The international scene seems to have little room for peace. Just as the Christmas festivities are still fresh in people's minds, Mao Zi takes action, and it's not mere sabre-rattling—it's a full-blown display of military might.
Expectations and reality often diverge. Many initially believed it was just a show of deterrence, but Mao Zi's actions were more than anyone had anticipated.
In this era, engaging in military expansion seems absurd. While the Cold War mentality lingers, most nations are testing each other's limits, but no one had expected Mao Zi to take such aggressive action.
The world was in an uproar over Mao Zi's moves, but they realized that the United States could not afford another war. The prospect of total destruction loomed, and there was no room for disagreement.
Afghanistan, lacking significant resistance, wasn't avoiding the fight because they didn't want to; it was simply an unwinnable battle.
The most delighted by these developments were the Hunt family. They had been waiting for this moment as gold prices spiraled out of control, and at this rate, they were poised to double or even triple their wealth.
But their joy was short-lived, as mainstream media launched a collective assault on silver speculators, and regulatory bodies started to intervene. The Hunt family quickly became a target.
As this situation unfolds, it's not just about margin increases; trading on certain accounts may be restricted. The Hunt family finds itself in a precarious position, with accusations of fraud looming.
In the world of American institutions, the Securities and Exchange Commission is seen as one of the more unreasonable ones. They are known for making inferences of guilt without sufficient evidence, and they can be relentless in their investigations.
While this situation is challenging, it could have been worse if it were the stock market. Futures trading in the United States has systemic issues, and the Hunt family seems to have made a misstep.
To avoid unnecessary conflict with authorities, it's wise to comply with their demands, as opposing them will only make matters worse.
Behind the scenes, there are numerous power plays at work, far beyond the scope of William White's influence.
In summary, the Hunt family is in dire straits, and their supporters are helpless. While their current predicament seems dire, it won't have a significant impact on the broader market.
The question now is how to conclude this episode. It's a dangerous game to continue, and the Hunt family might be playing their last cards. If silver were to collapse, numerous banks could go bankrupt.
For the Hunt family, the ordeal is just beginning, and White Petroleum has once again applied for a suspension, as the White family seeks to sell their entire stake.
With a controlling share of 50%, they can largely ignore other shareholders. This move couldn't have come at a better time, as the Hunt family attempts to raise funds and make a final stand. White Oil's shares have lost their appeal, and no bank is willing to take them over.
The Hunt family's fate is now in question, and they are marginalized. It's uncertain how much value will be left in the end.
"Forbes, have there been any offers?" William White inquires, seemingly in a good mood.
"We've had inquiries from several companies, and both Shell and Texas Petroleum seem genuinely interested."
Although he's not sure why the young master wants to sell White Oil, Forbes refrains from prying further.
"Forbes, oil prices are high right now; let's make a move early. I'm not particularly fond of this industry."
Indeed, his rationale is sound, and he shows no interest in an industry that doesn't captivate him.
William White isn't short on funds, and the outside world is well aware of this. Making money seems to come naturally to the White family scion. The dirty work of the oil industry doesn't hold any appeal for him. It's a tedious pursuit compared to his other lucrative endeavors.
His influence in Hollywood is undeniable. The mere mention of White Pictures sends shockwaves through the film industry. The success of his Christmas-themed movie post-Mao isn't confined to children; young adults are also flocking to theaters, making it a remarkable hit.
What's even more astounding is that this has turned into a movie series, with the potential for significant profits in the coming years, barring unforeseen obstacles.
Some may remain skeptical, but this young filmmaker has truly made a name for himself. Even Lianyi is finding it hard to compete.
While Hollywood's most valuable assets are intellectual properties (IP), there are other factors to consider. White Pictures carries no debt, and the company operates with a relatively lean staff. Despite the high earnings of the film crews, those are tied to box office performance.
If he's indeed shifting away from the oil industry, it seems likely that he will pivot towards the entertainment industry as a whole. And with no financial constraints, it's a transition that makes sense.
For William White, making money isn't the only goal; it's about doing so strategically. Avoiding the spotlight and planning ahead is his preferred approach.
If luck is on his side, he won't need to reveal his hand and can avoid the hefty protection fees.
The 1980s mark the dawn of a new era, with ample opportunities for investment. Be it stocks or real estate, profits are ripe for the taking.
The exchange rate is currently around $250, but after the Plaza Accord, it dropped to less than a hundred. Stocks and real estate, not to mention the currency exchange rate, have seen substantial increases. The footbath basin is an investment opportunity too enticing to pass up.
Investing in Coca-Cola requires less capital and is an attractive prospect for the future. While high technology may be in vogue, it's not the IT industry's time to shine just yet. The Internet bubble, which would drive explosive growth in the sector, is still in its infancy.
Investing in Coca-Cola doesn't require a significant amount of capital, and the market capitalization isn't exceptionally high, making it less risky. Investing more heavily could bring about complications.
The footbath basin, on the other hand, is in a league of its own. As a developed economy, it can absorb substantial investments without issue. It's crucial to act early in this case, as a delayed entry could lead to complications.
Wall Street veterans are astute, and they won't welcome someone else raising the sedan chair. The conflict of interests would be too great.
The Plaza Accord was a coordinated effort by the United States to manipulate the exchange rate of the Japanese yen. Both the United States and Japan understood the implications.
The footbath basin did experience some repercussions. Intense speculation and various threat theories were popular before the Plaza Accord, with some labeling them as "economic Pearl Harbors." The footbath basin, out of fear, had acquiesced to several unfair conditions imposed by the United States.
However, after siphoning trillions from the footbath basin, the United States shifted its narrative. They no longer spoke of threats and instead emphasized the footbath basin as an indispensable ally.
The money taken from the footbath basin amounted to over a trillion dollars, a sum too vast for any single entity or group to swallow.
William White isn't seeking the limelight; he's making strategic investments quietly, looking to the future. He's not in it for the thrill but rather for the long-term gains
As Mao Zi's war unfolds, a lament echoes through the capital market. The entire industry, aside from the frenzy in precious metal futures, faces a sharp decline.
Remarkably, the oil industry seems less affected. Despite the tense geopolitical climate, oil experiences modest gains. While it may not rival the astronomical rise of gold, it provides enough support to maintain current stock prices. This ensures that White Oil can still fetch a favorable price in this tumultuous market.
The international community appears powerless in the face of superpower aggression. Symbolic protests from the old and the beautiful are heard, yet they ultimately amount to little, leaving a sense of helplessness in their wake.