[Chapter 89: Bill Doesn't Care]
"...Columbia University trains the 'New York elites' -- Wall Street bankers, law firm partners, and political strategists. They are more ambitious and proactive, exactly suited for your current needs."
In the study, Bill smiled. "Your superstar status and wealth are your 'hard currency' in New York circles. You can easily break social barriers and move from being a 'student' to a valued collaborator or potential ally among Columbia's influential alumni. More importantly, Columbia's roots run deep in New York's political and business scenes, with alumni networks spanning City Hall, state government, and local foundations. Columbia offers you the most direct path to advancement."
Orlando considered this. "If New York is the foundation, Columbia is the amplifier. My identity as a New Yorker isn't a barrier -- it's a boost, because everyone knows I'm from here."
"Exactly!" Bill smiled, his tone softening. "Besides, Diane and I have some... connections there."
His words, and the reaction took Orlando back to a future memory.
After Bill retired, Hillary emerged.
This also marked a milestone in American history.
Hillary was not only the first former First Lady of the United States to officially enter politics,
But she was also the most successful.
This didn't just mean she nearly reached the nation's highest office.
Her starting point was exceptionally high -- she became a senator from New York State!
That's New York, arguably one of the country's most historically rich and influential states.
"Bill, can you help me get in touch with Columbia's admissions office?" Orlando tried to sound serious. "What do I need to pay, or what's required of me? Could you make a list?"
"Now I know why Diane likes you," Bill said something that would sound unbelievable to anyone with a normal perspective. "No wonder she loves you so much. Besides your young energy and good looks, I have to admit, dear Orlando, you've been really, really clever so far! That makes me feel better. Because that means the baby in Diane's belly will definitely have good genes!"
"Of course, " Just as Orlando was pondering how to respond to Clinton's "sharp remark"--
The study door opened.
---
Hillary walked in.
She was smiling, dressed in a tailored pearl-white suit with a standing collar that emphasized her slender neck.
Her shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled neatly into a low bun, and her pearl earrings peeked out from behind.
Though she was smiling, her icy blue eyes revealed sharp restraint, and her nude lipstick outlined tightly pressed lips.
With a straight posture and chin slightly raised, she radiated authority; her porcelain-white skin gleamed softly beneath the silk shirt's collar.
"Have you agreed?" she approached Orlando, looking up at him as if he were her husband, and asked softly.
"Uh..." Orlando glanced at Bill, noticing the brief flicker of jealousy that passed in Bill's eyes as she entered -- but it was faint and quickly vanished.
"I think it's settled. Bill suggested I aim for Columbia, and I hope he can help."
"Columbia University is the best fit for you, and he will help," she said.
"That's right." Bill smiled, not seeming to mind his wife holding onto Orlando so closely. "After all, we're family now."
Hillary simply smiled without replying.
Looking at the couple, Orlando could only return a smile.
---
"Careful, you're pregnant!"
"It's okay. You were cautious earlier. Plus, the doctor said the embryo is of the highest quality, the best yet! Just don't get too excited."
"Better safe than sorry..."
Night fell.
As one of the least economically developed and poorest states in America, even though Little Rock is Arkansas's most developed city, it's not exactly lively after dark.
Except the bar district and some entertainment spots, around 10 p.m., the streets are mostly empty.
Though the white population has long made up over 80% of the state, being a Southern state, many local rednecks were no better than those from other rough neighborhoods.
The social security situation reflected that, except in wealthy enclaves.
Better not be out late.
In a villa not far from the governor's residence, Orlando held Hillary, still flat-bellied and naked like him.
"Honestly," he lowered his head, looking at her in his arms; his hand unconsciously traced her belly, "Before coming here, I really didn't expect Bill to be so... so..."
"Does it matter?" she asked.
"Uh... yes."
Though Orlando had heard rumors and known the backstory from Hillary herself, he wasn't prepared for the man to be so friendly with the person who fathered his wife's child.
It wasn't an act, either -- after all, Orlando had superpowers. Except for a twinge of jealousy, he had no hard feelings.
"We did love each other when we were young, or else we wouldn't have ended up together," Hillary said casually. "But since he became Arkansas Attorney General and I saw him with his secretary and her sister in his office, love disappeared."
Orlando remained silent.
"Don't stress. Honestly, Bill's happy I'm pregnant. He'd be even happier if it were a boy."
She met Orlando's gaze steadily. "He doesn't like Chelsea because she's a girl. And..."
She paused. "Chelsea isn't his biological daughter."
"Wow, and..." Orlando touched her fair belly, "same as our baby?"
"Um."
It gets really complicated, Orlando thought.
"He accepted Chelsea and raised her all this time, he won't mind that you're the baby's biological father. So..." Hillary said softly, "don't worry about that."
"Okay." Orlando smiled confidently, causing Hillary's body to sway. "Then I'm relieved."
---
Orlando stayed in Arkansas for two more days.
Officially it was to promote the new single, Counting Stars. Secretly, it was to hold Hillary in his arms each night.
They were so audacious that the second night they stayed in the master bedroom of Bill and Hillary's mansion in the Governor's residence.
"He won't mind. He's spent more nights in this bed with the secretary," Hillary joked.
---
While he was getting ready to leave Arkansas and promote his single elsewhere, under Hillary and Bill's arrangement, the New York Times published a story about Orlando--
[A musical genius? No, he could also be a potential Wall Street tycoon!]
The report detailed how Orlando made $50 to $60 million in just a few months on Wall Street.
Originally, this was just a strategy between Orlando and the Clinton couple to boost Columbia's favor toward Orlando.
After all, if Bill wrote a recommendation letter, Orlando would likely get accepted to Columbia.
But when Orlando showed up at Columbia, he wasn't really there just to study.
He was on a mission for the Clintons -- representing the Arkansas political dynasty to mingle with New York's elite.
The more impressive the halo, the better -- and it would be ideal if it wasn't just the halo of a pop star.
And Columbia is in New York.
In New York, what halo is stronger than "Wall Street"?
Almost none.
After news of Orlando's investment success surfaced, Hillary and Bill immediately felt this clout was even more powerful than any pop king's.
After some discussion, the New York Times, under Rockefeller family influence, broke exclusive stories that even the Wall Street Journal didn't have: Reported gains for Orlando in the investment world. They painted Orlando as an investment prodigy.
It was a momentum-builder for Orlando -- and he knew it well.
At the same time, it meant he had fully joined the "Arkansas gang."
At least on paper, in others' eyes, he was now a part of Arkansas team.
---
August 25th.
Orlando headed back to New York.
Instead of taking an expensive charter, he flew first class on a commercial flight.
The trip started smoothly with the roar of a Boeing 737.
This trip fully allowed him to experience the "aura of a genius investor" brought by the New York Times' front-page headlines.
That aura was far more magnetic than his status as a rising singer, future pop king, and up-and-coming gold record producer.
Before, when flying first class, if recognized, some young fans might ask for autographs or pictures.
But this time--
From the moment he entered the VIP lane at Little Rock's airport, he was recognized.
The ground staff's smiles shifted from professional to ones tinged with excitement and respect: "Mr. Keller, please this way, your check-in has been processed."
Flight attendants at the cabin door greeted him with undisguised surprise and admiration: "Welcome aboard, Mr. Keller! Your concert was fantastic!"
Even the typically reserved first-class passengers couldn't help but glance his way with curiosity and admiration.
A well-dressed woman hesitated, then approached with a clipped New York Times article, asking for an autograph.
Flight attendants served him enthusiastically, frequently asking if he wanted a drink, blanket, or chat -- with admiration practically overflowing.
The middle-aged man sitting next to him, trying to maintain upper-class composure, repeatedly glanced his way with polite curiosity and subtle envy.
Some were more direct--
"Wow, Mr. Keller? It really is you. Honored to be on the same flight!"
A middle-aged white man, identifying himself as a New Jersey city councilman, struck up a conversation.
He was very flattering.
Telepathically, Orlando knew this man was aware of his investor status.
Thanks to his Wall Street investments, Orlando's net worth had soared beyond $100 million.
So these people came to him not just for investment advice, but essentially asking him for political donations.
Obviously, compared to being a singer or entertainer, these were the real movers and shakers in America.
And what mattered most was his new identity as an investment genius.
He wasn't alone -- the city councilman was followed by several other so-called elites on the flight who came to chat.
These were experiences Orlando, once solely an entertainer, had never had before.
...
After landing at Kennedy International Airport and exiting the plane, a large crowd of fans awaited, cheering enthusiastically.
Frank told him, "We only invited a few key people. The rest came on their own! Man, you should've dropped a new single earlier -- I didn't expect the market to be so hyped about Counting Stars!"
"Really?"
Orlando got into the car, grabbing the newspaper Frank had prepared, and flipped through casually on the ride back to Manhattan.
As expected, the New York Times story appeared in the entertainment sections of almost every newspaper.
Also featured was a review of his new single, Counting Stars.
Orlando shrugged off the 'investment genius' hype.
After all, he knew it was mostly thanks to the Clintons.
The Los Angeles Times music critic wrote almost exuberantly: Orlando's Counting Stars is more than a song -- it's a sensory storm! Fusing trance rock, progressive house energy, and Eurodance pop melodies, it's an unprecedented auditory revolution! Like a lightning strike, it shatters traditional genre boundaries, proving rock can slow its pace and rise as a mainstream force! This will undeniably be the biggest sound of 1990!
The latest issue of Billboard magazine focused on the social wave Counting Stars sparked: Its viral spread is astonishing. From DNA Lounge in San Francisco to the Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles,
From underground Miami clubs to exclusive East Coast parties, DJs compete to play this fresh rock anthem! It ignites dance floors, lights up the night, and sparks a new rock craze across America! Orlando redefines pop music's boundaries and power most directly!
Frank added in a low voice, "Boss, just like the reports say, clubs and private parties on both coasts, especially in Greater Los Angeles and New York City, are going crazy for Counting Stars."
Compared to all this, Orlando, with a week since its release, was most concerned about sales.
"You don't have to tell me that. Frank, just tell me how much it's sold so far."
*****
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