Chapter 65

A Strategic Gambit

Maintaining advanced science and technology is critical to national defense. In the event of war, Congress's substantial military funding ensures that the armed forces can be armed promptly.

"What's more, it's a guarantee for me," Dwight thought silently, watching Charlie Lee's warm smile.

Dwight was treading a risky path with the veteran issue, staking his future on its resolution. Even with a secret agreement from the War Department, if Charlie ever found himself in serious trouble, Dwight knew he would be the first scapegoat.

However, securing a national defense license would change everything. With the military's endorsement, Charlie would be a partner recognized by the defense forces. If trouble arose, high-ranking officials would intervene, and Dwight wouldn't need to worry about being discarded.

"Is the military phasing out trucks?" Charlie asked curiously.

"No way," Dwight replied firmly. "The military can't even meet current demands, let alone phase anything out. Military vehicles are handcrafted—just painting one takes three weeks to dry."

Dwight cautioned Charlie not to expect swift results. "Don't be overly optimistic; prepare for every scenario."

Charlie nodded, unfazed. His worst-case scenario was to continue developing "black technology" until the military inevitably came knocking in wartime desperation.

If the national defense license came through, he'd shift focus to military production. If not, he would continue amassing wealth and bide his time. Charlie, only 18 years old, had patience on his side.

"Build high walls, store grain, and take your time becoming king," he often mused.

After seeing Dwight off, Charlie returned to his daily routine—signing documents, working on new projects, and mentoring his training camp students. Despite the monotony, he found small joys in his progress.

One sunny day, as he lounged on the grass, the monk—his loyal aide—approached with exciting news.

"Boss, the killer has been found."

Charlie straightened up immediately. "Where is he?"

"Brother Dog is bringing him in," the monk replied.

"Let's head to the barracks," Charlie said eagerly, rubbing his hands in anticipation. After more than 20 days of searching, finding the assassin was a welcomed surprise.

At the barracks, Brother Dog dragged in a bloodied, beaten man—a white male who barely looked alive.

"Charlie, this is him," Brother Dog declared. The man's face was unrecognizable, disfigured from repeated blows.

"Did he confess?" Charlie asked indifferently.

"No need. Look at this," Brother Dog said, yanking the man's shirt down to reveal a bloodstained tattoo.

It was enough evidence.

"Clean it up," Charlie ordered coldly.

Without hesitation, Brother Dog covered the man's head, hoisted him up, and disappeared outside. Whatever fate awaited the man, it didn't require Charlie's attention.

In the early 1920s, tattoos were not a fashion statement in America. Nearly 90% of tattoos were associated with the Mafia, especially Sicilian families.

Seeing the tattoo, Charlie smirked and said, "Monk, spread the word that this was orchestrated by the Kendy family. They've been harboring Luciano's remnants in New York anyway."

After a moment's thought, Charlie added, "Also, implicate DuPont, the Chicago Consortium, Morgan, and the military. Use the cadets to leak this to newspapers and magazines. Craft a tragic story about racial discrimination—make it compelling. If you need help, ask Aria to spin the narrative."

The monk, unfazed by Charlie's cunning, quickly gathered a few well-connected Chinese individuals to spread the news.

When Aria received the assignment, she initially balked. "I'm an expert in finance and strategy, not an editor for gossip tabloids!"

However, faced with the monk's unwavering smile, she handed the task to her team. Within hours, Aria and her think tank of women had concocted dozens of heartbreaking narratives.

The next morning, sensational headlines flooded tabloids across the country:

• "The Dark Reality Beneath the Stars and Stripes"

• "A Hundred Years of Immigrant Blood and Tears"

• "Racism's Scythe: The True Cost of Oppression"

Editors, captivated by the dramatic titles, ordered massive print runs. Though these tabloids were far from mainstream, they sparked a wildfire of rumors.

At Kendy Manor, Joseph Kendy woke to chaos. Hearing the commotion outside, he asked his butler, "What's going on?"

The butler handed him a stack of newspapers, all filled with damning accusations.

"Charlie Lee's shooting incident is reportedly linked to New York's Mafia. Sources claim the Kendy family has taken over the remnants of the Luciano gang…"

"Where are they getting this 'reliable information'?" Joseph roared, throwing the papers across the room.

Meanwhile, chaos erupted across the nation. Reporters besieged Congress, the Department of Defense, and corporate offices with relentless questions about racism, corruption, and discrimination.

"Who's spreading these rumors?" fumed a congressman.

"Even if we find them, we can't arrest everyone for exercising free speech," another argued.

Fights broke out among officials as accusations flew. A stray shoe hurled during one such argument symbolized the pandemonium.

On Wall Street, reporters camped outside J.P. Morgan's building. In Chicago, they swarmed the McCormick family estate. Even Aiken Wood, CEO of the First National Bank of Chicago, faced scrutiny.

Trying to salvage his reputation, Aiken clarified, "Charlie Lee is a respected businessman and a dear friend. These accusations are baseless."

Charlie, capitalizing on the situation, issued a public statement: "I trust my friends and believe the government will ensure justice. As an American citizen, I deserve fairness."

His ID card, prominently displayed alongside the statement, ignited outrage.

Chinese immigrants, long subjected to discrimination, rallied behind Charlie. Black communities, seizing the moment, joined the protests. Unemployed white workers, frustrated by the Great Depression, added their voices.

Rights organizations and labor unions clamored for change. Some even invited Charlie to lead their movements, though he declined, offering generous donations instead.

"I'm not here to lead revolutions," Charlie told Aria during a work briefing. "I'll support them, but I have bigger plans."

That evening, newspapers carried even more clarifications and rebuttals. But the damage was done. Across the country, marches and protests continued, fueled by anger, hope, and a growing desire for justice.

Charlie Lee's strategic maneuvering turned a near-death experience into a nationwide movement.