Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 104 New Year's Edict: Stars Fall in America

The morning light of Deep Water Bay streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Lin Yan's fingertips tapped unconsciously on the table. His thoughts had crossed the Pacific Ocean and landed on that vast and vibrant continent.

With a slight thought, a mental connection was made with Alexander Winster, the highest-ranking official in the Americas region.

"New Year, Vanguard. I'm entrusting you with the first five-year strategic goal for the Americas region: to penetrate and ultimately substantially influence the U.S. Congress and key decision-makers in the federal government."

"Young Master, Happy New Year! Do you have any specific suggestions?"

"Funding and lobbying: This is our most direct weapon. We establish or control multiple political action committees (PACs) to find, evaluate, and fund candidates with potential who align with our interests, whether they are Democrats or Republicans. We help them win elections and get into the House of Representatives, the Senate, and even important committees such as the Appropriations Committee, the Commerce Committee, and the Armed Forces Committee. Similarly, key appointments in the executive branch are also targets. We want people who can influence policymaking."

"Utilize the two-party system: their partisan struggle is just a facade; the core is power and interests. Don't take sides; learn to hedge your bets. Use their infighting to make them compete for our support, introducing bills that benefit us or obstructing policies that are detrimental to us. We need to become the behind-the-scenes force they all need to appease."

"Investing in the Future: The current technological wave—aerospace, semiconductors, and computers—represents the commanding heights of the future. We will deeply engage in these fields through venture capital and research grants. We will send our people into core research institutions or top companies to learn, absorb, and even guide their technological development. Remember, keep a low profile. These technologies and talents will eventually flow back to Hong Kong, but for now, let's nurture them using the resources and funding available in the United States."

"Improving the status of Chinese Americans (a long-term investment): This is a strategic move that allows us to embed ourselves into the fabric of American society. Currently, the Chinese American community there is too fragmented and its voice is too weak. We need to change that."

"Economically: Encourage and fund Chinese elites to enter mainstream industries such as high technology, finance, and law, so as to break free from traditional labels. Establish a Chinese business alliance to share resources and form a united force."

"Politically: Promote voter registration and increase voter turnout. Start with local politics, support Chinese Americans running for school board members and city councilors to gain experience. Establish a strong lobbying organization to advocate for the rights of the Chinese community and combat systemic discrimination."

"Culturally: Actively cultivate a positive image, emphasize the contributions of Chinese Americans to the United States, and try to build alliances with other minority groups."

In education: ensure educational equity and cultivate the next generation of elites.

"A stronger and more integrated Chinese community will be our most natural ally and cover, greatly facilitating all our operations there."

"At the execution level, let's get started. If you need any resources—people or money—apply directly to Lin Yi. The global network will cooperate with you. I would like to see regular progress reports."

In a penthouse office of a skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York, a sharp-looking man in a bespoke suit is reviewing documents. He pauses slightly, a fleeting, almost imperceptible glint of insight flashing in his eyes before returning to normal.

The Americas Regional Head, "Vanguard," lightly tapped his knuckles on the desk. Almost simultaneously, the office door opened, and a similarly well-dressed assistant strode in, carrying encrypted documents.

"Pass down the message: the Strategic Investment Committee will hold an emergency video conference in one hour. Also, arrange a meeting for me with Mr. Smith from 'Lighthouse' Advisory Firm tomorrow morning. Furthermore, reassess the files of all the 'potential candidates' (referring to politicians) we are currently monitoring, adjust the priorities, and implement the 'Level A Influence Penetration' plan."

"Yes, sir." The assistant quickly wrote it down and turned to leave.

Inside the Deep Water Bay study, Lin Yan's consciousness sank into his sea of ​​knowledge, rapidly flipping through fragments of historical memories from another time and space. As keywords such as "Venezuela," "1958," "Rockefeller," "oil," and "Chase Bank" were illuminated and connected one by one, a clear picture unfolded before his eyes.

"Betancort came to power...a democratic government...recruiting foreign investment to develop oil...Rockefeller personally went there in 1959..." Lin Yan's finger swept across the unfolded world map, finally pointing to the location of Venezuela.

"Vanguard." He thought again and connected with the person in charge in New York.

"Young Master, please give your instructions." The Vanguard's response arrived instantly.

"Venezuela, a key target in South America. Having just ended a dictatorship, the new president, Romulo Betancort, needs funds and development and is beckoning to foreign countries. Our friend Rockefeller is already on his way; they plan to discuss oil exploration this year, and their Chase Bank is also eyeing the financial sector here."

"I need you to act immediately and get ahead of them. There are two targets:"

"First, secure the best oil exploration block concessions, the more the better. Don't use our well-known shell companies; use newly registered, clean offshore companies, but ensure absolute control."

"Second, to infiltrate or control a promising local bank as our future financial foothold in Venezuela and even South America, so that we can compete with Chase Bank in the future, or even acquire it."

"Strategy?" Vanguard asked directly, his mind racing as he began selecting suitable subordinates to carry out the task.

"The new government craves credible and quick-return investments. We can offer more favorable terms—higher upfront fees for mining rights, a commitment to more advanced (demonstration-only) exploration technology, and a greater commitment to hiring and training local staff to address their public image pain points. If necessary," Lin Yan paused, "we can use some 'unconventional' methods to ensure key decision-makers develop a 'goodwill' and trust in us. You have people on your team who are good at this."

He was referring to the hypnotic illusion created by the divine sense of a Golden Core cultivator.

"As for the bank, find a medium-sized, licensed local bank that is experiencing operational difficulties. Offer it an irresistible injection of capital in exchange for a controlling stake. Our funds far exceed what Rockefeller can mobilize for this operation."

"Understood." Vanguard immediately understood. "I will immediately assemble two special teams. The oil team will be led by a 'geologist' and a 'negotiation expert,' and the finance team will be led by a 'former Swiss banker.' They will travel to Caracas as representatives of a European consortium, taking the fastest flight. Before Rockefeller's team completes its internal assessment and itinerary planning, they will establish substantive contact with relevant Venezuelan government departments and target banks."

"Very good." Lin Yan nodded in satisfaction. "Remember, speed is key. We need to create a fait accompli. When Mr. Rockefeller Jr. arrives in Caracas, he will find that the most lucrative piece of the pie has already been quietly taken away. As for funding, apply directly to Lin Yi for unlimited support."

"We will never let you down." The vanguard's mind was filled with powerful confidence. For a group of "stalkers" with extraordinary abilities, unlimited funds, and knowledge of the course of history, it was not difficult to intercept them first.

Communication ended.

Lin Yan walked to the wine cabinet, poured a small glass of amber-colored spirit wine produced in the space, and gently swirled it.

He raised his glass and offered a perfunctory toast to the South China Sea bathed in sunlight outside the window.

"Happy New Year, Mr. Rockefeller. I hope you enjoy this 'surprise' I've prepared for you."

An invisible undercurrent of commerce, triggered by Lin Yan's single thought, began to surge rapidly towards the distant South American continent. A silent battle for control of oil and finance had already begun.