Reborn Action Star: Starting in Hollywood

Chapter 581 Lin Yuan's Road is Full of Thorns
It was dark inside Lin Yuan's mansion in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Lin Yuan, Betty and Charlize Theron were sitting in the study on the second floor.

After learning that Lin Yuan had been assassinated, Betty immediately took a special plane to Los Angeles and arrived at 2 pm.

Charlize Theron had originally planned to attend the 77th Academy Awards ceremony tomorrow and would arrive earlier than Betty.

"Lin Yuan, what do you think about today's incident?" Betty asked while holding up the red teacup and drinking tea.

After hearing Betty's words, Charlize Theron perked up. This was her first time participating in a meeting of Linyuan Group. Regardless of whether she could play a role or not, being able to participate was an affirmation and acceptance of her.

Charlize knew that she would be exposed to the top-level game and many secrets that the outside world could never know.

Lin Yuan shook his head and said, "After cross-examination, I'm sure I've dug out all the information they have from Hinata Gangwu and his men, but I still don't think it's the full picture of the incident. There are still hidden secrets."

"Is it really not related to the Mitsui Group?" Betty asked.

"No, it was Hinata Kotake and his men who acted privately out of loyalty to Mitsui Morio. The Mitsui Group knew nothing about it and did not provide any help." Lin Yuan answered truthfully.

"No! It does!" said Betty.

Hearing Betty's words, Lin Yuan immediately guessed what she was thinking and laughed.

Charlize Theron, on the other hand, looked confused.

"Even if there's no connection, there has to be a connection. Otherwise, how can we make the Mitsui Group bleed?" Betty explained to Charlize with a smile, "After all, Hinata Komu is a security guard for the Mitsui Group. It's not up to them to decide whether there's a connection or not."

"Is this possible?" Charlize didn't expect that Betty would have such a rogue and domineering side.

"Tell me which industry under the Mitsui Group you want, and I will help you put pressure on it," said Betty.

"Will Mitsui Tomoo really give in?" Lin Yuan asked uncertainly, "After all, it wasn't them who did it."

Tomoo Mitsui was the new head of the Mitsui Group after Hayashi Gen got rid of Morio Mitsui.

In order to express his intention to not investigate the cause of Mitsui Shigeo's death and to keep his relationship with Lin Yuan separate, he gave Lin Yuan 5% of Mitsui Bank shares worth $2 million. (Chapter 552)
Now, knowing clearly that he has nothing to do with Mitsui Tomoo, is it appropriate to continue to hit him with a bamboo stick?

Betty said confidently, "I've already sent the photos and video of Hinata Kotake's arrest to Mitsui Tomoo. He called me six times in a row, but I didn't answer. I bet he must be terrified right now."

You know, the security personnel of the Mitsui Group used weapons such as Javelin anti-tank missiles and MK19 grenade launchers in the United States to attack world superstars.

Just because of this behavior, he is worried about what will happen if the Mitsui Group is labeled as a terrorist."

After hearing Betty's words, Lin Yuan immediately understood the panic in Mitsui Tomoo's heart at this moment.

In 2005, the US anti-terrorism campaign was at its peak. If this title had been attached to them, it would probably have been more than just a matter of losing a layer of skin.

Countless American financial groups would be happy to take advantage of the situation and grab a piece of the pie.

After all, Hinata Kotake is indeed a member of the Mitsui Group, and today's assassination method is so eye-catching. If this matter cannot be suppressed, the consequences will definitely be devastating.

Therefore, even if Betty made harsh demands, Mitsui Tomoo had no choice but to accept them unconditionally.

Although Mitsui Tomoo did nothing wrong, he had to swallow his anger.

"Toshiba Group, it will be helpful to my semiconductor industry chain." Lin Yuan said.

Lin Yuan does not particularly value the companies under the Mitsui Group, such as insurance and finance, but Toshiba is indeed a very important high-tech manufacturing company.

By taking over this company, his layout of the semiconductor industry chain in China can be accelerated by at least five years.

"Mitsui Group owns 35% of Toshiba shares, with a current market value of $138 billion. Let's not be too greedy. Just give us $100 billion to make it a round number and take it over as a token of our appreciation," said Betty.

Hearing this, Charlize Theron was shocked:
Is this what they mean by "don't eat too ugly"?

With just a few words, he gained $38 billion.

How cool would it be when you eat in an ugly way?
Moreover, a company like Toshiba cannot be simply measured by money. Under normal circumstances, you cannot buy it even if you want to spend money.

Even if the Mitsui Group is willing to sell, the buyer often has to pay a premium. Without US$180 billion, don't even think about taking away the Toshiba shares held by the Mitsui Group.

Is this the power that allows top officials to decide the ownership of a world-class company in the blink of an eye?

Although Lin Yuan had previously decided to gradually hand over the business in Africa to Charlize for supervision (non-operational), it was only at this moment that she deeply felt what kind of high-end game she had joined.

"Even if we acquire Toshiba at a low price, it will cost 100 billion US dollars. Does the company have enough funds?" Lin Yuan asked.

"You forgot that Linyuan Pictures still has $800 billion in its account from the last equity pledge financing," Betty said.

Only after hearing Betty's reminder did Lin Yuan remember this matter.

Before he and Betty took the initiative to burst the Linyuan Pictures stock price bubble, they had pledged their shares at the peak and obtained a total of $800 billion in funds. (Chapter 490, Chapter 491)
At that time, Betty reminded Lin Yuan that this step was crucial if they wanted to become a real consortium.

Now it seems that Betty's preparation for a rainy day was really wise.

Whether it is the acquisition of Toshiba, more mergers and acquisitions in the future, or investment in African development zones, it will consume a lot of his funds.

If it weren't for such strong capital, many of Lin Yuan's plans would not be able to proceed steadily at this moment.

Lin Yuan kept his gratitude in his heart and did not say thank you to Betty. She didn't like to hear that.

"Lin Yuan, you should consider strengthening security." Betty didn't waste time talking about the previous topic, but took advantage of today's incident to bring up another topic.

"I was negligent this time. After all, Mitsui Shigeo once controlled a conglomerate with a market value of trillions of dollars. How could such a person die silently?
If I had thought of this counterattack earlier, I wouldn’t be in such a mess today.

I think I really need to form a security team." Lin Yuan said.

Although he narrowly avoided the assassination attempt today, Lin Yuan still conducted deep self-reflection.

He had faced this kind of physical destruction of the opponent's body in the past, but the aftermath was always quite simple and there were no sequelae.

For example, Mills, the president of MGM, and Lee Jae-yong, who is fighting for control of the Samsung Group.

After the assassination attempt was exposed, the situation ended quickly and one-sidedly, and the culprit had no chance to retaliate or counterattack.

But this time, the remnants of Mitsui Shigeo taught Lin Yuan a lesson:
Given his current status, any enemy standing against him must possess unpredictable potential power.

We cannot rest easy just because the superficial threat has been removed.

Today’s experience also made Lin Yuan begin to realize that he needed to organize his own security team.

As his business expanded, he had to increasingly consider the possibility of his enemies becoming desperate. Even if he didn't need security, the other people around him didn't have the same ability as him.

It's obviously not okay to ask Betty for help every time something happens, as it is now.

"I'll give you Kane and his team. These people are loyal to you, and you can use them smoothly. Using them as a backbone and expanding the security personnel, you can quickly build a preliminary team." Betty said, "You can consider recruiting personnel from Japan and Congo."

Betty came up with this idea because Lin Yuan had a solid foundation in Japan, and the kendo world represented by the old swordsman had a close relationship with the gray area and could provide sufficient experienced personnel.

Needless to say, Congo is also one of Lin Yuan's bases. The Congo region, which has just experienced the "African War", is not short of experienced fighters.

Lin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Forget about Japan. If I use Japanese as my bodyguards, I will be criticized. I will ask Saragama to go to Congo and help me select the right people."

Hearing Lin Yuan's words, Betty nodded in agreement.

Although she didn't quite understand the Chinese people's vigilance against the Japanese, she still unconditionally agreed with Lin Yuan's decision.

At this time, Saragama was in Japan, protecting GAKKI-chan.

With an experienced veteran like him, and with the help of President Kabila Jr. and Mr. Kano, we will surely be able to quickly select the talents we need.

"I'd like to ask, in today's assassination operation, besides Hinata Kotake, is there anyone else behind him?" Charlize Theron asked.

"Hyuga Gangwu didn't know who provided it. He only knew that when he was taken to a fully loaded ship, the weapons and equipment were already on the ship." Lin Yuan said helplessly.

"Any other information?" Betty asked.

"Yes, when Hyuga Kotake was approaching the Los Angeles coast by boat, the Coast Guard did not react at all. They pretended not to see anything and let him pass." Lin Yuan said.

"The Rockefeller Foundation," Betty said.

"Hmm?" Lin Yuan asked.

"Well, the West Coast Guard Headquarters is within the Rockefeller Foundation's sphere of influence. But I don't think they provided the weapons. At most, someone gave them a heads-up, and they turned a blind eye and let them pass," Betty said.

"I also think that the Rockefeller Foundation only provided convenience and was not the mastermind behind the scenes," said Lin Yuan.

"How did you come to that conclusion?" Betty asked.

"You forgot that I had received a warning from that flight attendant before the attack. It's impossible that a little flight attendant is capable of obtaining confidential information from the Rockefeller Foundation?" Lin Yuan replied.

"Oh, that flight attendant. We need to protect her quickly, otherwise she might be in danger," Betty said.

"Don't worry, I've just asked Director Nolan to pick her up for me. She should be back soon." Lin Yuan said.

If the assassination attempt on Lin Yuan fails, considering that she has had contact with Lin Yuan, she will probably not feel good regardless of whether there is evidence to prove that she leaked the information.

Director Nolan had seen the flight attendant from a distance when he picked him up, so he was able to recognize her.

He immediately asked Director Nolan to help him pick up the flight attendant. Even if the mastermind behind the scenes took action, it would not be faster than him.

At this moment, Lin Yuan's cell phone rang: it was director Nolan.

Lin Yuan answered the phone: "Director, is everything going well?"

He was afraid that the director would tell him that he had encountered an accident. "Well, it went quite smoothly. Anna and I have arrived at your villa. We will come up soon." Director Nolan said.

Anna?

It should be the name of the flight attendant who is 1 meters tall and has an appearance score of 77.

After a while, there was a knock on the door of Lin Yuan's study.

Led by the butler, Director Nolan and stewardess Anna walked in.

Lin Yuan smiled and stood up to greet her: "Miss Anna, we meet again. Thank you for your reminder, you really saved my life."

"Mr. Lin, you are too polite. I didn't play a big role." Anna said a little panicked.

"No, I'm not being polite. Without your reminder, I would have been in real trouble today." Lin Yuan said sincerely.

Lin Yuan was speaking the truth in his heart. If it weren't for Anna's reminder, Lin Yuan would not have switched driving seats with Director Nolan so early.

And if Lin Yuan hadn't been driving the Land Rover himself, it would have been impossible to cope with the threat of the Javelin anti-tank missile.

Even if Lin Yuan could jump out of the car and escape, director Nolan would definitely be doomed.

"If that's true, that would be great. I actually saved my idol. This is something I should be proud of for the rest of my life." Anna said proudly.

"But I'm also sorry. I'm afraid you will face a lot of trouble after being involved in my affairs. But don't worry, I will solve your worries." Lin Yuan said.

"Well, Mr. Lin, I believe you." Anna said.

"Can you tell me now how you found out that someone was planning to harm me?" Lin Yuan asked.

"It's really hard to talk about this..."

From Anna's narration, Lin Yuan learned that as one of the most beautiful flight attendants in American Airlines, she naturally could not escape the covetousness of the top management.

As early as five years ago, she became a plaything of the company's top management. This was nothing new in their circle. At most, it was a transaction where both parties got what they wanted.

But the senior executive who possessed Anna was obviously a despicable demon.

After getting tired of playing with Anna, he did not let her go. Instead, he used the leverage he had over her over the years to force her to come to the private club he had set up.

A club that provides services exclusively for "VIPs"... (description omitted, writing is not allowed)
Those days were like hell, filling her with despair.

Fortunately, Lin Yuan’s movies were like a ray of light in the darkness and became her spiritual support.

Perhaps because they saw that she was unconscious, the men spoke without reservation.

In a daze, Anna heard someone planning to assassinate Lin Yuan. They got Lin Yuan's flight information and prepared to provide it to the killer from Japan.

In Anna's account, all that remains are some details.

"Do you know those men?" Lin Yuan asked.

"I didn't know him at the time, but later when I was reading the news on the Internet, I recognized the leader. This is the photo I took a screenshot of," said Anna.

Lin Yuan reached out to take it and took a look: a white man about 30 years old, with blond hair and blue eyes, and a standard American appearance.

But he didn't know him.

So Lin Yuan handed the photo to Betty.

Betty recognized the man immediately: "Arthur Mellon?"

Her expression grew serious.

Seeing Betty's reaction, Lin Yuan immediately realized the seriousness of the problem: "Mellon family?"

Betty nodded, but she didn't speak immediately. Instead, she said to Director Nolan, "Director, could you please take Miss Anna to rest for a while? We'll be talking quite late here."

Director Nolan immediately realized that the following words were not suitable for him to hear.

So he nodded, stood up and left with Anna.

Only after the two men left did Betty say, "Arthur Mellon is the future helmsman of the Mellon Group. His attitude basically represents the Mellon Group."

"But wasn't the Mellon Group our ally before?" Lin Yuan asked.

After Lin Yuan got rid of MGM President Mills, the Mellon Group injected capital into Lin Yuan's Long Island Investment Bank to express its support for Lin Yuan.

Later, the Mellon Group participated many times in the listing of Lin Yuan Pictures and the process of private placement financing, and it can be said that it made a lot of bets on Lin Yuan.

Although the Mellon Group's support for Lin Yuan is not as great as that of the Boston Group and the DuPont Group, it is definitely a pillar behind Lin Yuan.

Now he is standing opposite Lin Yuan?

"Is it really the Mellon Group that provided weapons and itinerary information to Hyuga Komu?" Lin Yuan asked.

"I'm afraid it's true. Arthur has implicitly expressed his dissatisfaction with you to me before. I didn't expect his attitude to change so quickly." Betty replied.

"Dissatisfied? Why are you dissatisfied?" Lin Yuan asked puzzledly.

In his impression, he did not know this young master of the Mellon family, and he had no direct conflict with the Mellon Group. How could he suddenly turn from a partner who supported him into an enemy?

Betty was a bit embarrassed. After weighing the pros and cons, she said, "Lin Yuan, it's not just the Mellon family. Recently, many major North American families have vaguely expressed their concerns to me about your recent actions. They think you're too left-wing."

"Left?" Lin Yuan was confused: "Is it the left in the left pai, right pai?"

Betty nodded: "Yes."

"Why am I left?" Lin Yuan was even more confused.

In his understanding, the so-called left is often reformists, while the right is conservatives. It seems that he does not show any characteristics in this regard?
"Is this sentence familiar to you?" Betty asked.

"Well, it has been like this since ancient times, both in China and abroad," Lin Yuan replied.

"So which one is right, left or right?" Betty asked.

“…” This question stumped Lin Yuan. He had never really thought about it carefully.

Betty answered first: "There is no absolute right or wrong, otherwise this question would not have accompanied human history. To answer this question, you must understand what left and right are and how they came about."

Lin Yuan didn't say anything, but waited quietly for Betty to continue. This was indeed his blind spot in knowledge.

Betty said: "The root of all this is that human beings are extremely different individuals. The contribution of a genius is often equivalent to the contribution of 10,000 ordinary people, or even more.

As a super genius, you have created achievements and wealth that others can hardly imagine in just a few years. It should not be difficult to understand. "

Lin Yuan nodded, but he did not use himself as an example, because he knew that he could get to this point largely due to the system, and he was not a genius.

But even if we don't consider those great figures who changed history, and only look at the field of science, whether it's Newton, Einstein, or even Qian...

They are all examples of people who, to some extent, have single-handedly promoted the leapfrog development of human or national technology.

The contribution of such a person is definitely equal to that of a large group of ordinary people.

"Then the question is, how much profit should someone who has made such a great contribution get? Wouldn't it be inappropriate to get less? If he gets too much, his consumption capacity will be limited, and the rest will become capital and means of production." Betty asked.

After hearing Betty's words, Lin Yuan understood what she wanted to express.

If it is recognized that a person's contribution is great, then he should also obtain huge benefits, otherwise such contribution is unsustainable.

After all, human nature dictates that most people cannot be selfless. Only by working harder and getting more can geniuses be stimulated to exercise more subjective initiative and make more contributions.

Once these geniuses are given more rewards, a wealth gap begins to emerge.

This gap is only the original distribution gap. The remaining property will further expand with the leverage effect of capital, thereby continuously widening the gap.

Betty continued, “Left equals fairness, right equals efficiency.

If you encourage geniuses to be proactive, it is equivalent to choosing efficiency, but the result will inevitably create unfairness.

However, if you try to be fair in distribution, it will inevitably dampen the enthusiasm of talented people and thus affect efficiency.

There is no such thing as the best of both worlds in this world.”

Lin Yuan nodded in agreement. Everything has a price, and there is no perfect decision.

Betty continued, “The reason why the public thinks that right means conservative is just a superficial perception.

Because no matter how the rules are set, elites with talents superior to ordinary people can always win the competition and thus obtain more wealth distribution.

Therefore, in the eyes of the elites, there is no need to change the rules because the rules are already fair enough.

That’s why the right always seems conservative and unwilling to change the rules.”

Betty continued: "The left is mostly composed of the general public, who are often the losers in the competition under the existing rules and are therefore more inclined to change the status quo.

But this is just an appearance. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing between fairness and efficiency."

Now Lin Yuan finally understood why Betty said he was left-leaning, and why the Mellon Group suddenly changed its attitude towards him, and why several groups expressed their concerns about him.

The road ahead for him was already paved with thorns.

(End of this chapter)