Chapter 535: A False Sense of Accomplishment

[Chapter 623: A False Sense of Accomplishment]

As June rolled in, the world continued to face turmoil. With the absence of Saddam stirring things up, the desert region had calmed down a bit, but the heart of Europe was once again chaotic.

"Ugh, better to just ignore this place; I don't have much invested anyway."

"Master, in the previous two World Wars, this powder keg was the first to explode. Do you think it could happen again?"

"Not a chance. The CIA is hoping for a squash, but our European allies aren't on board with that. If they squeeze too hard, how will we deal with the refugees that spill out?"

"These guys have too much time on their hands, stirring up trouble everywhere."

"If there's no war, how can we sell weapons? The situation has to stay tense for those fat cats to want to invest. Did you see those war planes? They're working overtime on production."

The oil tycoons from the desert were indeed shaking in their boots. For the time being, Saddam had lost his steam. We should hurry up and develop our plans; we don't know who will take the hit when he regains his energy.

As for Europe, it was just a reflection of Africa. The Soviets were struggling to maintain their own stability and didn't have time for their little partners. So, those who were once suppressed, with a little help from the America, were eager to regain their voice.

William White had finally come to understand that George H.W. Bush's stance on this issue remained conservative.

The California consortium was naturally displeased with such an attitude. Their primary business was military-related, and the benefits were not substantial during times of harvesting interests.

Of course, this depended on whom you compared them to. Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Rockefeller were obviously the biggest winners. They were growing fat as pigs. The dissatisfaction from Texas and California stemmed from this very reason.

"Damn, this year's GDP is looking at negative growth. We finally got Silicon Valley up and running, and now we're being hampered by those clowns. Looks like it's time for a change in leadership; if you can't take care of our interests, good luck to you."

It was hard to say whether it was outstanding acting or a sense of invulnerability. From William White's perspective, Bush Sr. didn't seem inclined to take any action.

Well, if that's how it is with the parties involved, then as a bystander, William White would certainly remain low-key. In short, don't provoke me and I won't disturb you. Do as you will.

...

"Sir, judging by this scenario, oil will soon fall below twenty bucks a barrel." Filson shook his head, a bitter smile on his face. This investment was turning out to be William White's Waterloo.

"Huh, if that's the case, won't Rockefeller take a severe hit?"

"Over the years, they've actually stayed pretty low-profile. I've analyzed it, and interlocking shareholding among the consortiums is serious. It's hard for the average person to tell what's what anymore."

"That giant interconnected ship is indeed a tough nut to crack. At this rate, it seems no one would dare to short-sell."

"It's difficult, unless something happens between them. Otherwise, be it acquisitions or shorting -- this opponent is formidable."

It wasn't until this moment that the strength of the consortium truly struck William White. It appeared that if he continued to act recklessly, he might be schooled into questioning his very existence.

William White glared at Filson. "Can't you say something positive? Man, you're really hitting where it hurts; I'm not happy about this."

"I'm still sticking to my previous stance. Once those bastards can't hold on any longer, we'll continue acquiring the oil industry. The Soviets can't hold out anymore; continuing to push down oil prices isn't in America's interest. If we keep this up, our friends in the desert will become alienated."

Filson felt that there was no longer any need to suppress oil prices. During the desert wars, oil had surged to fifty bucks a barrel. What happened afterward? Soviet production capabilities still lagged.

High prices didn't resolve any of their difficulties. Now back to the same old deadlock, things couldn't get any worse.

What Filson didn't know was that no one was coming to save the Soviets; they themselves were hoping for a swift end to this ordeal. It was beyond comprehension how bad things had to get to lead to the current predicament.

...

"Akina, your gaze isn't fierce enough. You need to be more intense. The guy just now was toying with you, and this expression represents that you're enjoying it."

The young beauty instantly blushed bright red, thankful that he spoke in Japanese. Otherwise, that would have been embarrassing.

Recalling the scene from the night before, the young beauty felt her face grow even warmer. The guy's performance on set was entirely different.

"Sorry about that."

"Just watch my gaze closely; pay attention to the changes. From disdain to intensity, then to indifference."

Nastassja felt a twinge of jealousy; no one had ever trained her this way. That naive girl was quite lucky indeed. She wondered what William White saw in her; she was basically a simple girl.

"Hmm, you're making progress, but not quite there yet -- just a little more."

The best performer in the entire crew was undoubtedly Vin Diesel. Nastassja noticed that he was just perfect for playing the villain.

Even with all newcomers helming the movie, it hadn't dampened investor enthusiasm, especially among the Japanese, who were practically rabid.

Columbia and Universal felt a pang of envy. "Hey, we're all from the same place here. Why aren't you investing in our movies?"

Japanese elements?

We have plenty of Japanese elements here. These money-hungry idiots.

It only goes to show that capital seeks profits. In Hollywood, luck plays its part too. Over the years, William White had never had a single movie flop. Why would someone invest in your project if they weren't investing in his?

...

"Are they shooting a movie? This guy really is smart."

"Old man, what do you mean?"

"Nothing much. I have a strong chance this time, no need for complications. By the way, take the opportunity to visit Hollywood more often. Washington is just too stifling; it wouldn't be beneficial for your growth."

"Got it."

Bush Jr. wasn't quite grasping what his father meant. He was somewhat perplexed; wasn't the idea to pursue the last remnants of an enemy? 

He had no idea that his father was already preparing for a fallback. Although it was a tad frustrating, it was unavoidable. A personal future was not as important as the continuation of the family legacy.

What a mess the Kennedy family was in; he certainly wasn't interested in taking his chances. Those arms dealers were completely insane, so never measure their moral standards with normal reasoning. That would just make you look foolish.

*****

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