Chương 628: Chapter 628: From Now On, We Are Partners
Instead of the anxious-looking Barack Obama, Michelle Obama responded to my question.
"Can I ask a question before accepting your proposal?"
I nodded as I filled my wine glass, the fragrant scent of the wine tickling my nose.
"Feel free."
As I spoke, I extended the filled glass of wine towards Barack and Michelle Obama.
Without glancing at the wine glass, Michelle opened her mouth.
"I'm curious why you chose my husband. No matter how I think about it, it's completely different from the path Charlie has shown until now. You've always fought winning battles. I heard Dream High has never lost against the titans of Wall Street."
Pausing briefly, Michelle turned slightly to look at Barack Obama.
Barack Obama remained silent, simply gazing at Michelle.
"As my husband, I still think he lacks what it takes to dream of being president. That's why I've been contemplating it. Why did you choose my husband? I just can't figure it out."
It seemed that would be the question everyone was most curious about—why I chose Barack Obama instead of someone else.
With a faint smile, I replied.
"Before answering, I should clarify something. I haven't only fought winning battles."
"But…"
There's a misconception people have. I haven't only fought battles I knew I would win.
Of course, I have a knowledge of the future, but I've always made bold investments with the feeling of walking on thin ice.
Moreover, sometimes, the future I knew would twist unexpectedly.
During those times, I too, like anyone else, had to clench my hands in nervousness.
The only difference was I could adapt when unforeseen variables arose.
"There were certainly many times I was at a disadvantage. However, I won over my opponents regardless of the means. I didn't just fight winning battles; I simply didn't lose against anyone. Whether they were titans of Wall Street or anyone else, that's how I've lived my life so far."
People often assumed my victories with Dream High were due to sheer luck.
Outwardly, everything seemed calm, they could never imagine how frantically I fought beneath the surface.
But that victory was the result of my information and Han Gyeong-yeong's abilities combined.
If it weren't for Han Gyeong-yeong and my people, it would have taken much longer to amass my vast fortune.
"I appreciate what you said. However, that cannot be the reason for choosing our husband. What exactly did you see in him?"
Perhaps my explanation was lacking, as Michelle Obama inquired again.
"Your wife knows better than I do. It isn't easy for a politician to remain true to their beliefs in this world. Yet, Senator Barack Obama is different. Instead of following the party line of the Democratic Party, he pursues his own politics. That's what I highly valued."
"That's a weakness for a politician."
"It's both a weakness and a strength. Showing unwavering consistency is hard to find among politicians. If he could only stay clear of the lobbying from Wall Street and various interest groups, I believe Senator Barack Obama could rise to the pinnacle of America. That's why I intend to be a supporter who allows him to keep that belief. Was that a sufficient answer?"
After finishing my words, I raised my wine glass. I waited for her response while slowly rotating the glass.
Deep in thought, Michelle Obama furrowed her brow as she glanced at Barack Obama's face before speaking again.
"That's not a satisfying answer. Everything you said seems to be logical judgment rather than a gut feeling."
I can't deny that. Still, I can't claim I chose your husband simply because I know the future.
Instead of responding, I just smiled and took a sip of my wine.
"A principled politician is often unwelcome. Though he's my husband, there are times when it can be frustrating."
As she said, Barack Obama operated on his convictions instead of following external advice.
Sometimes that could be exasperating, but I didn't think it was wrong for him to firmly stand by his beliefs.
"Yes. As you mentioned, principled politicians aren't welcomed, yet that's what I find even more appealing about them."
It's a disaster when a strange person holds strong convictions.
However, the beliefs of a rational and reasonable person can lead many to happiness.
"You can trust me. As you mentioned, I don't bet on losing battles. The same goes for this conflict. The odds might be low, but they aren't zero. I backed the President of Russia when he wasn't even in the center of power. At that time, neither the U.S., nor Europe, nor anyone paid attention to him. But what about now? He completely controls Russia. It's no wonder he's called the new Tsar of Russia."
The fundamental principle of investment is to buy low and sell high.
I brought up Russia as it was one of the most profitable investments I've made.
Michelle Obama seemed to know about that as well, giving a little nod.
"… then I have one more question."
"Feel free. You can ask anything you're curious about."
I set my glass down and locked eyes with Michelle Obama.
"I've heard you say you want nothing. So why are you offering support? No businessman in the U.S. offers support without wanting something in return."
"It's not that I want nothing. As I told the senator, I only wish for equal treatment like anyone else."
"That's only natural. This is America, the land of freedom and immigrants. There's no discrimination in business here."
"Madam, do you genuinely believe that? Can you confidently claim you've never faced discrimination because of your skin color?"
At my question, Michelle Obama fell silent.
While America champions freedom and equality, she knew all too well that it often wasn't the case.
"Moreover, I'm not even a U.S. citizen. Of course, the representative of Dream High is a U.S. citizen, but I'm always anxious. Since the majority of my wealth is in the U.S., I hope for some security regarding it. But that doesn't mean I want special treatment. There's no company cleaner than us in paying taxes on Wall Street, so I don't think it would be hard to guarantee what I mentioned."
Dream High never employs loopholes in visible investments.
Naturally, there's far more funding flowing into ghost companies…
But there's simply no evidence linking those funds hidden in tax havens with Dream High.
Unless someone opens up our minds like mine and Han Gyeong-yeong, no one could find that evidence.
"I want equal treatment, just like the other investors. Money doesn't have race, nationality, or labels attached to it. I just desire that much respect. Well, if it feels inconvenient, I won't stop you from providing some level of convenience yourselves."
From the perspective of a politician receiving support, stating they want nothing in return might even be a burden.
There's a saying that you should return more than what you receive.
"Are you serious about that?"
"Yes. There's no reason for me to lie here."
Michelle Obama nodded and continued to ask various questions.
I answered in detail about the parts I could discuss.
After a barrage of questions, I turned to Barack Obama, who was quietly fidgeting with his wine glass.
"Senator, do you have any questions?"
"Will I truly be able to become president? The questions Michelle asks are all significant issues after I become president. What I need to know is whether I can become presidential candidate, that's more important."
While Michelle Obama thought about the future, Barack Obama worried about the present.
It was quite fascinating how two people with completely different inclinations ended up as a married couple.
"We will handle any potential weaknesses. Whether we use the media or money to silence things… Whatever it takes, we will shield you. So Senator, you just focus on pursuing your own politics. Then the dream of the presidency won't be elusive."
"You claim to block all weaknesses? You said the same before… Is that really possible in America?"
Maybe I should scare him a little to make sense of who I am. I raised one corner of my mouth in a grin.
"If I were to disclose everything, I would blow the whistle in advance. For example, about the time I experimented with drugs in college…"
Mentioning drugs made Michelle Obama raise her voice.
"Charlie!"
Knowing very well what she was worried about, I pretended not to understand and tilted my head.
"Isn't it already common knowledge? It shouldn't be a significant issue now."
It was already a question raised in the election to elect a senator once before.
Back then, it had ended up forgotten, but the elections for senator and president were on a different level.
No, the primaries held within the Democratic Party were even fiercer.
At that time, even the smallest detail could be used against someone.
It would likely highlight the fact that he was a black man who had used drugs. Or perhaps his religious issues…
Barack Obama's weaknesses were all potentially deadly for a politician.
"So if you join hands with me, you must tell me everything. I'll handle them all. Once you're aware, weaknesses are no longer weaknesses. It all depends on how you present it. Even a past with drugs can be sanitized sufficiently."
A scandal involving drugs could be framed as a wealthy young black man falling into drugs due to racial discrimination, creating a prime opportunity to address a societal problem.
Weaknesses may become problems if they burst out unexpectedly, but if known beforehand, they can turn into advantageous opportunities.
"I believe I have explained everything I can. Now please answer my proposal."
After pondering, Michelle Obama asked, adding a note that it would be the last question.
"You'll be able to keep all those promises? Partnering with you is a venture that comes with risks for us."
I raised an eyebrow.
Since earlier, Michelle Obama had only asked questions that could pressure me.
"Madam, you say it's a venture with risks? What risk does Senator Barack Obama face right now? Do you want me to put this suggestion in writing? That would indeed pose a bigger weakness for the senator."
"No, I just… want to hear a definitive answer."
Although she already knew, Michelle Obama was more cautious than I expected.
Despite likely having made up her mind to seek me out, she desired reassurance.
"Madam. I do not break promises. Additionally, I do not forgive those who betray me. That's the principle I've upheld throughout my business life. My words are more trustworthy than any contract. So trust me. Once we shake hands, we are partners. Don't pressure me in that way anymore. I've explained more than enough of what you're curious about."
As Michelle Obama tightened her brows, about to speak, Barack Obama raised a hand to stop her.
Michelle bit her lip as she gazed at Barack Obama.
Barack shook his head, and with a sigh, Michelle nodded.
"Charlie, we will accept your proposal."
This was Barack Obama's voice, indicating even Michelle Obama could no longer stop him.
Only then did I rise from my seat and walk over to Barack Obama, extending my hand.
"Alright. From now on, we are partners."
Barack Obama also stood up to shake my hand.
The grip of our hands was firm yet moist with sweat. I could sense the tension radiating from him.
"I'll make you president. Thus, you must trust me from now on. You can't have any secrets from me, and you cannot receive lobbying from any businessmen aside from us. All of that could become problematic once you become president."
"If I'm nominated, the Democratic presidential campaign will form, and the party will continually hold donor parties. There's no way to stop that."
Donor parties were a tradition.
If someone were to block them, there would surely be fierce backlash. There's no need to ask for trouble.
"I have no intention of blocking such things. There's no need to. Right now, I'm talking about promising someone something personally and receiving funding. Can you promise that?"
"Of course. I abhor the idea of having to return a favor to someone."
Barack Obama replied firmly with a serious face.
I nodded in satisfaction at his affirmation.
"Alright. Then as a commemoration of our partnership, I'll give you a gift."
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