America 1919

After exchanging pleasantries in Andrew Mellon's office, Donnie Block knew the reason why Andrew Mellon had invited him there.

Besides being the Secretary of the United States Treasury, Andrew Mellon was also the actual controller of Mellon Bank.

In other words, he was one of the largest capitalists in the United States.

As a capitalist, naturally, he sought to make a profit!

So, the two things Andrew Mellon wanted to ask of Donnie this time were, first, to raise the old idea again, hoping to be in charge of Atlantic City Broadcast's IPO.

"Donnie, we've already caught wind of it; you plan to move Atlantic City Broadcast to New York, and I must say this decision is absolutely correct. As the largest broadcasting company in America, I believe that as soon as you let the news out that Atlantic City Broadcast intends to go public, there will surely be a capital frenzy," Andrew Mellon said.

Facing Andrew Mellon's flattery, Donnie did not lose himself, and he also understood that now was not the best time for an IPO.

"Andrew, I have already said this, now is not a good time to go public. And, as you know, General Electric is another shareholder in Atlantic City Broadcast. If Atlantic City Broadcast were to go public, Morgan would definitely take action," Donnie said.

Andrew Mellon insisted, "No, Donnie, in my opinion, now is the perfect time to go public. The U.S. economy is soaring, and looking at this trend, the stock market will continue to rise for the next few years!

As for Morgan, I think you don't need to worry about them. As long as the two of us join forces, even Morgan would be powerless!"

Donnie knew that with Andrew Mellon officially taking the seat of the Secretary of the United States Treasury, the greed within him had also begun to burst forth.

Morgan was incomparably strong in America, but they were not unchallengeable!

Andrew Mellon must be very eager to have Mellon stand shoulder to shoulder with Morgan under his leadership, or even surpass Morgan.

An IPO for Atlantic City Broadcast was one of the ways to enhance their own strength!

Donnie knew his own company was still weak and didn't want to get involved in the vortex of these two behemoths; he might end up not gaining any benefit and instead be torn apart by the current!

"I believe that, but Andrew, as you know, my private bootlegging business is doing very well and the cash flow is quite abundant. There really is no need for an IPO now!" Donnie mentioned.

Hearing Donnie say this, Andrew Mellon felt helpless.

Donnie's cash flow was something that even Andrew Mellon was envious of, especially the cash flow from Donnie's bootlegging business, which he had never imagined would be so exaggerated.

"Donnie, that's a different concept. Now, Atlantic City Broadcast is no longer a company you own alone. With General Electric's investment, all the financial transactions need to be self-sufficient. Before, you secured the broadcasting rights for the match between Jack Dempsey and George Caponti, and the exclusive broadcasting rights for the college football league. These revenues have to go through the company's account.

I may not be aware of the specific accounts of Atlantic City Broadcast, but I think with the upcoming development, especially the maintenance of the various signal transmission stations about to start, and the needs of Atlantic City Broadcast's own growth, the finances can't be too healthy!" Andrew Mellon continued to persuade Donnie.

Donnie had to admire Andrew Mellon's analysis; indeed, after General Electric had joined in, Donnie could not continue to fund Atlantic City Broadcast without restraint.

This indeed affected the financial situation of Atlantic City Broadcast to a certain extent.

"That's not a problem. When General Electric invested, an agreement was already made with us. They have no rights to intervene in company management. If a financial problem really arises, Starry Entertainment can also inject capital into Atlantic City Broadcast. Then, if General Electric is unwilling to undertake an investment equal to their shareholding, their shares will be diluted!" Donnie explained.

Andrew Mellon sighed helplessly, "Why would you do that? Now is clearly the best time to go public. Why do you want to keep investing your own money?

Such behavior is very bad business practice!"

Donnie laughed it off, "But currently, Atlantic City is chased by various capitals, and that actually proves that its development direction is correct!"

Seeing Donnie's attitude, Andrew Mellon realized that Donnie did not plan to take Atlantic City Broadcast public anytime soon; he could only give up and move on to the second issue.

Beyond being the owner of Mellon Bank, Andrew Mellon was also the behind-the-scenes boss of Gulf Oil in America.

Therefore, he was naturally very clear about the affairs of the oil field.

So, after Donnie arrived in Washington, Andrew Mellon had already learned about the agreement between Donnie and Albert Furr.

"Harry Sinclair and Edward Doheny are fools. This issue will be reported sooner or later. When that happens, they will undoubtedly be affected in some way, but you Donnie, although only having acquired the drilling rights to the small oil wells near those oil fields, will avoid future trouble. In this affair, I am certain that the biggest beneficiary will surely be you, Donnie!" Andrew Mellon declared outright.

Donnie also responded frankly, "Actually, at the very beginning, I had hoped to obtain one of the big three oil fields, but later, when that was no longer possible, I had no choice but to settle for the smaller oil wells nearby."

Andrew Mellon said, "Donnie, regarding the IPO of Atlantic City Broadcast, maybe you still don't trust Mellon's strength, but with this matter, no one is more suitable to partner with you than us!"

When the small oil wells in Donnie's hands no longer had subsequent impacts, real oil magnates like Andrew Mellon also began to get interested.

Andrew Mellon thought the same as Donnie—the small oil wells might look mediocre individually, but when so many of them were united, their output became quite considerable!

No matter which oil company could win this business, its own influence would surely swell!

Donnie neither rejected nor accepted Andrew Mellon's proposal.

"Andrew, I've already settled all matters now. If you join now, wouldn't it seem like you're just snatching the fruit at the last minute?"

In fact, having Gulf Oil join wouldn't be a bad thing for Donnie. Donnie had no experience in the oil sector, and Gulf Oil's participation could make up for his shortcomings in this area.

Moreover, oil extraction and refining required technology and equipment. The owners of the small oil wells definitely lacked proper expertise in this area, and Donnie needed both Gulf Oil's experience and, of course, Mellon Bank's funding.

Andrew Mellon calmly said, "Donnie, you don't think those people will just sit back and watch you eat into their profits, do you?

I don't doubt your ability to take over those small oil wells, but what about after you take them? I can assure you, those people will do everything they can to obstruct your drilling!" Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Donnie laughed and said, "You don't need to worry about that, Andrew. Have you forgotten where I come from? I come from Atlantic City, and Atlantic City never lacks weapons and fighters!"

Andrew Mellon looked at Donnie with some surprise. He believed Donnie could foresee this situation but didn't expect Donnie to have a solution so quickly.

"Now I remember. Last night, you brought along Marshall from the Army Staff to our gathering. Are you saying you've already gotten what you want from Pan Xing?"

At this point, Andrew Mellon knew he had to take Donnie Block more seriously!

A man with good relations with the White House and collaboration with the Army, even if he hadn't reached the top tier of the American authority ladder, was still not to be underestimated.

Most importantly, there was Donnie's age!

At such a young age, to have achieved so much—if he were allowed to continue developing, Donnie Block's name would definitely exist in the future United States.

"So, Andrew, if you want to join in at this time, unless you have a proposal that can truly excite me, I won't agree!"

Donnie leisurely watched Andrew Mellon!

"Haha!" Andrew Mellon laughed heartily, aware that Donnie wasn't objecting to him joining but needed him to propose a condition that would satisfy Donnie.

"Since you've already secured safety, you'll certainly need a qualified partner in terms of technology. Gulf Oil can provide you with brand new equipment and the best refining technology.

Of course, knowing your character, Donnie, I am willing to forego the future managerial rights of the oil company. However, if the oil company goes public or, under your management, suffers losses beyond estimation, then we will have to operate everything in accordance with business rules!"

Donnie stood up, extended his hand with a smile, and said, "Welcome, Andrew, to joining Red Sea Oil. Our collaboration will be even closer in the future!"

Andrew Mellon, who had been laughing moments ago, was now a bit stunned. He had thought that joining Donnie's oil venture would require multiple negotiations for success, just like last time.

But unexpectedly, it went so smoothly this time.

However, since the matter had reached his expectations, Andrew Mellon, even if somewhat perplexed, still extended his hand with a smile, "I didn't expect our cooperation to go this smoothly this time, Donnie!"

Donnie laughed heartily and said, "It's not as smooth as you think, Andrew. Now that you're our partner, I hope you can handle those Oil Company people for us!"

One could imagine that if Donnie handled it personally, an inevitable verbal battle would ensue with those people. But with Andrew Mellon stepping in, it would be different.

As the Secretary of the United States Treasury and the leader of the Mellon Consortium, his influence was such that, even in the entire United States, there were few who could match Andrew Mellon's status.

It was believed that even people like Harry Sinclair and Eduardo Doheny, backed by Albert Furr, would act properly in the face of Andrew Mellon!

Then, in Andrew Mellon's office, Donnie used his telephone directly to call Albert Furr, informing him about the cooperation with Andrew Mellon and that all subsequent negotiations with the oil tycoons would also be handed over to Andrew Mellon.

After receiving Donnie's call, Albert Furr sighed again, realizing that it seemed possible to find Donnie's friends in any field.

But no matter what he thought internally, the matter was indeed settled like that.

Donnie was also ready to return to Atlantic City!