The Hurst family's mansion is not far from Simon's manor. Simon and Janet arrive at their destination in less than five minutes' drive.

It was also a manor of considerable size. As soon as the car stopped in front of a quaint villa, the waiter quickly stepped forward and opened the car door.

When Simon and his wife got off the car, they could already see the figures of people in the villa lobby.

However, except for the waiter outside the villa, no owner came forward to welcome the guests. The two looked at each other, and Janet came over with a smile and whispered: "Maybe it was intentional."

Simon saw that a guest car that had arrived had been led to the parking space by the waiter, and there were guests coming from behind, so he did not stay outside the door for long. He shrugged his shoulders slightly and walked directly into the villa with Janet.

The two stepped into the villa gate and looked around.

At this time, more than twenty guests gathered together to chat in groups of three or five, including faces that Simon knew, such as David Dingkins, the mayor of New York, who saw Simon and his wife appear at a glance.

Since the Hurst family is a die-hard Democratic supporter, it is not surprising that David Dingkins appears here.

Simon did not see the owner's figure. Seeing David Dingkins and the few people who had just chatted with him, he smiled and went up to meet him.

David Dingkins also came with his wife. The two greeted Simon and his wife, and introduced an old couple next to him and said, "Simon, this is Mr. John Gutfrend, chairman of Solomon Brothers, and his wife Lisa."

Solomon Brothers is a famous Wall Street investment bank that is as famous as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley in this era. To be precise, Solomon Brothers is stronger than Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.

Of course, this is only now.

Simon reached out and grabbed John Gutflund: "I'm glad to know you, John."

"Hello, Simon, I've long been looking forward to seeing you." John Gutflund also showed great enthusiasm, let go of Simon's hand, shook Janet again, and said, "Hello, Mrs. Westeros."

Janet shook hands with Gutflund and said with a smile: "Jeanie just call me."

After everyone introduced the greetings, David Dingkins looked around: "I remember William was still here just now."

John Gutflund seemed to have noticed this incident suddenly, and looked around, and said, "It seems that Tom Murphy has arrived, and they have gone next door."

Tom Murphy is chairman of the Metropolitan/ABC Group.

Simon was able to roughly guess what Hurst and Murphy were going to talk about, and said, "I'll just wait a moment. John, David, what are you talking about just now?"

David Dingkins did not continue the topic just now. The Hurst family could neglect the young super rich man. He didn't have the capital and said, "Oh, regarding the 'New World Order' plan that the president has been promoting recently, Simon, what do you think about this?"

Before Iraq invaded Kuwait at the end of July, the US ambassador to Baghdad personally promised Saddam that the United States would not interfere in the dispute between Iraq and Kuwait.

However, when Iraq successfully occupied Kuwait, the Bush administration immediately forgot its promise. Not only did it quickly launch the "Desert Shield" plan within a week of the outbreak of the Kuwait War, but it immediately began lobbying for his "New World Order" plan at the United Nations, calling on the United States and European countries to send troops to the Middle East to drive the Iraqi army out of Saudi Arabia and further destroy the Saddam regime in order to maintain the stability of the world oil market.

At this time, other guests in the hall found Simon and walked over. When they heard David Dingkins mention the war in the Middle East, they temporarily gave up the idea of ​​coming forward to greet Simon and listened to what the young man would say.

Cersei Capital has made extraordinary huge profits over the past six months by relying on the operation of the crude oil futures market. The guests on the scene naturally knew that some of them were investors of Cersei Capital. If Westeros could reveal some information with "gold content", they would definitely have made a good trip tonight.

Simon's eyes swept over everyone and said, "I think this war is probably inevitable."

Another guest in the crowd around couldn't help asking, "So, Simon, do you think the oil price will continue to rise?"

In recent times, the international crude oil price has reached nearly US$40 per barrel, basically reaching the highest point in Simon's memory.

"It should rise a little more, but I heard that the White House is planning to open up federal crude oil reserves to stabilize oil prices, and the plan may be finalized in the near future."

Simon's rhetoric is entirely news in recent newspapers, so someone retorted: "It is said that only 20 million barrels are. If calculated based on the federal daily crude oil consumption of millions of barrels, it will not be able to support it for a week."

"The key is to stabilize the situation," Simon shrugged and said, "and, I've not paid much attention to this matter lately."

Everyone continued to test a few more words, but they were all disappointed that they could not get any available information from Simon.

Simon does not have the vanity of showing off after being surrounded by people. Moreover, although he has only given a few short sentences, he has actually revealed some useful information, and the audience with a keen intuitive audience will definitely find two of them.

First, war is inevitable, second, Simon no longer pays attention to the crude oil futures market. Those who are interested can make arrangements based on the previous point. As for the second point, Simon no longer pays attention to this matter, which obviously proves that it is not feasible to continue speculating in the crude oil market.

In recent months, countless crude oil futures brokerage companies around the world, the securities departments of energy companies, and hedge funds that have been suppressed in the wrong direction before the war have closed down due to huge losses. Crude oil futures trading has dropped to a freezing point, and the market cannot become active again in the short term, so it is difficult to conduct large-scale hedging arbitrage.

However, perhaps even those who have discovered these two points will first consider the credibility of Simon's words, and then mix them with their own will.

Just like the previous crude oil futures market operation and the Japanese financial market operation further, there are quite a few people who can find out the operation methods of Cersei Capital, but no one has been able to obtain as rich profits as Cersei Capital. The fundamental reason is that too many people believe in their own judgment more and will not completely follow other people's operations.

Even if the other party has created a series of miracles, some people will always think that maybe a guy will fall a big shot this time.

Cersei Capital could initially establish long positions worth tens of billions of dollars when crude oil prices were still falling rapidly. Other hedge funds took into account the risks, even if they followed up, they would often reduce their holdings and leverage in order to avoid risks as much as possible. The results can be imagined.

Simon continued to chat with David Dingkins and others for a few minutes, and finally a middle-aged man with a fat and bald figure appeared. It was William Hurst III, the third-generation leader of the Hurst family.

When he came to Simon, William Hurst III looked at the young man in front of him and explained with an apology: "I'm so sorry, Simon, I was just talking to Tom."

Because of his slightly obese body shape and the smile on his face that makes people feel defensive, it is difficult for William Hurst III to give people the feeling of a heir to a century-old media family.

Simon also showed a sincere smile, shook hands with the other party, and said, "It's okay, Mr. Hurst."

William Hurst III continued to say hello to Janet, and introduced the 60s in a black suit next to him, saying, "Simon, and Jenny, this is Tom Murphy."

Simon and Janet greeted the chairman of the Metropolitan/ABC Group again.

After a greeting, William Hurst III smiled and asked everyone, "What are you talking about?"

So a group of people talked about the topic just now.

However, after a few chats, a waiter came over and said a few words in William Hurst III's ear. The middle-aged man said to everyone: "I'm so sorry, I need to leave, let's talk first."

The waiter did not deliberately lower his voice. In fact, everyone heard the other party whispering that Mr. Buffett was here.

Seeing William Hurst III and Tom Murphy greeting each other, many people's eyes subconsciously fell on Simon.

It would be barely reasonable if Hurst III had just appeared after a few minutes, but the unconcealed differential treatment is not even described as rude. The master was so negligent that Simon would not be an exaggeration to leave immediately.

Perhaps because of his two lives, Simon discovered that he had some emotional deficiencies and was very indifferent to many things. Moreover, this indifference seemed to be becoming more and more serious as his wealth and status continued to accumulate.

Although he knew that he should be angry at this time, William Hurst III's slouch just now really failed to cause much negative emotions in Simon's heart. He was just a little curious. Since the Hurst family invited him tonight, he should have had the intention of making friends with him and should not be so rude.

Or, William Hurst III did not think it was a rude.

For a super media family that even the US president dares to provoke easily, the Hurst family does have this kind of arrogance.

In just a moment, William Hurst III and Tom Murphy returned again, and there was also an old man with medium figure and messy hair, Warren Buffett, the head of Berkshire Hathaway.

Seeing the three of them walking towards him while laughing, Simon also took the initiative to step forward.

Before Simon could speak, Janet beside him said this time: "Hey, Warren, do you still remember me?"

Janet's sudden speech surprised Simon, Hurst III and Murphy. Hurst III, who was originally smiling, frowned without any notice.

Simon was puzzled for a moment, and soon remembered some of the past events that Katherine had occasionally said about Janet a few years ago. Women seemed to be very powerful when they were studying at Columbia University.

Warren Buffett looked at Janet carefully and smiled, "I remember you are the little girl from Columbia University."

Janet leaned his head and pressed it on Simon's shoulder, saying, "I am Mrs. Westeros now. Look at my man, Warren. Do you still think your investment theory is not Grandet to save gold coins?"

"Hello, Simon," Buffett stepped forward and shook hands with Simon, and continued to say to Janet: "I really didn't expect you to marry Westeros. However, according to my observations in recent years, Simon's rise can only be described as miracles. I don't think I can create miracles, so I'd better save gold coins slowly."

William Hurst III said at this time: "Warren, do you know me?"

Warren Buffy said with a funny tone, "Yes, Mrs. Westeros, I gave a speech at Columbia University, but she made it hard for me."

"Oh, this is a coincidence."

Let's talk a few jokes. Buffett and Murphy probably have something to talk about and take the initiative to go elsewhere.

William Hurst III was free and seemed to finally remember it and said to Simon: "By the way, Simon, I will introduce some guests to you."

Simon naturally agreed.

The Hurst family has accumulated a century of heritage and showed it to the fullest in a small party. Those who appeared in this villa tonight were basically famous big shots from all walks of life in American politics and business. During the social event, guests kept coming.

Finally, he chatted with a Congressman who is said to be interested in restricting foreign investors from acquiring American companies. Simon and Hurst III went aside, and Janet had just taken the initiative to avoid it.

"Merroth will join hands with several other members of parliament to submit his own bill next month. We really cannot allow the Japanese to continue to acquire assets in our country. It just so happens that this should help you acquire MCA. Panasonic is worried that the acquisition case may be rejected by the Ministry of Justice, and it will definitely not be able to compete with you."

"I hope so."

Hurst III directly determined that Simon was interested in acquiring the MCA, but he did not deny it. However, Simon did not show much interest in the proposal of the MP just now.

The United States has been calling for Japanese companies to acquire American companies in recent years, but with the degree of openness of the US capital market, Simon does not think such a bill can be introduced, and there are indeed no relevant bills in memory. Hollywood belongs to the entertainment industry, and the Department of Justice cannot exercise its veto power using excuses such as "national security".

Seeing that Simon was not enthusiastic about this, William Hurst III turned to the topic: "About ESPN's 20% equity, Simon, Metropolitan/ABC and Hurst Group were originally very good partners. We both hold shares with each other and can play a better complementary role. Moreover, you should know that Metropolitan/ABC not only has a veto power over the buyers of this equity, but even if you buy it, you will not get any say, so I hope you can withdraw. Well... maybe we can have other opportunities for cooperation in the future."

Although he had already planned to give up the 20% ESPN shares, and hearing that Hurst III wanted to withdraw from the competition just by just a short check, Simon was no longer polite and said, "Actually, William, there is a good opportunity for cooperation now."

William Hurst III paused, then showed an interesting expression: "Tell me."

"I started an Internet company in Silicon Valley that provides internet information services, maybe you have heard of it, called Egret. It just so happens that the San Francisco Chronicle is also in San Francisco. I hope Egret can get some news content from the San Francisco Chronicle."

William Hurst III showed a clear hesitation expression on his face.

The San Francisco Chronicle is a very important newspaper under the Hurst Group. Its status on the West Coast is second only to the Los Angeles Times and can bring tens of millions of dollars in profits to the Hurst Group every year. Moreover, the competition between American print media platforms is largely a competition for scoops. Sharing the news content of the San Francisco Chronicle with Egret, if it were other times, William Hurst III would definitely refuse immediately.

However, William Hurst III also understood at this time that this was probably the bargaining chip proposed by Westeros to withdraw from ESPN's equity competition.

Thinking of the discussion with Tom Murphy at the beginning of the party and in contact with Simon's request at this time, William Hurst III couldn't help but feel more dissatisfied with the young man in front of him.

Speaking of which, Hurst Group learned earlier than Simon that Reynolds Nabeske was about to sell ESPN shares, but before he could make the final decision, Westeroske communicated with Metropolitan/ABC and Reynolds Nabeske about these shares.

The senior executives of Hurst Group originally believed that if they want to buy this equity in the absence of other competitors, they could probably push the price to less than US$170 million. After all, not many investors would be interested in 20% of the shares that completely lacked the right to speak.

However, because of Westeros' sudden entry, the current offer is less than US$200 million, Reynoldsnabeske is not willing to sell it at all.

The reason why Hurst Group wanted to buy this batch of equity was mainly to obtain a tax exemption agreement after selling part of the group's cable TV assets in the first half of the year. The agreement stipulates that Hurst Group can exempt another cable TV asset of the same type within one year from the income tax due to the previous asset sale.

The 20% share price of ESPN TV rose from the estimated $170 million to $200 million, which completely offset the tax exemption amount of less than $20 million in tax relief agreement, which is why Hurst III could not help but leave Simon out after he arrived today.

Now, the young man actually offered another bargaining chip to get him out of the competition.

After thinking for a while, William Hurst III did not refuse directly. If Westeros cannot withdraw from the transaction as soon as possible and continue to entangle, the news came out that the price of the 20% share would only be hyped up to a higher level: "Simon, I need to think about this matter carefully."

Simon raised the red wine in his hand to Hurst III and said, "Of course it's okay, William, I happen to be in New York for a few days, and I'm looking forward to hearing good news from you."
Chapter completed!