章 621: Chapter 621: Awaiting a Good Answer
The answer that slipped from Barack Obama's lips was beyond my expectations.
"What do I need to do?"
He neither agreed nor refused; he simply inquired about the method.
After all, as a politician, it would be impossible for a president not to feel a sense of greed. To think otherwise would mean they're unfit for politics.
"Just continue doing what you're doing, no need for drastic changes."
"So, does that mean I'll be naturally chosen as the Democratic presidential candidate and win the main election too?"
"There will be various variables along the way. But we'll take care of those. So, Senator, continue with your style of politics. Of course, Dream High and I will advise you from time to time, but we won't change your political stance to fit our taste."
If someone were to try to alter this person's political stance, who knows how the situation might change.
I wanted to minimize variables, which was why I sought out Barack Obama.
My intention was to eliminate any potential weaknesses that Barack Obama might face in the electoral process and to ensure he was financially free.
"…Why are you doing this for me?"
"I thought you were smart, yet you keep asking the same thing. What reason is there for investing? Whether it's a person, stocks, or real estate… it's all the same. I just determined that this is the lowest point right now."
"…"
"Now, please give me your answer. It's boring to keep repeating the same question. What will you do?"
"Do I have to give you an answer today?"
Despite the subtle pressure, he didn't rush to answer.
Well, being cautious is a good trait. I shrugged and mentioned my schedule.
"I'll be staying in the U.S. for about two weeks. Please reach out to me before then."
"Two weeks… understood."
Nodding, I stood up and extended my hand to him.
At the same time, I forced a friendly smile and spoke.
"Then, I'll be awaiting your good answer."
Barack Obama also stood up and shook my hand.
"I hope so too."
His grip was sweaty as he held my hand tightly.
* * *
After parting from Kim Mu-hyeok, Barack Obama immediately sought out his wife.
"Michelle."
Michelle Obama looked up in surprise at her husband's sudden visit while she was working.
"What brings you here without notice?"
"It's important. Do you have time?"
Seeing Barack Obama's face, Michelle closed her laptop and stood up.
It wasn't just his serious expression; the man she knew wouldn't show up at her workplace without any warning like this.
"Honey, what's the urgency?"
She gently grabbed Barack Obama's shoulder as she spoke.
Despite being 187 cm tall and large-framed, Michelle also had a significant height, making it easy for her to embrace his shoulder.
She guided her husband to the sofa, sat him down, and prepared two cups of coffee before settling in herself.
"Are you feeling a bit calmer now? Let's talk. What's going on?"
Within their relationship, Michelle Obama was more than just a wife; she was a political partner.
She had always supported him fully as he entered politics, ensuring he could work without financial concerns by staying active in the legal field.
There was no detaching Michelle Obama from Barack Obama's political life.
Besides, telling someone else about Kim Mu-hyeok's proposal was out of the question.
So, after parting from Kim Mu-hyeok, Barack Obama boarded a plane to Chicago.
"Didn't you have a meeting with someone in Washington? I thought it would take longer… What happened?"
Michelle Obama asked again.
Barack Obama took a sip of the coffee before slowly explaining who he met today and what they discussed.
Michelle simply listened to his story.
"…So, I came here right away. This is something I can't tell anyone else."
"Good job, honey. That sounds like something that shouldn't be shared. Just a moment."
Michelle lightly tapped Barack Obama on the shoulder before dialing a number.
"Hey, it's me, Michelle."
"Oh, Michelle! What's up?"
The person on the other end was her brother, Craig Robinson.
"Sorry for the sudden call. It's important. You have quite a few friends on Wall Street, right?"
Craig Robinson had a unique background.
He was a basketball player but didn't make it to the NBA, eventually retiring after playing in the British league and then working as a coach.
Suddenly, he entered a business school at the University of Chicago and earned an MBA.
Many from that network ended up on Wall Street.
"What's going on?"
"I need you to find out about Charlie Kim, the major shareholder of Dream High."
"Dream High? The one from Wall Street? It's a pretty opaque place, hard to gather information about…"
Craig's voice dripped with hesitance, a contrast to his usual confident tone.
But at that moment, he was the only contact Michelle had on Wall Street whom she could trust.
"Craig, this involves Barack Obama's political future. Please keep this to yourself and only find out what you can. I'm counting on you."
"So, it's about Obama's future? What's happening, Michelle?"
"I'll share the details later. Can you handle it, bro?"
"If it's about Obama's future, I have to. Don't worry, I'll figure it out for sure."
With her urgent request, Craig responded firmly.
"This must not get out. It also shouldn't be revealed that our husband is involved. Understand?"
"Of course. Just trust me."
"Thanks."
After exchanging pleasantries, Michelle hung up the phone.
She then turned to Barack Obama with a calm demeanor.
"First, we need to learn about this Charlie guy to determine if his claims are true, right? I asked Craig, and he'll surely find out."
Barack Obama nodded.
Craig Robinson, being a brother-in-law, was close enough to talk casually with him, making him someone trustworthy.
But with his lips pressed together, Barack Obama hastily spoke.
"I appreciate it, but he said he would be in the U.S. for only two weeks. Don't we need an answer before he leaves?"
Other people might not have noticed, but Michelle could tell.
Just how excited he was right now.
"Honey! Get a hold of yourself!"
Michelle Obama shouted, gripping Barack Obama's hand tightly.
Startled, Barack Obama turned to look at her face.
"Charlie's offer is too tempting for you. Until now, you've never even dreamed of being president. Isn't that true?"
"That's right. But…"
"I know. You've never considered the presidency due to your background, skin color, and various other reasons. Yet suddenly, someone whispers in your ear that you can become president, like a devil's temptation. I understand what you're thinking right now."
Barack Obama snapped back to reality at Michelle's warm touch.
He could finally look at the situation objectively and realize what desires were creeping into his mind.
"Charlie's proposal is extremely favorable for us. He simply asks that we be treated the same as others with no conditions. The people on Wall Street who have backed politicians have never done that. They've placed people in the White House and constantly demanded advantageous policies. You know that too. That's why we haven't reached out to Wall Street."
"True. That's how it's been."
Barack Obama nodded. Michelle didn't stop and continued speaking.
"Wall Street hasn't even shown interest in a black man like you. Then suddenly, a major shareholder from the confidential Dream High comes over and says this. Even if it's all true, you should reconsider it multiple times. The political arena in Washington is unpredictable. You know that well."
"Yes, it's a rabbit hole. Just how frightening it is…"
"Think back to when you decided to venture into politics. Remember why you stepped away from the guaranteed road to success and jumped into that chaos?"
With Michelle's earnest words, Barack Obama reflected on what led him into politics.
He had traversed his aimless childhood, worked as a civil rights lawyer for the rights of black individuals before entering politics.
He faced much discrimination himself and knew that many black people in America still faced prejudice, which is why he sought to change that through politics.
However, the walls of real politics were daunting, and the biases ran deep.
"Yes. I started politics for the rights of black people."
Only then did Michelle Obama nod with a smile.
"That's right. Don't forget that mindset."
Barack Obama replied with a smile, "I won't forget it. Not ever."
"That's what I wanted to hear."
After a small sigh, Barack Obama asked Michelle.
"So, should I refuse?"
"If you can become president, then it'll be easier to change what you dream of. Of course, just becoming president doesn't mean you can change things as you please. Still, it would be much easier than now."
Michelle Obama wanted Barack to become president because she understood his dreams.
However, the obstacles in front of them were still numerous.
"But you have too many weaknesses. You understand that, right? Especially in the current atmosphere. Running for president may invite even heavier attacks than during your Senate campaign. They'll call you a Muslim…"
"I'm a Christian. You know that well, Michelle."
"When has politics ever attacked only based on facts? The line between truth and fabrication is razor-thin. Can you endure all that and still enter the presidential race?"
"I don't know. It's sudden. It's not something I've ever thought about before."
Barack Obama replied uncertainly.
In response, Michelle Obama grasped his hand again with warmth.
"Then… let's wait a bit. Wait until Craig brings the information. In the meantime, calm your excitement and continue working for candidate John Kerry. Hillary and her followers already think they've lost the election and are preparing for the next one, but make sure people remember that you haven't given up. Everything will become an asset for your future."
Barack Obama nodded at Michelle Obama's heartfelt advice.
"I will do that. Thank you, Michelle."
He embraced Michelle Obama tightly.
* * *
After parting ways with Barack Obama, I moved to New York to meet Han Gyeong-yeong.
I arrived in New York only at night.
Han Gyeong-yeong was waiting for me while drinking at home.
As I entered the house, Han Gyeong-yeong raised his glass and smiled.
"Hey, Boss!"
I laughed at his sight and accepted the glass he offered.
"You already started drinking? Let's have a drink together."
"I was going to, but I can't just hold the alcohol without making a toast. Come on, let's drink."
The cheerful clink of glasses resonated. As I emptied my glass, Han Gyeong-yeong raised an eyebrow and asked.
"So, how's Barack Obama? Still hasn't changed his mind?"
Han Gyeong-yeong asked, and I nodded with a smile.
"No. If anything, I've become more certain."
"Oh boy… you can be so stubborn. From what I found out, he has too many weaknesses. Being black? That's not even a big issue. His grandfather was a Muslim. Do you know how dangerous being a Muslim is in America right now? What's his full name? Barack Hussein Obama. Hussein."
Han Gyeong-yeong spoke with intensity.
"The risks are enormous. What happens if Hillary ends up winning? You might have to leave the country then!"
I knew very well that his fervent tone came from caring about me.
I shook my head firmly as I replied, "Don't worry. That won't happen."
I deliberately smiled brightly and clinked my glass with the drink Han Gyeong-yeong was holding.
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