[Chapter 771: Revived?]
"Filson, are you sure there's no mistake?" The next morning, William White, feeling a bit sore and achy, looked at the latest report from his think tank, and suddenly, nothing hurt anymore.
He thought the economy of Japan had been flat on its face for nearly twenty years. So what did this report mean? Had it really revived?
Could this be the legendary butterfly effect?
"Sir, the land prices in Japan have dropped significantly, and securities have lost at least half their value. However, their GDP and exports have remained pretty solid. Additionally, their residents' savings are increasing. If we can restore consumer confidence, the Japanese economy might have some potential."
"Is that so, Filson? A high savings rate is not necessarily a good thing. If all that money stays in the banks, I imagine their loan interest rates would definitely drop."
"Yes, due to an influx of arbitrage capital, banks in Japan started to recover, especially those conglomerates. Thanks to the last economic bubble, their losses weren't that severe."
"Really? No wonder the last time I saw the president of Sumitomo, he looked rather spirited."
"Sir, they didn't invest in artworks, so of course they're doing alright. Those European mansions haven't dropped in value too much either. In fact, there's been a notable uptick in prices lately."
"Well, that says it all. They just wiped out a portion of the middle class."
"Pretty much. As for what the news claimed, sir, their losses were exaggerated."
"Exactly. If they kept to themselves, the angry public would definitely tear them apart. Now it makes sense why they would inject liquidity. If the U.S. said something ill-timed, they wouldn't have it easy."
"Sir, that's about right; they won't just push you to repay loans early but might encourage you to borrow more."
"Good grief, these guys think of everything. It's a shame they still overlooked a few things. Confidence, Filson. The confidence of the Japanese people doesn't come back that easily. These folks aren't like the Americans, who've learned to weather economic crises. Ha ha, with everyone speculating in stocks and real estate, good grief, would these people still believe economists?"
"Sir, what if it keeps going up?"
"Well, we can keep an eye on export businesses for investment. As for the financial system, let's hold off there; I'm not optimistic."
William White really had no way to explain to Filson that the American and Japanese conglomerates were effectively looting them. Was there anything more ridiculous than that?
For many years to come, the only investment the people of Japan made was saving.
Stocks?
Sorry, that's just a scam.
Houses?
Come here; I promise I won't hurt you.
As for the various financial derivatives, they had even less interest in those.
It could be said that the capital utilization rate in Japan was extremely low compared to developed countries.
Having purchased so many U.S. Treasury bonds, did they really want to? Unfortunately, they had no choice. Even later, they chose to save even with zero interest in the bank.
Why didn't they continue investing overseas?
They had already invested a lot, and if given the choice, domestic loans were still relatively reliable.
Of course, they hadn't realized that yet. Did they think the Asian financial crisis in '97 didn't touch them?
Ha, they actually hoped Soros would short them. If the yen dropped further, their exports would definitely improve.
Tsk, tsk, they really weren't paying enough.
Speaking of which, the Americans were becoming a bit shameless. You were pretty close to the line already; last time, you made quite a bit off them. You can't keep harping on just one victim.
By the way, Europe is doing quite well right now.
...
"Honey, I want to go see our son."
"Don't be silly; we just got back a few days ago. Well, if you want to go, you can. By the way, I'll set them up with a video phone."
"I know it's for their good; I just can't help it."
"Boys grow up; they need to venture out. If you want someone to be there with you all the time, you need to put in a little effort."
"Hmph, go find someone younger; I'm already old."
"Don't be silly, tsk, tsk, not a single wrinkle. That's all my doing."
He had to admit that not having his son close by weighed on him, even if he wouldn't openly say it. But there was little he could do.
He had taught what he could and offered what he could.
Though somewhat harsh, it was the only way. As for his son's thoughts, he couldn't worry too much about that for now. When they grew up, they should understand their old man.
Looking at the little beauty asleep beside him, William White sighed. Though the kids weren't particularly close, their relationship was fine. Suddenly missing two older children left him feeling quite conflicted.
...
"Is it already arranged this early? Strange, why not Japan?"
"Dad, he has five kids."
"Cough, I can't believe I forgot that."
"Dad, do you think he should join the Mormons?"
"Silly question. If he were an ordinary person, it wouldn't be that big a deal. William White is a public figure, though. Strange how optimistic they are about Asia."
Bush Jr. didn't quite see it that way. William White doted more on his elder daughter; to him, this segment of Japan just might be reserved for her.
"Dad, with William White doing this, those old-timers must be a bit panicked, right?"
"Ha ha, arranging for future needs, burning bridges, tsk tsk, that's indeed ruthless enough. By the way, what conditions did they mention?"
"This is a huge mess; if he doesn't get three heads, he'll just take care of it himself."
"Shit, that's insane."
"This isn't manageable; nobody has any leverage here. William White was very straightforward; he's no Bill Clinton. If you guys dare touch him, you'll pay a hundredfold."
"Is it really the CIA?"
"Who knows? Two people have already committed suicide without providing any reason."
"Wow, those bastards must know their limits now. It really is true they can keep their hands clean."
Unreasonable, that's the new label for the wealthiest man now.
Well, eavesdropping is indeed inappropriate; attempting to attack their server is also wrong. But you're discussing life and death with me right now.
...
"Alan, what did the old guys say?"
"They're afraid. One thing is clear: William White can make them regret it." Greenspan said this with not so good emotions. It's a civilized society, how can you act like this?
"Tit for tat. That's just their style. By the way, his intelligence network is that powerful?"
"Old buddy, the CIA has been under surveillance for two years. And these idiots still know nothing."
Tsk, Paul Volcker felt a headache coming on. If this isn't handled well, America would become the world's laughingstock.
"Forget it, Alan, don't worry about it. I believe no one wants to get into trouble."
"Indeed, nobody does. The FBI is already frantic. Over a hundred Delta Force soldiers showed up in New York. According to their intel, all of them are suffering from severe post-traumatic stress."
"What? What does that mean?"
"These people are dangerous. To put it another way, that's over a hundred Rambos. Their mental state is unstable. Once they receive orders, ha ha, there's no possibility of stopping."
"Alan, that syndrome you mentioned; William White has it too, right? Is it really necessary?"
"Old buddy, not entirely; at least what Citi and the CIA were investigating did have some substance. It involved their trust companies and overseas assets. Ha ha, they're equally ambitious. Just a pity their methods aren't that sophisticated."
*****
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