America's Road to Wealth

December 12, 2000.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7:2.

The Donkey Party’s recount in some Florida counties is unconstitutional.

And with a ratio of 5:4, Florida is required to complete a unified standard vote count across the state before the deadline.

But the deadline was just two hours before the verdict.

Florida announced it would abandon manual vote counting.

Then, an hour later.

Donkey Party candidate Al Gore said he was withdrawing from the race "for the sake of democracy and unity."

At this point, the vote counting crisis that lasted for 36 days has officially ended.

After being away from the white house for eight years, Xiang Dang finally moved into the white house again.

After this news was announced.

The previously turbulent upper echelons of the United States quickly calmed down.

half an hour before the news was announced.

Abel is already in Houston.

And he was once again in the home of the Houston Astros, which he had visited once last time.

Today is the Houston Astros versus the Boston Red Sox, a member of the MLB East Division.

The Boston Red Sox are a traditional strong team and a traditional giant in MLB.

Compared to the pseudo-rich Texas Rangers, who are also located in Texas.

The Boston Red Sox are a real powerhouse.

As of 2000.

The Boston Red Sox have won the World Series five times.

Well, the World Series here actually refers to the MLB championship game held every October.

The participants are the professional baseball teams of the United States and Canada, and it is the highest level event in these two countries.

The American League champion and the National League champion will compete in a best-of-seven championship game.

But Americans have always been accustomed to them being the world.

In addition, in the world, it is indeed Americans who play the most and most powerful baseball.

Of course, they took it for granted and put the name World Series on MLB's highest competition.

There is one thing to say, although the Texas Rangers are a pseudo-rich team in MLB.

But the Houston Astros are even worse.

The last time the Astros and Rangers played in a state derby, they couldn't beat the Texas Rangers.

Tonight, we face the Boston Red Sox, a traditional MLB team. It can only be said that there is a high probability of disaster.

But passionate local Texas and Houston fans still flocked to the game.

The Boston Red Sox also have a lot of fanatical fans because of their excellent combat effectiveness and wealthy tradition.

This makes the Boston Red Sox one of the teams with the highest average road attendance in the league.

Local fans, plus Boston Red Sox fans who came from outside.

A large number of fans easily filled the entire Astros home stadium.

The last time Abel was here, he was sitting on the Texas Rangers side.

The target of this battle was changed to the team from the Eastern Conference.

The Texans shared the same hatred, so it was naturally impossible for him to side with the Boston Red Sox.

He and his grandfather Alex.

and Alex’s former comrade and friend Herbert.

All three of them were sitting next to the Houston Astros dugout today.

"Oh haha~ It's so lively tonight!"

Seventy-six-year-old Herbert's face was glowing tonight.

The old guy looked at the stadium full of baseball fans and said with a smile.

Next to him, sitting was Alex.

Abel's grandma didn't come tonight.

The only people who came to watch baseball were two old men and him, a young man.

Alex said:

"I still think our Arlington boys have more energy. These Houston boys seem to be in trouble tonight."

The Texas Rangers play their home games in Arlington.

Alex is a die-hard Texas Rangers fan again.

I am willing to come over tonight not only because I want to join in the fun, but also because my grandson has made an appointment with Herbert to watch this baseball game together.

The old man felt that he was here to buffer.

Maybe it will be more beneficial to the communication between grandson and Herbert.

This made him come over even if he didn't like the game very much.

"I also think the astronauts are in trouble tonight." Abel commented with a smile.

Boston Red Sox vs Houston Astros.

This is almost equivalent to the current Los Angeles Lakers in their prime vs. the current Houston Rockets.

It can't be said that it is one-sided, it is also called a misfortune.

Unless the Rockets have Tracy McGrady and Dayao at the same time, then they have the strength to compete with this version of the Lakers.

It’s still the kind where you lose more and win less.

In tonight's football match, the person who initiated the invitation was actually Herbert.

This old guy specially chose this evening to invite Abel to watch the game with him.

Abel knew that he must have an ulterior motive.

Fortunately, Abel also knew.

Herbert's son will most likely be re-elected for two terms.

He and his father also need a fairly solid ally in Zhengzhi.

Then Herbert and his family are a good choice.

We are all Texans, and we already have friendships and relationships from before.

These are considered natural allies.

On this basis, it is not impossible to go further.

Abel readily accepted his request.

I came all the way from Los Angeles to watch the game with Herbert with my grandfather Alex.

When the game was about to start, the U.S. Supreme Court had not yet pronounced its verdict.

Abel didn't pay much attention to the competition on the field.

He didn't want to wait for the Supreme Court to announce the results before negotiating with Herbert.

As soon as the game started, everyone's attention was attracted to baseball.

He stood across his grandfather and said to Herbert, who was sitting opposite:

"Herbert. Did you invite me out tonight on your own initiative? Or was it Mr. Brown's request?"

Herbert retracted his gaze from the field and looked at Abel with a smile: "Is there any difference?"

"Of course there is a difference." Abel said solemnly:

"There are differences between the two. One is the friendship between the Smith family and the Bush family. The other is my personal matter with the Texas consortium."

Seeing that Abel said it so directly and impolitely.

Herbert also withdrew his polite smile.

The former commander-in-chief of the United States said softly:

"What's the difference between the two?"

"If it's the former, then the Bush family will have an additional shareholder of Smith Capital."

"If it's the latter, then this shareholder will become a Texas consortium."

Abel said meaningfully.

Herbert was silent for a moment.

The old man was a little surprised by the directness of the young man in front of him.

Herbert did not expect that Abel would so directly sow discord between himself and Braun and the others.

That's right, Herbert really didn't invite Abel out tonight for any reason other than his own.

At least half of the reason is due to the requirements of the Texas consortium.

The Supreme Court's verdict tonight is actually a decision made by the entire top management of the United States.

There was already a general news before this.

It's just that the Donkey Party is unwilling to give in, wants to make a comeback, and is struggling to the death.

The Texas consortium also wanted to take advantage of Herbert's son's rise to power.

I want Herbert to make peace and put pressure on Abel.

In the final analysis, it is still because the Texas consortium wants to invest in Smith Capital.

But he also disliked Smith Capital’s valuation as being too high.

After much deliberation, they asked Herbert to come find Abel.

Here comes Herbert.

He didn't expect it after he arrived.

As soon as the conversation began, Abel wanted to sow discord between him and the Texas consortium.

Abel's words were almost clearly addressed to Herbert.

‘I can give you father and son face and give Smith Capital one more shareholder. ’

‘But you have to think clearly about whether you want to be this shareholder yourself, or whether you want the Texas consortium to be this shareholder.’

To put it simply, throw away this benefit.

Let Herbert choose.

The father and son who chose this benefit would eat it themselves.

Let's give this benefit to the Texas consortium like this.

"Can't we have the best of both worlds?" Herbert said softly after thinking for a while.

Abel shook his head directly: "You understand, Herbert, this is impossible."

Herbert also said: "Then you are letting them gamble, and the stakes are so big."

“Investment is inherently a form of gambling.”

Abel said seriously:

"You are betting on whether I can become Buffett or Peter Lynch. I am also betting on whether you can provide me with enough support."

Herbert was silent again.

After a few seconds, Alex suddenly stood up and shouted:

"Good shot! Did you see it? Did you two see it? That was a hit just now, a hit ball! Hey, I must say that the boys in Houston did a pretty good job tonight!"

There were cheers on the baseball field as well.

It turned out that the home team, the Houston Astros, had just scored a hit.

The whole audience cheered and applauded thunderously.

After all, it is the home field of the Houston Astros.

Even though the Boston Red Sox came with a lot of fans.

In terms of cheers and applause, they still can't beat the local home fans.

Herbert smiled: "It is indeed very good, very well done."

Abel smiled and said nothing.

Alex sat down again.

The old man seemed to be really just celebrating Houston's good ball just now.

But unconsciously, the atmosphere between Abel and Herbert was already a bit tense.

Being interrupted like this, it actually relaxed a lot.

After another ten seconds of silence, Herbert suddenly spoke softly:

"Then what if Mr. Brown and the others are willing to accept some of your conditions?"

"for example?"

"Four hundred billion U.S. dollars. 20 billion in the first year, 30 billion in the second year, 50 billion in the third year, and 80 billion in the fourth year." Herbert made the offer softly.

"Can!"

What surprised Herbert was that Abel agreed quickly this time.

But Abel hadn't finished speaking yet, and the following words silenced Herbert again.

"According to this condition, Mr. Brown and the others must open their core assets to me."

"I want First National Bank of Dallas, First City National Bank of Houston, Republic National Bank of Dallas."

“Just the corresponding shares are required.”

"And Hughes Aircraft, Lin-Temco-Vought."

"We also need corresponding shares."

"In addition, I also want Texas Commerce Bank, and I am willing to acquire it entirely!"

"Oh, and Houston Re. I remember the company was losing money every year in their hands, and I thought I might as well put it in my hands."

After Abel made this long list of requests, he was silent again for a few seconds.

Herbert then spoke:

"Abel, they won't agree to your request."

"That's it." Abel smiled and said:

"They attach great importance to their core assets. Smith Capital will also be my core asset. It is equally important in my mind."

"Neither of them wants to open their core to me. And neither do I."

"Herbert. In business, you were once an excellent businessman. You should understand what I mean."

Herbert smiled bitterly.

Then he saw Abel answer the phone in front of him and Alex.

"Huh? Okay, the news is out, right? Okay."

A few seconds later, Herbert saw Abel hang up the phone.

Then he saw Abel smiling at him again.

He heard Abel's voice saying:

"Congratulations, Herbert. Congratulations on becoming the new Adams."

When Herbert heard what Abel said, he was startled at first.

Then the old guy showed a calm smile:

"Ha~ This is an established reality. Gore can't compare to George."

Before 2000.

There has been a father and son leader in American history.

The father and son's surname is Adams.

Now in 2000.

Herbert and his son copied the deeds of the Adams and his son.

The Bush family will definitely become one of the most powerful upper-class families in the United States after this.

The foundation for this was laid by Herbert's grandfather.

Herbert's father carried it forward.

Herbert himself, led the family to Weihe.

Now it is his son's turn to promote the family directly and become a part of this country's "Deep State".

"But even so."

Abel's tone still didn't change much, and he continued to Herbert.

"My request to Mr. Brown and the others has not changed. Core for core."

"but."

He smiled at Herbert: "Smith Capital welcomes Shrub to join~"

Seeing this boy's direct look, Herbert couldn't help but laugh.

At this moment, Herbert felt that this boy looked like this.

It can be said that it is much more interesting than those old guys in House of Cards.

"Okay." Herbert stopped smiling.

He knew that one of his main goals tonight would most likely not succeed.

This kid seems to be very persistent and won't give up until he endures hardship.

But fortunately, the other goal was achieved with little effort.

Herbert spoke easily:

"Ha~ I think little Laura might be willing to work at Smith Capital. She still remembers you."

"Little Laura?" Abel was surprised.

Abel knew that there was a Laura in the Bush family, but wasn't that Herbert's wife?

Herbert's wife, can that be described as "little"?

"I thought it would be Jenna or Barbara." Abel said softly.

Alex suddenly whispered: "Little Laura's full name is Laura Marie Bush, and she is Neil's daughter."

After being reminded by his grandfather, Abel immediately knew who the little Laura Herbert was talking about.

Neil was the middle name of Herbert's third son.

In other words, little Laura was Herbert's granddaughter and had the same name as the old guy's wife.

Americans, especially traditional white people, use names like this.

On the Abel family farm, there is a family named John for four generations.

There were three Georges among the five male members of Herbert's family.

Grandma’s name was Laura, and it turned out that her granddaughter was also named Laura.

For ordinary white people to give names like this, it can be said that they are lazy or uneducated.

But the Herbert family had this habit, which proves that this is not just something ordinary white people like to do.

It's the traditional white people in the United States who like to give names like this.

Like the Smith family, there is also a bit of tradition in naming.

It's not like these families have the same name as father and son.

The names of male members of the Smith family are required to start with "A".

Alex, Alexander, and Abel all start with A in English.

It is said that this is because the first Smith who came to North America with the Mayflower was named Andy Smith.

After that, all the children he gave birth to had names starting with the letter A.

"All right."

Abel tried hard to remember, and Fang Fang tried hard to think.

He found that there seemed to be an impression of this little Laura in his memory.

When my grandfather took me to the arena when I was a child.

Once or twice, Neal, the brother of the team's general manager, would bring his daughter over to watch the game.

His daughter, Laura, is several years younger than Jenna and Barbara.

Abel and the twins were about seven or eight years old at the time, and little Laura was three or four.

With such a big age difference, they can't play together at all.

So the three older children played together, while the little kid looked on with envy.

Because of this, Abel's impression and memory were not deep, so Abel did not think of it immediately.

Abel remembered it only after his grandfather reminded him.

He remembered that Neil Shrub's daughter seemed to be four or five years younger than him.

He should be only about fifteen or sixteen years old at this time.

It is obviously impossible to ask the other person to work at Smith Capital when he is fifteen or sixteen years old.

But apparently the Bush family is pushing little Laura out.

As a bridge between the Bush family and the Smith family, in Smith Capital.

He can be regarded as a representative of their side.

This kind of thing is also common among the upper classes in the United States.

After all, if Jenna and Barbara were to go directly to work at Smith Capital, the impact would not be very good.

Unless they wait for their father to retire.

But their father has retired, and the Bush family cannot become one of the shareholders of Smith Capital.

"OK." Abel also said directly: "Then let little Laura do it. I think she should have this ability!"

A kid in high school at the age of fifteen or sixteen has a lot of abilities.

But it doesn't matter whether she exists or not, she is just a representative, just a chess piece.

Represents the Shrub family, formally allied with the Smith family.

In addition to the good relationship between the parents and ancestors, the two families have an additional layer of cooperative relationship.

Next to Alex, Herbert smiled happily.

The scene of the two people looking at each other and smiling across Alex's side "naturally" fell into the cameras of many reporters present.

Especially the American Sun newspaper, which is headquartered in New York.

This time, the newspaper even sent five reporters with the best photography skills in the newspaper office.

These five professional photographers don't often shoot team games.

At most, one or two occasionally come in as a way of coping and explanation.

They just shoot at a certain corner.

The final result of the game was naturally the defeat of the Houston Astros.

The Boston Red Sox let a bunch of Texans know what a traditional MLB club is.

That's not something a fake wealthy team like the Texas Rangers can compare to.

Abel and Alex, the grandfather and grandson, did not stay with Herbert to eat and chat this time.

They knew that Herbert would be very busy when he returned.

Today is a great day for Herbert's Bush family.

The game is over and the stadium is dismissed.

Returning to the River Oaks community where Alex lives.

While on the road.

Alex was in the trunk and suddenly said to Abel: "Little Laura is very beautiful."

Abel: "????"

Alex: "And she's only four years younger than you. She's still in high school and almost going to college."

Abel:.

Alex seemed to be talking to himself or to Abel.

"Herbert told me. He thinks it would be a good choice to let little Laura go to New York to study and learn how to work from you."

What Alex said was so clear.

Abel is not a fool.

At this moment, of course he understood what Alex meant.

"My dear grandfather, what do you mean by this?"

Alex said to him seriously: "You know what I mean, my child."

Of course Abel understands.

It was precisely because he understood that he felt like he had a headache again.