America 1919

But now, having heard Helen's explanation, Donnie suddenly understood something, the very reason he had just analyzed for why he should enter the oil field.

It was because his foundation, though seemingly established, was not solid!

Perhaps it was for this reason that he might become the scapegoat for those people!

Never underestimate the filthiness of the hearts of those who play politics!

Donnie didn't respond to Helen but fell into thought, while Alice, standing beside him, said helplessly, "Do we really have to give up on this?"

Although she had previously suggested that Donnie focus on developing his current business and wait until he had enough influence to venture into other businesses, she still felt regret for Donnie when the issue was placed before them.

"Not necessarily!"

"Not necessarily!"

Donnie and Helen answered at the same time.

Then they looked at each other and smiled!

Seeing the two of them so in sync, Alice snorted, "I know that too!"

Helen looked at Alice with a smile and said, "Then do you have any ideas?"

Alice said with a sense of pride, "Why should I say it first? What if you steal my idea after I tell you?"

Helen laughed heartily and didn't respond to Alice's question.

Donnie sat on the couch, tapping the armrest with one hand, and said, "I had fallen into a misconception that I had to obtain one of the three major oil fields!"

"Otherwise, what?" Alice didn't understand Donnie's point and asked subconsciously.

Then she felt her reaction showed weakness and immediately pretended as if nothing had happened, saying, "That's what I thought too!"

Donnie and Helen paid no mind to Alice's reaction and continued the conversation.

"I believe what Helen said, and I think as long as this matter is made public, no matter what the final outcome, the government would definitely reclaim the rights to these three oil fields under some unlawful pretext!"

Helen nodded, saying, "That's right!"

"I got it!" Alice suddenly had an idea and said eagerly, "So we should remind Albert Furr that this should not be done in secret but should be brought out into the open with an auction, which can avoid these troubles!"

After speaking, Alice looked at Donnie and Helen with pride.

However, she helplessly found that both Donnie and Helen did not show any agreement with her.

"A public auction, of course, could indeed avoid some troubles, but it would remove Albert Furr's troubles, not ours.

Once news of this public auction gets out, it would certainly attract oil consortiums from across the nation."

By then, neither Donnie's finances nor his manpower would be able to compete with these top oil consortiums.

In other words, by doing this, we would only be removing troubles for Albert Furr, without alleviating any of our own.

Moreover, the most important thing is, I am convinced that Albert Furr and those behind him would not agree to this proposal!"

Seeing Alice wanting to know why but not desiring to ask Helen, Donnie felt obligated to explain.

"We're just analyzing the future direction of this matter, but don't forget, Albert Furr holds a high office, being a member of the Cabinet, and Harding is his close friend. One could say Albert Furr is now one of the most powerful figures in the United States.

Such a person has immense self-confidence, believing that they can solve all problems. Add to that the people backing him, and Albert Furr will surely think that even if what we've said happens, he has the means to resolve it.

A public auction would see each of these oil fields ultimately going for several million dollars, even tens of millions.

Setting aside our current inability to compete financially, it's unthinkable for the people behind Furr to let such a thing occur. You see, what they could solve with just a few hundred thousand dollars, they would now have to spend over ten times more to resolve. Do you think they would agree?"

After listening, Alice first nodded and then discontentedly told Donnie, "Why are you telling me all this, as if I didn't know!"
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Donnie and Helen shared another smile.

"So, those three oil fields, we might as well not think about it. But we can strive for small oil wells beyond those three fields."

Donnie revealed his final thoughts.

Helen nodded, saying, "I was thinking the same. Once those people get the rights to those three oil fields, they will certainly drive away the companies from the small oil wells to secure their interests. If we can obtain the rights to those small wells from the oil consortiums through certain means, we can remain hidden behind the scenes in this matter.

Even if it finally erupts, we're only cooperating with those oil companies, not directly involved with the government... at least not overtly so. Moreover, with your Atlantic City Broadcast and Atlantic City Post, any impact on us would be negligible."

"In addition, if the government reclaims these oil fields, we have two ways to respond. First, according to U.S. law, we did not get the rights directly from the U.S. Government, but now they want to reclaim them, so they will have to compensate us for our loss. That would be a lawsuit worth pursuing.

The second method is to immediately contact the government after the issue breaks out and negotiate with them using the first method as leverage, for a legal procedure to re-lease those wells to us."

"Of course, there are many fine details to work out, but I think there's enough time!"

Donnie said with a smile, "Now there's just one problem left: how to get Albert Furr and those behind him to be willing to give us the rights to those small oil wells."

Although there are many issues to resolve with this method, at least it is not as impossible as before.

And while the small oil wells may seem incomparable to the core output of the three oil fields, there are many of them.

If Donnie could get the rights to operate the small wells around the three oil fields, the production might not be less than that of a single oil field!

Most importantly, this increases the chances of success and reduces the difficulty of operation!

Upon hearing Donnie's question, Helen looked toward Alice and smiled, "This task might just need the help of little Theodore Roosevelt!"