America 1919

Nucky is coming back?

For Donnie, this was clearly bad news. Although he didn't know the specifics of how the general would deal with Nucky, Donnie understood that Nucky could handle any action the general took, it really just ended up being about how much effort it took!

"Should we do something?"

It was at this time that Robert suggested.

Donnie shook his head, "Let's not take any action for now. Nucky's return is definitely not good news for the general, but for us, that's not necessarily all bad news!"

Robert asked, "Didn't you say you wanted the general to draw Nucky's attention? If Nucky easily breaks through the general's counterattack, then he will, as you said before, turn his attention to us."

"Why bother with such trouble!"

As Donnie discussed Nucky's return with Robert, John directly said, "Just give Bruce a handgun. I believe with Bruce's skills, he would surely be able to easily take down both the general and Nucky!"

Bruce Currie, sitting next to Robert, looked at John curiously and asked Robert, "Who is this guy?"

Robert replied, "That's Donnie's big brother, John Block!"

"Impossible, absolutely impossible!" Bruce Currie immediately said, "How could Donnie's big brother be so brainless?"

John's face darkened instantly, and he said helplessly, "A moment ago you were saying we should take them out, weren't you?"

Bruce said, "That's because I didn't know the situation in Atlantic City. After hearing Donnie out, I now understand, and naturally, we can't do that!"

Donnie said, "Alright, no more jokes. Whether it be Nucky or the general, neither of them can die right now. Otherwise, all of Atlantic City would descend into chaos, and our base is in Atlantic City. Chaos here is of no benefit to us."

Though Donnie now wielded not insignificant influence in Atlantic City, compared to the city's big shots, he was still far from enough. They definitely wouldn't consider Donnie when picking a successor.

Robert asked, "So what's the advantage you're talking about?"

Donnie said, "It's very simple. For now, we don't need to worry about how Nucky and the general will fight. We just need to be clear on our own goals. Our current target is David Jabbar's The Fuli Tavern, and behind David Jabbar is Eli Johnson. Now, during Nucky's absence, Eli has released the general's protégé.

No matter how much Nucky trusts his brother, I think Eli's actions at this time will definitely make Nucky very angry.

As long as Eli falls under Nucky's suspicion, then we'll have the opportunity to fish in troubled waters!"

After Donnie explained, Robert and Bruce both showed expressions of realization. John, seeing their reactions, also immediately put on an "I see" face.

"John, go to the North District immediately and tell James to meet me at Margaret's house tonight!"

Without having investigated The Fuli Tavern's clientele, Donnie had no choice but to start with the liquor.

Even if, at this point, it was Donnie supplying liquor to The Fuli Tavern.

As for why it had to be at Margaret's house, it was actually quite simple. James was too conspicuous a target. If he appeared at the Block Tavern, others might come to know of it.

After John gave an affirmative answer, Robert posed a question to Donnie.

"I've already sent Dwight to keep an eye on The Fuli Tavern, but as you know, Dwight, he can handle petty thievery on any given day, but he has been investigated several times already in a place like The Fuli Tavern," Robert said with a look of helplessness.

After listening, Donnie was also somewhat helpless. He didn't lack manpower, but he lacked someone who could truly connect with the upper echelons of society.

Although his men might, in the future, be able to become upper-class figures on their own merits.

But for now, in yellow robes, they would not resemble royalty!

"I was somewhat presumptive before. Let's do this: just have Dwight watch The Fuli Tavern from the outside. As for the situation inside, I will handle it."

This was something Donnie would have to do himself.

"With your word, I have no problem!" said Robert earnestly.

.

That night, Donnie waited at Margaret's house and LeBron James arrived.

James no longer displayed the nervousness he had before, and his smile was becoming even brighter.

After a period of management, LeBron James's new brewery was completed and production had begun. Additionally, due to Embiid's hospitalization, LeBron James had rightfully recruited a few underlings.

Among them, the most capable were named Irving and Love.

However, in such a situation, James would certainly not bring them along.

"Donnie, without your support, I could never have regained my former glory. I am very grateful to you!"

LeBron James was not stingy with his praises at this moment.

Donnie just listened to these sugar-coated shells; in fact, from the very beginning, he had never trusted LeBron James, who had turned to him only because he had been driven to a dead end by Nucky and Pierce.

Now that his reputation in the North District had returned, how long this man could show loyalty in front of him was unknown.

"Have you brought your family back?" Donnie asked with a smile.

When LeBron James sensed the danger he faced in the North District, he sent his wife and children back to the countryside; now that the crisis was over, it was only natural to bring them back.

"They've already returned. If it weren't for your instruction, Donnie, I would have wished to bring both of them to express my thanks to you properly!"

To avoid the displeasure of the Ku Klux Klan's Mobley and to avoid the suspicions of Nucky, the connection between Donnie and LeBron James had always been a secret.

Even in public, the two might have conflicts over the liquor market shares in Atlantic City.

"There will always be an opportunity," Donnie said nonchalantly, "James, I've asked you to come here because there's something I need your help with!"

Donnie spoke directly.

LeBron James immediately responded, "Donnie, whatever you need, just command me. I will absolutely not let you down!"

"What do you think about The Fuli Tavern?" Donnie inquired.

"The best tavern in Atlantic City, and also one of the most profitable places!" Although LeBron James had never been to The Fuli Tavern, he was very familiar with the situation there.

As for supplying liquor to The Fuli Tavern in the past, it had always been done through external transactions. As a leader in the North District and a powerful figure in Atlantic City, LeBron James, due to his skin color, had no privilege to enter The Fuli Tavern.

"What if one day I became the owner of The Fuli Tavern? What do you think?"
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Donnie did not hide his intentions in front of LeBron James.

LeBron James was startled upon hearing this, "Donnie, that's The Fuli Tavern!"

"It's precisely because it is The Fuli Tavern that I want to acquire it!" Donnie asserted as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

The value of The Fuli Tavern was so high that Donnie wanted to acquire it; this logic even LeBron James could understand.

"But the owner of The Fuli Tavern is David Jabbar, behind David Jabbar is Eli Johnson, and behind Eli Johnson is Nucky!"

Donnie still appeared unconcerned and asked, "High risk represents high return. Now I need you to help me. If one day David Jabbar comes to you, hoping to buy liquor, you should refuse him!"

This time, LeBron James did not reply immediately to Donnie's words but instead thought for a while before speaking, "Donnie, normally I couldn't refuse your request, but you are aware of Nucky's power. Embiid will be discharged from the hospital soon, and if I refuse David Jabbar's request, I'm worried that Nucky might..."

Isn't this why they call you a double-dealer!

However, at that moment, Donnie indeed still needed LeBron James's influence in the North District and his business; thus, he said with a smile, "James, we're friends. As a friend, I naturally wouldn't ask you to do anything difficult. Rest assured, I can guarantee that if such a day comes, Nucky definitely won't say a word to you!"

LeBron James looked at Donnie's smile, fell silent again, and after a long while, answered, "If that's the case, then I have no problem!"

Donnie lifted his glass, smiling, "Then let's toast in advance to a successful collaboration!"

LeBron James chuckled bitterly, "I still hope that you'll take this matter seriously, Donnie. The fact that David Jabbar can be a significant figure in the Southern District proves he's a competent man."

So this is why you dare not venture into the Southern District... Donnie mused about LeBron James's reign over the North District, and then smiled,

"I've thought it through very carefully!"

In the end, LeBron James arrived in high spirits, but he left with a heavy heart.

After LeBron James had left, Margaret then said, "I don't like this man. His scheming is excessive!"

Donnie laughed heartily, "Don't worry. Those who are excessively calculative often hesitate and lack a resolute approach. Plainly put, such people are opportunistic and will act as long as it benefits them and the risks aren't too great!

Moreover, he still can't do without me at this time!"

Margaret simply nodded, as she never said much about Donnie's business dealings.

The next afternoon, dressed in a suit, Donnie made an appearance at The Fuli Tavern.

Unexpectedly, there he encountered Nucky, who had just returned to Atlantic City, and his mistress, Lucy!