America: My Time

Chapter 240 A Tough Stance
Chapter 240 A Tough Stance
At this time, the shockwaves caused by a large fire also caused some concern in China, as Jeep had partnerships with the country, and the current situation with Jeep was worrying. However, they soon received a reply from Bentley Motors Group that all cooperation would continue and would not be affected by the issues in the United States.

As CEO of Bentley Motors, Mary Barra naturally understands the importance of China to the group. Such cooperation is not something to be easily abandoned, nor is there any reason to abandon it. Jeep is merely relocating its headquarters and production plants, not going bankrupt. Although this turmoil has caused Jeep some losses, it is within Bentley Motors' capacity to bear.

As the plane slowly landed at the airport, John couldn't help but sigh. He was about to face a considerable storm, and everything needed to be explained.

Not long after John returned to the United States, all sides learned of the news and awaited his response, anticipating the start of the storm. After such a major incident, it was impossible for John, that petty man, to remain completely silent.

Just as they expected, the day after returning to the United States, John held a press conference to express his anger at the unfair and unjust treatment suffered by the Bentley Motors Group and Legendary Entertainment Group.

"Mr. John, what are your thoughts on the fire at the Jeep factory? Will you continue to pursue the responsibility of those workers?"

"My view is simple: the United Auto Workers (UAW) should give the company an explanation, and Detroit should give us an explanation. I believe everyone knows the reasons behind this major strike. This is not an ordinary strike, but a targeted strike with a grand conspiracy, so those people will bear the consequences themselves. I know some people think the workers are the victims, but is that really the case? If they are the victims, what about the company? Bentley Motors paid real money to acquire Jeep, and before the acquisition, they consulted with workers, unions, and local authorities. Now, what have they given us in return? A conspiracy, a strike, and a fire. Shouldn't they bear responsibility for this? Everything should be based on the law, and I believe the law will give me an explanation and give Bentley Motors an explanation."

"Mr. John, will Bentley Motors completely leave the United States and no longer have its own manufacturing plants there?"

"I don't understand your point. Bentley Motors is not leaving the United States. We have our own dealerships, auto parts sales companies, and even Polaris Industries. How can you say that we don't have our own manufacturing plants in the United States? Just because Jeep is relocating, you can't assume that Bentley doesn't have its own production plants in the United States. That's not right. We are willing to create jobs for American workers, but only if the company's interests are guaranteed. If it's a situation like Detroit, that's unacceptable to us."

"Mr. John, what do you think of the Writers Guild of Hollywood's opposition, and what are your thoughts on those Hollywood stars?"

"My view on the Writers Guild is simple: they're just making trouble out of nothing. All the writers at Legendary Entertainment receive the highest salaries and benefits in the industry. Do you think they should be responsible for the company's interests or the interests of other companies' writers? Now that Legendary Entertainment has its own writers' guild, it will develop according to its own guild principles. As for Hollywood stars, they're a joke. They receive top salaries in the industry but are unwilling to shoulder the responsibilities they should. How is that possible? I don't care what other film companies think or do, and I don't want to care. But Legendary Entertainment won't accept their conditions. It's either accept Legendary Entertainment's conditions or leave. It's that simple. Legendary Entertainment can't afford to invest so much in developing them and then get nothing in return. That's impossible. There must be a return for every investment! Those stars who boycott Legendary Entertainment won't receive any invitations from Legendary Entertainment in the future. Hollywood has plenty of actors who want to become stars. We don't lack actors, so we won't be threatened by them!"

The press conference demonstrated John's toughness to everyone. In the United States, you can't be weak, or you'll be seen as someone who can be bullied. John will not show mercy to his enemies; he will deal with them however he sees fit, without any leniency.

After the press conference, Morgan approached John to discuss the financing. This time, they came on behalf of everyone. John did not object to the financing, and it was still the highest bidder. Just like the previous financing for the game world, there was only one opportunity, and this was the only financing. To participate again, one would have to wait for the company to go public.

“John, isn’t this a bit inappropriate? Game World is about to go public, but your Nvidia and Dream World won’t go public and raise funds until early 85. That’s too long a time gap. Shouldn’t you raise funds a few more times?”

"That's impossible. Nvidia and Dream World are both high-tech companies, and one round of financing is the limit. Neither company is short of funds to begin with, and I can't sacrifice my own interests. If someone can't accept it, then I'll withdraw. I believe there are people who are willing to accept Nvidia and Dream World's conditions. Just like with Game World, I need to give everyone a complete annual report so that all investors can understand the true situation of the company. Only in this way can everyone's interests be guaranteed."

"Alright, since you put it that way, we can't object. After all, the initiative is in your hands. But, John, what are your plans after this round of financing? Are there any projects you want to acquire? You acquired an airline in Hong Kong; I wonder if you have any ideas about airlines in the US?" "No, not for now. Those old guys are not easy to deal with; they don't want to see me continue to expand. However, I am interested in aircraft dismantling plants. If possible, please keep an eye out for them. Also, do you have any leads on the biopharmaceuticals I'm interested in? It's been quite a while."

"Don't worry, we've made the choice for you. Amgen Pharmaceuticals is the best fit for you. Founded in 80, it's been around for three years now, it's stable internally, and its research direction is clear. If you're willing, you can take over very soon!"

"Alright, I'll arrange for someone to follow up! Also, keep an eye on the aircraft dismantling plant for me. It would be best if it had its own parking lot. I trust Morgan won't let me down!"

The meeting ended quickly, with John and Morgan not arguing much, which puzzled Jimmy, who asked, "Boss, are we just going to agree to John's proposal like this?"

"If you disagree, do you have any other options? We only care about our own interests; what others think is their own business. Besides, those old guys probably won't refuse, since they've already entered the game. As for those guys from Japan, they're our opponents, so we don't need to pay them any attention. However, this time, John is also expressing his dissatisfaction to us. But that's fine; the more those old guys do, the more beneficial it is for Morgan!"

"Boss, is John, this little fox, really interested in entering the aviation industry? But why is he acquiring an aircraft dismantling plant? It's not going to make much money. With that time and energy, he could easily make more money in other areas."

"He's testing the old guys' reaction, seeing if they'll cause trouble, or maybe he's trying to drag them down with him. But the more he does this, the more it shows he's interested in expanding in the aviation industry, and the faster we need to act, at least before Nvidia and Dreamworld go public."

"Isn't John worried that his crazy acquisitions will cause a series of problems and put his investments in trouble? I really don't see any benefit in doing this. Even if it's a test, there's no need to get involved in this area. This investment is not small. With this money, it would be good to expand media and entertainment, and retail as well."

“Yes, that’s the normal situation, but John can’t do that. He’s being watched by those old guys. Don’t underestimate his probing. If someone really wants to make arrangements in advance, the outcome might not be so good. John won’t accept their arrangements every time. Sikorsky is just an exception.”

"Boss, I don't understand. John didn't seem to say that much, did he?"

"It's good that you don't understand. If you did, you wouldn't be standing here. John, that little fox, mentioned those old guys earlier, which means he knows their scheme. Yet, he still chose the aircraft dismantling plant. What do you think he's trying to say? He does have an interest in the aviation industry, but he won't follow suit now. He's waiting for those old guys' reaction. If they make another move this time, they're bound to fail. We need to get the preparations done. We need to let those old guys know John's little fox's ideas and get them involved."

"Hiss!" At this moment, Jimmy finally understood what his boss meant and the agreement between John and his boss. Although it was just an ordinary sentence, they had reached an agreement to use this acquisition to scam those old guys. It seems that this little fox is really cunning. Even though the other party has already bowed down and admitted defeat, he still hasn't forgotten to take revenge.

"Understood? If you understand, then hurry up and get to work. I'm also eager to see how ridiculous those old guys will look when they fail. Unless they can let go of their greed, they'll definitely fall into John's trap this time. Right now, the focus is on those old guys, and I'm afraid Lehman will be in trouble soon!"

(End of this chapter)