America 1919

Ponzi sat in the rented villa, his gaze on Donnie somewhat perplexed.

He was here to deceive others, but now he felt as though someone was trying to swindle his money instead.

A rat visiting the weasel's home in search of kin? Had that actually happened?

Well, this proverb didn't exist in the United States, but Ponzi really hadn't expected Donnie to be seeking an investment from him.

Donnie, on the other hand, didn't care what Ponzi thought. He said excitedly, "Mr. Ponzi, as you've said before, you're very willing to help the youth. It's my honor to meet a life mentor like you, but I think there must be many young people who, during their times of confusion in life, won't have the chance to meet someone like you.

So I believe you should have this opportunity to let young people nationwide get to know you, to learn about you, and to make you their spiritual mentor!"

Ponzi, looking at the somewhat crazed Donnie, couldn't help but grow curious—were this man's words true or false?

"You say you want the whole country to know about me? But how would they find out?"

Donnie replied, "Of course, through a beauty pageant. I know you, Mr. Ponzi, couldn't possibly don a swimsuit and participate alongside those girls, but our contest is going to recruit beauties from across the nation.

Not only that, to increase the impact of this beauty pageant, Mr. Nucky has already said that he will advertise in the mainstream media of major cities nationwide.

And this is the best way to broaden your influence!"

Ponzi was somewhat tempted.

Many people thought Ponzi, as the founder of the Ponzi scheme, must be very clever, but his cleverness had its limits, while his greed knew no bounds.

After being arrested in August later that year and sentenced to three years, Ponzi didn't opt to improve his scheme upon his release. He stuck with the same old tricks, even keeping the tact of speculating in stamps the same, only changing locations.

Then he was caught again and eventually deported back to Italy, whereupon returning, he sought to play the Ponzi scheme once more in Italy.

But by then, the Ponzi scheme had evolved and Ponzi's old methods were obsolete.

Now, he was tempted because, in his view, he had swindled over 15 million US dollars in cash just in Boston alone. If he could get the entire nation involved in his scheme, what kind of a magnate would he become?
Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e'm-p| y r

A billionaire, perhaps?

"How exactly do you plan to use this beauty pageant to get young people nationwide to know about me?" Ponzi, now intrigued, couldn't resist asking Donnie.

Donnie smiled and said, "It's simple. Naturally, it would involve using your name or company as the title sponsor. We can specifically add 'sponsored by Mr. Ponzi' to the front of the Miss America pageant. Additionally, I can ensure all reports on the Miss America pageant will include information on your company!

Just think, with so many youngsters nationwide, if even a tenth of them could receive assistance from you, Mr. Ponzi, you would become the most renowned spiritual mentor in America!"

Ponzi was increasingly enticed by Donnie's alluring words.

"Surely it can't be so simple as to just put my name on it?"

At this point, Donnie showed a slightly sheepish expression and said, "To be honest with you, Mr. Ponzi, in order to conduct the pageant properly, I've already contributed all my savings, but these funds are but a drop in the ocean for the event.

So if you, Mr. Ponzi, could sponsor us, I would be immensely grateful!"

So he was indeed after his money!

As a seasoned swindler, Ponzi was very protective of his assets.

Yet, considering Donnie's pitch, he found it challenging to resist.

The most famous spiritual mentor in all of America!

Tens of millions investing in his company, which would elevate him from a millionaire to a multimillionaire!

Would this not make him the richest man in America?

With this thought, an agitation began within Ponzi's heart.

"So, according to you, how much should I invest?" Ponzi probed tentatively.

"Not much, just half a million," Donnie stated calmly.

Half a million? Just that?

At this moment, Ponzi really wanted to ask Donnie if he realized how many people he needed to swindle to raise half a million.

Donnie had carefully calculated the amount of $500,000. Although historical records indicated Ponzi's entire scam amassed 15 million dollars, Ponzi had been sustaining his luxurious lifestyle throughout and also had to return part of the money to those who invested first, which was necessary to sustain the scheme.

Therefore, Ponzi's current liquid assets were likely just over a million dollars, and it was improbable for him to give it all up.

To him, half a million was not insignificant, but it was also not too much, and furthermore, this amount of money would not have too great an impact on future developments.

At least it wouldn't affect Donnie's own affairs.

"That's no small amount of money!" Ponzi shook his head, "I need to consider it seriously!"

"Of course!" Donnie didn't come across as too eager, merely reminding him, "However, Mr. Ponzi, it's best not to take too long to decide because Nucky has mentioned our proposal to some friends in Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and New York, and they've taken quite a liking to our plan.

After all, everyone has seen the influence of cereal advertisements!"

Advertising in the business world of later generations has become an indispensable link, but at present, people don't really care about advertising propaganda.

The true power of advertising was demonstrated not long ago when a cereal company placed an ad in a newspaper.

Then their cereal sold like crazy!

"Nucky knows about this too?" Ponzi asked, somewhat nervously.

Donnie nodded, "Definitely, Nucky really likes this suggestion and has repeatedly entrusted me to make the right choice this time!"

A sense of crisis arose in Ponzi's heart, although he still had over a million in cash at hand, he also had quite a few clients' investments to pay interest on.

Moreover, clients in Boston were becoming increasingly difficult to deceive, so at this point, Ponzi was actually facing some economic crisis.

"Alright, I will give you a response as soon as possible!"

After receiving Ponzi's answer, Donnie knew his task for the day was accomplished, and he said with a smile, "Then I won't bother Mr. Ponzi any longer!"

After saying this, Donnie stood up and took his leave.

As for whether Ponzi would go to Nucky to verify this matter, Donnie didn't care at all, unless Ponzi was willing to take a train to Washington to find Nucky.

Previously, because Donnie had told Nucky about Harding having an illegitimate child, Nucky had already rushed off to Washington to verify the matter.

Waiting for Nucky to return would take at least another week.

Donnie didn't believe Ponzi had the patience to wait that long.

.

Donnie returned to The Fuli Tavern and sought out Bruce.

"Keep a close eye on Ponzi these few days. If this man has any thoughts of leaving Atlantic City, you must immediately inform me, and find a way to stop him!"

Although confident in his plan, Donnie had already grown accustomed to having a backup for everything he undertook.

Ponzi's money was definitely something to keep a portion of.

This was why Donnie didn't want to simply be a businessman, among other reasons.

At this time in the United States, Ponzi's wealth might not be top-ranking, but he absolutely belonged to the wealthy class.

Normally, such wealthy individuals should have a certain social notoriety or official influence.

But Ponzi was a fraudster!

All his social notoriety stemmed from a scam, and if the scam was exposed, he would be nothing but a rat crossing the street.

No one would care if such a person was silently taken away, and some officials in league with him would even be very happy about it.

Bruce, having nothing superfluous to say, nodded and immediately left the tavern.

After that, Donnie dialed Elwood Village.

Donnie had said he would deliver a boost to Olden's political achievements, and because of David Jabbar's case, Olden had already been reprimanded by the FBI headquarters.

Donnie wanted the other party to make up for the last mistake, and Ponzi was the perfect breakthrough.

"Come to Atlantic City immediately; there's a great honor waiting for you here!"

Donnie's conversation with Olden was also very straightforward.

Olden responded promptly, "Finally, I can leave this damned place. Don't worry, I'll be in Atlantic City tonight!"

After all, Elwood Village was just a small village where many pleasures were unavailable to Olden.

However, just as Donnie was about to hang up, Carl took over the phone.

"My dear son, have you forgotten an important matter?"

Donnie asked, puzzled, "What matter?"

Carl said, "It's already March, and Cameron has finished his SAT exams; the recommendation letter you promised him, when can you fulfill it?"

Donnie suddenly realized, he had indeed forgotten about this due to the numerous matters he needed to attend to recently.

"Of course I remember, but it's not yet time to apply to schools, so tell Cameron not to worry. I'll sort it out for him very soon!"

Only then did Carl express satisfaction, "Good, you are indeed the pride of the Block Family!"

Donnie, in great spirits, teased back, "I thought the pride of the Block Family was Cameron?"

"Hmph!"