Chapter 90

Crossroads of Business and Rivalries in Chicago

"So, is Jonathan Roosevelt's cousin?" Charlie Lee's thoughts trailed off as he tried to piece together the complex connections between the Astor and Roosevelt families. His brain, somewhat distracted, began calculating the seniority of the two clans.

But then, he quickly dismissed the thought with a smirk. "These blood ties only matter when interests aren't involved," Charlie muttered to himself. "Otherwise, European cousins wouldn't have spent centuries fighting to the death over thrones and lands."

"Boss, should I turn him down?" Jesse, his secretary, asked, holding up her jeweled notebook. Her expression betrayed no hint of concern.

"No," Charlie said after a moment's thought, glancing out of the window. "Schedule dinner with him tonight. Let's make it at Global Restaurant. I've been craving a bowl of tomato and egg noodles lately."

Recently, his dealings with Mr. Mei had fostered a smoother relationship between their respective circles. Mei had sent people to express sympathy and deliver congratulatory gifts after a close call in business and a thwarted assassination attempt against Charlie. In return, the instructors and students at Aegis Training Camp often patronized Global Restaurant, cementing it as a neutral meeting ground and a deterrent to any troublemakers.

Still, Jonathan Ferdy Astor's motives remained a mystery. For now, Charlie would wait and observe.

"Get Nuki on the line for me," Charlie said as he finished freshening up. He had a few pressing issues to address with his old associate.

"Connected, boss," Jesse said, handing over the phone.

"Nuki," Charlie began.

"Ah, my friend!" Nuki groaned on the other end. "I'm losing my mind with all these endless meetings and petty disputes…"

"What about my business?" Charlie cut him off, his tone growing cold.

"Charlie, you've got to give me more time," Nuki pleaded. "The committee is still in its infancy! These things don't happen overnight."

Charlie's patience was already thin. "I want results. If you don't deliver the shooter to me by the end of the month, your committee is going to face a lot of trouble. You know how I handle things."

Nuki hesitated, his voice faltering. "Fine," he sighed. "You'll have him before the month's over. But you've got to understand, dealing with the Italian mafia isn't easy for someone in my position."

"Happy April Fool's Day, by the way," Nuki tried to defuse the tension with an awkward laugh.

"You know the joke only works before noon," Charlie said dryly, glancing at the clock. It was already past two in the afternoon.

The call ended, leaving Charlie in a contemplative mood. Nuki had been stalling for months on delivering the person responsible for the assassination attempt. He understood the challenges—balancing interests between the Dutch and the Italians in a fledgling committee was no easy feat. Still, Charlie wasn't one for excuses. He had given Nuki enough time. If things didn't progress soon, he'd handle matters his way.

His thoughts briefly turned to Capone, the former king of Chicago, now rotting in Alcatraz. "I hope he's enjoying picking up soap in there," Charlie muttered to himself.

"Boss, your clothes are ready, and the car's waiting," Jesse announced.

"Keep it simple," Charlie instructed, shooting her a pointed look. He didn't want her showing up adorned in diamonds and looking like a walking jewelry display again.

To his relief, Jesse chose a modest floral dress and sensible shoes, a far cry from her usual flashy attire. When their car arrived at Global Restaurant, the familiar buzz of the crowded establishment greeted them.

"Mr. Lee, welcome back!" the attendant said warmly.

"Is my guest here?" Charlie asked.

"Yes, sir. He's waiting upstairs," the man replied, gesturing to the quieter third floor.

Charlie and Jesse climbed the stairs and spotted Jonathan in the corner. As they approached, Jonathan turned and smiled.

"Mr. Lee, it's a pleasure to meet you," Jonathan said, standing to greet him.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Astor," Charlie replied with a polite smile.

"Jonathan, please," the man corrected, gesturing for them to sit.

"Then call me Charlie," he offered in return.

Since it was a Chinese restaurant, Charlie took the lead in ordering. After confirming that Jonathan had no dietary restrictions, he requested the chef's specials along with his long-awaited bowl of tomato and egg noodles.

"Make it extra large," Charlie added, much to Jesse's amusement.

Over tea, Charlie initiated the conversation. "I hear you're starting a meat factory in Chicago?"

"Yes," Jonathan replied confidently. "I'm focusing on meat processing and canned goods, particularly for export. I see significant opportunities in China and Africa."

"You've done your homework," Charlie noted.

"I'm trying," Jonathan admitted. "But what I need now is a partnership with McDonald's. I'd like to become one of their beef suppliers."

Charlie raised an eyebrow. Jonathan's ambition was bold. He knew the man wasn't just eyeing local opportunities; he wanted to tap into McDonald's growing franchise network.

"Do you have the capacity to deliver?" Charlie asked, his tone skeptical but not dismissive.

"I'm not looking for exclusivity," Jonathan clarified. "I just want a piece of the pie. The meat cuts I'm focusing on—ribs, briskets, and plate cuts—align perfectly with McDonald's needs. It's a win-win."

Charlie nodded slowly. Jonathan's logic was sound, but the decision wasn't entirely his to make. "I'll have my team look into it. Lawrence will handle the negotiations."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the food. The spread was impressive, a mix of Chinese and Western dishes. As Charlie dug into his noodles with gusto, Jesse couldn't help but stare enviously.

"Boss, I want some too," she said, pouting.

"Fine, but just a small bowl," Charlie relented, shaking his head at her childlike enthusiasm.

Jonathan, intrigued by their reactions, decided to try the noodles as well. After his first bite, he gave a thumbs-up. "This is fantastic."

As they ate, Mr. Mei himself appeared, greeting Charlie warmly.

"Mr. Lee, I see you're enjoying the meal," he said with a wide grin.

"Delicious as always," Charlie replied, raising his chopsticks in acknowledgment.

The two exchanged pleasantries, with Mr. Mei apologizing for past misunderstandings and Charlie brushing them off with a casual remark about future discounts. Their exchange was lighthearted but carried an undertone of mutual respect.

As the evening wore on, the mood remained convivial. While Jesse marveled at the food and Jonathan discussed his plans in greater detail, Charlie couldn't shake the feeling that tonight's meeting was just the beginning of a more intricate web of alliances and rivalries.