As Chen Hongtao's private plane landed at Washington Dulles International Airport, nine years later, Chen Hongtao once again set foot on the fertile land of capital prosperity in the United States.
This time when he left Hong Kong and came to Washington, the United States, Chen Hongtao seemed quite low-key. As soon as he got off the plane, a small motorcade waiting for Pearl Holdings took Chen Hongtao to the Federal Reserve Headquarters.
Before Chen Hongtao arrived, the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington, D.C., was already busy. Many members of the Federal Reserve Management Committee were already waiting outside the headquarters building.
After receiving the notice that the motorcade was about to arrive, Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan had the door open early in order to welcome the motorcade to the door of the Federal Reserve.
As the helmsman of the U.S. economy, Greenspan has been re-elected for three consecutive terms. Since the first term of President Reagan, he has been promoted and appointed chairman of the Federal Reserve. It is not an exaggeration to say that he grew up with Pearl Holdings.
Because he was fighting against the capital market and riding the waves at the same time, Greenspan knew a lot about Pearl Holdings and Chen Hongtao.
This is not the first time Greenspan has met with Chen Hongtao. As early as when Greenspan, known as the U.S. economic barometer, took office, he met with Chen Hongtao, the boss of Pearl Holdings.
After Pearl Holdings became a shareholder of the Federal Reserve, Greenspan even accepted a mansion on Campelos Island donated by Chen Hongtao, and he often appeared on Campelos Island.
"Chairman, the operating information of the Federal Reserve over the years has been prepared, and other Federal Reserve shareholders will arrive soon." A young secretary approached the seventy-year-old man and said cautiously.
"Today's shareholders' meeting is very important, and nothing can go wrong." Greenspan reminded in a deep voice, seemingly sensing the confusion in the young secretary's eyes.
Although the young secretary nodded solemnly and left, he still seemed a little surprised.
As the helmsman of the U.S. economy, some people joked that as soon as Greenspan opens his mouth, investors around the world will prick up their ears, and if he sneezes, many capital markets will suffer from cold flu.
Terrence has been with Greenspan for two years. But this was the first time I saw the old man being so solemn.
¡° Seeing luxury cars driving into the gate of the Federal Reserve Headquarters, many members of the Management Committee became commotion and stepped forward to greet several Federal Reserve shareholders.
At this time, if you are a person without identity. It's impossible to get forward at all. I can only glance at a few representatives of big families from a distance.
The shareholders who came to the Federal Reserve headquarters include Lambert from the Hill family, Miranda from the Harriman family, and Osborne from the Baker family. Even Ives from the Warburg family, Byron from the Morgan family, Winnie from the Rockefeller family, and Nicole from the Rothschild family who were still in Hong Kong are arriving one after another.
A group of people were laughing and chatting outside the Federal Reserve headquarters. There was no rush to enter. It was not until the small car pair from Mingzhu Holdings arrived that everyone greeted them in an orderly manner.
Seeing Chen Hongtao get out of the car, Nicole couldn't help but smile at Winnie with a hint of ridicule.
"Chen, welcome to the United States." Byron stepped forward first, hugged Chen Hongtao in a funny way, and laughed in a low voice.
I felt the strength of Chen Hongtao¡¯s arms, like a bear hug. Byron soon grinned with joy and sorrow.
After letting Byron go with a smile on his face, Chen Hongtao looked at Lambert, Miranda and others.
"Compared to nine years ago, Lambert, the middle-aged man of the Hill family, is now showing his age, and even the woman Miranda is the same.
Among the representatives of the Federal Reserve shareholders. Osborne of the Baker family is the oldest, and the remaining representatives of the big families are mostly of the same generation as Chen Hongtao.
"I didn't expect Mr. Chen to come to Washington so soon. I have already arranged a conference room for everyone to talk inside." Greenspan stepped forward with a smile and said.
Chen Hongtao nodded calmly. He didn¡¯t stand in front of the Federal Reserve¡¯s headquarters to chat too much, and was quickly led in by the reception staff.
Compared with the hustle and bustle of the stock exchange, the Federal Reserve headquarters has a quiet office atmosphere, and the tall building makes people feel very open.
Arriving at the conference room on the second floor, Chen Hongtao sat in a side seat with a hint of relaxation in his expression.
Although the meeting seemed informal, after all the shareholders took their seats, they left the chair of the conference table to Federal Reserve Chairman Greenspan.
After looking through the operating data of the Federal Reserve in recent years, Chen Hongtao lit a cigar and said with a smile: "Although the functions of the Federal Reserve have improved in recent years, the growth of equity income does not seem to be ideal!"
"Relatively speaking, it is already very good. The assets of the Federal ReserveThe scale has always shown a trend of enlargement. Compared with investment income, we pay more attention to the influence of the Federal Reserve on the world economy. "Winnie retorted to Chen Hongtao when Greenspan was a little embarrassed.
"Speaking of influence, Chairman Greenspan has only been supporting it in these years. With the development of the world economy, the Federal Reserve will also encounter various competitions. The future situation is really worrying." Chen Hongtao said flatly. Bian Zui smiled.
"The Federal Reserve has always been responsible for fulfilling the responsibilities of the U.S. central bank, formulating and implementing relevant monetary policies, supervising banking institutions, protecting consumers' legitimate credit rights, and maintaining the stability of the financial system. Strictly speaking, it does not only focus on profits. An institution of a certain nature." Ives from the Warburg family smiled politely at Chen Hongtao.
Seeing that Ives' previous arrogance had been reduced a lot, Chen Hongtao grinned: "If you don't pay attention to interests, you will lose your competitiveness sooner or later. In recent years, the Federal Reserve has been too biased towards the U.S. economy in fulfilling its duties as the U.S. central bank. Once the U.S. economy emerges, If there is a problem, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy are likely to enter a vicious cycle of dragging each other down, and I think we need to strengthen this risk prevention awareness."
Hearing what Chen Hongtao said, not only the representatives of the Fed¡¯s shareholders, but also Greenspan looked thoughtful.
"Controlling the right to issue currency is the key. I think promoting European and American currency integration is in line with the general trend of interests. If Pearl Century Bank can merge with the Federal Reserve, a new era can be created." Nicole smiled at everyone in time.
Sensing the ambitions of some people, Chen Hongtao smiled slightly: "The trade barriers between Europe and the United States cannot be broken down so easily. The current world capital political landscape is in pretty good shape. If you take risks and try to advance, you may lose more than you gain. If you try to start a delusion, The era of innovation does not happen overnight. It is already quite difficult for Century Bank to promote European monetary integration and issue euros. I don't think your ambition can succeed."
"Of course you won't succeed if you don't try. The current world capital opportunities are not just European and American currency integration. The Asian financial turmoil is so fierce now. If we find a suitable carrier to issue Asian dollars, we will gradually master the Asian economy. Political order is not impossible. There have been examples of the successful landing of the euro before. As long as we can operate actively. Connecting the trade economies of Asian countries that have been hit by the financial crisis can slowly have the effect of assimilating the currencies of various countries. Singapore It¡¯s a good entry point.¡± Nicole smiled playfully at Chen Hongtao.
"I think you just want to forcefully break through the economic blockade of some Asian countries. The economic openness of many Asian developing countries is not high, and they will not agree with the issuance of the Asian dollar at all. A small country like Singapore, in Asia's political economy How much importance can it occupy in order?" Chen Hongtao sneered, completely disagreeing with Nicole's idea.
"As long as most Asian countries can be connected together, a few countries that do not agree with the issuance of the Asian dollar will gradually be economically isolated and subject to the trade checks and balances of monetary integration. They will ultimately have no choice but to obey the general trend, not just Singapore. , even India and Russia can be regarded as the breeding ground for monetary integration. We have the ability to forcefully promote this matter. The capital political situation in Russia is still not optimistic. You should still have a big hand in Russia. If Pearl Century Bank and the Federal Reserve can actively coordinate, the issuance of Asian dollars will be unstoppable." Nicole looked at Chen Hongtao with some expectation.
"I object. This kind of thing cannot be done forcefully. I think what you are considering is not simply a capital change, but the use of currency wars to serve as a stepping stone for political tendencies and situations. This will only increase the pressure on investors. Risks and uncertainties." Chen Hongtao opened his eyelids slightly and rejected Nicole's proposal without hesitation.
"Whether it is the Federal Reserve or Century Bank, foreign financial services need to be strengthened. Now many developing countries have shown great economic growth. This piece of cake is not a big one and should be included. Looking further ahead, my idea is also for the benefit of most investors." Nicole was a little annoyed that Chen Hongtao was obstructing her, and she argued with reason.
Seeing the friction between Chen Hongtao and Nicole, the capital bosses in the conference room did not speak, as if to prevent the situation from getting out of control, they did not dare to express their opinions easily.
"Your so-called interests are simply baseless wishful thinking, and the obstacles are countless. This is not the inherent operating trend of the Asian economy, but a provocation. If you really did it, you would not be in Japan back then. When a tragedy occurs, the more incompetent a person is, the more willing he is to take advantage of it. If you like taking risks, just go it alone and don't drag others with you." Chen Hongtao said to Nicole in a serious voice without any politeness.
"You" Nicole was touched by Chen Hongtao's painful remarks. Her pretty face turned red and she stood up angrily, about to start a fight with him.Come.
"Haha~~~ It's rare for Chen to come here once. Didn't he say before that we all have a good time together?" Seeing Winnie holding Nicole down, Byron laughed.
"He is completely harming others and not benefiting himself. I can never stand this kind of behavior that uses people to make money. If it weren't for him, we would have gained greater benefits in Hong Kong" Nicole lost control and glared at Chen Hongtao.
Facing Nicole's challenge, Chen Hongtao's eyes widened sharply, and his voice sounded like a roar: "Damn it, don't be so shameless. If it weren't for the fact that we had a good relationship in the past, you still want to be with me." Are you presumptuous in front of me? Would you believe it if I soaked you in shit and ate it?"
Seeing Chen Hongtao's big mouth, which looked like a wild beast about to eat people, Nicole couldn't help but feel nervous. She was shocked by his rude and violent behavior. She opened her red lips and suppressed the angry words when they reached her lips. He looked aggrieved.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the conference room seemed extremely depressing. Greenspan had never seen Chen Hongtao turn his face, and he didn't know how to deal with it.
Although there were some problems in the relationship between Winnie and Chen Hongtao, at this time, she did not help Nicole and just gave Chen Hongtao a vague look.
"Giggle~~~ We have something to discuss. It's no wonder that Chen is resistant to Yayuan's ideas. In fact, the reason is the lack of communication between us." Miranda, the Harriman family's wife, smiled and acted like a peacemaker.
"It doesn't matter if we put aside the Asian dollar issue for now. As Chen said, it is indeed difficult to promote Asian currency integration, but Chen also has to come over and attend the shareholders' meeting. I'm afraid the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Oil Reserve You are the only shareholder who has not shown up for nine years." Mrs. Cindy of the Stillman family of Citigroup said with a smile.
"For an idle person like me who has faded out of the capital market, even if I come here every day, I can't solve any problems. I can just follow everyone and collect money easily." Chen Hongtao smiled apologetically at Nicole and gave her a step down.
"I would rather an irritable guy like you never appears. You are just an unreasonable bull. A hater." Nicole gave Chen Hongtao a hard look, but later revealed a delicate smile.
"Real masters always keep quiet and will hurt others when they speak, just because they are afraid that you won't be able to withstand it. I won't show my face." Chen Hongtao said with a hateful smile on his face, smoking a cigar.
"Let's not talk about Hong Kong for now. You won't interfere in the affairs of South Korea, Japan, and Russia anymore, right? If you are causing trouble, then I will really go crazy!" Byron begged.
"Such a big financial crisis is really eye-catching. You are all fat and oily now. In just a few years, you are about to divide the equity of Pearl Century Bank, and you are not satisfied yet. "Chen Hongtao expressed disdain for Byron's wailing.
"The real estate of Mingzhu Holdings is a well-known high-quality asset. I heard that Mingzhu Technology Group's shares are also being sold. Is this true?" Ives, a member of the Warburg family, asked with a smile.
"Aves. I even wonder if you are staring at me every day. If you don't want to work in the capital market, being a spy will suit you very well!" Chen Hongtao leaned back comfortably on his chair and joked with a smile.
¡°I learned this from you, and rush to where there is benefit.¡± Avis smiled wretchedly. The look he looked at Chen Hongtao showed a little expectation.
Feeling the attention of everyone, Chen Hongtao took a puff of his cigar: "Many senior executives of holding companies have retired in recent years, while technology groups have grown bigger and bigger. If they want to maintain rapid growth, managers really don't have the energy. Take advantage of this It would be an ideal choice to sell it when the situation is good, but you'd better not make decisions about me in this matter. If you are interested in the technology group, it would be better to talk to Xu Chunjiao and Lu Sha."
"On the surface, it's troublesome, but actually you want to make Xu Chunjiao and the others open their mouths, right?" Nicole rolled her eyes at Chen Hongtao and said.
"Technology Group definitely has this value. All the assets sold by our Pearl Holdings have good growth potential." Chen Hongtao said with an innocent smile.
¡°For a guy like you who hides behind the scenes and conspires, it¡¯s quite new to propose convening a shareholders¡¯ meeting. It¡¯s not as simple as reminiscing about old times when you bring us here this time, right?¡± Winnie asked Chen Hongtao with a smile.
"It's really not easy to be a shareholder. If I show up, you will say that I am blocking and causing sabotage. If I don't show up, you will maliciously speculate that I am involved in a conspiracy. This is obviously a naked suppression and exclusion of me." Chen Hongtao said with a serious smile.
"If I have a choice, I still hope that you can show up often so that we can communicate better about anything. It's not just about the Federal Reserve. The U.S. Oil Reserve and Pearl Century Bank have made great progress in recent years. Many things Everyone needs to achieve itOnly through concerted efforts can progress be made, especially when it comes to the operation of Century Bank, and you, as the major shareholder, need to take a stand. "Osborne, the elder of the Baker family, said with a somewhat profound smile.
"With the dispersion of Century Bank's equity over the years, we at Pearl Holdings have gradually let go of the operating rights of Century Bank. The results are pretty good. Those who can do more work, and I can just hide and relax." Chen Hongtao said with a smile.
Byron also lit a cigarette: "If you don't care about things, at least send a representative, right? At every shareholder meeting, people from your Pearl Holdings are either absent or don't speak when they arrive. It's really frustrating!"
Chen Hongtao took a bite of the big apple and said with a lazy look on his face: "The key is that there is no suitable heir yet. The younger generation of the Chen family is still too young now. In another ten or eight years, when those little guys grow up, let them come over. Practice and practice, I will probably annoy you when the time comes, young people nowadays are very aggressive, and they are not as easy to talk to as I am."
"Seriously, this is not a place for children to fool around. It's unbearable just to have a crooked guy like you." Ives complained with a smile.
"Before you went to the Stock Exchange, you didn't bring your nephew with you, but you had the nerve to say to me, although I haven't completely retired yet, but time flies so fast, we will all be replaced sooner or later." Chen Hongtao smiled. He spoke.
Byron smiled and glanced at Old Osborne: "The new generation of heirs of your Chen family is still far away. I guess the Baker family will take a step forward soon."
Osborne, who is in his seventies, smiled calmly and said with a strong body: "Indeed, it's time for old guys like us to retire and enjoy ourselves. In another year or two, I will not attend the shareholders' meeting, so as not to be criticized by you." What a joke, when the time comes, I will hand over the affairs of the Federal Reserve to the younger generation of the Baker family."