Chapter 67 Entering Politics
Chapter 67 Entering Politics
When old Joseph asked the question, Luther was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly realized what was going on and nodded.
"Pretty much. She is indeed very good, understanding, a good wife, and a strong and reliable ally," Luther said frankly.
In his eyes, his wife is an ally; loyalty and reliability are paramount, while beauty and sexiness are secondary.
There can be no second place, but there can never be no first place.
"And don't forget, she's beautiful and sexy; you'll hardly find another like her in Boston."
Old Joseph was very confident in his daughter's beauty, but Luther never expected Old Joseph to say that.
Because in his words, it sounded more like a deal, which it was, but Luther didn't like the word anymore.
He smiled, wanting to end the conversation as soon as possible.
"Mr. Joseph, what is the matter that you summoned me here for?"
Upon hearing this, old Joseph remained silent for a few seconds, took a sip of his drink, and then said in a deep voice, "Luther, I'm going to run for state legislator."
Luther's hand paused.
He looked up and saw old Joseph's face, half-lit and half-shadowed in the afternoon sunlight.
However, he remained calm, as if it were just a normal meal, and didn't seem to mind at all.
This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, nor was it a sudden impulse; it was more like an ordinary conversation.
In those old, deep eyes, Luther discovered something familiar. It wasn't the shrewd calculations of the marketplace, nor the authoritative command at home, but something deeper and more intense—ambition.
Indeed, old Joseph's ambition erupted at this moment.
"Originally, I planned to delay it for another year or two, but now I can't wait any longer. Because I've realized that it doesn't seem necessary."
He took a sip of his drink and continued:
"My father, Old-school Turkey, was a state legislator, but that was thirty years ago. He made it, but that was the end of it. He didn't lose to his rivals, he lost to a lack of money; that was his fate."
"But now I am richer, more powerful, and have many things that he didn't have back then. I want to follow in his footsteps, but I can't repeat his mistakes."
That's true; Luther knew him to some extent.
The Kennedy family were first-generation immigrants, including Patrick's father, who immigrated to the country to work as a dockworker and died young from overwork.
Old-school Turkey started earning money to support his family in his teens and achieved great success at a young age. He later sent his son, Joseph Sr., to Harvard and became a congressman himself.
Hardworking, risk-taking, and ruthless in their pursuit of money—that's the impression locals have of this family.
But regardless of the circumstances, from the perspective of Irish immigrants and from the perspective of Catholics, this family has undoubtedly been successful.
They accomplished in three generations what others took two hundred years to achieve, relying on their sheer determination and unwavering resolve.
Now, Joseph Sr.'s bloodline has awakened, and he is determined to continue in politics.
However, Luther was curious and hesitated for a moment before asking:
"I don't quite understand. With your current wealth and status, you and your children and grandchildren could live comfortably for several lifetimes. Why do you still want to go into politics? Politics is not a game; the loser may lose their life."
It wasn't that Luther said it on purpose, but he knew clearly that American politics since 1928 hadn't just been a murky pool, but a quagmire.
The more prosperous, the more insane; the more insane, the more decadent. If we compare the entire 1920s to a dream of prosperity, then the United States in 1928 was undoubtedly the climax of that dream, after which it collapsed and everything returned to nothingness.
Entering the fray at this time, at least in Luther's view, was clearly not a wise move.
"Think of retreat, think of change, think of danger..." Huang Gonggong's words still echoed in my ears.
But old Joseph didn't see it that way. Like a lion, he roared, "But none of those are what I want!"
"As for money, I have enough already. All I care about now is the Kennedy name! I know what those Puritans at Beacon Hill say about me behind my back. They call me a damn nouveau riche! Do you think I care? Honestly, I don't care at all."
Old Joseph took another sip and then sat back down in his seat.
"What I care about is that when I die one day, my children, my grandchildren, and every member of this family with the surname Kennedy will be able to walk down the street without being stared at by anyone or facing any mocking words from others."
"And to achieve this, there is only one way: not to make a few million more money, not to send out a few more invitations to high society, but to engrave the Kennedy name deep into the bones of this country."
"That... seems to make sense..." Luther nodded upon hearing this.
It can be said that old Joseph's understanding of this country was quite profound, but it still couldn't compare to that of Eunuch Huang.
Luther sighed slightly, understanding his father-in-law's determination. At this point, he knew he couldn't stop him; he could only let him be.
After all, no matter what, Kennedy still needs his support right now, as Luther himself is not yet fully capable.
"Mr. Joseph, what do you need me to do for you?"
"It's simple. Stand behind me, you and Jia together..."
"Of course we support you."
"It's not the kind of support you think it is," old Joseph looked at Luther and then laid it all out. "You're probably aware of some of my business dealings. In my early years, I did do some less-than-honorable things to make money, and my relationship with the local community and the gangs wasn't great. There were also quite a few rumors circulating on Wall Street. These things have already affected my campaign..."
"It seems so..." Luther said helplessly.
It's not exactly news in Boston that my father-in-law doesn't have a good reputation.
"Therefore, I need you and Jia to stand up for me and improve my image. You are a rising star in the film industry, setting new records for American films. You came from Europe and achieved this in a short period of time, which can inspire voters and everyone recognizes it. At the same time, my daughter has amazing beauty and temperament. She is gentle, well-behaved, and sweet. Your image is in my favor... With your support, I can win more supporters."
"Gentle, obedient, sweet?"
Luther sighed.
He was surprised to find that old Joseph didn't really understand his daughter, and even less than he did himself; such a father was undoubtedly a failure.
But old Joseph didn't care, because he didn't want to be a good father; he just wanted to be a state legislator.
"Alright," Luther sighed, finally understanding his father-in-law's meaning, "from now on, Gia and I will make public appearances to publicly support you and will also try to get votes for you."
"Thank you, my child." Old Joseph was slightly moved.
"Don't mention it, we're family."
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