Chapter 39: The Banquet

[Chapter 39: The Banquet]

Elections heavily relied on media influence; it was a well-known fact that whoever secured media support had a better chance of winning. However, with so many media outlets, no one could be sure who could do what -- even national media had little power in local elections since people from other regions couldn't vote.

Now, when Ian made such a statement, it certainly wasn't due to the pitiful and humble influence of the Los Angeles Herald. So it only meant one thing...

Brand looked at Ian and asked, "Do you have dirt on him?"

Ian nodded lightly.

"To what extent?"

"He's using drugs."

Brand's eyes lit up instantly. "Are you sure?"

For a candidate, drug use was a deadly scandal.

Ian smiled. "I have all the evidence. I deliberately held onto it for you, waiting to use it two years from now."

Brand felt a surge of excitement, but he remained composed. "What do you need from me?"

Ian took a sip of his drink and replied softly, "As I mentioned last time, we're friends. Friends help each other out without needing too much formality."

Brand chuckled.

A shrewd businessman always understood the importance of investing in politics. Though Ian's business was still small, he was sharp, and his ability to gather substantial information symbolized limitless potential. Who could say where Ian would be in two years?

After a moment of thought, Brand said, "I heard the LAPD is looking into you?"

Ian nodded. "They think the Danny Koskri incident might not just be gang retaliation. Oh, and there's the Garrick self-immolation case. The police found gas on Garrick when he died and suspect it wasn't an electrical accident, so they're investigating the possibility of murder."

Thanks to Katherine, her furious accusations helped Ian uncover the issues behind these situations -- the girl who had a sense of justice but lacked experience!

Ian had come to Brand seeking his help to wrap things up.

Sure enough, Brand huffed lightly. "Those guys always waste energy on unnecessary cases. I'll have a word with Chief Beaton. There's no need to focus on you just because you reported on these matters. It's best for everyone to close the case as it currently stands."

Ian smiled and raised his glass. "You're a good friend. Thank you!"

Brand also felt happy.

He finally could do something for Ian. By proving his worth, their friendship would deepen, and they could build a more advanced alliance. Those past misfortunes could turn into great opportunities!

A despicable but crafty deal was struck amidst laughter and drinks.

Ian assuaged his concerns, and Brand gained an important media ally. The two laughed and joked together.

...

After drinking for a while, Brand draped his arm around Ian's shoulder and said, "Come on, let me introduce you to some new friends."

He then raised his glass and called out loudly, "Hey, everyone, quiet down! I want to introduce you to an outstanding young man -- Ian Carr. I'm sure some of you have heard of him."

As he spoke, everyone turned to look at Ian.

In media, it was crucial to know enough influential people. Not only could it lead to more information, but it also opened up advertising sources.

Upon realizing Ian was the recently rising owner of the Los Angeles Herald, many were astonished.

"Ian Carr? You're the guy who did that live interview in front of the burning torch?"

A middle-aged woman excitedly glanced at Ian, thinking he was quite the handsome young man. If he didn't have that strange hobby of peeping, she might consider inviting him in...

Ian smiled. "That's me. I was lucky that day."

"Damn, you're so young, but already so cold-blooded? You saw him burning but didn't save him!" someone exclaimed.

Ian smiled back. "That just shows I'm not as cold as you think. If I were, he would've extinguished himself as soon as he stood next to me."

"Oh my god, you're really a genius!" someone else laughed.

While Ian's coldness was ridiculed by the common people, those in higher circles saw him as ruthless and promising. With people like him, even if you disliked them, you didn't want to cross them. After all, you never knew what they might do behind the scenes.

Thus, many people wore sunny smiles, and Ian shook hands and got to know each of them.

One banquet allowed Ian to meet many influential figures from the city. Casual conversations bubbled with endless business plans. Although it was just initial introductions today, no one could predict which casual remark might reveal important secrets.

...

At that moment, everyone sat together, enjoying drinks and casual chats.

A businessman raised his glass and laughed, "I met with Iverson last month. That old guy dropped over forty pounds! He seemed like a different person. Usually, he was all chatter, but this time he was quite silent. I asked him, 'Hey buddy, where's that blonde beauty you used to bring around?' You won't believe his response. He said, 'No, I worship God now, not beautiful women.' My God, everyone knows how much he used to love those shapely girls, and now he's all about God!"

The others chuckled as well.

The earlier woman chimed in, "I heard Iverson's health isn't great. There are rumors he has cancer?"

The businessman shook his head. "I don't know about that. He said he's fine; he lost weight because he successfully dieted."

"Even if he did, he wouldn't admit it. That'd collapse the stock price of Oakland Paints," everyone laughed.

Ian felt a spark of curiosity. "The Iverson you are talking about is the one from Oakland Paints?"

"Exactly. Hey, kid, are you interested? If you could find evidence of Iverson having cancer, you could release that and short their stock -- big money right there!"

If a company's chairman was on the verge of death, the fallout could be significant. It might not be fatal but would certainly lead to a drop. For traders, any confirmed drop signified great profit potential.

People had always engaged in such practices, but the challenge lay in obtaining proof. 

With a smile, Ian raised his glass. "That's true, but it won't be easy."

"There's no easy money to be made; just depends on who seizes the opportunity," people raised their glasses. "To good health!"

"To good health!" Ian lifted his glass in response.

*****

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