directly called Middle Eastern tycoons, inviting them to participate in the disaster relief efforts for the San Francisco earthquake.

"Mr. John, thank you for reminding us. If you hadn't mentioned it, we really wouldn't have thought of such a way to strike at the other side and increase our influence among the American public. Rest assured, we will definitely not hold you back!"

"This is what I should do. After all, we are allies. I can't watch my allies get hurt, nor can I stand by and do nothing when there's an opportunity to help them. Rest assured, I will do my best to arrange the supplies, and I will definitely change the public's perception of you in the United States. However, this is just the beginning. I also want to mobilize the Black Hawk helicopters that were supposed to be delivered to you at the end of the month and let them participate directly in the disaster relief. This will also greatly enhance your reputation among the American public. Moreover, NBC will follow all of this, letting your good deeds spread throughout the United States. I believe that once all of this is broadcast, everyone will naturally have a clear comparison. Our Middle Eastern friends reacted quickly and did everything they could, but Israel, which has always claimed to be our friend in the United States, will feel bad. They didn't react so quickly."

"Thank you very much, Mr. John. We will transfer one hundred million US dollars to you immediately on behalf of the Middle Eastern countries. You can use this money to raise disaster relief supplies. We will not forget your kindness. As for the Black Hawk helicopters, you can use them as you see fit. We have no objections!"

"That's good. Everyone, listen to my good news. You will definitely not be disappointed!" After receiving the Middle Eastern tycoon's reply, John showed a faint smile. As long as his plan was launched, those guys would know what it meant to be a dimensional reduction attack, and they would understand how miserable the consequences of being his enemy were.

John quickly mobilized the two major media groups, and a press conference was held immediately, with both television networks broadcasting the entire event live. This is speed; this is the speed of the two major media groups, this is John's speed.

"Mr. John, what are your thoughts on the San Francisco earthquake? Many people have been criticizing you. What's your opinion on that?" Goodness, the media never shys away from stirring things up. Before the reporters from the two major media groups could even ask their questions, other journalists were already asking for John's opinion, giving those guys a slap in the face.

"The opinions of those people are not important. I believe the public has discerning eyes and will recognize the capabilities of those experts and scholars. What we need to do now is disaster relief. We need to rescue the people in the disaster area as quickly as possible. 7-Eleven will distribute living supplies to everyone in the disaster area free of charge to ensure their livelihood. Costco will also provide full support to ensure the supply of living supplies. At the same time, Pan Am will transport disaster relief supplies free of charge and do everything possible to ensure the supply of living supplies in the disaster area."

John paused here, took a deep breath to allow the reporters present time to process his words, and then continued, “When I learned of the San Francisco earthquake, I immediately contacted our friends in the Middle East. The earthquake had disrupted transportation, making normal transport impossible. This required helicopters, and only the military had such a large number of them. However, the military needed to wait for Congress's decision, but the people in the disaster area couldn't wait. So I thought of our Middle Eastern friends' helicopter order with Sikorsky and asked them to lend us a hand by temporarily giving us the Black Hawk and Tah helicopters that were originally scheduled for delivery. They agreed. As friends, they did not disappoint us and even provided a $100 million donation, entrusting me to purchase supplies. They are true friends of the United States, extending a helping hand in times of disaster!”

“Mr. John, it’s not that I’m questioning you, but this is unbelievable. It’s a brand new helicopter, and it’s a helicopter that’s about to be delivered. It could very well be damaged or even destroyed during use. Did they really agree to that?”

"Yes, you don't need to doubt it. I did indeed receive their authorization, and they don't care about the damage to the helicopters. Even if there are any losses, they will bear them themselves and will absolutely not make things difficult for Sikorsky. I can assure you of this. Moreover, if you are interested, you can go to Sikorsky and see the helicopters that are about to be delivered take off with your own eyes. I have no reason to deceive you on such an important matter, because it would not benefit me at all. Such a lie is easy to expose. I am not that stupid. In addition, because individual strength is limited, many aspects of disaster relief should be supervised by the media so that no one can affect the progress of disaster relief."

(End of this chapter)