In 2000,

September 20th.

This day is the day Smith Capital moves.

Smith Capital, originally located in the Woolworth Building, moved to LIC next door to Manhattan Island.

LIC is New Yorkers' name for "Long Island City."

It's not uncommon for people to confuse Longindcity with Longind, and it's a matter of a word.

Long Island is a long, narrow island southeast of New York City.

It is bordered by Manhattan Island to the west and the sea on three sides. It is particularly large and famous for its clear water beaches, coastal lighthouses, wineries, etc.

Abel's only manor villa at present, No. 1 Huangdian 13th Road, is on this island.

Long Island City, in the narrow sense, is a small area in the westernmost part of Long Island.

In 1870, this small city was born. It then took 28 years for Long Island City to be incorporated into the greater New York area along with Queens. Everyone affectionately abbreviated it to "LIC".

Strictly speaking, it also belongs to Queens, an area below Queens.

In the 20th century, a bridge and subway became the gateway from Manhattan to Long Island, establishing the city as an industrial hub.

In the early urbanization process of New York, it played the same role as the Williamsburg and Dumbo communities in Brooklyn, belonging to the city's docks and factories.

It wasn't until the 70s that the manufacturing industry ushered in the cold winter, and the abandoned factory was taken by artists and rented to create, and it gradually became the most intensive area of art activity in New York.

Finally, after entering the 90s, as the land of Manhattan was developed to the extreme.

More and more real estate developers are eyeing this area, and a large number of commercial buildings and high-end CBD office buildings have been developed.

Plus it's separated from Manhattan by just the East River.

It has gradually become a place where many companies do not like the crowding of Manhattan, or simply think that Manhattan is too expensive.

They all moved over here.

The most famous is Citibank, which has its headquarters nearby.

Smith Capital's new headquarters building is located on the outskirts of the LIC River East River, with a direct view of the Empire State Building opposite.

It is a five-storey building built in 1970.

It was once used as a museum, library, and supermarket, but it was purchased by Abel last month.

It took about a month and a cost of three million dollars to renovate.

It is now named Smith House and is used as the headquarters building of Smith Capital.

The company moves this kind of thing, and naturally does not need Abel to do it himself.

Without even the contribution of David Mellon, the Wall Street elite, the company's deputy general manager Merio, has already arranged everything in order.

Abel and David only had to stay in the fifth-floor office that had been carved out for them.

While sipping your favorite coffee, you can look at Manhattan across the street.

The two discussed the company's next investment plan.

The price of crude oil in New York is now, Brent is, Oman is. ”

office, David said: "Obviously, this month, it is up again. ”

"Wall Street analysts, as well as our own analysts, believe that there is a high probability that crude oil will break through $36, or even $37."

Abel shook his head.

Smith Capital, which has previously invested a billion dollars in international crude oil.

Subsequently, after getting the funds of the first private placement, another $1.5 billion was invested in it.

Smith Capital currently has a total investment of more than $2.5 billion in international crude oil.

With leverage, the company can control the impact of funds in crude oil futures, exceeding 10 billion US dollars.

Abel said: "What is our average cost? ”

When he started investing, he demanded that the purchase cost should not be higher than $31 a barrel.

But by the time new money was invested, oil prices had already risen a lot.

On average, it is clear that the cost can no longer remain below $31.

Sure enough, David said, "At the moment, our average cost of ownership is $32.3 in total. ”

After hearing this data, Abel said, "It's already possible." Even with the lowest New York crude oil, we have a profit of more than $2.5. ”

"David, let the people below start preparing. In the past two days, when everyone thinks that it is going to rise and is optimistic about it, start to close the position and sell. ”

David Mellon was stunned.

Abel's judgment obviously contradicts the current mainstream argument on Wall Street.

"Does it look like crude oil is going to fall?"

David whispered, "No problem, I'll let everyone start selling the goods right away." ”

Abel nodded, "There's no need to rush too much. It takes a week to just throw them out. I expect them to be able to reach this price point within a week. ”

"Understood." David nodded.

In this way, the time allowed for David to operate is relatively generous.

This can at least make or save hundreds of millions of dollars, or even more profits, for Smith Capital.

After talking about the company's biggest investment to date, David moved on to another thing.

"I made an appointment with Isaac Perlmutter for you. This gentleman would be happy to meet you. ”

"You've just become the chairman of an entertainment agency, you've started a sweatshirt brand, and now you're in contact with the chairman of a toy comic company," David said. ”

"Honestly, Abel. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm thinking. ”

"Thank you, David. But I don't want to explain it to you now, you just need to know, and in a few years you will know why. Abel replied with a smile.

David: "You've always been like this"

"But who called you the boss?" He added: "Isaac Perlmutter said he was always available. He was now on a plane to New York. ”

"Well, I remember that company he owned, wasn't it in New York before?"

"Yes. But you know, it almost went bankrupt in 1996. Later, although it was relieved, it has been very bad. ”

David said: "In 1998, in order to reduce spending. Isaac Perlmutter moved the company to Los Angeles. ”

"Understood." Able nodded, "Then when this Mr. Perlmutter arrives, let me know as soon as he arrives." ”

As soon as David made an OK gesture, he saw Abel pause and ask another question.

"That's right, David. I heard that this Perlmutter is a venture capitalist businessman and likes to play stocks? ”

David nodded, "Yes." As a side note, before I was working for Goldman Sachs, Isaac Perlmutter was one of my big clients. ”

"Oh, is that a coincidence?" Abel couldn't help but raise his eyebrows, "So you should be more familiar with Isaac Perlmutter's investment?" ”

"Pretty much." David nodded.

"Hey, hey." A meaningful smile appeared on Abel's face.

He said, "Do you think we can make some trouble for Mr. Isaac Perlmutter?" ”

"Uh," David Mellon looked at him, "what do you mean?" ”

Abel whispered something to him.

After listening to this, David Mellon hesitated.

"It seems a bit against my professionalism."

"Come on." Abel laughed and said, "It could probably make you hundreds of thousands of dollars more." ”

"Okay." David nodded, "My current professionalism is dedicated to Smith!" ”

"Hah"

"That's right." Abel stood up, walked up to David, and patted him on the shoulder: "Go ahead." You're much more professional than I am in this area. ”

David made an OK gesture, and the two of them laughed at the same time, a little embarrassed.

At this moment, there was a knock on the office door.

Then a delicate voice sounded:

"Mr. Smith, Mr. Mellon, I'm Amanda. Can I go in? There are some documents that need to be put in you guys. ”

When he heard this, David gave Abel a thumbs up.

The guy whispered, "Yours is yours." Let the eldest lady of the Hearst family come and move our company! ”

"Hah," Abel laughed, "I can't be blamed for that. I didn't mean to. Who asked her to come over for an internship when she happened to encounter the relocation of our company? ”

"And." Abel added: "It's not that I didn't tell her not to do this kind of work, but she had to do it herself." ”

David shook his head and shouted, "Please come in, Amanda." ”

The door was pushed open.

Amanda was still a little petite, holding documents and files as tall as her hair, and walked in with a little difficulty.

She looked wobbly, the papers and files threatening to fall to the ground at any moment.

Abel looked at David and motioned for him to help.

David shook his head in refusal, his gaze wandering around Abel and Amanda, his gaze a little ambiguous.

Abel had no choice but to shake his head, and walked over to catch the large number of documents and files that Amanda staggered over.

"Be careful, Amanda. In fact, you don't need to do these rough jobs, someone in the company will do them. Abel helped her put the papers and files on the table.

"That's not going to work." Amanda breathed a sigh of relief, then laughed, "I'm your secretary now, albeit only as an intern. But it's my job, and of course I have to get it done! ”

"Okay. If you like it, it's fine. Abel waved his hand.

Amanda didn't stay long, smiled sweetly at Abel, nodded politely to David, and turned around to go out to work again.

When she left, the office door was closed.

David Mellon suddenly spoke:

"It looks like this eldest lady of the Hearst family seems to have some kind of meaning to my boss."

"Hah" Abel smiled, "Don't say such things. She was only sixteen years old. ”

David rolled his eyes, trying to say something else.

But Abel didn't give him a chance.

"Alright. Remember to keep an eye on crude oil. We will notify you as soon as the shipment is completed. Also, don't forget about Isaac. ”

He chose to leave directly.

It's just that before leaving the company, he confessed to David Mellon like this.

Leaving the Smith Building, Abel's motorcade quickly left LIC and headed for JFK International Airport, which was also in Queens.

An hour later, he was on the plane to Texas.

On the plane, he used his satellite phone to call another David he had left in Tarrant County.

"David, I'm Abel Smith."

"Good afternoon, boss. I know it's you, I have the number of your satellite phone. ”

“ok。 Well, I'm on my way to Tarrant County right now. There are about two hours to go. David, tell me about that over there. ”

"Okay."

A week ago, due to a surprise attack at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Abel was forced to return from Texas ahead of schedule.

Afterwards, he found out that nothing was too big at all.

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office, just on behalf of certain people, a small warning — no, not a warning.

It can only be said to be a greeting.

The other party is probably telling Abel that they can do it if necessary.

Abel was depressed and helpless about these practices of these people.

However, he did not let the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, which was used as a gun, do anything good.

Afterwards, he spent some money and triggered a small public opinion storm in the media against the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Among them, the newspapers in the Los Angeles area were the most enthusiastic, rushing to the front.

Even now he has not continued to invest money.

West Coast newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, are still doing things.

In addition to this, he also had Caroline launch a lawsuit against the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

Compared with the previous storm of public opinion, it is obvious that this kind of time-consuming and laborious litigation storm.

For the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, the harm and impact are even greater.

According to Caroline, Robert Morgenso had a headache.

The old guy wanted to find Abel for dinner, and through Caroline was about Abel too.

Abel pushed and pushed, this time simply flying directly to Texas, so that Robert Morgenthau could not find anyone.

In fact, Abel also knew these two means of revenge.

It doesn't really hurt the Manhattan District Attorney's Office at its roots.

It can only cause them some trouble, especially the former, which is probably not even trouble.

Because, the storm of public opinion that originally targeted the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

It has now become some kind of low-intensity confrontation between the newspapers of the West Coast and the East Coast.

There is no such thing as the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.

That is, the storm of litigation, this direct kryptonite method.

Gives Robert a headache and trouble.

So much so that they all wanted to ask Abel to dinner, probably to reconcile.

Abel also knew that reconciliation would always come.

Because this time it's really not a big deal.

Strictly speaking, it should even be said that the Manhattan District Attorney's Office is impartial.

Abel's two staff members really committed crimes.

It's just that these things are not done on the side of Smith Capital.

It was a sin committed by the previous company before coming to work here.

Abel had already made plans to wait for his return from Texas.

As long as Robert's side is a little softer, then he will cancel this lawsuit storm.

After all, the main purpose of launching this counterattack has also been accomplished.

It also freed his hands and turned his attention back to Texas.

On the Texas side, Abel left David Jones and five bodyguards.

Five bodyguards, three of whom followed Alexander Smith.

The other two were for David Jones.

David's task was simple: he was here to represent Abel, discussing with Dwayne how to help Alexander.

At the same time, the relocation of rock security to this side will be completed.

"First of all, Alesvas and the Electric Company."

David's side, according to the degree of the boss, first talked about the energy company.

Although David didn't know it, the relocation of Rock Security was more important.

But the boss seems to be more of a regional electrical company.

"Through Mr. Dwayne, I have been in contact with several shareholders and the board of directors of this company."

"Obviously, the other party has a very urgent idea of making a move, and the offer is very low, only 20 million US dollars, to be able to take 80% of its shares."

"But there's a problem, the company has liabilities of nearly $50 million. Liabilities have more than doubled its market value, which is the biggest problem. ”

The debt ratio is 250%, and Abel on the plane was a little speechless when he heard this data.

He asked again, "What about the other aspects?" ”

"Words of the rest." David Jones:

"The company currently has about 1,000 employees.

Three power plants, twenty-one gas stations, 555 miles of gas pipelines.

It powers 1,000 small farms in Tarrant County, with about 100,000-120,000 customers. ”

Abel took the satellite phone and spoke again: "What is the reason for such a serious debt?" ”

"I've checked the information, and the reason why I have so much debt."

"There are three reasons, one is that all three of its power plants are old. The technology is outdated, and it requires a lot of maintenance costs every year, and the efficiency is also worrying. ”

"The second reason is the company Ales, which recently acquired a gas company. The gas company is also on the verge of bankruptcy, and Ales has two gas fields in mind. ”

"The third reason is competition, and there are 11 electric utilities in Tarrant County, and the competition is very fierce. Ales, which has no cost advantage, lost in the price war. ”

"Whew"

On the plane, Abel exhaled softly.

"Understood." He said, "Well, let's talk about it when I arrive." Let's talk about the Rock Security Migration. ”

"Relocation is not a problem." "The Tarrant County Council welcomes the arrival of Rock Security," David said.

It's just that Sunnis Hill Farm is still blank at the moment.

If you want to wait until the construction is completed, which can accommodate more than 1,000 people, it may take more than half a year to build. ”

"Understood." Abel said again.

"Wait for me to pass."

With that, he hung up the satellite phone.

Then he looked up and looked at the four beautiful flight attendants standing in front of him.

Unlike last time, he could only tell that one of the four flight attendants was more familiar.

It's not Maria, it's another.

He pointed to the familiar flight attendant and whispered:

"What about Maria? Didn't it take Maria's turn this time? ”

He kind of missed the last Maria.

A good tooth that can blow and play, and brush.

The stewardess named by him was stunned for a moment, and then immediately replied:

"Oh, sir. You're talking about Maria, aren't you? She got married this week and took time off to get married. ”

"I'm getting married." Abel is a bit of a pity.

But when I think about it, I don't want to collect it.

What's a pity, it's a big deal to meet it next time, and it's good to experience it again.

At that time, there was also the blessing of Cao Cao's attributes, wouldn't it be more beautiful?

As long as you pay attention to good safety, this occasional game.

It's okay to eat.

With this in mind, he looked at the four flight attendants again.

The four people this time are not as high quality as the last two times.

The most beautiful and the best body is the one who just spoke.

Now Abel, the demand and appetite have become high.

This kind of quality has made him not think much.

He even thought that he would get off the plane later.

Let David, complain about Amex.

The quality is getting worse and worse, bad reviews!