America 1919

By this time, Donnie had already left Ponzi's banquet with Nucky and the two had arrived at Nucky's study in the Ritz Hotel.

A rare seriousness appeared on Nucky's face.

Regarding the competition for the presidency, Nucky took it very seriously, after all, the last "King" of Atlantic City was sent to prison by Wilson, who was about to become the former President.

Although Nucky didn't think he would be the next "King," he indeed needed the President's help.

The things Donnie had just said at Ponzi's banquet surprised Nucky. The matter Donnie knew about Harding must be a scandal capable of affecting Harding's campaign.

Only then could Nucky make an issue of it.

A scandal doesn't necessarily mean having leverage over someone; it might also allow one to become a good friend of that person.

It all depends on how one plays their cards.

"Alright, Donnie, can you now show me what this surprise of yours is?"

Donnie, sitting on the study's sofa with a calm demeanor, said, "Mr. Nucky, how about we discuss our deal first?"

Now that Donnie had placed his chips on the table, it was naturally time to discuss terms!

Nucky looked deeply at Donnie. He wasn't surprised by Donnie's request; it would have surprised Nucky if he hadn't made any demands at this time.

"I can keep your Fuli Tavern in business, and even bring you into my team. But all this is predicated on the attractiveness of your chip!"

Nucky no longer fancied keeping Donnie under his thumb, if he couldn't be a subordinate, then a partner he must be!

It was an inevitable concession, given the things Donnie had said, particularly those pertaining to Washington.

If Donnie had no connections in Washington, it would have been impossible for him to know about it.

This became the part Nucky was wary of.

Donnie, however, was not satisfied with Nucky's offer and continued with a smile, "There's another matter I would like to collaborate on with you, Mr. Nucky."

"Don't push your luck!" Nucky said with some dissatisfaction, thinking Donnie was asking for too much.

Donnie gestured with his hand, "Mr. Nucky, you misunderstand. What I'm talking about is something that is very beneficial for both of us, capable of enhancing your influence and wealth!"

Nucky's curiosity was piqued when he heard Donnie speak this way, as the surprises from Donnie today were countless.

"What is it?"

"It's about elevating the influence of Atlantic City!"

"Tell me more!"

"With women now having the right to vote, the innate nature of American women is being liberated; no longer confined to home as before. And these women are increasingly focusing on their attire, just look at Hollywood actresses, every issue of fashion magazines critique their outfits. And their style influences the entire American female wardrobe.

I can assert that in the future, women will become an important consumer group, perhaps even outspending men. If we can dominate this market, we will bring to Atlantic City an industrial chain beyond tourism, gambling, and prostitution.

Mr. Nucky, don't you think this is immensely beneficial for both you and Atlantic City?"

Nucky frowned deeply, then suddenly his face cleared, "You're talking about beauty pageants?"

As everyone knows, the Miss America pageant started this year, but in reality, Atlantic City had conducted its own beauty pageant the previous year, though it did not cause much sensation!

Donnie nodded, "Correct, beauty pageants. And I'm talking about a nationwide pageant, where we increase the prize money, the exposure, and make these competing girls wholeheartedly believe that they are the most beautiful women in America.

If we promote this event well enough, big enough, I believe it will become a national sensation, and by then, all the rich folks from around the country will come to Atlantic City.

If we can keep these people here, then Atlantic City will no longer just be a playground for steelworkers from Philadelphia and New York. It will become a playground for the rich across America!"

Donnie's last statement had caught Nucky's interest.

Though Atlantic City was teeming with tourists, most of them were blue-collar workers from Philadelphia and New York, each spending no more than forty or fifty US dollars in Atlantic City.

But if the wealthy from across America were to come, their spending could soar to tens of thousands of dollars, as was evident from Ponzi!

"You want to be in charge of this event?" Nucky asked Donnie.

Since Donnie had brought it up, Nucky naturally presumed Donnie wanted to take full responsibility for the event.

"If Mr. Nucky agrees, I would be extremely honored!" Indeed, just as Nucky thought, Donnie wanted to be in charge of this matter, but of course, he wouldn't inform Nucky of the deeper layers of his plan!

After a brief consideration, Nucky agreed to Donnie's request.

This event might be Donnie's responsibility, but much would need to be managed by Nucky himself. Just getting the word out about the pageant to make it nationally known and watched required his influence.

"Agreed!"

Donnie smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Nucky, I assure you, you won't be disappointed!"

"Alright, now you can tell me what you know about Harding. If it can indeed serve as a bargaining chip, then our partnership will be successful."

Nucky hadn't forgotten the scandal about Harding mentioned by Donnie earlier; what was more important was that he could gauge through this the extent of Donnie's Washington connections!

"Mr. Harding is a handsome gentleman, and his wife is... So, it's inevitable that Mr. Harding would have his affairs, and as it happens, there is a young lady who bore a handsome son for Mr. Harding."

At this point, Donnie looked at Nucky, who was completely shocked, and smiled, "I wonder if this information will allow you to secure the permit to build the highway between Atlantic City and Philadelphia after Harding's election?"

Nucky, staring blankly at Donnie, said, "If this information is true, you will be my best friend!"

"I hope so!" Donnie smiled.

After the two had finished discussing their business, Nucky's refined smile resurfaced on his face.

"Donnie, you are a very smart man, so I hope you do not do anything unwise. Otherwise, I would have to sadly say goodbye to our partnership!"

Donnie nodded, "Of course, and I've said long ago that my greatest wish is to become a successful businessman!"

"That's the best!"

Now that the two had temporarily resolved their differences, Donnie also asked about another doubt in his heart.

"Mr. Nucky, was it your idea for Ponzi to find me?"

Ponzi's haughty then humble attitude left Donnie uncertain—was it because the man discovered Donnie's increased wealth in Atlantic City, or was it a directive from Nucky?

Nucky chuckled but did not provide a clear answer, "Ponzi and I are just friends who met at a banquet!"

However, this answer was sufficient for Donnie.

Next, the two discussed the details of the Miss America pageant, and finally agreed that Donnie would take care of all matters within Atlantic City, while Nucky would ensure the entire United States knew about the event!

"Nucky!"

Just as they were ready to conclude, Lucy walked in with a look of dissatisfaction.

"Are you two planning to stay up all night here?"

"Haha!" Nucky stood up and beckoned Lucy into his arms, "Of course not, we were just about to finish our conversation for today!"

Donnie politely addressed her, "Miss Lucy!"

Lucy nodded haughtily.

"I won't bother you two any longer; I shall take my leave first!"

Donnie stood up and left Nucky's study.

"You've always disliked Donnie, so why were you chatting so happily with him today?" Lucy asked, feigning indifference.

.

Donnie returned to The Fuli Tavern, and there Robert, John, and Bruce were waiting for him, while the members of the Ku Klux Klan who had come for drinks had long since left.

More importantly, in his office, Donnie didn't see "Lucky Boy" Charlie Luciano, who had been tied up like a rice dumpling.

Even bound tightly, Charlie glared at Donnie with anger.

Donnie, however, didn't pay him any attention but instead asked Robert, "Where did you catch him?"

Robert laughed, "At the Block Tavern. The man is truly foolish; after leaving your place, he indeed went straight to the Korle Bar, and only after he beat up Vince did he realize he was in the wrong place and came here to the Block Tavern, fuming."

Donnie said helplessly, "So you're saying that tonight we hosted the Klan members here for nothing?"

"Donnie Block, you despicable creature, Meyer won't let you off the hook!"

Donnie glanced at the future New York gangland boss without patience and waved dismissively, telling Chris, "Take him to the warehouse. I don't have time for him right now!"

After Chris dragged Charlie Luciano away, Donnie shared with everyone the events at Ponzi's banquet and his negotiations with Nucky that evening.

John said excitedly, "Does this mean our problem is now solved?"

Donnie shook his head, "We can't be certain yet. I have to wait until I meet that friend tomorrow before we can be sure."

Robert asked, "What about the Miss America pageant?"

Donnie looked at everyone, smiled somewhat helplessly, and said, "I'll take charge of that matter. By the way, Robert, how did your screening of Dwight go? Can we trust him?"

Robert replied, "He has passed my preliminary screening. I think we can trust him now, but we still can't tell him the core details."

Donnie nodded and said, "Have him come to me tomorrow. I'll need him in the coming days."

"Alright!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Another thing, in the next few days, whether through acquisition or by starting our own, I need to own a newspaper of our own as soon as possible!" Donnie stated earnestly.

Just as at Nucky's, Donnie had held back some information; he was definitely going to run the pageant, but that was not his goal.

Using the pageant as a lever to gain an influential newspaper was what mattered most!

"A newspaper?"

Hearing Donnie's request, even Robert was surprised.

These men were either retired from the battlefield or had come out of Elwood Village; they were skilled in assassination and close combat, but maneuvering the pen?

Donnie confirmed, "Yes, you don't need to worry about the rest. I will handle the specifics!"