Chapter 749: Sending help in the snow and media roots

Reagan's gaze sharpened, and several thoughts flashed through his mind.

He looked at Xia Yu with a surprised expression and said with emotion, 'Mr. Xia, you are very humble. If the Washington Star is not considered a major company, then there are not many newspapers in the United States that are qualified!'

Xia Yu smiled and said casually, 'It may be considered so on a national level, but not in my opinion. The Washington Star is just the least sold paper of mine, and it is now in the red. It is undergoing reform, and if it doesn't operate well, who knows if it will close down?'

The smallest one!

As for whether it is in the red or not, this is not in Reagan's scope of consideration.

Xia Yu pretended to be unwilling to reveal the information, but Reagan noticed it again, and he kept guessing Xia Yu's identity in his heart.

The person in front of him doesn't seem like a liar, so he must be a media mogul.

In this special year, the importance of the power of the media has jumped several notches.

If you want to compete for the top spot, you must have media that speak for you, to promote your political ideas, canvass votes for you, and defend you against the mud slinging of your competitors.

And Reagan was no stranger to the world. The average media mogul did not have as many bodyguards as Xia Yu, so it could be inferred that Xia Yu had other major industries in addition to a few newspapers.

'Looks like I'm in luck today!'

Reagan thought to himself, and decided to probe Xia Yu's background to see if he could seize this opportunity.

As for the exchange of benefits that would exist later, he didn't even consider it.

Because he was in the system, he had long since understood its nature, that deals of power and money would last forever.

If he was successful, then naturally he would repay the forces behind him. If he lost the election, even if he ended up with a vice president, he would have no real power and naturally there would be no reward.

At this time, he has not yet gained the support of the Republican Party, so the forces behind him are not many. As for the resources within the Republican Party, every penny is precious, and they will only be given to the presidential candidate set by the party. Someone like him, who has not even passed the primary election, can only mobilise his own forces and gain the support of a certain part of the party or society to stand out and then gain the full support of the Republican Party.

Therefore, he treasures every opportunity now and will do his best to fight for it, accumulating his own strength little by little.

Thinking about this, Reagan's desire to go fishing disappeared completely, and he continued chatting with Xia Yu.

Perceiving Reagan's attitude, Xia Yu became less anxious, and his attitude became more and more casual, as if he had really just come here for recreational fishing.

'Mr. Xia, are you a Chinese American?'

'Yes,'

Xia Yu replied with a neutral expression.

Yes, Xia Yu did have American citizenship, which had been completed when planning his trip to the United States last year.

He wanted to create an international conglomerate, and the United States was absolutely unavoidable, so he needed American citizenship.

As for his original British citizenship, it also existed.

In other words, he was a dual citizen, and there was no problem with that, because dual citizenship was a common way that many countries around the world generally accepted. More than 70 countries around the world recognised or accepted dual citizenship, including the United States and the United Kingdom. (This is true, I didn't make it up.)

Reagan was certain that as long as he was American, he would be able to continue the conversation. Otherwise, even if he gained Xia Yu's support, it would become a bomb and a weak point for competitors to attack.

He continued, 'Oh, are you from California? There are the most Chinese people in the United States, and I am most familiar with them. I know some local Chinese leaders.'

Hearing Reagan say this, Xia Yu looked at Reagan, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, and he looked him up and down.

Reagan wore a smile on his face and let Xia Yu take a good look at him without any embarrassment.

He had just said that on purpose to see if Xia Yu could recognise who he was. If he did, it would be easier to communicate with him from then on.

Reagan's plan coincided with Xia Yu's thoughts.

Both wanted to get to know each other, the difference being that Reagan was taking the initiative while Xia Yu was pretending to be passive.

After a few seconds, Xia Yu asked hesitantly, 'Mr Reagan, the more I look at you, the more I feel that you look familiar. It seems that I have seen you somewhere before. Have you spent a long time in California?'

Reagan smiled, nodded and stated, 'Yes, I spent a few years in Hollywood before that, starring in dozens of movies, before entering politics.'

Xia Yu was taken aback, then suddenly realised, and said in a fake surprised voice, 'I remember now, you are a well-known figure in California, an actor turned governor of California, am I right?'

Reagan smiled and nodded, saying, 'If no one else is also named Ronald Wilson Reagan, I think you are referring to me.'

Xia Yu pretended to shrug apologetically and explained, 'I'm sorry, Mr. Governor, I'm not from California and I've only been to San Francisco a few times, so I didn't recognise you.'

Reagan shook his head indifferently and then said with a self-deprecating smile, 'Oh no, Mr Xia, you don't need to apologise. I stopped being Governor of California after 1975, and I stopped making movies a long time ago. After so many years, not many people should recognise me.'

Xia Yu smiled and asked, 'By the way, Mr Reagan, while you were in California, you made a huge contribution to the economy and people's livelihood of California. This year happens to be an election year. With your talents, why don't you run for office?'

Regan looked regretful and said with a slight bitter smile, 'I have thought about it, but I don't have enough confidence. I have participated in two previous elections, but both times I lost the nomination for the Republican presidential candidate. I am getting old, and I am ready to try again, but I am still preparing for this time.'

'Unfortunately, I am not yet ready, and I don't have enough of a campaign team or support...'

Afterwards, Reagan looked at Xia Yu and asked, 'Mr. Xia, do you support the Democratic Party or the Republican Party?'

Xia Yu put down his fishing rod and said after thinking for a moment, 'I think Jimmy Carter is incompetent and has messed up the US economy. Right now, inflation in the US is very serious, which is detrimental to economic development. From my perspective, I have temporarily lost confidence in the Democratic Party. If someone from the Republican Party can commit to solving economic problems, I don't think I would be stingy with my support.'

After saying this, Xia Yu looked at Reagan with interest and asked, 'Mr Reagan, you are the first person I have come into contact with this year who has the intention to run for office, and you happen to be a Republican. It may be that God has arranged for us to meet here today. Can I hear your thoughts?'

Reagan had been waiting for Xia Yu to say this. He was beaming from ear to ear and said with a full head of agreement, 'Of course there is no problem. This is my honour.'

The two men then engaged in a deeper conversation, with Reagan seizing the opportunity to expound on his own ideas and express his views on the current state of the US economy.

In the process, the two men grew closer.

They were both adults, and they had no qualms about being deceitful for the sake of their interests, let alone putting on a show. So the two of them chatted and laughed, and anyone watching from the outside might have thought they were old friends who hadn't seen each other for years.

Time passed slowly, and the sun gradually set.

Reagan invited Xia Yu to dinner.

In this entertainment district, there are restaurants and hotels. Reagan booked a hotel for a week directly here.

Xia Yu did not leave for the next two days, and Reagan naturally did not leave either, seizing the opportunity to interact with Xia Yu.

As they became more familiar, he also learned more about Xia Yu. He knew that in addition to owning the Washington Star, Xia Yu also owned the New York Daily News and the Houston Chronicle.

In addition, the arcade games in the entertainment district were produced by his company, and the Rolls-Royce car Xia Yu drove was also produced by his company.

Of course, the brief mentions of banks, securities companies, insurance companies, and the like in Xia Yu's words only further excited Reagan, and his attitude became more and more eager.

With a financial group that also dabbles in fields such as automobiles, electronics, and media, Xia Yu's strength is definitely not small. Although he called at night to ask someone to find out the news and there was still no response, he had already made up his mind to get as much support from Xia Yu as possible.

Not to mention anything else, if he had the support of those three newspapers, his efforts over the past few days would pay off!

On the third day after arriving at Lake Chiran, Xia Yu felt that the time was right and finally decided to make his position clear.

'Mr Reagan, you are a very thoughtful person, and I think you are qualified to hold that position. I have decided to invest in you!'

Xia Yu put down his cup, looked at Reagan with a smile on his face, and said slowly in a garden cafe.

Reagan's spirits lifted, and his smile became obvious. He thanked Xia Yu, saying, 'Mr Xia, thank you for your recognition. I am deeply honoured.'

Xia Yu nodded and accepted Reagan's gratitude with an open heart.

A gift of money in the snow is better than a gift of flowers on a brocade!

Since Reagan was still before his rise to fame, a small investment now would reap a tenfold benefit. He naturally planned to invest heavily to win Reagan's favour.

Moreover, he was not worried that Reagan would renege on the deal afterwards, because this was not something that could be simply swept under the rug. During the campaign, Reagan's rivals would have a clear understanding of Reagan's background and the forces behind him, and Reagan would naturally be tainted by their influence.

During this process, Xia Yu will also become Reagan's close partner, and he will also know a lot about Reagan's background and connections. Reagan will never take the initiative to expose the chain of interests between them, so there is no way he will turn against Xia Yu, it's simply not worth it.

Xia Yu put on a serious face and said, 'Mr Reagan, I am a determined person. Since I have decided to support you, I will do my best, and I believe you are a person of integrity and strong emotional ties.'

Hearing this, Reagan's heart leapt with joy, and he quickly nodded, saying, 'Of course, integrity is the foundation of everything I do, and I have always treasured and valued my friends. Now, everything is not yet successful, but I can guarantee that I will not let you down.'

Xia Yu smiled and said immediately, 'I have taken your words to heart.'

'Your campaign team needs you to select and build it, but I will do my best to provide the funding you need for the campaign and give you the greatest support in public opinion!'

'Of course, I, including my subordinates, are very knowledgeable about economics. If you need help in this area, I think I can help.'

'As for the difficulties you may encounter in the future, you can come to me for help. As long as I can do it, it's no problem!'

Xia Yu's promise was not to be underestimated, and it also made Reagan feel full of sincerity. He smiled broadly, nodded emphatically, and thanked him repeatedly, saying, 'Mr. Xia, thank you for your support, thank you!'

After everything was out in the open, the relationship between Xia Yu and Reagan grew even closer. Reagan didn't hide anything either, and directly explained his current situation to Xia Yu, and then said what aspects required Xia Yu's support.

In terms of funding, Reagan's weak point, Xia Yu directly promised the first sum of ten million US dollars, and guaranteed that this money would be donated in the name of many companies, so that there would be no loose ends.

Regan was stunned by Xia Yu's generosity and intuitively felt Xia Yu's strength.

Of course, he also felt Xia Yu's sincerity.

Then came the support in other areas, which Xia Yu also recorded.

The discussion lasted for a whole day.

In the end, Xia Yu left Reagan several contact methods and addresses.

Only after everything was settled did Xia Yu reluctantly bid farewell to Reagan and returned to New York.

After returning to New York, he happened to learn that Yan Wenhan had returned from Houston. Xia Yu decided to meet with him to give him some instructions before going to California.

New York, the office of the owner of the American branch of Jiuding News Agency.

Xia Yu asked, 'Wenhan, how are things going with the three newspapers?'

Yan Wenhan thought for a moment and said, 'The New York Daily News and the Houston Chronicle are both about the same. I have arranged for these two newspapers to connect with the Jiuding News Agency. If they can reasonably absorb resources, they should be able to achieve some effect.'

'As for the Washington Star, I have promoted and appointed some elites again, and the laid-off personnel have been arranged into the Jiuding News Agency without causing a storm. Now I have made appropriate adjustments to the newspaper in accordance with your instructions, and the results will not be visible for some time.'

Xia Yu nodded slightly and said, 'Well, that's good, let time test the results.'

He then asked, 'When will the satellite of the Jiuding News Agency be launched?'

Launching a satellite is costly, but if the Jiuding News Agency wants to stand out, it must have a satellite. Only a satellite can deliver news information as quickly as possible.

When it comes to news, speed is crucial!

Yan Wenhan immediately said, 'Very soon. The order has been queued for two months, and it is expected to be launched around March 20th.'

Xia Yu smiled and nodded, saying, 'That's good. Jiuding News Agency will continue to expand and strive to have offices in every city in the United States!'

'In addition to these things, you will set up another company and start a new newspaper. The name of the newspaper will be USA Today. This is the proposal I have prepared. Please read it carefully and follow the instructions.'

With that, Xia Yu took out a proposal and handed it to Yan Wenhan.

This business plan for the newspaper USA Today was precisely what Xia Yu had done in combination with the yet-to-be-released USA Today, which would go on to become the best-selling newspaper of all time.

If there were no unforeseen circumstances, this newspaper would be founded by the Gannett Group two years later, and in just less than two years, its circulation would exceed 2 million, making it the third-largest newspaper in the United States, and in 1986, it would become the top newspaper in the United States, and it would continue to sit on the throne for decades.

The reason USA Today was able to rise so quickly was not only because it was the first national daily newspaper in the United States, but also because it pioneered the use of newspapers to present news with a large number of informative photos and charts, officially announcing the arrival of the 'age of reading pictures' and earning it the title of 'television in the newspaper'.

In addition, Xia Yu's plan also points out the mission of USA Today: 'Accurate and not pessimistic, detailed and not negative coverage of all news.'

It can be said that Xia Yu has combined all the advantages that USA Today has developed over the past few decades. It is believed that as long as it can be produced perfectly, USA Today will forge the most legendary rise of an American newspaper in history.

This newspaper is the one that Xia Yu has high hopes for, and it is the strongest foundation for the American branch of Jiuding Newspaper Company!

Yan Wenhan solemnly accepted the plan proposal and nodded his head to promise, 'Chairman, don't worry, I will do my best to make this newspaper.'

'Mm!'

'By the way, this is the person I have chosen to support in the US presidential election. His name is Ronald Wilson Reagan. He will definitely contact you in the future. As long as his demands are not excessive, you should cooperate with him fully!'

With that, Xia Yu took out Reagan's business card and gave it to Yan Wenhan.

Yan Wenhan was shocked, and solemnly accepted it with a serious expression. He was shocked by the chairman Xia Yu's generosity, and his heart gradually boiled with excitement.

He had never imagined that he would have the opportunity to interfere in the presidential election.

In his impression, the US president was the most powerful person in the world, and now, the chairman of the board was even placing a bet at such a time. He would be both a witness and a participant, and he could not help but feel honoured, with a sense of boundless pride rising in his chest.

'If it really succeeds, what kind of gains will there be...'

Yan Wenhan's mind flashed with a seemingly dreamlike thought.

Seeing Yan Wenhan in a daze, Xia Yu smiled understandingly.

Afterwards, he talked to Yan Wenhan about work again, Xia Yu set off to leave, preparing to return and pack his bags and set off for San Francisco, California.

There, he would officially begin to build his business empire in the United States.