Salvatore, Meyer, and Eli looked at Donnie with a change in their eyes.
They all understood that if the alliance Donnie was talking about was truly established, it could very well become the biggest gang in the United States, representing powerful forces and enormous wealth.
But now Donnie was only willing to be a proposer, and he didn't even want to join, which puzzled them.
Nucky looked at Donnie suspiciously, wondering what he was thinking, but no one else knew.
Donnie acted precisely as a proposer would, after laying out all his plans, he stood there, looking around at everyone, and finally said,
"Gentlemen, if you are interested in this idea and wish to discuss it, then I'll leave this space to you."
In the end, Donnie, seemingly indifferent to the matter, saw that although no one spoke, their intentions were quite clear, so he left promptly and decisively.
"What's so good about mixing with gangs? Even if you become the biggest in the nation, so what?"
After leaving the room, Donnie headed to the Ritz Hotel's dining room to continue his dinner.
Proposing the Seven Gangs Alliance, for Donnie, had only one purpose: to use the alliance to spread his private liquor business throughout the United States.
Just as Donnie thought, being involved in gangs was a dead-end, even in the United States. Nucky, isn't he the underworld emperor of Atlantic City?
In the end, he was still taken down by the National Government for tax evasion. Al Capone, the most infamous gang leader of The Great Prosperity Era, eventually couldn't escape prison. By the time he was released, he was already suffering from syphilis.
The once giant of Harbour City, Brother Da Fei, had said something that Donnie found very reasonable: "Out of ten who join the gangs, nine meet with a bad end."
Not to mention Donnie's own life experiences, he actually looked down on these gang members in his heart.
Moreover, Donnie was not worried that after the alliance was established, it would leave him behind; after all, John had already been embedded in it like a nail.
More importantly, as long as Donnie firmly controlled the source of the private liquor, the alliance couldn't do without him.
Just after Donnie had finished ordering his meal, he heard someone calling him!
Donnie looked up and saw Harry D'Agostino and a lady from South Brenton approaching the restaurant.
Seeing the two of them, Donnie was slightly taken aback. Although one was Harding's campaign manager and the other was Harding's mistress, their appearing together still seemed a bit strange.
"Harry, Miss Brenton!"
Despite his puzzlement, Donnie stood up and greeted them with a smile.
Since they had met, both took a seat at Donnie's table.
"I thought there would be at least two girls by your side, Donnie!" Harry joked as he sat down.
"Harry, you know I could sue you for slander for that!" Donnie joked back, then told Harry, "The Atlantic City Broadcast is all set. When is President Harding arriving in Atlantic City?"
"The election isn't over yet!" Harry replied modestly, "He'll come over on the day of the district finals."
Donnie nodded, "No problem, we'll coordinate with President Harding's speech then!"
Harry laughed, "Speaking of which, there's something we could learn from you, Donnie. I've been watching the Miss America tour in Atlantic City, especially their daring venture into the North District to speak. It's quite impressive!"
During his days in Atlantic City, Harry had gained some understanding of the city, knowing that the North District was a predominantly Black neighborhood.
Donnie replied with a laugh, "Nobody can tell which of the tens of thousands of votes cast were from Black people. When counting, Black and White are the same, just a vote, a number!"
"Haha! That's very true!" Harry laughed heartily.
Donnie continued, "However, I think for President Harding's national speeches, he doesn't need to do that; people like Nucky can snag the Black votes easily!"
After briefly considering it, Harry nodded, agreeing with Donnie's statement. Even though decades had passed since the American Civil War, the discrimination against Black people in the United States hadn't lessened.
If Harding made a high-profile appearance in the Black community to speak, it could cost him White votes.
"I've spoken on the phone with David Thompson. I was wondering, Donnie, if you'd be interested in playing golf together tomorrow?"
Donnie immediately nodded, "Of course, you should know that I've already bought my own golf equipment!"
"Haha!" Harry laughed again, "Then I'll see you on the course tomorrow!"
"Harry, there's also something else I hope I could get your help with," Donnie remembered another matter—if he could get Harry's assistance, then the promise he made to Old Carl would be resolved.
"Of course, if I can do it!" Harry didn't make any promises.
Donnie said with a smile, "It's quite simple, I'm hoping you could write a recommendation letter for my brother Cameron to Columbia University. After all, Harry, you're an alumnus of Columbia. With your help, I believe Cameron can be admitted to Columbia smoothly!" The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the N(o)vᴇl(F)ire.nᴇt