America's No. 1 financial conglomerate

Chapter 598 An Unexpected Topic

December 23, Sunday.

The gentle winter moonlight of the East Coast of the United States falls softly on the most prestigious residential area on the North Shore of Long Island. This area, known for its tranquility, luxury and privacy, is the most affluent of New York's affluent neighborhoods.

When Ernst's motorcade arrived, two respectful greeters in dark tailcoats immediately stepped forward, bowed slightly, and opened the car door for him.

After getting out of the car, guided by a waiter, we walked along a path paved with off-white marble into the main entrance of the villa.

The gardens on both sides of the walkway are meticulously maintained. Even in winter, there are still hardy green plants to adorn the area, and neatly trimmed shrubs surround several classical stone sculptures, showcasing the owner's taste and wealth.

Before he could even admire him, Sandy Weir came out with a group of people just a few steps after crossing the gate, his face bearing a gentle smile, showing the young tycoon ample respect.

"Mr. Will, thank you for your invitation today. Congratulations." Ernst's confident smile and handsome face were evident as he extended his hands and spoke first, even when the two were still two steps apart.

"Thank you, and welcome to the country," Sandy Weir returned the greeting. After shaking hands, he gave Ernst a warm hug, showing no signs that it was their first meeting.

"It is my honor to have invited a leader of America's younger generation." Sandy Weir released the hug, looked at Ernst with sincere eyes, and spoke with great approval.

Unlike John Reed, who appears gentle on the surface but is actually a cunning and ruthless man, Sandy Weir exudes a relaxed and gentle aura, like a kind elder, making people unconsciously lower their guard.

However, this is the most terrifying kind of person. It becomes their best camouflage, allowing them to strike when you least expect it. "I've only ever seen your story in financial newspapers and news reports. Meeting you in person today is truly astonishing," Sandy Weir said earnestly. "It's hard to imagine that someone could achieve such remarkable wealth and status at your age."

"Mr. Will, you flatter me. I was just lucky to be in the right place at the right time and seized the opportunities of the era," Ernst replied modestly, his smile still gentle, but always maintaining a just-right sense of distance, or rather, vigilance.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Sandy Weir introduced Ernst to the people behind him and then led him to the backyard.

Compared to typical front yard garden mansions, most of Long Island's top mansions have meticulously designed backyards, which are often far more luxurious than the front yards.

So most of the time, the people living here hold all sorts of parties in their backyards.

What makes them so special is that these top-tier mansions on Long Island have infinity pools and docks built in their backyards to reflect the Atlantic Ocean, a way of showcasing status.

Some people came with their families, while others, like Ernst, came alone.

"This is my wife, Jenny." Sandy Weir led Ernst to a woman wearing a beige dress.

The other person looked to be around 40 years old, but she was very well-maintained, with fair skin and a gentle, charming smile.

Ernst gave a slight bow and a standard cheek kiss to the other woman. "Beautiful lady, you look so young. I really don't understand how Mr. Will was so lucky to win you over."

For women, youth is always the most beautiful compliment. Especially since the person praising her was a notorious American playboy who had seen all kinds of women.

Even though I knew it was just politeness, it still made me very happy, and my smile became even brighter, with joy in my eyes.

"Thank you." Jenny's expression showed that she really liked Ernst. "You must try my smoked steak later. It's a family recipe passed down through generations, and I only cook it on special occasions."

"I'm really looking forward to it."

After Jenny, Sandy Weir pushed a young girl forward from the other side, saying, "My daughter, Elena."

Ernst glanced at the other person, then at Sandy Weir, and asked jokingly, "Are you sure? Did the hospital switch the babies?"

His words caused everyone present to burst into laughter.

After laughing, Jimmy Damon pointed at Ernst and said, "You're not the first person to question this."

Elena is absolutely stunning. She is serene, elegant, and poised. Just standing there, she exudes a classical beauty, as if she stepped out of the Middle Ages.

It's not that she's particularly beautiful, but her elegant temperament, which radiates from within, is palpable wherever she stands.

And what about Sandy Weir?

Those who spend a long time on Wall Street naturally develop a certain mercenary air about them. Some have said that people who work on Wall Street for a long time possess a unique temperament—a blend of money, greed, sharpness, and cunning, as if they are constantly calculating the gains and losses of their interests.

Elena's temperament, on the other hand, was completely opposite. Her purity, elegance, and holiness formed a stark contrast with Sandy Weir. The two of them standing together were worlds apart.

Ernst put on an even brighter and more sincere smile. This was a man's instinctive reaction when faced with something beautiful, and it also gave him the feeling that he couldn't bear to destroy her beautiful world.

"Beautiful Miss Elena, you are absolutely stunning." His eyes were filled with undisguised admiration as he solemnly praised, "Whoever marries you in the future must have saved God in their past life to be so lucky."

Elena blushed slightly at the straightforward praise, her cheeks flushing faintly. She lowered her head slightly, remaining silent, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.

A man next to Sandy Weir then jokingly asked, "And what about you?"

Ernst shrugged, a self-deprecating smile on his face, and replied humorously, "I'll only corrupt her."

After introducing their families, the men went to their designated seats, which were far from the women's area, completely separating them into two different worlds.

Ernst had originally thought that inviting him was simply a way for them to get to know each other and to show a bit of goodwill.

As for the matter of YueDong Games, there's no need to discuss it; it's all an unspoken understanding.

But Sandy Weir's opening remarks still surprised him a little.

"I heard that Case Defense has been doing well lately. The Ministry of Defense has given you an order for fifty more tanks?" Ernst didn't speak, just looked at the other person, not knowing what he meant.

"You've found a huge piece of cake for the military. Although it's not confirmed yet, everyone is secretly preparing for it. The Pentagon has been discussing this for the past two months."

The oil will definitely be stolen.

The leaves, too, will definitely be sold.

It's not just the military; the military-industrial complex and the Energy Elders are also pushing for this.

The energy companies naturally reap the lion's share of the profits from the stolen oil.

Whether it's stealing oil or selling leaves, if there's unrest in a place, then force must be used, and they'll fight it out.

Even if there is no loss, you should create a loss.

If the locals are dissatisfied, it's quite normal for their weapons and equipment to be damaged in the end, right?

Why not keep a closer watch?

Who dares to question it?

The Pentagon's auditing system is riddled with loopholes, and the military-industrial complex's lobbying groups have infiltrated every corner of Capitol Hill. Anyone attempting an investigation will face unseen attacks. Who dares to investigate?

Try looking it up.

The military resold weapons, and arms dealers bought them back at low prices and then resold them to the Ministry of Defense at higher prices.

The factory doesn't even need to operate, and the money is already made.

As the proposer of these two matters, Case Defense naturally received preferential treatment.

The orders weren't just for armored vehicles, but also for transport trucks and tankers.

With Cass Defense's current production capacity, existing orders are enough to keep production going for a year.

Ernst was puzzled as to why the other party suddenly mentioned Case Defense.

Investing?

Do not make jokes.

Currently, Cass Defense is practically invisible within the entire military-industrial complex.

Not only is it small, but it also lacks any core technology. "Thor is indeed a good company," Sandy Weir remarked again, seemingly out of nowhere.

Ernst's eyes clearly changed this time, but he quickly concealed it, his gaze remaining lost.

"To be honest, I don't like Microsoft either, but sometimes there's nothing I can do," Sandy Weir said again.

"Ha." Ernst suddenly chuckled. "As expected of Citibank, in the military industry, you really can't hide anything from you."