"Mr. Fang, I'm an economic adviser sent by the United States to Japan. My name is Alexander Dodge. Nice to meet you!"
While John and he were watching Joseph Clark dealing with a group of American generals and Japanese politicians with ease, a tall man with brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a well-fitting high-end custom-made suit, took the initiative to walk up to Fang Lang and greet him.
Fang Lang was slightly stunned when he heard the other party's self-introduction. Although he was very confused, he still politely stood up and shook the other party's extended right hand.
"Hello Mr. Dodge! Nice to meet you!"
Alexander Dodge obviously noticed Fang Lang's puzzled expression and took the initiative to explain:
"Mr. Fang, don't be surprised. Although I am an economic advisor to Japan, I am also an American businessman. My main job in Japan is to promote market-oriented reforms of the Japanese economy."
Upon hearing this, Fang Lang's eyes lit up. This guy's position is very important! If his layout in Japan can get help from this guy, it will definitely be like adding wings to a tiger!
But he still felt a little strange that the other party suddenly approached him, so he could only calm himself down and said politely:
"I see. I didn't expect to meet Mr. Dodge here. It really makes me very honored. Nice to meet you!"
...
...
After saying this, he let go of his hand very naturally and waited for the other party's next move.
Alexander Dodge was not surprised by Fang Lang's behavior. Instead, he smiled in a flattering manner and said:
"Mr. Fang, don't be surprised! After all, we are still family. I have close business cooperation with the Morgan family, and I am also a very good friend of Mr. Harken Morgan.
The reason why I know about your existence is thanks to the introduction of Mr. Harken Morgan."
The other party's self-introduction dispelled some of Fang Lang's doubts, and the vigilance on his face relaxed a little.
"Haha... So you're Mr. Harken Morgan's friend. That means you're my friend. Come on, let's sit down and talk!"
Fang Lang laughed loudly, hiding his doubts, and pointed to an empty chair nearby.
Alexander Dodge didn't say anything polite. He just smiled and nodded to show his politeness, then sat down.
"Mr. Fang, I hope you don't mind my interruption. I have a question that I would like to get your answer."
Seeing that the other party came straight to the point, Fang Lang had some guesses in his mind. He smiled at the other party with an attentive look and said:
"Oh! If you have any questions, Mr. Dodge, feel free to ask me directly. I will tell you everything I know."
Fang Lang's very easy-going appearance made the other party hesitate, but after a moment of hesitation, he still gritted his teeth and said:
"It's a bit embarrassing to say this, as this may involve your company's business secrets, but I have been holding this question in my mind for a long time, and I have been unable to get it out. If Mr. Fang feels it is inconvenient to answer, you are free to refuse to answer."
Hearing that it was a trade secret, Fang Lang became more certain of his guess. He did not continue to say anything, but just smiled and signaled the other party to ask questions.
Alexander Dodge saw this and no longer hesitated, and said directly:
“Mr. Fang, when I came to Japan from Global Morgan Bank to open a branch, I noticed your group’s actions. Not long after, Global Group and Brazil’s Fangyuan Group also began to make arrangements in Japan and acquired shares of many Japanese companies.
There are signs that your company seems to be very confident about Japan's economic recovery. Although I am also optimistic about the future of the Japanese economy, I think this process may be a little long.
But judging from your company's layout, it seems that your company holds a different view from mine. I wonder if Mr. Fang can help me clear up my confusion."
As Fang Lang expected, the other party came for his group's layout in Japan. The other party had no intention of hiding his purpose and fully explained the reason for noticing him to express his sincerity.
Hearing this, Fang Lang could only smile and look around to confirm that no one else was eavesdropping around him and the others, then he nodded to Alexander Dodge and said:
"It is indeed as Mr. Dodge said. I am very optimistic about the future of Japan's economy. After all, this is a populous country with 80 million people. If such a huge market can fully develop its economy without military pressure, its development potential will be unprecedentedly huge.
As a former Asian power, Japan's industrial base and highly qualified workforce will inevitably lead to a rapid economic recovery. Japan's development potential can be seen in the four years since its defeat.
You have to know that I was once stationed in Japan as a member of the Brazilian occupation force. I know the situation in Japan at that time, and looking at Japan now, it is very telling.
More importantly, Japan can serve as a bridgehead for our group to radiate into Asia, allowing us to extend our business and economic reach to other populous countries in Asia."
Of course Fang Lang couldn't tell the truth to this guy whom he met for the first time. Who knew what the other party's position was? He might even turn around and tell the Japanese about his actions.
However, judging from the fact that he had not attracted the attention of the Japanese, the other party probably did not tell the Japanese about his discovery. This made Fang Lang feel more favorable towards this guy.
So, he picked out some nice and very reasonable-sounding words and said them to the other party. As for whether the other party would really believe them, he could not guarantee it.
Alexander Dodge nodded as he listened to Fang Lang's words. He seemed to feel that what Fang Lang said was indeed very reasonable. However, the person who was sent to Japan by the United States as an economic adviser to guide Japan's market-oriented reforms was obviously not a stupid person and naturally had his own ideas.
Therefore, how much he believes Fang Lang's words depends on himself.
"Mr. Fang is indeed far-sighted. As you said, a large population means a huge market, and Japan, which has a lot of work to do, does have the strength and inherent advantages to become an economic bridgehead in Asia.
It seems that my view on the Japanese economy is still too conservative. I will combine Mr. Fang's views and make a new plan when I return."
Seeing that the other party seemed to agree with what he said, Fang Lang couldn't help scratching his head. This guy in front of him was obviously not easy to deal with!
"Haha... Mr. Dodge is joking. The reason why I am so optimistic about the future of the Japanese economy is inseparable from your efforts. I would not have invested in pre-war Japan, but now the Japanese market, which has been fully commercialized under your guidance, is our paradise.
Let us all raise a toast here to thank Mr. Dodge for his great help to us."
Fang Lang's flattery was based on facts. After all, his company's future development in Japan really needed the help of the economic advisor in front of him.
Upon hearing this, Alexander Dodge naturally raised his glass with a big smile on his face and clinked it with Fang Lang's. John Clark on the side also very tactfully raised his glass and clinked it with Fang Lang's, then quietly stepped aside and watched the performance of the two guys in front of him.
After taking a sip of the light golden champagne that was slowly bubbling, Alexander Dodge smiled and asked again:
"As far as I know, all American financial groups are now focusing their attention on Europe. In my opinion, the European market, which is supported by the European aid plan, is obviously more attractive than Japan. Why does Mr. Fang want to allocate some of his strength to the Japanese market at this time?
This doesn't seem to be in line with the capitalists' habit of pursuing maximum profit, right? "
The other party was still testing Fang Lang's purpose of investing in Japan through his words and actions. It was obvious that he did not believe that Fang Lang was simply optimistic about Japan's potential.
Fang Lang smiled and followed the other party's words:
"Mr. Dodge has already said that Europe is dominated by the consortium. For a small company like us, it is good enough to follow behind the consortium and eat a little soup. We should not rush to the front without knowing the reason and compete with them for food."
Alexander Dodge obviously did not believe this. If it were an ordinary person, he might really believe it, but he had a deep relationship with the Morgan family, and he was very clear about what role Fang Lang played in the implementation of the European aid plan.
Fang Lang said that he would not compete with the European consortiums for market share. In fact, the Global Group has already become one of the most active consortiums in the European market. After all, they were one of the first consortiums to receive the news and were the most fully prepared. More importantly, they had military support in Europe.
Moreover, their goals were clear, their division of labor was sharp, and their actions were smooth and efficient. It was obvious that they were well prepared for the situation in Europe, and it was not as simple as just drinking some soup as Fang Lang said.
So, Alexander Dodge didn't believe Fang Lang's words at all, but at the same time, he seemed to have caught a clue.
I couldn't help but try again:
"Mr. Fang, you are joking. Your company is not a small one. The scale and strength of Global Group is a well-established American conglomerate. If you want to have a piece of the pie in Europe, no one will dare to raise any objection.
So, I guess Mr. Fang is planning to make plans in Japan in advance when other major financial groups are focusing on Europe, and then drive the development of the Japanese economy after the European market matures, and eat the biggest piece of the Japanese market, right?"
As Alexander Dodge said this, he became more certain of his guess. In fact, he thought more in his heart that Fang Lang might know that he couldn't blatantly control the economy of certain countries in Europe.
But in Japan, located in Asia, without any competitors, it is easier for Fang Lang to succeed. This is the essence of a capitalist!
Alexander Dodge felt that he had figured out Fang Lang's true purpose, and a hint of joy appeared on his face. The other party wanted to profit from Japan's market economy, which did not conflict with his current main job, and could even be said to complement each other.
As long as he could get the other party's support, he could promote the rapid recovery of Japan's economy. This was a rare opportunity for him.
After Fang Lang heard what Alexander Dodge said, he realized that the other party had misunderstood something, but to him, this could be regarded as a beautiful misunderstanding. It was better than telling the other party that he knew the future history and that Japan was about to usher in an unprecedented wave of prosperity because of the Peninsula War!
Moreover, the other party's current work in Japan does not conflict with his own layout in Japan. It can even be said that they are natural allies, and he can use the other party to accomplish many things that are not suitable for him.
Given his relationship with the Morgan family, he was not worried at all that this guy would dare to make things difficult for him.
Therefore, Fang Lang did not directly answer the other party's question, but showed a meaningful smile. The expression on his face that showed that he knew everything but didn't want to say it out loud was almost like he directly acknowledged the other party's guess.
Alexander Dodge, who thought he had guessed Fang Lang's purpose, was naturally delighted by Fang Lang's performance.
He immediately gave Fang Lang a friendly smile and said:
"If that's the case, I think we should be very good friends."
Alexander Dodge's words almost made his attitude clear. Fang Lang certainly wouldn't be polite at this time, so he laughed without hesitation:
“Since Mr. Dodge is a friend of Harken Morgan, he is naturally my friend. We are able to meet today in Japan, thousands of miles away. As we Chinese say, this is all fate.
I think we will become inseparable friends and family.”
Fang Lang's statement made Alexander Dodge burst into laughter. The two of them raised their glasses of champagne in perfect harmony, and gently touched them in mid-air, making a pleasant "ding" sound! Then they both drank the champagne in their glasses in one gulp.
John Clark on the side understood that the two guys had reached a consensus that in the future in the Japanese market, the two sides would definitely be in cahoots with each other, or rather, they would be close allies who supported each other and made progress together.
He knew the deeper reasons behind Fang Lang's layout in Japan. In addition, he was also planning to set up a fruit and vegetable processing company, which would just make a profit from it. Of course, he would not stand up and express any different opinions.
The occasion here is obviously not suitable for discussing further cooperation content, and Fang Lang will not personally come forward to continue to discuss the next details with the other party. After all, his current identity is the Brazilian Navy Rear Admiral.
Professional matters should be left to professionals. After agreeing with the other party that the person in charge would visit him personally tomorrow and discuss the specific details, Fang Lang stopped discussing work matters.
Then, he stood up very politely and said goodbye to Fang Lang and John Clark. With his current status, it was indeed quite noticeable to communicate with a Brazilian Rear Admiral for too long, especially when there were several high-ranking Japanese government officials here.
After the other party left, John smiled at Fang Lang and said:
"Brother, you can do it! Now you are a big shot wherever you go!"
In response to John Clark's ridicule, Fang Lang just smiled and said:
"I'm not a big shot at all. Japan is Colonel Clark's territory. Colonel Clark is the big shot here! I just don't know what Mr. Clark would think after knowing Mr. Clark's status!"
Fang Lang's gloating behavior made John angry. He couldn't help but kick Fang Lang under the table. Soon the two of them started playing and laughing.
Because of Alexander Dodge's active approach, the few people who were watching here slowly shifted their gaze.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
