Chapter 634

In the 2010 U.S. midterm elections, 36 states elected new governors and House of Representatives members were up for re-election; The ruling Democratic Party suffered a complete defeat; out of the 36 states, 21 elected Republican governors. The Republicans also won a majority in the House of Representatives elections!

The environmental bill and the carbon emission bill, which President Obama initially committed to, both faced obstructions.

In the office of Barbara Boxer, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington D.C., California Senator Gavin Newsom knocked and entered.

"Sit down, have you met the President?" Barbara Boxer asked, looking up.

Gavin Newsom nodded, "Yes, I have, the Republican backlash this time was too strong."

"Ultimately, the environmental protection card can't block the black gold of energy tycoons!" Barbara Boxer put down her pen and leaned back into her chair, "Have the Koch brothers met with Charles Capet yet?"

Gavin Newsom was puzzled, "Why do you ask so suddenly?"

Koch Industries, a titan in the U.S. energy manufacturing sector and the largest private company globally; the biggest financial backer of the Republicans, and an important player at the black gold political table, an octopus with many tentacles!

"Charles Capet left the U.S. late last month and went to Asia," Gavin Newsom explained, "In California, with him around, Republicans can't pull any tricks; Jerry Brown's campaign spent less than $40 million, while his opponent Meg Whitman's campaign funds exceeded $100 million. Yet, Jerry Brown still became the governor of California, didn't he?"

Barbara Boxer sighed, "I received word that right-wing forces have high hopes for Charles Capet;

Young, wealthy, and in control of a powerful media group, they're trying their best to win him over;

Just as the midterm elections ended, Charles Capet quickly left the U.S., it's intriguing!"

Gavin Newsom was indifferent, "He's invested in many Democratic figures, he won't change his support now; businessmen know their accounts best."

"He has also invested in Republicans and maintains close relations with some Republican figures. Obama's previous unclear stance towards Hollywood caused a rift between him and Charles Capet," Barbara Boxer glanced at Gavin Newsom, "The Universal Studios project in Orlando, Florida, widened that rift. Although the troublemakers have been cleared, the rift remains!"

"Rahm Emanuel, it's always these damn folks wanting all the benefits! Otherwise, Charles wouldn't bet on both sides!" Gavin Newsom complained.

Hearing Gavin Newsom's complaint, Barbara Boxer shook her head. Now, the House seats were in Republican majority hands, and Democrats only barely held the Senate majority. From this year on, America entered an era of a divided Congress. Having regained the House majority, Republicans surely wouldn't let Obama's proposals pass smoothly!

"Charles Capet's advisory team is really remarkable, supporting university projects, research centers, and strong media control, continually supplying blood for his Capet Empire," Barbara Boxer knew Charles now annually donated over $80 million through his charitable foundation.

"Let him hold up for another decade or so, and it'll be harvest time for him then..."

Though Barbara Boxer knew Charles Capet wasn't yet qualified to sit at the very center of the black gold political stage. But now, Charles Capet had already gotten a ticket into the banquet hall, because the essence of capitalist politics is money!

Gavin Newsom smiled, "Charles Capet is our hope in California; his unreasonable speed of making money is his biggest capital card. Moreover, he aims to become the king in Hollywood, the world's media hub. In a few years, the Capet family will also become a new generation consortium capable of employing a President!"

The Mellon family, Rockefeller family, Morgan family, and DuPont family, it's all been the same...

...

While the political scene in the U.S. was in turmoil, Charles was enjoying his time in distant East Asia, Korea!

In late November, North Korea and South Korea had exchanged artillery fire near the disputed Northern Limit Line, targeting military installations and civilian structures, drawing significant global attention!

However, Charles didn't concern himself with it. Seoul had just welcomed its first snow of December. Charles was at the villa in the hot springs, enjoying the Seoul nightscape with Chi-ling Lin and Son Ye-jin.

Son Ye-jin leaned on Charles's shoulder and looked at Chi-ling Lin on the other side, smiling, "Sis, your figure is really amazing!"

Chi-ling Lin took a sip of champagne and also glanced at Son Ye-jin, "Ye-jin, your figure isn't bad either," she said, kissing Charles on the cheek,

"What do you think, Charles?"

"You're both great, both great," Charles laughed, then leaned in to kiss Son Ye-jin.

After the kiss, Charles leaned back against the hot spring edge, "How's the development of East Asia Korea now?"

"Very promising, television, movies, and music are all performing well," Son Ye-jin's eyes brightened,

"And we own 16% shares in YG Entertainment and 5% in CJ E&M. The reputation of East Asia Korea is growing rapidly; However, YG's IPO failed this year; otherwise, our 16% shares would've surely brought a big profit!"

"Don't worry, it'll go public again," Charles didn't care much, YG might be something in Korea, but it didn't matter much to him.

*****

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