America: My Time

Chapter 771 New York Economic Club

Chapter 761 New York Economic Club
"Jimmy, you're not kidding, are you? Morgan is hosting a cocktail party?" John was puzzled when he received the invitation. What was Morgan up to at this time? He had just declined Buffett's invitation to a cocktail party not long ago. Why was Morgan hosting one too? Was there something he didn't know about behind this?
“John, we have no choice. Favors always need to be repaid. Many times we are not in control of our own lives. Don’t worry, this is not an internal Wall Street party. It’s just that there are some favors that still need to be repaid. You have been on the fringes of American circles for years. The Economic Club of New York wants to invite you to join, but they are worried that you will refuse. So they came to Morgan and want us to host a party to talk to you.”

"Just this?" John didn't believe Jimmy's words. If it was just such a small matter, Morgan wouldn't have needed to get involved. These guys must have something else on their minds.

"Yes, that's the matter. However, some people also want to talk about Global Online Network Company and Global Network. Many people want to hear your thoughts, after all, it's an emerging industry with many opportunities, but also considerable risks, since this industry requires technology."

"Alright, I'll be there on time! It seems those guys have some ideas after learning about Global Online Network's plans, and they all want to get involved. Don't you Morgans have the same idea?"

"Yes, of course we do, but we won't get involved easily. We can do venture capital, but direct participation is out of the question. As you know, this is Morgan's consistent rule. We won't participate in the research and development ourselves; we'll only do venture capital. After all, we need to be cautious about this unfamiliar high technology."

"Alright, then see you in New York in a few days. Hopefully, this party won't cause any more unnecessary trouble!"

Upon hearing John's words, Jimmy quickly replied, "No, this is a party hosted by Morgan. No one can provoke Morgan without paying a price. Don't worry, we definitely won't make things difficult for you. We don't want to lose an ally like you!"

What Morgan didn't want to lose wasn't an ally, but wealth. John's wealth was too great for Morgan to relinquish, so naturally he didn't want to make things difficult for John, nor would he allow anyone to cause trouble at Morgan's party, embarrass John, or affect him. That would be a slap in Morgan's face and damage his very foundation.

"What's going on again? It seems this battle in California will bring you even more trouble. Will there be another invitation this time?" Smith looked at John calmly. With his experience, he naturally understood how much impact John's battle in California would have and how much attention it would attract.

“Indeed, there have been more invitations. This time, someone approached Morgan, which I couldn't refuse. The Economic Club of New York wants to use Morgan as a test to invite me to join. Perhaps I should also start an economic forum. So many people want to hear my opinions; this might be a good option.” At this moment, John couldn't help but think of the future Fortune Forum. He controlled United Press International and was also in the information business. With United Press International as the main entity, starting an economic forum wasn't impossible. The ‘United Press International Economic Forum’ was a good choice.

“You should deal with the immediate issue first before thinking about other things. Since you promised Morgan, you need to prepare in advance. And having a female companion is also a problem. Many people in New York are watching you, waiting for your response. Don't underestimate this; it could easily give them an excuse to attack you. After all, this isn't an ordinary cocktail party!” Smith shook his head, somewhat unable to understand John's thinking. This line of thought was too far-fetched, making him momentarily unable to accept it, and he felt John was somewhat unreliable!
On the surface, that's how it seems, but organizing such an economic forum has a significant impact on oneself. It will bring greater fame and better protection, at least ensuring that no one dares to act rashly or break the rules.

Although the California incident is over, its impact lingers. Just as my father Smith said, many people are still waiting to scheme against me and make mistakes. Once I make a mistake, these guys will still try to take advantage of me. Such parties will indeed attract the attention of some 'opportunists'. I can't afford to make any mistakes and give them excuses.

"This matter certainly needs to be taken seriously, but could it also be an opportunity? They want to scheme against me, so could I take this opportunity to make myself a more popular playboy in the public eye, so that they will no longer care about my personal life, and even if they know something, they will just laugh it off?"

As soon as John finished speaking, Smith frowned. The idea was too crazy, but it was indeed feasible. However, it was crucial to strike a balance, avoiding public resentment, and making preparations to prevent unforeseen circumstances and unpredictable changes. "John, tell me your idea. If it's feasible, your mother and I won't stop you. You should understand our stance!"

“My idea is actually very simple. Since Jennifer Connelly and Christy Turnington are going to gradually take over the charity foundation, this is an opportunity for them to appear in front of the public. I will take them directly to New York, along with Claudia Schiffer, to let them get a little familiar with how the charity foundation operates. At least let them know that the charity foundation is operating within hurricane investment. In this way, my playboy reputation will be deeply rooted in people’s hearts and unshakable. If someone brings up my personal issues again, no one will care. They will just treat it as gossip.”

"The idea is indeed excellent. Given your relationship with Morgan, they won't care about this. And if the public finds out, they'll just laugh it off. At the same time, by putting Jennifer Connelly and Christy Turnington's taking over the charitable foundation in front of the public, you can use the charitable foundation to deflect any criticisms they might have. It's killing two birds with one stone, truly brilliant!"

"So you agree?" John asked, looking at his father, Smith.

"I have no problem with that. As long as you think it's feasible, that's enough. Don't worry about our opinions or the family's. Just do your best. Other people's opinions don't matter. As long as your public image isn't compromised, it's not a big deal. Even if those guys want to scheme against you, they'll have to think twice."

“That’s good. Then I’ll go big. I’ll use Morgan’s party to make my stance clear, so no one else will try to take advantage of me. Sometimes, making a statement is the best approach!” As he said this, a glint of light flashed in John’s eyes. He was decisive and swift. Since he had made his decision, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate any potential threats as quickly as possible. Just like Hughes, everyone knew he was a playboy, but he didn’t have a bad reputation, and the public understood. John needed to take the same step.

When Jennifer Connelly, Christy Turlington, and Claudia Schiffer learned of John's decision, they were all shocked and exclaimed in surprise, "Are you sure it's too impolite to bring the three of us to such an important occasion!"

"Don't worry, there's nothing serious. This is a cocktail party hosted by Morgan. Given my relationship with Morgan, they won't care. Besides, facing it sooner will save us a lot of trouble. Of course, I won't force you. You don't have to go if you don't want to. This is just my personal decision, and you can choose for yourselves."

At this point, what other choice did they have? John had already made his decision, so the three of them naturally wouldn't refuse. Moreover, just as John said, facing it sooner would save them a lot of trouble. At least appearing at such an important party would change their status, and no one would target them anymore. At least, such problems wouldn't arise unless absolutely necessary.

When everything is out in the open, even if some people are dissatisfied, they won't take any extreme actions. John's womanizing is common knowledge, and not many people care. After all, John isn't married, just like Hughes back then. Even if he had many girlfriends, no one would think it was a problem. He's living his life openly and freely. Unlike some people who hide in the shadows doing those insidious and vicious things, doing things that provoke the public's bottom line.

It was a mutual consent matter, and no one could say anything about it. But in New York, in American high society, no one was as carefree and open as John. They all seemed like gentlemen on the surface, but deep down they were full of endless madness and ruthlessness. If you asked them to be like John, none of them would dare to do it.

Despite the many people calling Hughes a playboy after his death, who among them didn't envy him? Just like now, everyone knows John is also a playboy and womanizer, but John does it openly and honestly, never hiding anything. His personal life is out in the public eye, and this behavior has earned him public approval. Even if someone wants to say something, there's no reason to object; he's just being open and aboveboard. Besides, John isn't married. You can only say he's a charming playboy, but you can't accuse him of any wrongdoing. For most people, they don't care about John's behavior. In their eyes, John's openness is the best proof; at least he doesn't say one thing in public and another in private!
(End of this chapter)