America 1919

"Why do you say that? Has something happened?"

"The responsibility for this matter actually lies with me. I took too much for granted when I started! I thought that creating a broadcast station would simply require having our own studio and transmission site, but after truly starting this business, I realized that just the annual maintenance cost for the transmission site is astronomical.

I'm very worried about whether the station's revenue will be able to break even!" Donnie took the blame upon himself.

Harding was somewhat silent, as he really wasn't too familiar with these matters.

At this point, Breton suddenly interjected, "Isn't there any solution?"

Donnie pondered for a moment and then said with a wry smile, "There is one, and that would be to find a second program that could draw in audiences after the Miss America pageant concludes. If we can do that, we might just be able to keep the company running and barely manage to break even."

Harding asked, "I suppose you must have some ideas, Donnie?"

Donnie didn't hide his thoughts and said directly, "If possible, I hope to secure exclusive broadcast rights from Major League Baseball. Mr. Harding, as you know, every American has their own favorite team, but the vast majority of American viewers actually have no way of attending a game in person. They can only read about the game's results in the newspaper the day after.

If we could broadcast live updates via the radio as they happen, I'm sure we would attract a significant audience!"

Upon hearing this, Harding decided not to comment further. He was the President, yes, but Major League Baseball was a commercial league, with no direct government involvement, and Harding, being a supporter of free commerce, was even less likely to exert pressure on the league through his position. If this got out, it would be scandalous for him.

"Dear!" Although Harding wished to drop the subject, Breton had not given up and, clasping Harding's arm, said with a smile, "Haven't you always said that Benn is one of your card-playing buddies? I think if you would be willing to help, Benn would definitely be willing to cooperate with Donnie!"

Without waiting for Harding's response, Donnie immediately declined, "Let's not trouble Mr. Harding. At this time, Mr. Harding cannot be involved in any trouble. I'll think of a solution myself!"

But Breton was insistent, "It's not such a big deal, just asking Harding to have a word in between. That's bound to be much easier than you, Donnie, going to find Benn from the Baseball League on your own."

Speaking of this, Breton somewhat discontentedly said to Harding, "Dear, you know, if it weren't for Donnie, how could you possibly have had millions of Americans listen to your future plans for the country? And don't forget, Donnie also made me a judge in the Miss America finals. Soon, the two of us will be able to appear in the newspapers together!"

Harding felt somewhat vexed by Breton's words, but he had started to see the mutual benefits clearly.

"Donnie, indeed, I can call Benn for you, but I can't force him to agree to a collaboration. As you know, in the United States, commercial freedom is a necessity!"

What truly caused Harding to change his mind was not Breton's words, but rather Harding's own sensitivity to the figure of millions of listeners.

If he could help Donnie secure a partnership with Major League Baseball, then Donnie would be a partner on his ship, and come the next election, Atlantic City Broadcast would be his own private station!

Donnie showed an expression of gratitude, "If it doesn't trouble Mr. Harding, I'm very grateful for your help, and rest assured that no matter the outcome of this collaboration, I will always keep this appreciation in my heart!"

Harding, somewhat flattered by Donnie's compliments, said with a laugh, "How about this, after the Miss America competition is completely over, Donnie, come to Washington, and I will personally introduce you to Benn!"

This was the advantage of their private meeting tonight.

The nature of the U.S. presidential election meant that while the President had to be more powerful than the average person to a certain extent, it was the support of financial groups and the entire campaign team that truly made one a President.

Without the influence of these people, Donnie, taking advantage of the relationship between Breton and Harding as well as offering an irresistible audience of millions, could easily succeed.

Donnie believed that if people like Harry were here, even if they agreed to his proposal, they would definitely negotiate for more benefits for themselves or for Harding!

"I thought it was a chance encounter, but I never expected it would lead to something like this. Mr. Harding, thank you very much for your generosity. Atlantic City Broadcast and 'Atlantic City Post' will both serve you to the fullest!"

Donnie lifted his wine glass!

Harding, too, lifted his glass with a smile, "Talking with you, Donnie, is always a pleasure!"

Breton added from the side, "If that's the case, I think you two should exchange personal phone numbers. I'm sure that Donnie will become a very good friend of yours, dear!"

"If that's the case, it would be my great honor!" Donnie eagerly replied.

The mood having been set, Harding naturally didn't refuse, and the two exchanged their personal phone numbers!

After chatting briefly more, Harding and Breton stood up and left.

Donnie and Margaret also left the restaurant, and after Donnie dropped Margaret off at her place, he didn't get out of the car.

"The Miss America event must be over by now; I need to go take a look, and there's a celebration party tonight, so I probably won't be coming back!"

Margaret thought she had already received enough happiness for the day and didn't say anything more, only advising Donnie to drink less!

When Donnie returned to Block Tavern, he arrived just in time for the birth of the top three finalists in the Miss America Atlantic City section.

Jessica Dole, who had placed second in the preliminaries, had unexpectedly failed to make it into the top three.

As Donnie entered the hall of Block Tavern, Jessica Dole noticed him immediately, her gaze filled with complexity.

She had thought her selection as one of the top three was as certain as a glob of glue in her grasp, only to find that everything was not as she had expected...