From legendary short seller to god of American capital

Chapter 196 Introducing Strategic Investment and Exiting in Time

Chapter 196 Introducing Strategic Investment and Exiting in Time

On Tuesday evening, Senator Kennedy returned to Boston and immediately sent someone to contact Larry for a meeting.

Around 10 p.m., the two met at the Black Knight Bar, a bar in which Kennedy secretly had a stake, and which Kennedy had prepared as a safe house for Larry long ago.

Back when the two were discussing how to deal with the Metropolitan Gaming Corporation, Larry was told by Senator Kennedy that if he came here in case of a crisis, he could get basic security protection.

When Larry met Kennedy, he didn't waste any words and went straight to the point.

Kennedy brought with him a secret decision from the Democratic Party leadership to rapidly expand the steamed milk tea business that supports disadvantaged groups while Congress was actively pushing for the Anti-Pinkton Act.

If a positive demonstration effect is observed, Democratic parties in every state across the United States will promote this semi-public welfare business in their respective states and cities, and it will occupy an important proportion of Democratic candidate Mr. Cleveland's mid-year campaign as one of the main campaign strategies.

Larry had been looking forward to this project for a long time, but he didn't have to worry about the follow-up matters much.

Because the municipal health inspection agencies and the Baptist clergy would be liaised with Kennedy and his trusted men, Larry only needed to oversee the cooperation of his team.

Larry agreed to the decision.

In addition, the Democratic Party considered that the situation varied from place to place, that is, not every state has a large number of immigrants, so it believed that the model should be implemented differently in different places in the later stages.

The steamed milk tea and Trail Blazers barbecue projects remain primarily charitable, but the local Democratic Party will make specific arrangements based on the circumstances of each state during the implementation process.

Larry and his company only received a guidance fee of $200 to $1000 per year for projects in various locations, which they paid for two consecutive years, but they did not receive any equity shares.

Larry quickly did the math in his head and thought to himself, "This is already a lot, what more do I need?"

Who knows how many states or cities will follow suit? This kind of "guidance fee" is actually a lucrative business that can make a quick buck.

After explaining the arrangement, Kennedy kept a close eye on Larry's reaction. Seeing no hesitation or displeasure, he continued.

"However, I have also advocated for your project. In these nine cities—New York, Chicago, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and the West Coast cities of San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles—we will still take the lead. In these immigrant cities, we can better realize your initial vision of helping immigrants! What do you think?"

Larry was very astute enough to notice that Mr. Kennedy used "we" instead of "you".

The meaning is quite obvious!

Kennedy fully grasped Larry's theory of "immigrant strongholds" and planned to get involved in the project himself.

Senator may not care how much money this project can make, but it is clear that what Senator values ​​is how many votes he can garner from those cities with high immigrant populations, and how this will lay the foundation for his future domination of the United States and his election as president.

Larry even suspects that Mr. Kennedy never actually told other Democrats about his "immigrant stronghold" theory, but simply said it was a charitable project.

He wanted to build his personal reputation and political capital through the project.

These thoughts came in an instant; Larry had already made a quick decision after listening to Kennedy's argument.

Since someone has taken over this semi-public welfare project, it's better to cash out early and then exit.

Larry looked up, a smile spreading across his face.

"Mr. Kennedy, you've thought of everything so thoroughly. This way, my original intention for starting this project can be achieved. But I... I simply don't have the ability to manage such a large project. This project needs... you need to manage it!"

After Larry finished speaking, Kennedy revealed a meaningful smile, as if he had expected Larry to be so responsive.

After a few seconds of silence, Kennedy pondered for a moment and then said, "In that case, let me handle this project. I suggest we establish a company similar to yours, 'Golden Fire Barbecue and Tea Company.' You can invest in it, and then we can focus on promoting this project in the nine immigrant cities!"

Larry waved his hand and said generously, "Sir, you don't need to go through all that trouble. I suggest you directly invest in 'Golden Furnace' company, and to help immigrants get out of their predicament, I suggest you become the major shareholder, and you can be responsible for nationwide promotion. To be honest, my future task will be to focus on my studies, just as you said, I should go to some university to study."

Kennedy frowned and asked, "Are you telling the truth? Are you willing to give up your position as the majority shareholder?"

Larry's face immediately showed a sincere expression, and he lowered his voice to say to Kennedy,

"To be honest, I'm truly moved by your kindness and generosity. This project is actually very simple; you could easily replicate this model and implement it quietly in those cities. I simply can't compete with you. The fact that you're discussing this with me today, with a clear conscience, already demonstrates your sincerity and selflessness!"

After listening, Congressman Kennedy nodded heavily and said solemnly, "This project is your brilliant idea, how could I possibly get involved? But you're right, I believe everything should be based on integrity. A decent person can face God with a clear conscience even after death!"

"Absolutely right!!" Larry clapped his hands in admiration. "Sir, you are truly fair. I welcome your investment, and I think my other partners would welcome it as well!"

Kennedy nodded, somewhat reluctantly saying, "Alright, since you think this project is difficult to promote, then I have no choice but to take on the responsibility."

Larry smiled and continued in a low voice,

"Senator, to be honest, although I started this project, I was just looking to make some money. But if you take charge of this work to help the disadvantaged, you'll actually become a real asset to the Democratic Party's election campaign. It will greatly benefit your future standing within the Democratic Party!"

Larry was reminding Kennedy that the project I was giving up actually had greater political significance for him, and he should be aware of that.

How could Kennedy not understand Larry's meaning?

He looked into Larry's deep blue eyes, smiled, and said, "You've done me a great favor; I'll always remember this kindness."

Larry nodded, straightened his posture, and continued, "I'll convene a shareholders' meeting later to discuss it with the other shareholders, but it shouldn't be too difficult. How much stock do you plan to buy?"

Kennedy thought for a moment, then held up one finger and said, "$10. I want a 50% stake. You can invest more, and if any minority shareholders want to withdraw, I can buy their shares."

Kennedy's offer not only considered the company's true value but also reflected respect for Larry himself.

Larry pondered for a few seconds, then suddenly said, "By the way, sir, you just mentioned that Democratic Party imitators across the country provide the company with something called 'guidance fees'..."

Kennedy immediately understood and nodded emphatically, "This money belongs to the original shareholders! After all, it's the company profit generated before I invested. When I invested in the company, I signed a contract stipulating that all operating income from the past two years belongs to the original shareholders, and you can distribute it according to your original shareholding! Even those who choose to leave the company will have the profits from the past two years retained by me."

Larry nodded emphatically, waved his hand, and said, "Okay, sir. Don't worry about the rest. I will convene a shareholders' meeting as soon as possible to inform them of your strategic investment."

Kennedy smiled, then suddenly looked at the empty desk, frowned, and chuckled.

"Look at me, I've been so focused on the important matter that we haven't even had any alcohol or cigars. This is simply outrageous! Someone bring us some drinks!"

Kennedy smiled and called out loudly to the door.

(End of this chapter)