America 1919

And Leck Young was one of the judges who walked into Block Tavern today.

If he made a move, Carmen Farmer's advance to the top 8 was pretty much a done deal!

"What did your boss say, Richel?" someone asked loudly.

"What else could he say? When Carmen Farmer stripped naked in the boss's car, you all should've known this woman was bound to make it into the top 8!"

"Wow!"

Envious voices rose from the tavern.

The little things between men and women were always the most resonant topics in places like a tavern.

Especially when both individuals were celebrities.

Leck Young needs no introduction, a prominent figure in Atlantic City in the early years, and although he had been lowkey these past few years, his legend still lives on in Atlantic City.

As for Carmen Farmer, there's even less to say.

A hot contender for this year's top 8, not just the top 8, but even the regional champion.

After the "Atlantic City Post" promotion, the 32 girls of the current selection had already gained quite a following.

As for the relationship between Carmen Farmer and Leck Young... to say no one was interested would be impossible.

"I was thinking of buying a paper tomorrow to support Carmen, but now..." someone in the tavern sighed in resignation.

Everyone knew this person as one of Carmen Farmer's faithful supporters.

Even recently he'd been fantasizing that if he ever struck it rich overnight, he'd definitely pursue Carmen Farmer.

Now Richel's news had shattered his illusions.

As for his remarks, everyone just laughed it off, not really caring, after all, they were not the ones being sycophantic.

.

The backstage of Block Tavern had been transformed back into a dressing room for the girls.

Three women make a play, thirty-six women, countless dramas!

But if you observed carefully, amidst the chaotic rooms, the girls could essentially be divided into two categories.

Their background was actually the standard by which they were classified.

Those from ordinary families, dreaming of getting rich overnight through the Miss America contest.

Then there were the strippers who Donnie had personally confirmed as eligible competitors, which could also summarily say they came from a more sordid background.

Within these two major categories, there were different cliques.

Anyway, anyone coming in and seeing such a scene would find it overwhelming.

"Carmen, that outfit looks really nice on you, much prettier than the one Mr. Block gave us!"

A girl wearing a one-piece swimsuit was talking to Carmen, who had a curvaceous figure and a delicate face.

Carmen wasn't really from the slums; she used to work at a boutique in Atlantic City, and after seeing the recruitment for the Miss America election, she had signed up without any hesitation.

Before the promotion started, Leck Young had approached her.

The routine of rich men courting girls hasn't changed much: designer clothes, high living, plus some pricey little gifts.

Few girls are able to resist.

Carmen Farmer was no exception.

In less than two days, Carmen Farmer had become Leck Young's woman.

With Leck Young's financial support, Carmen Farmer naturally gained a lot of confidence!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"It's nothing special, just something I bought in New York, nothing to fuss about!"

Carmen Farmer posed in an S-shape with an air of pride, an arrogant smile on her face.

"Carmen, I'm really jealous of you. While we're still worried about making it to the top 8, you're already a champion!"

One of the girls said insincerely.

Carmen Farmer's laughter was radiant, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you all in the future!"

After speaking, Carmen's gaze drifted toward a corner of the dressing room where a girl was standing alone.

This girl's name was Jessica Dole. By appearances and figure alone, Jessica was the most outstanding among the girls.

Carmen had even heard from Leck Young that he hoped she could introduce Jessica to him.

However, Carmen definitely wouldn't do such a thing before the end of the Miss America pageant.

Far from it, driven by jealousy, Carmen had even tampered with a few things.

For instance, Jessica was now in a panic because her swimsuit had been torn!

Seeing Jessica's flustered state only made Carmen happier.

"I won't let you even make it to the top 8!"

The hidden battles of the dressing room were naturally unknown to the outside world.

As the time approached, everyone was aware that the much-anticipated Miss America Atlantic City regional competition was about to begin.

During this moment, the people in the hall ceased their socializing and took their seats.

Donnie, Nucky, Eli, Baharach, Breton, and others sat together.

Baharach wasn't aware of Breton's identity, but out of politeness, he didn't inquire, simply assuming she was a girl from some family, curious about the event.

"Donnie, I think there's something unfair about your rules!"

Breton whispered, sitting next to Donnie.

"You've set it up so that anyone can send any number of flowers to the girl they support. If that girl has... backing, then wouldn't she be sure to be selected? What about those girls who strive on their own?"

Facing Breton's naive question, Donnie said with a smile, "How could that be? Every beautiful girl deserves corresponding admiration.

In the ancient East, there are stories of men who would spend a fortune for a beauty.

In ancient Egypt, there was also a mysterious woman like Cleopatra VII.

A successful woman's beauty is her weapon. If she can't even control her own weapon, do you think she could be a woman who represents the independence of American women?"

Listening to Donnie's ramblings, Nucky barely suppressed a smirk—such talk was only fit to deceive a foolish woman like Breton.

And a foolish woman like Breton was all too eager to buy into it.

"So, Donnie, what you're saying is that a woman's appearance is also her weapon?"

"Of course, beauty is God-given. Since God has provided women with this weapon, it's natural he wants them to wield it in their quest for their rights.

Anyone who discriminates against this behavior, in my view, is despicable!"

Reflecting on her own experiences, Breton smiled, "Donnie, your words are very philosophical. I like them a lot. I really regret not having met you sooner!"

By this point, Breton had already lost her initial dissatisfaction with Donnie.

Donnie laughed softly, "It's not too late to get to know each other now, Miss Breton. It's always been my honor to know such a beautiful lady like you!"

Breton giggled behind her hand.

As the two chatted, the host announced that the Miss America Atlantic City regional top 8 qualifier had begun!