America 1919

Donnie was just joking, and he sat back down on the sofa to take the freshly lit cigarette from Jessica Dole's hand, saying, "So, you've officially become a thing with Maholi?"

Walker let out a chuckle and replied, "I have to thank you for the villa you sent over. Without that place, things wouldn't have progressed so swiftly with Maholi!"

Donnie nodded and said, "When I met with Madeline and Dick earlier, from what they told me I could tell that Madeline wants to partner up with you!"

This was the first time Donnie and Walker had discussed Madeline, so Walker was momentarily stunned after hearing this: "She wasn't like this before; generally, she would mock Vincent and I just got dragged into it as well!"

After saying this, Walker immediately understood the implications.

"So, the reason Dick came along with Madeline this time is actually to expand his banking business to Atlantic City?"

Donnie nodded, "Yes, Dick has heard some rumors about Nucky and I wanting to legalize the spinach industry in Atlantic City, so he made his move in advance!"

"Has that news already gotten out?" Walker was surprised again.

"It's still not certain whether only Dick knows about this, or if others are already aware," Donnie said with a hint of helplessness.

"I think it's very unlikely that only Dick knows. His connections in New York aren't that strong. His hurry to get here is probably because he wants to capitalize on the element of surprise. Enjoy exclusive adventures from empire

Other powers are definitely observing; they're not sure if your move will be successful and are definitely also using their own relationships to find the best entry point that benefits them the most," Walker analyzed for Donnie.

Walker's analysis made Donnie fall into deep thought; he actually agreed quite a bit with Walker's assessment.

"So, the change in Madeline's attitude towards you is actually to use your connections to hasten my agreement to their involvement!"

Walker nodded, "That's likely the case."

Donnie sat there, falling into contemplation again: "If that's the case, then the situation gets a bit troublesome. If those big fishes enter the scene, things will turn complex instantaneously."

Walker didn't have a particularly good idea about the situation either and suggested, "How about this—I'll have Maholi call her friends in New York. That way, we'll get a rough understanding of the situation!"

Madeline and Dick's influence in New York was limited, but Maholi was different. As a female tycoon and president of the largest food company in the country, Maholi's influence easily dwarfed that of Madeline and Dick combined!

"Right, didn't you want me to help you buy some farms in the south for growing grapes and sugarcane? Grain Empire Food Company is the largest food company in the country, and they have always had good relations with those farmers down south. Maholi can help with this as well!"

Donnie shook his head, "Unless you want to break up with Maholi, it's better not to tell her about these two things. At least, not coming from you personally!"

Walker looked at Donnie, puzzled, "Why...."

Walker had other questions, but upon seeing Jessica Dole sitting next to Donnie, he stopped himself.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"You, leave for now!" Donnie also realized the next topic wasn't suitable for Jessica Dole to hear, so he asked her to leave.

Only after Jessica Dole had left did Donnie continue speaking.

"Although I had you pursue Maholi with a utilitarian purpose in mind, and Maholi is indeed a bit of a romantic... with a mentality that love comes first, she is, after all, the president of the Grain Empire Foods Company. You can't take someone of that status lightly."

Now that you two have just gotten together, you're having her help solve all kinds of problems. What do you think she's going to think of you?"

"Only when she truly puts all her thoughts on you, then you can actively ask her for help with some matters. Right now, we can only take a circuitous approach..."

Listening to Donnie's plan, the shock on Walker's face became increasingly evident, "Now I know why you're able to deal with so many women!"

Donnie said with restrained pride, "These are all learned skills, you still have a lot to learn!"

Walker gave Donnie an unimpressed glance.

"Alright, now that we have a consensus on this matter, what about investing in United Artists? Charlie Chaplin is clearly against it, but I've noticed that Griffith might be somewhat interested!"

Donnie nodded, "United Artists may not be a major studio in Hollywood, but its founders after all are Charlie Chaplin, Pickford, Douglas, and Griffith. They still have an influence in Hollywood.

Even if they're willing to consider outside investment, they would first look at the larger studios. With no connections in Hollywood, naturally, they wouldn't be interested, and they undoubtedly think that we can't offer them significant financial support!"

Walker laughed, "That is definitely a problem. Although this Miss America is going to bring you at least 4 million US dollars in revenue, just building the hotel alone will cost you 2.5 million US dollars. The remaining money, to make waves in the film industry, is indeed not enough!"

Donnie showed a helpless expression, "You've also underestimated some expenses. Major League Baseball's commissioner Benn will come to Atlantic City with Harding. Even with Harding's influence, securing the exclusive live broadcast of Major League Baseball will cost at least 2 million dollars!"

"Ha!" Walker said with easy laughter, "I just remembered, there's also the cost of acquiring the southern farms? That is also a substantial expense. Looks like this is going to be a headache for you, Donnie!"

"A headache? Why would I have a headache?"

Donnie looked straight at Walker, smiling on his face, but such a smile sent a shiver down Walker's spine!

"I just remembered, I have a golf date with Maholi, so I won't keep you, goodbye!"

After saying that, Walker got up as if to leave.

But it was already too late, Donnie had grabbed the corner of Walker's clothes by then.

"Brother Block, I'm just an illegitimate son, I do have some cash on hand, but that's all my fortune. You're not coveting even this small amount, are you?"

Walker was almost in tears!

Donnie chuckled, "It's precisely because it's all your fortune that you should take it out. You always say we're good brothers, right? Since we're good brothers, of course we should advance and retreat together. Trust me, if you put in a million now, that one million will soon turn into ten million, a hundred million!"

"The way you're talking right now is very Ponzi-like!" Walker said with conviction.

"If you can put up the money, to hell with 'like;' I might as well change my name to Ponzi right now!" Donnie pressed Walker onto the sofa!