America: My Time

Chapter 92 Schemes at the Cocktail Party
Chapter Ninety-Two: Schemes at the Party

Although John vaguely sensed that Riko was hiding something, he didn't pursue the matter, believing that even if something happened, Riko would handle it properly. Being able to serve alongside Akio Morita is not something everyone can do, especially attending events like this, which further demonstrates Riko's considerable abilities.

John didn't want to stay at the party any longer, but as a guest, he couldn't leave early. He had to give the organizers face, and he also needed to give face to the First Industrial Bank because he would need funds later. If it were just Naoko and Riko, John would have chosen to sit down, but the situation wasn't suitable. After confirming that nothing else was happening, John went back into the crowd and sat with the old guys like Akio Morita.

Although talking to these old guys is mentally taxing, you can gain information you didn't know before. These old men are the main players in Japan; they control the Japanese economy. Understanding them better will be more helpful in planning for the future bubble economy and will also allow you to learn more about what you want to know!
After John left, Riko breathed a sigh of relief. The situation had been truly dangerous, at least in her mind. She was worried that John, in his youthful impetuosity, might escalate the situation and embarrass the organizers. Moreover, Dentsu was in the wrong first, and if things got out of hand, Dai-ichi Kangye Bank would definitely give him an explanation, and someone would have to make a sacrifice.

"Thankfully, things didn't escalate too much. That damn Dentsu must pay for this. If they don't give me an explanation, this isn't over!" Riko cursed angrily.

"Riko-nee, it's all in the past, don't be angry anymore!" Naoko comforted Riko, showing no anger at all because of the Dentsu guy's threats, nor did she intend to hold a grudge against Jinjin.

"Sigh, what can I say? Is this a small matter? If Mr. John finds out about that bastard's threats, the trouble will be much bigger. Things will get out of control, and the organizers will need to give Mr. John an explanation. Do you know how serious the consequences will be? That bastard will not only ruin Dentsu, but he will ruin me too. Don't worry, Dentsu will definitely pay the price for this. Don't care about that bastard's threats!"

"Riko-nee, let's just let it go and not make a big deal out of it!"

"Your personality will be a disadvantage in the entertainment industry. Don't always think of others!" Riko was also helpless about Naoko's reaction. In fact, the reason why she was willing to associate with Naoko was precisely because of Naoko's kind-hearted personality. She would never betray her friends or scheme against them, and would rather suffer losses herself!
"Riko-nee, let's just forget about it. We don't have anything to do with him. He just wanted to meet up with us!" Matsuda Seiko and Kashiwabara Yoshie were also trying to persuade Riko not to bother with the Dentsu guy. They didn't have Naoko's background!

"No, Dentsu must apologize for this. This isn't just your problem; it concerns Mr. John, Sony, and the reputation of First Industrial Bank!"

Riko's insight was far deeper than that of Seiko Matsuda, Yoshie Kashiwabara, and Naoko. If Dentsu did nothing, it meant the matter was never truly over, and if John found out later, there would be further turmoil. If Dentsu apologized and offered compensation, the matter would be resolved. This would be good for Dentsu, for Riko, and for Sony and Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, so she couldn't let the matter end so hastily!
In Japan, face is of paramount importance. Riko represents not just herself, but the face of Akio Morita and Sony. Moreover, this party was hosted by Dai-ichi Kangyo Bank. If things really got out of hand, it would be difficult to handle. She didn't want to be a scapegoat, and she didn't want to suffer because of Dentsu's mistakes!

"Alright, don't overthink it. I'll handle this. It won't affect you in any way. Let's leave it at that and don't tell anyone!"

Actually, even before Riko went to Dentsu, the Dentsu butler turned pale with fright the moment John appeared, realizing things were in trouble. Although he didn't know John's true identity, sitting with Akio Morita and the bigwigs of the First Industrial Bank meant John was undoubtedly a high-ranking figure; how could a mere butler like himself not be afraid? If he had known this would happen, he shouldn't have listened to others and taken the risk at such a party. What happened next relieved Butler Koizumi; Riko didn't attack Dentsu or kick him while he was down, which at least prevented him from fainting. After the Dentsu man returned, Butler Koizumi immediately made him recount the whole story, without any concealment. He couldn't bear the responsibility if anything went wrong!

When he learned that Riko had taken everything on, Butler Koizumi was finally able to relax completely. Although the matter seemed to be over, he understood that the favors he owed could not go unresolved. This was a responsibility he had to bear, and he could not turn a blind eye just because Riko had taken everything on. He needed to settle this matter!
Paying money? No, that won't work. Riko isn't lacking money; money won't solve the problem. She needs to show remorse and apologize. As Dentsu's butler, he naturally needs to give Matsuda Seiko, Kashiwabara Yoshie, and Naoko an explanation in the advertisement. Although Matsuda Seiko and Kashiwabara Yoshie are insignificant, they're with Naoko, so he needs to give them some benefits to shut them up and end this today!
Thinking about this, Koizumi, the butler from Dentsu, couldn't help but feel suspicious about what had happened today. He vaguely sensed that something was amiss, but in order to put an end to it all, he chose to ignore the previous unease. After all, this matter couldn't be blown out of proportion; it was best to end it there. Even if he had been schemed against, he could only endure it. That's the workplace; society is cruel and ruthless, and you can't always do what you want!

After some time, neither Akio Morita and the other old men, nor John, had any intention of continuing the conversation. They had done what they needed to probe and said what they needed to say. So, the old men left first, and after they left, John, along with Naoko, had someone from the First Industrial Bank escort them home.

Back in their courtyard, John looked at Naoko, who seemed troubled, and gently put his arm around her, saying, "Do you have many questions in your mind, many things you want to say but don't know how to express them? Don't worry, I know what you want to say, and I know your predicament. Actually, you're overthinking it. It's not a big deal. Although Riko was covering it up before, something did happen between you two. I don't know what it was, but the fact that Riko wanted to take it all on herself means it's not a big deal, otherwise she couldn't bear the responsibility. I don't care what it was; it's just a scheme by those old guys anyway. You don't need to worry about it. I brought you here today just to show you how to deal with similar situations in the future!"

John didn't want to know what happened today. With his intelligence, he could naturally see the problem, and he didn't want to waste his time and energy on such a trivial matter. Naoko's dilemma was simply that she didn't know how to handle this small matter!
From the moment Akio Morita asked if he would attend tonight's party, John knew he was about to face various tests. It was understandable that they were targeting Naoko, but he didn't know who was testing him, nor did he want to know—there was no need. The First Industrial Bank, as the host, was definitely an exception; they would at most know but not participate. As for whether that old fox Akio Morita knew, that was anyone's guess—after all, that old fox was far too cunning!

Having secured such massive loans from Mitsui Bank and Dai-Ichi Kangyo Bank, he knew what kind of situation he would be facing, not to mention that the goal of the loans was to acquire Universal and NBC, two media giants with immense influence. Once he completed this acquisition, Legendary Entertainment would become a media behemoth in the United States, wielding enormous influence in Japan, where many companies would need the media power he controlled.

John would be surprised if these Japanese companies did nothing. Their intervention would prove their immense power in Japan and mark the beginning of greater profits for John. At least after tonight's party, his investments in Japan would face no further obstacles, as long as they didn't cross the lines of the major conglomerates—at least for now!

The power of the media is crucial for any company, including the Japanese government. They won't antagonize you unless absolutely necessary. That's the power of the media, and that's the benefit of having a voice.

Legendary Entertainment's acquisition is just the beginning. They will continue to increase their acquisitions in the media industry to enhance their influence. This requires a global approach and a global perspective. Furthermore, they need to ensure that the projects they invest in in the future are so compelling that others will not dare to make any rash moves!
This loan from Japan is just the beginning. More projects will require funding from Japanese banks, all predicated on John's ability to successfully manage Universal Pictures and NBC. John is confident in this; he has plans for both Universal and NBC, simply waiting for Morgan to complete his purge of the two companies and for Legendary Entertainment to gain complete control.

(End of this chapter)