章 623: Chapter 623: We Will Not Be the First to Strike
Eventually, the close relationship between Bechtel and President Bush will be made public by the U.S. media.
As a result, the Bush Administration will find itself in quite a predicament.
But an even bigger issue loomed with Halliburton.
The former chairman of its subsidiary, KBR, is none other than Dick Cheney, the current vice president.
So when people talk about the Iraq War and which company capitalized the most, Halliburton's name comes up first.
Could it really be just a coincidence that Halliburton, led by the neocon stalwart Dick Cheney, experienced rapid growth after the Iraq War?
Of course, this scandal won't escalate to the point where President Bush has to resign, but I still disliked that we were mentioned in such a scandal.
"No problem? Can you guarantee that? I firmly believe there's bound to be issues. The media is already leaking information about this contracting deal, aren't they? A mere $680 million contract has stirred up controversy over the past two years. Considering Bechtel's annual revenue, it's honestly not a huge contract. How can you say there won't be problems? That's absurd."
My sharp response turned the previously jovial atmosphere icy.
After a moment of silence, Riley Bechtel finally spoke up.
"That comment could be interpreted as us opting out due to potential controversy. Quite frankly, we'd prefer it if you did step back. You'd be like an uninvited guest crashing a party we've meticulously prepared for."
I couldn't help but chuckle.
Look at that! If you don't want to be involved, just say so straight out.
I didn't expect such candid remarks in an official setting.
I shot Riley Bechtel a glare, smirking slightly.
"I didn't anticipate you'd say that outright. If it's not to your liking, then get lost… Mr. Bechtel, can you take responsibility for that statement?"
"I genuinely don't understand what your complaint is. Our meeting here is sanctioned by the White House, solely to discuss Iraq reconstruction with you."
Riley Bechtel shrugged, glancing around the room.
"Charlie, no matter what you say, the fact remains that we here are leading the Iraq reconstruction. We're not just doing this because of our ties with the White House. Bechtel is a premier construction company in the world. No other construction firm can rival us. Even Halliburton, which although ranked lower, excels in oil extraction technology."
I agreed that both companies were exceptionally capable. In fact, under the current circumstances, it would be hard to find another firm that could outperform them.
When I fell silent, Riley Bechtel continued.
"I simply can't comprehend your overly negative response. The companies participating in this venture are not incompetent; we're merely taking advantage of a contracting opportunity. Moreover, it's not like we're planning to keep everything for ourselves and simply want to organize things for today. So why is this even considered a controversy? The media… Well, I don't want to waste any energy worrying about their ink wasting antics."
Riley Bechtel's seemingly naïve comments were laced with his distrust of the media.
To be fair, after running a business for a century, it's understandable that they might have had several run-ins with the media.
"I'm worried that this scandal might come back around to haunt me. That's not something I want."
"Hahaha!"
Riley Bechtel suddenly burst into laughter.
His chuckle prompted me to narrow my eyes as he sheepishly bowed his head to apologize.
"Oh, I'm sorry. You seem to be overestimating yourself. While Dream High may have a name that resonates in Wall Street, it's far less recognized in the industry. After all, you're just a bunch of money merchants. We've dealt with Wall Street folk more than a few times throughout our business endeavors. So please, don't worry. The blame will fall squarely on Bechtel and Halliburton."
Unlike many other American firms, Bechtel had a tradition of hereditary leadership.
The current chairman, Riley Bechtel, was a direct descendant of the founder.
Because of that, Bechtel preferred to operate as a private entity rather than a publicly traded one.
Such an arrangement surely helped them disregard societal scrutiny.
Even so, regardless of their nonchalance, that comment was hard to overlook.
That was a subtly condescending remark.
Perhaps for that reason, Han Gyeong-yeong, who had been quietly listening, raised his voice.
"Mr. Bechtel, it seems like you're looking down on Dream High too much. Money merchants, you say? Would you like to experience firsthand how frightening that can be?"
I didn't stop Han Gyeong-yeong from speaking. The pleasant façade he wore vanished as he delivered his cold words, and Bechtel's expression hardened.
"If we set our minds to it, we can funnel massive amounts of capital into your competitors. Not to mention lobby with huge sums just like you do at Bechtel. How about experiencing the taste of money merchants you scorn?"
Even with Han Gyeong-yeong's sharp response, Bechtel was left speechless.
This was because I had pointed out how lobbyists and bribes played a significant role in Bechtel's global contracting success.
At the same time, we were effectively threatening him by implying that we could do the same to Bechtel's competitors.
The stares between Riley Bechtel and Han Gyeong-yeong sparked an intense confrontation in the air.
"Alright, everyone seems a bit too worked up. There's no need for such accusations between us, is there?"
When the atmosphere heated up, George Shultz stepped in.
"Riley, you've gone a bit too far. Unlike you, Dream High has their own position."
Riley Bechtel nodded and retreated at George Shultz's words.
"Understood. I spoke out of turn."
"And Charlie, James, you both should ease up. No matter what you say, the fact remains that Bechtel is leading this project. So how about we save the petty disagreements and engage in constructive discussions?"
With George Shultz stepping up, there was no need for me to intervene further. I nodded slightly and gently grabbed Han Gyeong-yeong's arm.
Han Gyeong-yeong met my gaze, sighed deeply, and nodded.
Finally, I spoke up again.
"As long as you ensure that the fallout doesn't affect us, I'll have no issue with whatever Bechtel chooses to do."
"I promise. I won't allow any negative stories about Dream High to surface in the U.S. media."
The words I wanted to hear had surfaced. Satisfied, I nodded along to George Shultz's firm commitment.
Just then, Henry Kissinger interjected into the conversation.
"Shultz, don't be fooled by that young man's naïve face. Hidden within that youthful demeanor is a snake that has lived for a hundred years. Oh, was that too harsh? Let me rephrase that. Inside that young man is a politician more seasoned and savvy than I am. He would never engage in a deal that could result in his loss. So if you can't keep a promise, don't make one lightly."
In response, George Shultz smiled and picked up on Kissinger's thought.
"Kissinger, it looks like you're favoring that young entrepreneur. It's rare for you to sing anyone's praises like this."
"That young man is the one who led the recent North-South summit and six-party talks. He's the one who brought change to North Korea."
At that comment, George Shultz looked at me with newfound surprise.
Having served as secretary of state for seven years under the Reagan administration, he seemed to understand just how challenging it is to initiate change in North Korea.
Of course, he likely had some idea already… but hearing it from Kissinger directly must have held greater weight.
I shrugged slightly, indicating that Kissinger's compliments were an exaggeration.
"Dr. Kissinger, you're overstating things. I merely did what I could as a businessman. The rest falls within the political realm."
In response to my answer, Henry Kissinger laughed and replied to George Shultz.
"Just a show of bravado. Did you see? That young man always speaks like this. If you drop your guard, he might swipe your pocket change without you realizing. So make sure to avoid making promises you can't keep. Because if you fail to meet those, he might chase you into the depths of hell."
Henry Kissinger's warning made George Shultz finally adopt a serious demeanor.
Judging from his expression, it was clear he had issued a mere verbal promise in an effort to shift the atmosphere.
"Hmm…"
George Shultz murmured thoughtfully while stroking his chin.
To prevent him from easily slipping away, I decided to exert a bit of pressure.
"Don't think you can use us as cannon fodder and escape unscathed. If that happens, it would be real war. Besides, I'm also a major stakeholder in a sizable media outlet. I have enough influence to pull the strings."
Rupert Murdoch was better at handling gossip than any other media outlet.
Having received our vast investments, he ramped up his aggressive investment strategies.
As a result, his media empire fortified even further.
While he couldn't control the entire media landscape, he had enough influence to alter the prevailing narrative significantly.
If Bechtel intended to scapegoat us, we'd have no choice but to retaliate.
Suddenly, I wondered if the U.S. administration was too quick to accept the stake I offered, imagining us to be mere scapegoats.
The reactions of both Riley Bechtel and now George Shultz led me to that conclusion.
"A major stakeholder in a media outlet?"
After a long moment of contemplation, George Shultz asked, astonished.
The hook had been bitten. I smirked slightly, not hiding my delight, and candidly replied.
"I'm a major stakeholder in Rupert Murdoch's media group, News Corporation."
I heard someone let out a small sigh.
Everyone in the room undoubtedly knew of Rupert Murdoch's notorious reputation.
"News Corporation… you're a major stakeholder there?"
"The reason I mention this is that I believe you'll understand. If you keep your promises, we won't be the first to strike. But don't forget, I have the power to influence the U.S. media as well."
George Shultz's tense expression began to ease.
"Haha, Charlie. I can't tell what you're thinking. What reason would we have to expose Dream High to the media?"
"I don't believe that would be the case either. But let me warn you in advance. We must never attract attention in any way."
"Agreed."
George Shultz promised again. I nodded and met his gaze.
In this room, aside from Henry Kissinger, his voice held the most weight.
This declaration came from no one less than George Shultz. I figured I had applied enough pressure.
"Then I'll believe you."
"Good. Now let's start discussing what kind of deals we will pursue, Chairman Riley."
Upon being called by George Shultz, Chairman Riley Bechtel finally opened his mouth.
"What sort of business rights is Dream High interested in?"
"Will you hand over the rights to excavate the Iraqi oil fields if we ask for them?"
Responding to my words wasn't Riley Bechtel but Chairman Tim Burton of KBR.
"Charlie, let's stick to what can be done. The Iraqi oil fields belong to us at Halliburton."
I turned my head toward Tim Burton.
"And how exactly do they belong to Halliburton? Who's the owner of the Iraqi oil fields? No, the actual owner is the Iraqi government, Chairman Tim Burton."
"Are you trying to engage in a battle of words? It's only fair for the one who does the best oil business to take charge of it."
"In that case, I must acquire them. I own an oil company in Russia. That company indeed has superior technology than Halliburton."
"Hey!"
Truthfully, I wasn't genuinely interested in the Iraqi oil fields. It was more a lethal poison chalice than anything else.
However, to get what I wanted, a little trickery was necessary.
"There's no way the White House would allow a Russian oil company to control the oil facilities in Iraq."
"But didn't we just say that we could negotiate and share among ourselves? Riley Bechtel here mentioned that. So why bring the White House into this? Am I wrong, Chairman Bechtel?"
I redirected my arrows toward Riley Bechtel. He answered with a perplexed expression.
"…You're not wrong. The outcomes would indeed vary based on how negotiations play out here. The White House only signs off on what's determined here."
"Chairman Riley!"
At that moment, Tim Burton yelled. He seemed upset with Riley Bechtel for not siding with him.
Simultaneously, I confirmed the existence of a power struggle between the two companies through their reactions.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット