America 1919

In June, Atlantic City basked in sunshine that carried a hint of warmth no longer chilled by the ocean breezes.

Donnie, dressed in casual attire, lounge-seated in the garden of his seaside mansion, with the Atlantic Ocean unfolding golden waves under the sun's rays in the distance.

Helen brought Donnie a jacket, then laid herself next to him, wearing a swimsuit that covered her thighs.

After two months of speaking engagements and a deluge of funding, WRPA had become an organization with considerable influence in Ohio, and Helen took this opportunity to return to the seaside mansion for some rest.

"Robert asked me to thank you!"

Helen said to Donnie.

The greater WRPA's influence in Ohio, the better for Robert.

"We're all family here, there's no need for that!" Donnie picked up his sunglasses and put them on, shielding his eyes from the increasingly glaring sunlight.

"And you, I've seen many state governments and social organizations wanting to invite you to work with them. What are your thoughts?"

South Brenton had become WRPA's mascot, but Helen, with the backing of the Taft Family, was the real power holder, drawing attention from numerous state governments and social organizations.

In fact, such scenarios are quite common in the United States, gaining social recognition through a charity is a shortcut many take to enter politics!

Helen shook her head: "I've turned them all down, Surf Hotel's performance is getting better, and I don't trust anyone else with WRPA!"

When Surf Hotel was established, to appease the American public's distaste for the gaming industry, Donnie and the other shareholders announced that ninety percent of the hotel's profits would be donated to charitable causes, and WRPA was the charity of choice.

With Helen at the helm of WRPA, it was as if Donnie had handed over control of Surf Hotel's funds—she was his de facto finance minister.

Donnie had no objections to Helen's decision. Recently, South Brenton had grown fond of luxuries; while Helen was giving talks in Ohio, she took off to vacation in Egypt. Clearly, WRPA couldn't trust her anymore.

In fact, Donnie had already decided that after Harding's death next year, he would ask South Brenton to relinquish her position as WRPA's chairperson and officially appoint Helen as the new chair.

"How's the construction at the racecourse coming along?"

Helen inquired of Donnie.

Donnie replied, "With Kentucky's cooperation, things have become much easier. Atlantic City already had some horse-rearing areas, and we've now bought them all. We've also bought several thoroughbreds from Kentucky to see if they can adapt to the climate here!"

Helen nodded, "Kentucky isn't far from Atlantic City, so they should adapt well. But we also need our own horse farms in Kentucky—to be fully prepared."

Donnie waved his hand dismissively, "We'll discuss establishing our own horse farms in Kentucky later!"

Although Donnie had resolved the issues with Kentucky two months prior, the collaboration was still in a tentative stage of mutual testing, and Donnie didn't want to rush things and cause any misunderstandings.

Helen had no objections and was about to inquire about other matters when Donnie interrupted her.

"Alright, we have a rare day off, let's not talk about work. Isn't it nice just to enjoy the sunshine?"

Helen indeed stopped talking.

Donnie didn't know when he had fallen asleep, but by the time he awoke, it was already lunchtime.

"What are you doing this afternoon?"

Helen asked Donnie after taking a bite of her vegetable salad.

Donnie, slicing his steak, replied, "Not sure, it's a day off. If there's nothing else, I might just stroll around the city later!"

Donnie thought Helen might join him, but she was still preoccupied with work and said, "Then alright, you can drop me off at WRPA headquarters, and you can get on with your leisurely life after that!"

Donnie laughed heartily and didn't object.

After lunch and some rest, Donnie dropped Helen off at WRPA headquarters and left his car there. Accompanied by Steve Cotting, he began to wander through Atlantic City aimlessly.

"Mr. Block, my mother asked me to make sure to thank you. If it hadn't been for your financial support, she wouldn't have been able to have her surgery!"

"Oh, it's Paris. How is she? Is she feeling better? Are the nutritional supplements Steve sent to your family working well?"

"Mr. Block, thank you for your generosity. You paid for my child's school fees, and our whole family is very grateful for your help!"

"Wells, you have a good son. Make sure he studies hard. I'll have someone write him a letter of recommendation in the future, to ensure he gets into a very good university!"

"Mr. Block, it was you who provided us with coal for the winter, warm clothes, and a turkey to eat on Thanksgiving!"

"Now life in Atlantic City is getting better and better. I believe that even without my help this year, you should be able to afford your own coal, warm clothes, and your turkey!"

Donnie chatted with every Atlantic City resident who greeted him, a smile always on his face.

During this time, some children selling flowers approached him. Donnie would buy a blossom from their hands and give them two US dollars.