America 1919

Edwin Monroe indicated that the matter was open to discussion, which was in fact to say there was room for negotiation.

However, Donnie understood that getting Edwin Monroe to make any sort of statement at that moment was impossible. So, after discussing some details with Edwin Monroe, Donnie left his office.

Afterwards, Donnie met with the Speaker of Kentucky, who, after understanding Donnie's intentions, also expressed that he would consider Donnie's suggestion.

Having spoken with both of them, Donnie returned to his hotel.

"I never thought that this seemingly impossible task could actually become possible!"

Alice looked at Donnie with some emotion and admiration—what woman wouldn't want her man to be someone who could solve all problems? Alice was no exception.

Donnie accepted Alice's admiring gaze with nonchalance and smiled, saying, "As long as you can offer benefits that both sides find acceptable, there's no such thing as an impossible cooperation."

Alice replied, "As true as that may be, this issue is not so easily resolved. After all, changing the entire state population's mindset is not an easy feat!"

Donnie nodded. The politicians in the United States are very pragmatic. Although all elections in the U.S. involve some level of internal manipulation, the base is still something everyone pays close attention to.

Thus Donnie's next plan was to change the mind of the populace of Kentucky!

He already had a plan for this.

So, by that afternoon, ABC began to exert its influence!

"Kentucky's thoroughbreds are the finest in the country, yet Kentucky's thoroughbreds have not brought the state the benefits they should have..."

In an impromptu afternoon show on ABC, the host brought up the topic of the development of Kentucky's thoroughbred horse industry.

The program featured several prominent Wall Street economists, all of whom spoke freely, but their underlying message suggested that Kentucky's thoroughbreds needed to reach beyond the state borders, to become known and purchased by more of America's wealthy.

To achieve this goal, the most important thing needed was a stage to showcase Kentucky's thoroughbreds to everyone.

"The Kentucky Derby indeed is an excellent horse racing event, but it's too short-lived, and with Kentucky lacking a suitable promotion platform, the event is actually not well known to many..."

"If there was a race that could showcase Kentucky's thoroughbreds to a national audience, enabling American viewers to be informed at any moment of the advantages of Kentucky's thoroughbreds, I believe that Kentucky's horse market and horse traders would definitely yield more profit...."

Although the program did not point out anything overtly, it continually reminded the populace of Kentucky that the best way to earn more from thoroughbreds was to find the right partners to promote Kentucky's thoroughbreds.

After the show, it caused quite a stir in Kentucky.

While it wasn't possible to truly change the hearts of Kentucky's people, it at least stirred some of them. What was the purpose of their business?

It certainly wasn't for the glory of Kentucky, but for their own fortune!

If a collaboration with Atlantic City was indeed feasible, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea!

In the afternoon, Kentucky's largest statewide newspaper, "Lexington Herald-Leader", published an article.

"What is the future of Kentucky's thoroughbreds?"

In the report, it detailed the state of Kentucky's horse market over the past few years, citing Churchill Downs as an example. Kentucky may have the largest and finest horse races nationally.

However, Kentucky's prestigious Churchill Downs faced the threat of closure, indicating that Kentucky's thoroughbred market was in further decline, with numerous states eyeing the thoroughbred market.

A series of figures, which were beyond the knowledge of outsiders, showed Kentucky's thoroughbred market shrinking annually by a rate of 5%.

The article concluded that if Kentucky wanted to change this situation, it needed a shift in perspective and collaboration with more capable partners.

"What the fuck!"

Sly Monroe threw down the newspaper in his hands, exclaiming loudly, "How much money did the "Lexington Herald-Leader" take from Donnie to start speaking on his behalf?"

Sly Monroe, who had thought he had the situation well in hand, now felt the winds of change starting to blow.

Just a day before, the mere mention of Atlantic City had Kentucky gnashing its teeth, but now sentiments had shifted, and there were already discussions that a partnership with Atlantic City might not be so terrible for their situation.

Alpha Hope too was visibly angry.

"I've heard that the Governor and the Speaker are asking around, gauging opinions on whether collaborating with Atlantic City would be good or bad for Kentucky's thoroughbred market!"

"What?"

Sly Monroe looked at Alpha Hope incredulously, asking, "How can there be any doubt? Without cooperating with Donnie, we dictate the national thoroughbred market. If we cooperate with Donnie, perhaps we'll see a short-term surge in sales, but in the long run, our influence will change. Eventually, Donnie could control the narrative of Kentucky's entire thoroughbred market."