Chapter 476: I Actually Have a Suggestion and a Circle Too

Sleepiness is a strange thing — unlike pain, you can't just grit your teeth and push through it.

Or like glue about to be squeezed out — grit your teeth and you might hold on a little longer.

The more you fight sleepiness, the sleepier you get; by the end, your whole consciousness turns into a muddled, hazy mess, and you don't even know what you're saying or doing.

Tang Mu was extremely sleepy right now. His body was lodging a protest against his consciousness — what he needed most was "a little nap," not sitting here listening to some minor character talk about his ideas.

But he held it in. Small fry have their own value — at least Lans had put in considerable effort helping them suppress the workers' strike, and had handled it rather neatly.

Lans noticed his drowsiness too, and picked up his pace noticeably.

"This matter has to start from after the New Year this year…"

He explained everything — why he had bought in the grapes, his assessment of the situation, and the first deal with the Liji Group.

Because Senator Cleveland had only mentioned Lans's name.

But for them, gambling was merely a form of amusement; the real focus was conversation.

It was more like a small manor, really.

That gave him even more directions to choose from.

It was Senator Cleveland's call. He gave Lans an address, and Lans immediately headed there.

Tang Mu couldn't help bursting into laughter after hearing it all. He slapped the sofa cushion beside him. "Four million!"

"Besides the stock price issue, there's another point — that vice president wants to climb higher, and he needs people to back him."

Tang Mu braced himself on the sofa's armrest and stood up, then left quickly.

"We're going to eat later. Come by, and we'll sit down and talk it through."

Behind the Liji Group stands a large number of farm owners. Although the Liji Group isn't exactly seen as a good thing in the farm owners' eyes, it does wield obvious influence over them.

The place looked very tranquil, but security personnel could often be spotted hiding in the shadows — relaxed on the surface, tight underneath. That phrase pretty much describes it.

Lans tidied his attire, then pushed the door open with his chest out and chin high.

The surroundings were thick with vegetation — from outside, all you could see was a long wall of greenery. Inside stood steel fences and spikes, and they were tall.

Forming political interest circles (interest groups) is very necessary for these senators. Banding together for warmth is always the best choice, whether you're strong or weak! After picking up and putting down the phone time and again, Senator Cleveland had already formed some ideas.

They didn't play for high stakes — the wins and losses were only a few dozen dollars, which seemed a little unworthy of their status and wealth.

Because the Kodak family has people in Congress, going after them is easy — but the big figures behind them are much harder to deal with.

Otherwise, you'd be stuck in a tiny patch of land, with the threat of annihilation descending on you at any moment!

The dining room was large, but only two tables were set up. One was in a corner, where Tang Mu and his group sat. The one in the very center — the largest and most lavish — was occupied by these people.

It was precisely because he'd thought all this through that he gradually realized Lans hadn't come to him and voiced his "confusion" to ask for help.

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, after getting up, Senator Cleveland contacted the senators he was on good terms with in the same political circle.

"Let's go. We'll head to the dining room first and talk while we eat."

Tang Mu stared at Lans for a moment. "You're a brave man, Lans. So let me guess — they didn't pay you that money?"

Capital's battles are never that simple or shallow. Sometimes, just one "little pebble" can bring a conglomerate crashing down.

Everyone has their own "seeking." Some want wealth, some want sex, and some want fame.

A win or loss of that amount was no different from no win or loss at all to them, but even if it was only a tiny bit of money, as long as it could produce a winner and a loser, it satisfied them.

He took a deep breath, let it ring three times, then picked up the phone. "This is Lans White."

"Oh right, you might not know much about this — you can go look at the Founding Charter. His ancestor signed it!"

Given such a grand introduction, Lans rose and gave a slight bow. "It is a great honor to meet you, Mr. Charles Liston!"

But if there were no insiders, and the capital backers behind him had any intention of making moves against the Liji Group, then this would be a radical choice.

In the Federation there are fifty "Founding Families." They signed their names on the Founding Charter, representing the forces they belonged to, and together they established the Federation.

"Tang Mu, what is it?"

Politics, economics, and game theory — these were what Tang Mu was interested in.

He pushed back the hair on his forehead a few times. "I'll make a call. You sit for a bit."

The house's security personnel checked their bodies, confirmed they weren't carrying weapons, and only then allowed them in.

The bigger the figure, the more they disdain lying — and breaking promises even more so. To become a big figure, self-discipline and keeping one's word are the most basic requirements.

Then they'd only need to swap out the mayor and the city's police, and the Lans family would be unable to survive! You can't go up against the police every day — they get paid to make trouble for you, while you still have to juggle business, the family's affairs, and the fight against them, and many other things! You need the support of stronger forces to go further.

A market-cap-ten-billion agricultural products channel operator with a monopoly position could bring Senator Cleveland greater influence! For instance, it could make him better known among a large group of farm owners! In this era of poor information flow, fame often meant votes!

The Kodak family didn't choose to back off out of fear of them — they simply didn't want the situation to escalate and ultimately affect themselves. They didn't really value Lans. Even though they'd given ground, in Bandy's eyes Lans still didn't register.

"Sorry, we discussed it for a long time this afternoon. This matter had a few more options than I expected, so we took more time."

At a card table, Senator Cleveland sat by it. He turned his head to glance at Lans and said with a smile, "One last hand. Wait a moment — I'll introduce you to the gentlemen here shortly."

During a presidential election, Mr. President's campaign funds are roughly around twenty-two million.

Servants each pushed small carts holding basins and Mao Jin, stopping beside them. They washed their faces and rinsed their hands.

Recently, when Lans had been clashing with the Kodak family, he could feel… a passive feeling.

Tang Mu relayed everything Lans had told him. "The Liji Group's market cap is over a billion — every point is a market value swing in the tens of millions."

It wasn't until around six forty in the evening that the phone in front of Lans suddenly rang!

Constantly handling cards and coins makes some of them feel uncomfortable — a sense of uncleanliness.

In other words, if Lans could donate two million, that would equal one-tenth of a presidential campaign's funds!

Senator Cleveland didn't give him an answer right away. "It's too late. The people I need to contact are either unreachable or have already gone to bed, so this matter — tomorrow."

Lans had expected to receive the call at noon, and had been waiting the whole time. Whether capitalists or any other organization — including gangs — if they want to climb higher and keep growing, they must have stronger backers.

Sitting around doing nothing but talking is too dull. Chatting while playing cards is more interesting.

Not necessarily the vice president, but definitely someone who fits their interests.

"Yes, and they're planning to take me out too!"

This matter actually isn't as simple as four million or two million; behind it is really a stock price issue for a group that controls a monopoly position in an agricultural product channel.

He lit a cigarette, and his eyes were no longer completely unable to open like before, "And then?"

They are nobles without noble titles, invisible rules, nobles people cannot see! "Come sit beside me."

He took the initiative to walk at the very front with Lans, and after they entered the restaurant, Lans saw Tang Mu.

And the farmer class is also an important social component of the Federation, so whether taking a radical step forward or a conservative step back, it can bring great benefits to Senator Cleveland.

If you can't do it, perhaps you might get lucky and advance, but you definitely won't last long.

"He has made outstanding contributions to our decision, just like his ancestors!"

The two exchanged a glance. There were still quite a few people around Tang Mu, some Lans had seen last time, some he hadn't, probably aides of other people.

After entering the room, Lans quickly came to a side hall on the first floor; Madoer was asked to stay outside.

This is a villa located in a very enclosed area on the outskirts of New Jin City. It doesn't belong to any villa district; it has fenced off a very large piece of land, with gardens or something else inside.

Lans had already walked to the very last position, but he was still asked by Senator Cleveland to come to his side. He hesitated for a moment, and finally walked over.

He went to the study, closed the door, and then made a phone call to Senator Cleveland.

The next day, in the morning, Senator Cleveland pushed aside some less important work and had a brief communication with the senators in his political circle.

There were still quite a few dogs in the yard. When they saw Lans and Madoer, they all stood up one after another, with their tails raised, looking toward them.

"You are the most daring person I have ever seen, so what are your thoughts now?"

"Since you've come to New Jin City, find someone to take them around and have a good time."

This is definitely not a small sum, but it's not too much either.

He was still a bit drunk just now, but now he was gradually becoming sober. He realized this was no small matter! Being a bit more radical, uniting those capitalists to make a move on the Liji Group, could let them gain profits of tens of millions.

If someone wants to get rid of Lans and wipe the Lans family from Jin Gang City.

"Let me introduce you. First to introduce is our young and handsome senator, Charles Li Si."

For men, as long as you find their sensitive and excited spot, in a short time they can perk up again!

This remark finally made Mr. Charles show a smile, "Oh, come on, Jeffrey, you don't need to let everyone know about this!"

It could be seen that this group of people were all in a good mood now, so Senator Cleveland didn't mind saying a few more words, "Charles pushed aside important afternoon matters to stay with us, discussing those things you mentioned."

He paused for a while, thinking, "I'm free from one to two-thirty in the afternoon, watch for my call then."

Then Senator Cleveland, who let them earn wealth, would naturally earn more of their respect and awe, and Senator Cleveland could also gain very practical benefits from this.

Although he said so verbally, Lans could tell that Mr. Charles attached great importance to the fact that his ancestors had participated in the founding of the country, and also hoped people would know about this.

Tang Mu reminded him, "Lans, Mr."

There are no people from the Federal Agricultural Committee and the Federal Agricultural Products Trade Committee in his circle, so there wouldn't be much overlap with the Liji Group.

Following the direction he pointed, Lans saw a middle-aged to elderly person who should actually be around fifty years old. Because of his bearing and grooming, Lans wasn't sure whether the appearance he saw could represent his real age!

They have a series of titles that make Blackie tremble with fear, even "great warlords"! But the "Free Federation" that everyone yearns for was precisely established by these people who are best at wielding whips. That's really fucking interesting! But now when people mention these things, most won't think of these.

It's possible that after many years, the Freedom Party will once again become the majority party in Congress.

So now there are also a lot of changes within Congress, good ones, bad ones, all of them.

"If we stand behind him, then our influence over the Liji Group will become greater, and some people might be interested in this matter."

Tang Mu didn't agree immediately, but thought seriously.

Some other people also looked at Lans, but with very ordinary gazes, no particular interest in him.

He's here to make a deal! A bold guy!

When Lans arrived, there were already people at the door to greet him. He was only allowed to bring one person inside; he brought Madoer.

Actually, many voters simply don't know that many politicians, so when these people need to vote, they often pick someone they recognize and feel isn't too bad to vote for.

This is also why everyone is now frantically doing all kinds of campaign activities; only this way can more people know them.

Lans couldn't quite understand the card game they were playing; it was rather complicated. After more than ten minutes, the card game finally ended completely.

This is actually also a kind of statement—you won't take a guest you look down on around to show them around, you only take those you think are valuable to you.

Some people also think they are the greatest exploitative ruling institutions in the world, because everyone who signed their name is a big landowner, a big farm owner, a big plantation owner, a big slave owner...

"Yes, Lans, tell him, don't be in such a hurry."

As a senator on the rise, people are scrambling to flatter him, so how could they make things difficult for him?

Tang Mu became a little interested, and was no longer so drowsy.

On Lans's face was just the right amount of disbelief and shock, which greatly satisfied Charles's vanity, "You can call me Charles, just like Jeffrey (Senator Cleveland)."

Taking advantage of this opportunity to get some activity in, touch base with Senator Cleveland, and by the way see if he can further expand his network.

The Federation has no nobles, but these people are precisely the nobles.

"And this time I used a shell company to squeeze four million out of the Liji Group."

Someone beside made the dogs sit down; perhaps that's why they didn't rush over.

Some people always wore modest smiles on their faces, some had a kind of arrogance and ease on their faces, some were cold and it was impossible to read any emotional fluctuation from them, but they all shared one common characteristic—a quality of being either rich or noble!

They would only feel a kind of historical weight and sense of mission.

If any of them have chips in the Liji Group, or the Liji Group is "one of their own," then there's a high probability he would take a conservative approach.

He was getting a bit anxious waiting, Tang Mu was also getting a bit anxious waiting. Senator Cleveland is a very punctual person and rarely misses an agreed-upon time.

"That..."

Senator Cleveland also had social engagements in the evening, but he didn't drink too much, and no one could make him drink too much.

"When necessary, you can bring him to my office; these matters need us to sit down and discuss in detail."

Congress is a very special place. Although the Social Party is still the majority party in Congress at present, there have already been some predictions that in the next term, the seats in Congress will once again face huge adjustments.

A quality that can be seen through at a glance! Exquisite clothing, exquisite down to the direction, angle, and finishing method of every single thread; all the accessories also fit perfectly. Seeing them, one word comes to mind in people's heads—nobles.

If being more conservative, then when some changes occur within the Liji Group's board of directors, pick a person who fits their interests to take over.

There was still one year before Congressman Williams would take office, and he couldn't stake his entire "treasure" on Congressman Williams alone.

This was the truest face of the federal electorate—you had to have name recognition to get votes!

Although everyone was very enthusiastic, not many people insisted on clinking glasses with him.

Tang Mu squinted slightly as he looked at Lans, as if trying to discern whether he was speaking the truth or lying.

Lans repeated what the Vice President had said to him, then continued, "I'm willing to put up two million to donate to the Congressman's foundation."

He nodded as he spoke, "Four million—how many times could that buy an assassin to try to take you out?"

Lans gave a slight nod, but he wouldn't address him that way; calling someone by their first name directly was a privilege reserved only for those who were very close.

By saying this he was actually giving face to Senator Cleveland, not to him; if he really called out that way, it would mean he didn't know his own place, yet he couldn't directly oppose it either.

So he would continue to address him as "Mr. Liston," not "Charles"—that way everyone's dignity would be preserved.

He knew what propriety was!