The journey starts from the Titanic

"Flowers, rings, and half kneeling ceremony!"

"Is that so? I gave you the whole thing, so it's not necessary?..."

Chapter 152

After agreeing to be engaged to Laura, Situ Nan really pushed all the preparations to the Mellon family. Anyway, he was just a person, with no relatives except friends.

On this day, the sun is shining and suitable for travel.Situ Nan took Laura's hand and followed Andrew into an elegant villa in the Ampton area of ​​Long Island, New York, a typical Victorian-style building.The red and white appearance, hidden in the woods, has its own tranquil taste.Not extravagant, not grandstanding, showing the master's low-key and deep.

"Andrew, see you again!"

An old man walked out of the house and hugged Andrew warmly.He then looked at the two people behind Andrew Stuart and Laura, and asked with a smile, "Is Laura? I haven't seen him for several years, she's much more beautiful. There are also lads, too!"

As he said, the old man fixed his gaze on Situ Nan and nodded slightly.

At the same time, Situ Nan was also looking at the kind old man in front of him. He saw his tall head, slightly bald, a little slender face, and his bones were fairly strong, not at all like the big bellies that Situ Nan had seen before. Rich man, the old man in front of him is more like Andrew at this point.

Must have the iconic eight-character mustache of men of this era. Although it is a bit gray, it has some power.Especially the pair of eagle eyes flashed when they saw Situ Nan, which was clearly captured by Situ Nan.

Simple and deep, with a kind of superior majesty in kindness.This is the first impression the old man gave Situ Nan.

"Great uncle, this is my fiancé Stoney William." Laura said generously, holding Situ Nan's hand.The Mellon family and the Rockefeller family have always been in contact. This is not the first time Laura has come to the Rockefeller family in Ampton.

"Mr. Rockefeller, hello!" Situ Nan stepped forward and greeted respectfully.In the past and present, although this is the first time I have seen a real person, this appearance of Situ Nan is no stranger.

"Oh? Stonney William!? I've heard your name many times! What a nice boy, old man, you picked it up this time." Old Rockefeller joked with some envy to Andrew.

"Of course!" Andrew raised his head proudly in front of his old friend, looking a little proud.

"Daddy, it's windy outside, let's go inside the house!" A white woman in her thirties walked out with a gentle smile on her face.She looked a bit rich, standing beside Old Rockefeller, looking quiet and virtuous.

Abby Davidson Rockefeller is the only daughter-in-law of the old Rockefeller. Since the old Rockefeller's wife Laura Davidson Rockefeller passed away a few years ago, the house has been left to Abby to take care of it.

When he was in Texas, Situ Nan once met Rockefeller because of Occidental Petroleum's business, but Rockefeller was busy with the Rockefeller Empire, rarely at home, and did not hit him this time.

"Abby is right, old man, I can't wait to enjoy your cigar collection!" Andrew grinned unceremoniously.Old Rockefeller did not like smoking or drinking, he did not like luxury, he had almost no bad habits, he lived a simple life, and lived a typical Puritan life.

But the Rockefeller family is not lacking in the precious tobacco and liquor as a family hospitality, so every time Andrew can walk a lot of things from the old Rockefeller.Especially the Havana cigars in the old Rockefeller’s house are Andrew's favorite.

As Situ Nan thought, the decoration in the house is practical and generous. Although it is definitely not simple, the degree of luxury does not match the identity of the owner at all. Compared with the luxurious decoration and rich collection of the Morgan family, this manor is simply Appears "shabby".

Situ Nan knew that Rockefeller had retired for many years. Although the oil empire he built was still under his control, he rarely paid attention to business matters. He gave Standard Oil to his only son, Rockefeller. Apart from enjoying family happiness, I put more energy and wealth into charity.

In fact, Situ Nan's visit today was not just for business, but for "alms".After a short greeting, Old Rockefeller's daughter-in-law Abby took Laura's hand to discuss women's topics, and made room for the two young and old to talk.It is normal for men to talk about things and women to avoid them wisely. It is even more demanding for a big family like Rockefeller.

Andrew's visit gave Old Rockefeller a lot of excitement, and the two usually taciturn old men started chattering as soon as they sat down.

National events and the international situation are the topics that men are keen to discuss. Situ Nan and the old Rockefeller are no exception. The current world war that is currently in full swing in the United States is an inevitable topic.

Although the old Rockefeller has retired for many years, the news is still very well-informed, and there is no big thing in the United States to hide from him.

"Although we have to stand on the side of the British and French this time, the situation in Europe is still not optimistic!" Old Rockefeller sighed.

"Who said no? Who knew that the submarine, which the American thought was a ridiculous toy, had such power in the hands of the Germans? Now not only the British have a headache, but also our American businessmen." Andrew agreed.

In the most recent period of time, German submarines have attacked wildly, and all ships walking on the Atlantic have become their targets. In April alone, the total tonnage of the merchant ships sunk by the Allied Powers exceeded 850,000 tons!This number is shocking!Although the shipbuilding industry in the United States is developed, American businessmen cannot help but worry about such a bloody submarine war.

A few days ago, there was a merchant ship of the Mellon family in the fleet that was attacked near the British North Sea. Two 10,000-ton merchant ships were disembarked by torpedo attacks and destroyed their cargo and sank. This made Andrew very heartbroken, although the cargo ships were insured. , But the insurance company is also the Mellon family's industry, in short, it is a big blood.

When Old Rockefeller was talking with Andrew, Situ Nan was sitting in a group listening and seldom interjected. He understood the German unrestricted submarine better than most people.

The Atlantic route from the Americas to Europe has become very risky because of Germany's unrestricted submarines. At the same time, high risk also means high return.But not everyone can get a high return. Therefore, some small and medium insurance companies are facing the crisis of bankruptcy because they cannot afford the huge losses of ship destruction and death, which stimulates the rise of reinsurance business.

William Financial took the opportunity to acquire an insurance company in New York that was about to go bankrupt. After clearing up its debts and injecting capital, it entered the reinsurance business and began to accept insurance companies.

"Stone, what are you thinking?"

Andrew called Situ Nan without a few words. He just talked about the engagement of Situ Nan and Laura after he had communicated with the old Rockefeller about the German submarine, but at this time the actor was distracted.

"Haha! The young man wants to be a girl! It's normal to be distracted!" Old Rockefeller stroked the beard of his mouth and smiled kindly, "After I got married, my heart was settled. There is a woman to take care of it, and men have more Time to go and fight outside!"

"Hey!" Situ Nan didn't feel annoyed, and he said happily as a default.

Setting up a family and starting a business was the experience of the old Rockefeller's life. He felt a little sad when he thought of his wife, Laura Rockefeller, who had never abandoned him all his life.Now that the Iraqi people are gone, the old Rockefeller is in his sixtieth year. Apart from the charity that he spares no effort in, there is only a little bit of fun to play with his grandchildren.

"Make as much money as possible from other viciously competitive businessmen, and use this money to develop beneficial causes for mankind. This is what Mr. Rockefeller said too well. You are not only a role model for our younger generations in business, but also the United States. A banner of philanthropy." Situ Nan exclaimed.

Speaking of the philanthropy of the wealthy in the United States, one cannot fail to mention the Rockefeller family.Although his founder, Rockefeller, suffered a lot of criticism in his career, his contributions to American education and medical care are praised by everyone.At the same time, it also affected the later cover. After being successful, such as Buffett and other rich Americans, they donated large amounts of property to social charities.

"Haha. Stone is interested! I heard that you are going to build a school in California?" Old Rockefeller said with a smile. Anna Eleanor Roosevelt of the Roosevelt family had already contacted the Rockefeller Foundation.

Because the funds involved were large and the other party was the upstart Stonney William who emerged in the past few years, the old Rockefeller left an impression.As soon as he heard Situ Nan shift the topic to this aspect, he immediately understood.

"Yes! The economy in the west is not only lagging behind the east, but also in education. Although the Berkeley campus is pretty good in terms of technology, there is still no top-notch university in California like Harvard and the University of Chicago, so I think Learn from what you have learned and make some contributions to the education of the west."

Situ Nan said sincerely, confidently and honestly facing Old Rockefeller's eyes.Regarding the establishment of a university in California, Situ Nan discussed with Andrew and received Andrew’s support. Andrew also said that he would use his influence to persuade Mellon College and Carnegie College in Pittsburgh to help.

At this time, Carnegie-Mellon University has not yet merged. Although the Mellon family and the Carnegie family once had fierce competition in the business field, they were the same in donating education.

Moreover, Situ Nan said that a business school named after Andrew Mellon would be opened in the new university, and Andrew quickly and generously agreed to donate 300,000 US dollars for the construction of the school.

Wen Suxian knows Yayi, and the two sons-in-law Andrew are here today?Old Rockefeller saw it. Although Andrew was sitting next to him enjoying the mellow cigar, his attention was still focused on the conversation between the old and the young.

Old Rockefeller didn't even break it, and donating to education and medical care has always been his passion. The University of Chicago mentioned by Situ Nan just hit his heart.

"I have donated countless institutions in my life, but only the University of Chicago makes me most proud of. Since Stoney is so careful, the Rockefeller family is also very willing to participate in this useful cause." Old Rockefeller said readily.

"That's great! With the support of the Rockefeller family, I think this great cause will have the guarantee of success." Situ Nan said flatly, although I don't know how strong the other party's support is, as long as the old man Rockefeller nodded, and the matter could be much smoother.

At least with his cheap father-in-law, Andrew ran a few words casually, and the blood of Old Rockefeller would not be lower than the figure of 300,000 dollars donated by Andrew.In fact, Situ Nan didn't value the money too much, he valued the other party's influence more.

The Rockefeller Foundation has always been well-known in charity education. It has funded the establishment of a number of top scientific research and educational institutions such as the University of Chicago, Rockefeller University, and Rockefeller Medical Center, and maintains a good relationship with the church.Situ Nan wants to build a first-class university in California in a short time. These are all resources that he can rely on.

In the atmosphere of learning from the west to the east, the United States has cultivated a group of top technical talents for China from the beginning of children studying in the United States to the mid-twentieth century.The philanthropy of the old Rockefeller also benefited some people in China. Tsinghua School and Yenching University have received donations from Rockefeller and other American charitable funds. Some lucky talents have also been able to study in the United States, and eventually they have achieved their studies and returned to the country to contribute. .

Although there is no old Rockefeller's generosity in charity, Situ Nan still hopes that after the establishment of a university in California in the future, he can accept more students from China and reserve talents for the country. This will more or less make up for the psychological regret. .This idea has been buried in his mind, and now he finally sees some hope of success.

"Haha!" Old Rockefeller smiled indifferently at Situ Nan's flattery. He waved his hand and said, "You can talk to Little John for details! I believe you young people will have many topics in common."

After many tests, the old Rockefeller was completely relieved of his only son, Rockefeller Jr., not only gave him the business of the consortium, but also gave him the Rockefeller Foundation.

"Yes. I think we will have a very happy conversation." Situ Nan replied.

Compared with the old Rockefeller in his life, Situ Nan is more familiar with Rockefeller.Situ Nan, who has read the biography of the Rockefeller family, knows that in terms of charity, Rockefeller completely adhered to his father's ideas and carried it forward. He was completely a "spread money boy". He not only donated charity education but also invested a lot of money in the construction of the United States. National Nature Reserve.

It's a pity that I can't see Little Rockefeller today, so I can only make another appointment at another time.However, Situ Nan still met an outstanding kid-Lawrence Rockefeller, the third generation leader of Rockefeller.

Born in 1910, he is only 7 years old this year. He is very delicate and smart. He is very much loved by the old Rockefeller.Although I know that Lawrence Rockefeller will be a great person in the future, he is a child and loves to play. Situ Nan got his favor with two rhetoric words. In the afternoon, when Andrew and Old Rockefeller were chatting in the room, Situ Nan was rare. Played with Lawrence in the garden for a while.