The American Kill Line: I Can Predict the Future

Ron always thought he had a knack for sports, except for golf.

After practicing for so long, I still managed to send the ball flying out of the grass.

"The guy who invented golf on a lawn is a fucking business genius. I swear, he must have sold lawns."

Ron tossed the cue stick to his assistant Thomas, letting him play for him.

Then he casually took the towel and water that Jessica handed him.

At this moment, Jessica had removed the heavy makeup she had deliberately put on the night before, and in a white dress, paired with light makeup, she perfectly embodied what a Hollywood sweet and beautiful star should be.

"I kind of regret asking you to come out and play ball."

Seeing that Ron wasn't playing, John Said handed the cue to his assistant.

The two arrived under a parasol not far away. John glanced at Jessica, who was always by his side, and then cast an envious look at Ron:

"I really envy you guys who run private equity firms. Unlike me, I spend a little money to renovate my office and I get criticized."

Unlike private equity firms, investment banks like Merrill Lynch are subject to strict government regulation.

Last year, he was dismissed from his position as executive at Merrill Lynch by Bank of America, partly because he spent $120 million renovating his office.

John probably felt that he had made so many contributions to Merrill Lynch over the years, so what was wrong with enjoying himself?

Ron lay on a lounge chair, sipping juice, and rolled his eyes at John: "Why don't you mention the $40 billion bonus?"

In his view, even without the subprime mortgage crisis, Merrill Lynch's collapse was inevitable.

It's unimaginable how greedy these people are, actually giving away $40 billion in bonuses to their executives.

This occurred even as Merrill Lynch faced huge losses.

What's even more outrageous is that even after Merrill Lynch was acquired, John still demanded a $4000 million bonus.

They said it was part of the acquisition terms agreed upon at the time.

At that time, Lucian had just issued a "restriction order" on high spending by bank executives, and his move was tantamount to a direct "PK" with Lucian.

Left with no other option, Lewis, then an executive at Bank of America, fired John.

The key point is that this guy is also amazing; a year later, he became the CEO of CIT Group.

Ron felt that Bank of America's decision to put John into this credit company, which had just gone through bankruptcy, acquisition, and restructuring last year, was like throwing a mouse into a rice bin.

But that's not important; what matters is that it's in my best interest.

For example, the Texas oil field.

He knew that this was the "eve" of an eruption in the Eagle Beach shale region.

They also know the oil production and value of the Yingtan Shale area over the next ten years.

Including his 40% stake in Wildcat Energy's 20,000 acres, and the more than 20,000 acres that Koch and his associates gave him, he now owns approximately 30,000 acres of oil fields.

Over the course of ten years, he earned at least $3-50 billion from those 100 acres.

But Bill's energy company's mining technology was too outdated, and the mining costs were too high.

Ron learned that a fracturing services company in McMullen County was on the verge of bankruptcy and wanted to buy it.

However, he needed to use the cash on hand for other purposes, so he set his sights on CIT, hoping they could lend him some bridge financing.

John nodded slightly: "This is CIT's business. How much do you need?"

Ron estimated, "Maybe $5 million."

John became wary: "Are you sure that fracking company that's about to go bankrupt is worth five hundred million? Ron, I have to remind you, this kind of bridge financing shouldn't be invested in the stock market."

He thought Ron was using the pretext of acquiring bankrupt companies to spend money in the financial markets.

A few years ago, John wouldn't have cared.

But he was just promoted to CEO of CIT Group this year, and he hasn't even had a chance to settle in yet.

Doing this now is tantamount to throwing yourself into jail.

"I'm not that stupid. $5 million isn't worth the risk."

Ron handed the juice to Jessica.

Jessica placed the juice down and then naturally handed over the cut cigar.

John, watching from the side, was burning with jealousy.

Even if her virtuousness and obedience were just an act, Ron felt it wouldn't be a big deal to smooth things over for her.

Ron winked at Jessica, indicating his satisfaction.

Jessica rolled her eyes dramatically.

Ron laughed triumphantly, then continued to John:

"John, my friend. I know about CIT's energy network in Texas. If possible, I would like you to help me contact some small and medium-sized energy companies around McMullen County and ask them if they would like to be my friend."

3 acres is a bit too little, 6 acres would be just right.

"You're very optimistic about that oil field?"

With that explained it, John could understand.

Thinking of those bankrupt energy companies, he felt it necessary to offer a reminder:

"Ron, you need to think this through. Your expertise lies in finance, not in energy, which requires long-term investment."

"Thank you for your concern, John."

"Alright, when do you need it? $5 million is a large amount, but I believe Bank of America will agree."

"Wait, I'm not finished yet. I hope you can provide a credit guarantee for this one-year bridge loan, which can be interest-free."

That's why Ron borrowed money from John's CIT; otherwise, it would have been better for him to go directly to Bank of America.

"What?" John chuckled in exasperation. "Ron, what makes you have this misconception?"

"We're friends, aren't we? Besides, if I had a few more months, I wouldn't even want to lend that much money."

Time waits for no one, and CNOOC has already gone to Dezhou to conduct research.

If we don't hurry, these small and medium-sized energy companies that can't hold on will probably all be acquired by those big companies.

Ron is now racing against time.

Should I thank you for giving me this opportunity?

"Alright, I won't make things difficult for you. 4 million US dollars should be fine, right?"

"This isn't a matter of quantity, it's simply impossible. Don't you know the current situation at CIT?"

"3 million, that's the minimum. I'll pay normal interest on the other 2 million, otherwise, there's no point in discussing it."

"A maximum of $2 million. I can help you apply for a low-interest rate on the remaining $3 million; that's the highest level of authority I have. If you don't agree, go talk to Lewis yourself."

"OK!"

Two hundred million it is, after all, it's just a year's worth of free use.

Once the matter was settled, Ron quickly called Sophia, the finance manager, and asked her to send someone to contact CIT Group and Koch.

Then he called Matthew and asked his team to cooperate with Sofia to complete the oil field acquisition.

Only when we get the oil field in hand can we truly feel at ease.

In the afternoon, Ron went home to change his clothes.

Afterwards, I had afternoon tea with Philip and his group of old money.

In the evening, at the invitation of William of the Carlyle Group, he attended a banquet for celebrities in the financial world.

Jessica followed along the whole time, quietly playing the role of a decorative figure next to Ron.

It was through this day's observation that she glimpsed the tip of this man's iceberg.

Even just a glimpse was enough to stir her emotions.

The choice once again fell into Jessica's hands.

After the banquet, Ron will help her out of her current predicament in return.

Or, stay tonight...