Sheffield was already unconsciously addressing the other man by name, his shameless, sycophantic demeanor evident on paper. This was, after all, the richest man in America, the emperor of the oil industry.If he truly intended to collaborate with a northern company, Sheffield couldn't think of anyone more suitable than Rockefeller.
In fact, for much of the history of the United States, Morgan's strength was actually greater than Rockefeller's. After all, the Morgan family had risen to prominence decades earlier than the Rockefellers.
Don't underestimate those few decades; they could determine a great many things.If it weren't for Old Rockefeller, a veritable system loophole, Morgan could be said to have been unchallenged throughout the United States. And the descendants of Rockefeller clearly hadn't repeated the mistakes of their early partner, the railroad tycoon Vanderbilt, with the Rockefeller Five Brothers, all talented individuals, emerging in later generations.
The Rockefeller family at this time could be said to be at the peak of its power in its family history. Old Rockefeller had never ceased expanding his business empire until his death, and it had only been forty years since Old Rockefeller passed away.
Just as Old lady sheffield had said, Sheffield knew that the Rockefeller family's successive leaders had only two wishes: first, to make money, and then to use the money they made to live a long and healthy life.
The Little Rockefeller facing him was already the shortest-lived leader of the Rockefeller family, having prematurely left them at the ripe old age of eighty-five. The youngest of Little Rockefeller's five sons lived to be one hundred and one years old, successfully breaking Old Rockefeller's record, and by the time heart transplant surgery was mature, he had replaced six hearts in his lifetime, fully embodying the concept of buying longevity with money.As for where these hearts came from, who knew? In any case, wasn't the world full of people willing to trade their lives for money?Currently, there were no allies with more strength than Rockefeller.
Sheffield, of course, wanted to advance further and solidify his family's position in the United States, but he wouldn't be foolish enough to directly target Rockefeller. He wouldn't even dream of such an operation—taking on the Big Boss directly before clearing out the smaller minions.
Moreover, unlike industries where European technology could be introduced to achieve dominance, Rockefeller's oil industry was truly not so easy to surpass. The modern petroleum industry itself originated in America. When the oil industry first emerged, Rockefeller was one of its pioneers.
In terms of the various technologies of the oil industry, Sheffield couldn't even find external help. Even if he brought in outside assistance, he still wouldn't be able to defeat the Rockefeller family.Rockefeller's industrial moat could be described as incredibly solid! A complete commercial imperialism.
Regarding the matter of cooperation, Sheffield agreed in principle. A hint of joy flashed in Little Rockefeller's eyes. His family had long planned to enter Texas, and to enter Texas, Sheffield, this large-scale rancher, was unavoidable.
Now that he had secured the agreement of this Texas rancher, it could be said that the matter was half successful. "It's my honor to receive the Sheffield family's assistance.""As long as there is mutual respect in the cooperation, it is equally the Sheffield family's honor."
Sheffield opened his mouth with double meaning, hinting, "Don't even think about replicating the dark history of squeezing out competitors in Pennsylvania."
"Of course, mutual respect! Rockefeller has its own commercial credibility! And always greatly respects powerful partners." Little Rockefeller understood the other's meaning and made his own assurance.
The names of a certain family flashed through both men's minds as they faced each other: the Vanderbilt family, the railroad tycoons. Once a family showed signs of decline, competitors would swarm in like sharks smelling blood.Rockefeller had several partners in his early years, among whom the Vanderbilt family provided significant help.
As for the current Vanderbilt family, their decline was obvious. Their continued presence was merely due to the immense fortune left behind by the Vanderbilts, too vast to be squandered in a short time.The Vanderbilt family, enviable in the eyes of ordinary people, was now just fodder for after-dinner conversation for many of their contemporaries who had started businesses around the same time.
Ever since the death of William Henry Vanderbilt, the second-generation leader of the Vanderbilt family, ten years prior, the entire Vanderbilt family had descended into an endless cycle of ostentatious displays of wealth, banquets, and the construction of lavish mansions.Of course, according to later generations, such a life was very "Euro" or "Westernized".
And it truly was. The Vanderbilts even had marriage alliances with British aristocracy, marrying their daughter to Churchill's cousin.Vanderbilt's manor was completely French in style. The hall was in the gilded Louis XIV style, and the living room was inlaid with stained glass windows and hardwood benches salvaged from monasteries, and so on. Many murals were also chiseled down from France and affixed to the ceilings.
Vanderbilt represented another facet of American tycoons, a reverence for the lives of European aristocrats. Just like a century later, many business magnates of the Republic would try every possible way to live a more "American" life."Actually, you are still quite sought-after within the United States. There must be countless sons of wealthy families surrounding you."
To ensure the success of this communication, Little Rockefeller rarely held a small banquet to entertain the Sheffield family heir who had just returned to the country. T
his would never have been permitted when Old Rockefeller was still at the manor."Is that so? But in your presence, I've never felt valued or cherished!" Annie glanced at Sheffield."It's different!" Sheffield shook his head slightly, glancing at Little Rockefeller not far away, thinking to himself, "If only this Rockefeller family heir was like his sister."
Edith Rockefeller was Little Rockefeller's sister, who had just married McCormick. McCormick's father was Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the reaper and founder of International Harvester Company. Rockefeller had purchased approximately thirty million dollars worth of shares in International Harvester Company.
However, the reputation of this Rockefeller family princess was similar to that of the Vanderbilt heirs – she most enjoyed living a "Euro" or "Westernized" life.Almost at the same time, Little Rockefeller subtly shifted his gaze away from the nauseatingly sweet couple, muttering in his heart, "If only this Sheffield family heir was like his father in Paris."
"Just a sip will do. Let's drink a toast for the hospitality towards my closest friend in the future!" Sheffield raised his glass with a gentle smile."Good, if our two companies cooperate, it will certainly have a shocking effect on everyone." Little Rockefeller stood up and responded warmly.
Clink! The two glasses clinked across the long table.
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(End of Chapter)