"Leo, stop this," Thomas said to Leo as Evelyn closed the door of the private room.
"Say 'be careful' to me, and go save your son. That's what a father should do. But it's not something a political faction leader should do. So, in what capacity are you telling me to stop?" Leo replied calmly.
"I am." Thomas recalled how Harry had introduced Leo before, suddenly realizing that Leo no longer needed his power. On the contrary, if he wanted to stabilize Virginia's political situation and investigate his son's disappearance, he had to cooperate with Leo.
As a seasoned politician, Thomas quickly pieced things together and said, "A friend — a friend who once helped you, and will stand by your side in the future."
Recognizing one's position is the premise of any negotiation. Leo nodded approvingly and asked, "What are they willing to offer?"
Seeing Thomas's awkward expression, Leo teased slightly, "So, they caused the mess and now need you to clean it up."
"Don't mock me, Leo. For political families, every achievement becomes the family's legacy. Simply put, after becoming a legislator, your and Evelyn's children can say in Parliament:
'My family, since my great-grandfather's time, led Virginia through the hardships of World War II and contributed to the liberation of humanity. Moreover, my grandfather contributed to Virginia's moderate political environment.'
Their stance becomes instantly clear, enemies and allies identified quickly, and they gain favor and assistance from those who once benefited from my family's gifts.
When proposing legislation, they will receive unimaginable support and thus attract more donors' recognition. Believe me, this is crucial."
Though Thomas spoke about one thing, Leo understood three meanings behind it:
First, Evelyn will marry you, forging a union between two families on equal terms.
Second, your and Evelyn's offspring will be the default heirs to the Morton family's political legacy.
Third, in the future, the Valentino and Morton families will be completely bound together, essentially becoming one.
These were Thomas's conditions.
"I will stop the violence, except for Jesse. But I will only strike at most three times; if he survives, I'll give up. That's my final bottom line. Also, tell the Cottons the war isn't over," Leo said.
"I'll make the call." Thomas left for a while, soon returning. "He agreed. Also, be careful — your opponent is no longer Oswald, but his father, the old Harold Cotton who ruled the Americas at the turn of the century."
Leo chuckled lightly. "The small fry are down, now comes the big one — normal. Let's see if he can withstand my next wave of attacks. Interested in a trip to the Lynchburg Hotel? There's a surprise."
Thomas narrowed his eyes, looking at Leo. Given Leo's position, the 'surprise' must be something significant. He replied, "Sure, it's been a while since I had a massage."
They left the private room. Evelyn and Winston, who were waiting outside, both stood up.
Thomas looked at Evelyn, whose eyes were fixed entirely on Leo, and feigned regret: "A woman grown cannot be stopped. Just so, we'll go to Leo's Lynchburg Hotel for a big meal. You and Leo can share a ride."
Hearing this, Winston's expression darkened instantly. He opened his mouth to say something but was silenced by Thomas's stern gaze.
Evelyn glanced at her father, then at her grandfather, and smiled lightly. Cheerfully, she ran to Leo's side, clinging to his arm and chattering about their trip to Africa as they walked out the Waldorf Hotel's front door.
Seeing them leave, Winston, full of anger, whispered to Thomas, "Why push Evelyn into the fire?"
Thomas laughed at his words, pointing at the couple sweetly getting into the car: "Have you ever seen someone going into the fire like this?"
"But he's a playboy! The papers are full of his scandals," Winston said.
"Evelyn likes him," Thomas repressed his anger, constantly reminding himself not to be upset — he had just found her.
"She likes him, but she's still a child, not understanding many things. That guy is not only a playboy but also from a small town; he's not worthy of my Evelyn," Winston declared righteously, full of indignation, feeling the aura of fatherly love radiating from him.
Thomas finally lost his temper. His words squeezed out from between clenched teeth, low and angry:
"Winston, when you refused to go to Africa, your answer was 'I like her.' Forgotten? And you've only spent a few days with your daughter. Do you really understand her? Let me tell you, she knows more than you do. The moment she returned, she helped me — not like you, so self-righteous! And despising Leo — that young man — if not for MacArthur's pettiness, all the medals America awards for WWII would be on his uniform. Driven out of New York by powerful forces, he's been back here in two years.
From a small town? Winston, I tell you, even if you hadn't gone to Africa, with your foolish talent, today you'd still be a fool who can't enter private rooms or participate in important discussions!
Lastly, you want to go into politics? Want to personally get revenge on your enemies? Then please treat your future son-in-law better. Maybe he'll provide campaign funds out of respect for your daughter."
Lynchburg Hotel, Secret Meeting Room
Truman looked at Leo with admiration — this young man was his lucky charm.
During the Bubble House period, he pushed Vice President Wallace out of the decision-making circle.
The Lamb Company's collapse caused the biggest financial backers of those opposing him in the Democratic Party to suffer difficulties, easing the suffocating political environment.
In the latest battle, Leo helped him create a common enemy with Augustus Morgan, tightening their alliance.
Most importantly, in the campaign fund pool for the upcoming presidential election, Leo was the top donor, giving $1.5 million — $1.2 million more than the second highest!
They talked about the presale model for a while. Truman flipped through the documents Leo handed him while listening.
After the explanation, Truman was shocked:
"Leo, whenever I think you've reached your limit, you show me how shallow my vision is. Presales are fantastic."
He realized Leo's presale business model would rapidly develop America's real estate market, creating a hundred-billion-dollar industry — a major achievement for him as president.
After some thought, Truman kindly said:
"Although we differ greatly in age, your repeated actions have proven you're a trustworthy and reliable friend. So, our conversation from now on is confined to this room."
"Of course, Harry (full name Harry S. Truman)," Leo replied.
"I used some methods to obtain the latest polling data, and the results remain dismal. Compared to Eisenhower, whom James has been courting, the gap is huge. Although Marshall told me Eisenhower hesitates about running, he will try to convince him not to compete with me.
Let's not consider whether Marshall will succeed.
Even if Eisenhower withdraws, the gap between me and the Republican candidate Thomas Dewey remains significant. Moreover, James Roosevelt will pick another candidate within the party to challenge me.
Honestly, even my family doubts I'll win. Only you have extraordinary confidence in me. I'm touched. I rose from the bottom step by step. Roosevelt chose me as vice president because I lacked roots and wouldn't interfere with his decisions. Others say I'm lucky, but I know I'm not. I've been trying to be a good president, and while I think I'm doing well internationally, my hardline style isn't accepted by my peers.
So, Leo, standing so firmly by my side isn't wise. If I lose, I might be fine, but you're likely to be targeted and even lose your life."
Truman spoke sincerely.
"But what if you win? I admire Mr. Pierpont Morgan, but I admire his father more — when everyone thought France wouldn't win, he issued war bonds for France. The result: France won, and old Mr. Morgan earned the respect of London's financial district.
Likewise, though I keep winning, those people have never really respected me.
Harry, we both need this election to prove ourselves," Leo said optimistically.
Truman sighed, "You're too young to understand. The presidential election is gradually becoming a money game. Polls actually reflect the opinions of the donors willing to invest in this game.
As you see, I'm not liked by those donors. Although the whole of America knows me as president, knowing me doesn't mean they truly understand my policies.
I need to use every available way to make them understand me, but obviously, that requires money."
"Isn't there a way to trade?" Leo frowned.
With his limited knowledge of history, Leo only knew Truman was successful and was re-elected but wasn't sure how. After Truman's explanation, Leo felt uncertain. This was a world where people from previous lifetimes appeared, and if his butterfly-effect caused Truman to lose, Leo would suffer huge losses, even lose his life.
Though unlikely with Leo's ability, fleeing America poor was very possible.
No, the cost of failure was too high — he had to think of a way.
In the private meeting room, Leo frankly asked:
"With such great power, could you make some trades?"
"When I first became president, there were many. But although I dislike Roosevelt, I agree that you can't ignore capital's opinions. So I refused.
Now, due to the polls, most who could fund me have long given up. Compared to dealing with me, they'd rather wait for the new president," Truman said.
"Then you can create demand out of thin air, even if none exists," Leo said.
Truman looked at Leo with even more admiration: "I have done that. Using the European Recovery Program, I have attracted some people — you're one of them.
But most are not as straightforward as you. My campaign committee is still working on others.
Even if all donate, we still fall short compared to my opponents."
"Regarding creating demand, I have an idea: establish presale bank licenses and presale company licenses, regulated by the government," Leo said.
Truman looked surprised. He thought Leo would propose policies benefiting himself, but Leo was willingly putting chains on this newly born beast.
The idea was good but almost impossible to implement.
He shook his head, "America won't allow government to intervene so directly in free business activities."
Leo had anticipated this and continued undeterred:
"Then let's put it another way: since presales are new, their pros and cons unknown, the government must legislate to regulate them for fairness.
During the legislative period, to ensure orderly development, bank qualifications and real estate company credentials will be reviewed before issuing permits.
The legislative preparation will take one year.
As you said, they no longer communicate with you and are waiting for the new president. Why not use this mindset during this year, and use this key of wealth to open the door of wealth to more people?"
The more Leo spoke, the brighter Truman's eyes shone.
"That is indeed a good idea. But though I am president, I cannot make things too obvious."
"I understand, Harry. I will first get Virginia to pass this proposal, then have the Virginia senator submit it to you. After you sign, it will go to Congress. Then it depends on political bargaining.
But trust me, real estate is a huge market. If our plan succeeds, many will become your supporters," Leo said.
"I believe that. Though I don't understand why you would put shackles on yourself, are you sure Virginia will pass this proposal?
Though I hear you have great influence in the state legislature, as you know, without the governor's signature, a bill can't be enforced.
And I recall Harry is your enemy?" Truman asked.
Leo smiled slightly: "If I proposed it, he certainly wouldn't pass it. But if someone he trusts proposes it — and the proposal is to restrain me — from their perspective, they're the ones putting the bridle on me!"