Manhattan Reborn 1978

a new day.

The morning sun was shrouded by a group of dark clouds, making the sky a little dark.

David was lying on the bed, holding Susan in his arms, telling interesting stories about learning to ride a motorcycle at Livlin Villa last night.

"I originally thought that riding a motorcycle was no different from riding a bicycle. It should be very simple..."

"As a result, after I rode on it, I realized that they are two different things!"

"Motorcycles also need to be driven just like driving. You need to press the clutch and shift gears according to the speed of the vehicle and your own needs."

"So, the few laps I rode on, I was completely in a hurry..."

Susan raised her head and said with a smile: "Then what? Did you fall?"

"..of course not!"

"That guy Leslie can only yell and yell, he doesn't know how to teach people to ride a motorcycle..."

"He was following me, and I couldn't even successfully shift from first to second gear several times..."

"It's better to let me practice slowly by myself!"

"What happened next? Did you learn it?"

"That's right..."

"Where's the car? You came back on a motorcycle last night?"

"..How can it be!?"

"We don't have a safe place here to arrange it..."

"Livlin will arrange for someone to send the motorcycle to the Wildfire Bar~"

"Oh.."

Susan rolled her eyes and whispered with a smile.

"I can also ride a motorcycle, otherwise... you can lend it to me for a few days?"

David pouted and asked curiously: "You know it? Why haven't I heard you mention it?"

"Hahaha~ There are still many things you don't know!"

".Okay ~ pay attention to safety! ok!?"

"Mmmmm~"

Susan used her fingers to draw small circles on David's chest, and said in a light voice: "You...it's time to exercise!"

"Hahaha~ Come on! Let's do morning exercises!"

. . .

After half an hour.

In the bathroom, David was brushing his teeth when he heard the phone ringing.

He quickly finished washing up, wiped his mouth with a towel a few times, sat on the sofa, and answered the phone.

"Hello~"

"Morning, David!"

"Yes... Otis?"

"Didn't bother you?"

"No, is something wrong?"

"Well... pay attention to the TV news today. The president is going to give a televised speech in Washington!"

David leaned back a little and asked curiously: "What is he going to say?"

"Of course I want to explain the fourth shutdown of relevant government departments during his term."

"Wow~ He's only been president for a few years, and he's already shutting down for the fourth time?"

"Haha~ Do you have any plans today?"

"Not yet. Come to Stanley and let's watch the president's speech together?"

"Okay ~ let's talk after we meet!"

"ok~"

After putting down the phone, David rubbed his chin with his hand. After thinking for a while, he shook his head.

His memory of these historical details of the U.S. government shutdown is very limited, and he can only think about it in vain. He can only watch TV speeches at that time. .

----

Manhattan, 53rd Street.

A police car stopped in front of an independent apartment building. Two police officers got out of the car and questioned the caller who was standing on the street.

After a few minutes.

The two policemen looked at each other. The older policeman decisively turned back to the car, picked up the intercom, and started calling.

----

Manhattan, 59th Street, Plaza Hotel.

Matthews, the interim head of the New York Police Department, walked to a car with a breakfast in his hand and knocked on the glass.

In the car.

New York FBI director Harold Stone opened the car door with red eyes, took the breakfast handed by Matthews, and complained helplessly.

"These bastard bastards!"

"We talked until midnight last night before the meeting ended..."

Matthews leaned on the car, lit a cigarette for himself, folded his hands on his chest, and said with a smile: "What happened next? Didn't you go back and take a nap?"

"Slept... less than five hours ago!"

"Wow~ Man, if you work like this, the government won't give you any compensation..."

"Work is of course very important, body..."

"Okay~ After I finish eating, you can help me stare at it for a while while I catch up on my sleep."

"...Okay~"

Matthews shrugged indifferently and watched Harold Stone wolfing down his food in silence. .

After a few minutes.

In the distance, a plainclothes man trotted up to Matthews and whispered bad news in his ear. .

"fxxx!"

"Man, you can only watch this by yourself!"

Mr. Stone swallowed the food in his mouth and shouted to Matthews who turned around and left quickly: "What's wrong?"

Matthews didn't answer, just made a gesture.

Mr. Stone looked at that gesture and suddenly felt breakfast in his mouth. .No longer fragrant~

He threw the food bag aside, and the anger in his chest kept rushing to his head: "This is fucked..."

----

Wall Street.

Morgan Stanley.

When David walked into the conference room on the fourth floor, Otis Parker was already waiting for him.

"Hey~ Otis, am I late?"

"Haha~ You are the boss, how can you say you are late?"

David put down his bag, took out his notebook from it with a smile, and shrugged: "You suddenly started talking like this, why do I still feel a little uncomfortable?"

"Hahaha~" Mr. Parker shook his head and laughed.

David organized his notebook, turned on the TV, and asked which channel it was. After dialing it, he sat down and asked.

"I remember the government shutdown... it only happened last year, right?"

"No, it was the year before last, 1976!"

"Starting from 76, in accordance with the requirements of the Budget and Accounting Act and the Budget and Thrift Control Act, any discretionary budget expenditure (discretionary spending) must be supported by the corresponding annual government expenditure budget (appropriation bill) in order to be effective."

“In the event that the annual budget is delayed for any reason, the government can pass a continuing resolution to authorize the budget.”

"But if both are not promulgated on time and there is a funding gap, the government can only close some institutions, temporarily provide non-essential services, and stop paying salaries to government employees to start with a reduction."

"Then...these bills were only enacted by Congress in 76?"

"Hahaha~ no no no~"

"As early as 1921, the relevant budget and accounting bills were already born~"

"In 74, it was re-introduced by congressmen and revised to form what is now commonly known as the Anti-Overspending Act."

"74 years?" David fiddled with the pen in his hand with one hand, thought for a moment, and muttered.

"This was President Ford... Oil crisis? War funding for the Vietnam War?"

"Yes, the Vietnam War lasted for 20 years, and the United States directly sent troops to participate in the war in large numbers. It took almost ten years~ plus the impact of the first oil crisis..."

“At that time, the U.S. government, which had just announced its decoupling from the dollar and gold for more than two years, was unable to make ends meet, had fiscal deficits, and was prompted by factors such as financial crises and inflation around the world, so Congress re-introduced the Anti-Overspending Act. , after it was passed, it was announced that it would be implemented from 76!”

"President Warren White, who we are going to watch later, is talking about the fourth government shutdown during his term today."

"The fourth time? Wow~hahaha~"

"He's only been in office a few years? Four lockouts...Does he still have a job?"

Mr. Parker shrugged, spread his hands and smiled: "He is a member of the Donkey Party. The Donkey Party holds a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives."

“But our President Warren White’s ambitious plan to reform the social structure, government administration, economy, etc. was jointly opposed by the Donkey Party and the Elephant Party in Congress.”

"Has the Donkey Party even started to oppose him internally?" After listening to Mr. Parker's introduction, David slowly understood something about President White's current situation. .

this. .When the president is so depressed? . .What else do you think it is for?

While the two were chatting, a broadcast signal from Washington came on the TV.

Mr. Parker stepped forward and turned on the volume of the TV. He went outside the conference room and called people from the company to watch the broadcast together.

After a few minutes.

After Sam, Leon, Yuri, Bob and others were seated, a press spokesman from the presidential staff team appeared on the TV, gave a brief introduction, said some prelude, and gave up his seat. To President White.

President Warren White looked very tall, with gray hair and wrinkles between his eyebrows. David felt that he must have been very unhappy during the two years he had been president. .

President White held the speech script in his hand and after saying a few words, he slowly got to the point.

"Let us learn from recent mistakes and restore our faith in the fundamental principles of our country."

"Because we know that if we despise our own government, we will have no future!"

“Of course, as my high school teacher, Miss Julia Coleman, used to say, we must adapt to changing times while adhering to the principles that remain the same.”

"Ours is the first society to openly define itself in terms of spiritual values ​​and human freedom."

“It is this unique self-definition that gives us extraordinary appeal!”

"But at the same time, it also imposes on us a special obligation: moral responsibilities that, when fulfilled, always seem to be in our best interests."

"..."

“The American dream lasts forever!”

"We should have renewed confidence in our country and each other."

"I truly believe we can get better and stronger than ever!"

"We don't have the ability to do everything, but when facing the future, we must not lack courage!"

"..."

. . .

President White's televised speech lasted for nearly an hour before ending.

After turning off the TV, David glanced at the four bodyguards, Sam and others who were dozing off, smiled, put down his pen and said.

"Everyone, let's go and rest for a while~"

"We... will come back here for a meeting in 10 minutes!"

"ok~haha~"

"Uh~ah~ah~"

"That's right, I want to go to the bathroom..."

David lowered his head and took a quick look at the notes he had taken, then pushed it to Otis Parker and asked him to help check if there was anything missing.

Mr. Parker took the notebook, quickly read the records, nodded and smiled.

"That's basically it~ It seems that you grasped the key points in this kind of TV speech very accurately!"

David stood up, stretched greatly, shook his head and said: "No, there are still some, I didn't understand!"

"For example: I don't have a panacea to solve the domestic economic stagflation, and no one does. We need long-term treatment, and the methods we can take are some local remedial measures."

"President White... what does this mean? Long-term treatment? Local remedy?"

"This is a midterm election year! Doesn't he want to be re-elected?"

Mr. Parker leaned back, thought for a moment, shook his head and expressed his point of view.

"I don't think he has the potential to be re-elected!"

"As you just said, he understands that the United States is now in a period of decline where people have lost confidence~"

"After people lose confidence, when will they get back on their feet? The only way is to rely on the government to come up with a series of policies to change the economy and people's livelihood~"

"However, judging from President White's new economic policies in the past two years, he has emphasized the implementation of resource restrictions on companies and price growth."

"I really don't know how to evaluate him for such an idealistic initiative..."

"Haha~" David shrugged and motioned for Mr. Parker to continue.

Mr. Parker pointed at the notebook and continued: "In the speech just now, he mentioned several key points that you recorded~"

"The Love Canal incident; signed the "Tax Reduction and Simplification Application Act" bill that will reduce taxes by $342 billion before the end of next year; urged the Ministry of Energy to strengthen the government's management of energy issues; introduced legislation to advocate the public to change through energy conservation Production and consumption patterns, thereby reducing energy consumption, reducing oil imports, etc."

"Also, I don't know if you just heard it. In a few words, President White clearly expressed that he will continue to adjust his foreign policy in the Middle East and find new allies that import energy."

"And, as far as I know, he is still urging the Ministry of Energy and other departments to build underground strategic oil reserve bases."

"Once these bases are built, they will be able to reserve a large amount of oil, which will reduce oil imports in the short term after another crisis and the market will face the dilemma of no oil available."

"The latest data given by the Ministry of Energy is that before the end of the year, it plans to import enough oil stocks for domestic consumption for 90 days."

"What he has done is the first systematic policy to proactively solve energy problems in the history of the United States!"

"This is the result of reflection and improvement on past U.S. energy policies~"

"At the same time, this also proposes a fundamental solution to the energy problem in the future~"

"This policy will help the United States improve its energy security, and will have a very far-reaching impact on the diplomatic relations between the United States and other countries around the world~!"

Mr. Parker paused for a moment, then shook his head and continued with a smile: "But our President Warren White is very unlucky~!"

"The situation in Iran has become even more uncontrollable!"

"Now even if the United States sends troops to the Persian Gulf to help the Pahlavi dynasty stabilize the domestic situation, it is too late."

"David, I remember you once said~"

"Iran will stop exporting oil within a few months... and a second oil crisis will occur."

Mr. Parker turned his head and looked around, and asked curiously: "Now, can you tell me...when will it happen?"

David blinked, frowned and paced back and forth. After thinking for a while, he shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"All I can say...is at the end of this year."

"Perhaps only God knows the specific time~"

"End of the year...?"

Mr. Parker nodded with understanding: "This is the same as what you said before."

"It seems that old Mr. Morgan trusts your words very much!"

"He has put almost all the chips he can offer into the end of this year and the beginning of next year, this time period!"

David crossed his arms over his chest and nodded silently.

This kind of big gamble like Allin really made old Morgan. .This old fox who said he had never taken a risk in his life was made. .

. . .

At the entrance of the conference room.

There was a knock on the door, and Mike Bai poked his head in, glanced at David and said, "Do you... have time?"

"...Is something wrong?"

"Yes! Zina just called~"

"This morning, a neighbor near her home was found dead in the bedroom of her home."

"According to the preliminary analysis of the police, it was the serial killer who did it..."

"Ah~??"

"Where is Xina? Where is she? Are they all okay?"

Mike Bai smiled weirdly, raised his eyebrows and said, "They... are all fine~ I just feel like I don't feel safe if I continue to live there on 53rd Street..."

"They want to move upstairs to the Wildfire Bar, so everyone can take care of each other in the future."

After David heard this, he started scratching his head. .

Xina and Madonna are a little better. .But what should we do about that little girl Milan?

From then on, she and David became neighbors. .Will Susan be jealous?

Emm. . .

"Move!" David gritted his teeth and said after spinning around a few times.

"After the killer is caught, let Zina and Miranla move back... Madonna will live there from now on, and it will be convenient for her to work~"

Mike Bai grinned, winked at David, closed the door and went out. .

Mr. Parker, who was in the audience the whole time, smiled and raised his eyebrows at David: "Are you really not afraid of the people around you... being in a mess?"

"Or else?"

"Who knows if that serial killer will target the three of them..."

David shook his head with a wry smile, took off his tie, threw it on the table, looked at Mr. Parker, and said with a frown.

"Do you think I should find an assistant or consultant who can give me advice on national policies?"

"I can't go to you every time I encounter some incident or problem, right?"

Mr. Parker was stunned for a moment and rolled his eyes a few times. A familiar candidate appeared in his mind.

"Okay~ I'll go and try to contact you!"

"If he is willing to help you, it will be a great help to your future development!"

"Oh? Who is he?"

"Haha~ you will know~"

----

Manhattan, 59rd Street.

Plaza Hotel.

Secretary of State Saenz Roberts Vance and Treasury Secretary Fullerner Kuloutel accompanied the guests from the Middle East. After watching the televised speech, everyone decided to take a break first.

ten minutes later.

Vance and Fullner, in a separate room, hung up the phone and fell into silence.

Last night, the two of them, along with the Minister of Energy, spent half the night talking to guests from the Middle East. .

Friends in Saudi Arabia readily gave definite answers to some of the cooperation requests made by the US government.

The guests from the other four countries did not nod in agreement. .

That's it. .It’s very difficult!

The United States, supported only by Saudi Arabia's oil exports, is unable to complete its strategic reserve plan in the short term. .

The two looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

Now, the only hope is that the president can personally come to New York to talk face-to-face with guests from the Middle East about oil imports.

. . .

the other side.

After watching the broadcast, the guests from the five Middle Eastern countries who came to New York this time returned to their rooms.

The youngest member of the Saudi delegation, Difar bin Abdulaziz, unexpectedly received an invitation letter from the waiter. .

The content on the invitation letter is very simple, only two lines of text.

"You are sincerely invited to attend the cocktail party held at the Blue Crystal Hotel at seven o'clock tonight~"

"Your friend: Panaris Norton Morgan~"

After reading the invitation, Defal was a little confused and went to his uncle and asked him to help him take a look.

After his uncle looked at it, his eyes became complicated and he looked at his silly nephew. He didn't speak for a while. .

Defar, under his uncle's gaze, suddenly changed his mind. .

He quickly and gently took back the invitation letter from his uncle, thanked him, and walked out of the room. .

Back to his room.

Defar frowned and thought for a while before walking to the phone and dialing.

ten minutes later.

After finally figuring out who signed the invitation, Defal suddenly understood why his uncle had that expression just now.

Morgan!

It is a surname, a symbol, and it represents a legend!

So. .Defal felt that he must attend this cocktail party tonight!

He came to New York just for change!

Change your destiny, break away from the control of your family and royal family, and find the life you want!

Maybe tonight is the opportunity he has been looking for and waiting for~

must. .Grab it!

----

Manhattan area.

Gulf Western Industries Group.

After reading the contract, Livlin's legal team nodded to her and said, "We have revised several clauses in the contract based on your ideas~"

"As soon as you sign, Paramount Pictures is yours!"

Livlin took the contract, picked up the pen, glanced at CEO Charlie who couldn't hold back his smile, and signed her name readily. .

Paramount CEO Barris Dickler, who had been on the sidelines during the whole process and regarded himself as a little transparent, let out a long breath. .

Charlie, Barris has had enough of him!

This guy, nicknamed the Austrian Madman, has always been dictating the day-to-day operations of Paramount. .

The movies produced by the company made money because of Charlie's skillful leadership and wise decision-making. .

The movie produced by the company lost money, and it was all the responsibility of CEO Barris. Not only was he scolded by Charlie, but he was also ordered: If he didn't make back the lost money, Barris would be asked to pick up trash on the street. .

This kind of boss. .Would Barris like it?

Do not!

No one in the whole world will like such a shameless boss!

. . .

in the conference room.

Everyone couldn't help but applaud after watching Livlin and Charlie sign the contract. .

Except for Livlin, no one here could have imagined that Paramount, once a giant company in the Hollywood film industry, would change hands so easily and quickly. .

Everyone looked at Livlin, who was showing signs of impatience, and decisively stopped her clapping hands. .

Charlie smiled and asked his men to serve a few glasses of wine to everyone. He raised the wine glass in his hand and signaled to Livlin.

"Here's to you ~ the new owner of Paramount!"

A slight smile appeared at the corner of Livlin's mouth, she raised her cup symbolically, and said softly after watching everyone finish drinking.

"That's it~ I still have something to do!"

"Charlie, bye!"

"..goodbye!"

Livlin turned her head and glanced at CEO Barris, her voice became a little cold and said: "You...won't you come with me?"

"..coming!"

Barris made an expression to Charlie that he wanted to be beaten, and chased Livlin who was slowly walking away. He was in a very beautiful mood!