America 1919

However, at this time, Donnie had shifted most of his focus to the Miss America pageant managed by Starry Entertainment.

His closest associates couldn't understand this.

In their view, of all Donnie's business ventures, the most profitable were the private alcohol trade and the tavern business. By contrast, the Miss America project, despite Donnie's optimistic projections for its future, had, to date, not only failed to bring any substantial benefits to Donnie but had also cost him several hundred thousand US Dollars.

Nevertheless, these people still trusted Donnie and did not say anything.

Even though they didn't voice their concerns, they couldn't help but harbor some doubts.

"The business in New York has always been insignificant; I suspect Charlie Luciano still holds some resentment towards us. Now that we control the entire alcohol business in Atlantic City, we should also consider taking formal steps to expand outward!"

At this stage, Donnie definitely would not give up the lucrative private alcohol business.

After all expenses, the money from the private alcohol trade that ended up in Donnie's own pocket was about 15,000 US Dollars a month. If one added the collaboration with Meyer's gang in New York, Donnie could earn 20,000 US Dollars a month from the alcohol business alone!

With the tavern, gambling, and various fees from the West District, Donnie's monthly income was close to 50,000 US Dollars!

This was why Donnie had the confidence to tell Nucky that he had invested in the documentary for a reason!

"Alright, don't worry; I will definitely find out everything there is to know about the private alcohol business in Philadelphia!"

Bruce reassured Donnie once again.

Seeing Bruce's excitement, Donnie cautioned him, "Finding the right movie company is what's truly important. The private alcohol business is secondary!"n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Bruce couldn't help but ask Donnie, "Is Miss America really that important?"

Donnie laughed, "Important, very important. If we do well with Miss America, our future contacts will no longer be gang members and private alcohol dealers, but the real tycoons of America."

Since the conversation had reached this point, Donnie shared a few more thoughts with Bruce.

"Bruce, I know you all don't understand why I'm now focusing most of my energy and funds on Miss America, but what I want to tell you is that the private alcohol trade is not a sustainable business, and the U.S. Government will eventually lift this prohibition."

When that happens, licenses for alcohol production will be essential, but that business will definitely be in the hands of those big figures. So if we want to continue in the alcohol business in the future, we must become big figures ourselves now.

Look at Nucky, basking in glory in Atlantic City, even able to chat amiably with presidential candidates; but don't forget, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is still investigating him.

When have you ever heard of the Bureau of Investigation going after the real top financial conglomerates in America?

Morgan, DuPont, Rockefeller...

Nucky needs to actively seek connections with presidential candidates, but those candidates, even the ones who later become President, they have to actively seek relationships with these families.

That's the huge advantage of doing business in America, doing business legally within the law!"

Bruce Currie looked at Donnie in surprise, "I thought becoming a big figure in Atlantic City was already your goal; I didn't expect your sights to be set on the entire United States?"

Donnie laughed heartily, "The road ahead is long; we must take it step by step. As far as I'm concerned, Miss America is the first step!"

"Well, alright!" Bruce spread his hands, "Although I still don't quite understand your thinking, I will take the trip to Philadelphia to look for a movie company seriously!"

With Bruce's promise, Donnie nodded in satisfaction.

.

After Bruce left, Donnie did not sever his connection with William Fox, who still had some clout in the film industry; Donnie did not want him causing any unnecessary trouble during this period!

So these past few days, Donnie had been actively seeking to connect with William Fox.

"Donnie, I'm very sorry about William's issue; I did not expect that William would be so inflexible about the price!"

After another failed negotiation with William Fox, Walker did not leave with William Fox this time but stayed at Block Tavern, his face showing some apologetic expressions.

Donnie smiled disinterestedly, "Walker, we're friends; just getting William to come to Atlantic City was the best thing you've done for me as a friend.

As for the price, you're not a shareholder of Fox Films; how could you possibly influence William Fox's decision?"

Donnie's magnanimity touched Walker, who excitedly said, "Donnie, I actually have some other friends in Hollywood—if you need, I can contact them at any time!"

Donnie was somewhat surprised by Walker's attitude. Although they had not known each other for long and had a good mutual impression, Walker had known William Fox for a longer time, and it was clear Walker was thinking of Donnie's interests!

"If that's the case, then that would be great; thank you very much for your help, Walker!"

Donnie chose not to ask why Walker was acting this way.

"That's what I should do; friends help each other, right?" Walker was very happy because of Donnie's attitude and added, "But no matter what, you promised to let me be a judge for Miss America, and you can't go back on that!"