[Chapter 485: The White House Bonus Package]
Next, Linton took out three Beauty Pills and three Vitality Pills, instructing the group to each find a room with a bathroom to personally test the effects of the two formulas.
An hour later, they all returned to the conference room, their faces radiant and looking several years younger.
"So, how are the pills working?" Linton asked proactively.
"I have to say, these pills are absolutely amazing."
"I feel like I've turned back the clock by years, full of energy and vitality."
"Truly miraculous -- beyond anything I could have imagined."
"I never thought my body stored so much junk before. Now I feel completely refreshed."
Everyone eagerly shared their experiences, thoroughly impressed by the pills' powerful effects.
But with such astounding results and limited production, it was obvious how crazed the global wealthy elite would become. With the annual output so small, tighter export restrictions would be essential, and the government would naturally receive procurement priority.
Exchanging glances, White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta was the first to speak.
"Linton, the pills' effects are extraordinary, but the output is very limited -- especially the Vitality Elixir, only 4,000 bottles per year. That just isn't enough. Can production be increased? If there are any difficulties, please tell us. The government will do everything it can to help."
"Leon, and to all of you, I'm sorry, but it's not that I don't want to raise production. Since I'm planning to go public with these, of course I want more revenue. But many conditions restrict us; this output is the absolute limit."
"Are there any particular hurdles? We want to help, and I promise we won't covet your formula."
"Sorry, this is beyond your help."
"Alright. Since your pills are so far ahead of their time and the effects are incredible, for the sake of America's national interests, we have four requirements."
"Go ahead."
"First, the formula must remain strictly confidential -- no leaks to foreign countries."
"You can rest assured. That's a matter of my own core interests -- I will keep it secret."
"Where is your production base located?"
"At my farm in Montana."
"Good. We'll assign the NSA to secure your facility to prevent foreign agents from stealing the formula. Don't worry, they won't interfere with production, and you won't have to cover their costs."
"Is that necessary?"
"Absolutely. You might not realize the importance of these pills yet. I'll be honest -- within a month, intelligence agencies from major powers will likely send people to inspect your farm. Honestly, the best choice is to designate your farm as a military-controlled zone. That would make security much easier."
"A military zone? No way -- that's my main base, and I've even built extensive gardens there."
"Have you considered moving the factory to a secure military zone? We have plenty across the country -- you can choose any one of them."
"Thank you for your concern, but there is no need to consider that. I'm not moving the factory. It stays right where it is." Linton's tone was firm.
'Moving it to your designated military zone? Who do you think you're fooling? Do you think I'm a kid who doesn't understand the stakes? If I moved, who would own the factory soon after? It would be gobbled up by you guys in no time. And honestly, the factory isn't movable anyway.'
"Alright, then we'll arrange for a security team to guard your factory."
"My facility's small -- only about 30 workers and ten guards. You can assign a maximum of two more, but they must obey the security captain's orders."
"What? Only 30 workers? You said you can't expand production, but couldn't you just hire more workers if that was the problem?"
"That's not the key issue. The production limit has nothing to do with worker numbers or production lines."
"Well, ten guards aren't enough either."
"It's enough. You should know I also have a paramilitary force on the farm to serve as the factory's outer defense."
"Fine, that's barely acceptable."
"Since you're worried about security, can you get the Pentagon to ease restrictions on weapon purchases for my location?"
"What weapons are you talking about?"
"Apache attack helicopters, Patriot anti-air missiles..."
"Stop. What are you thinking? Air defense missiles? In America? You don't need to set those up here. But we can approve two Apache helicopters. We'll negotiate with the Pentagon about the rest and get back to you."
"Thanks. With better weaponry, my farm will be completely secure."
"Now, the second requirement. Your factory workers must undergo strict political background checks and sign confidentiality agreements before starting."
"But the workers don't even touch the core production process. Is that necessary?"
"A small leak can bring down a massive dam. You can't be careless. For America's interests -- and your own -- it's a must."
"But I've already hired and trained the workers. We're supposed to start soon."
"That's fine. Since you haven't started production yet, we'll conduct checks on your recruits. Don't worry; anyone who doesn't pass will be dismissed without causing trouble."
"The workers I hired are all young women recruited from my farm's gardening service -- brought over from Hong Kong."
"What? Are you out of your mind? Such an important position, and you use girls from China? No. Call and halt all work immediately. Tomorrow we'll send a team to inspect them, see if they've accessed core tech."
"Stop, stop! The factory hasn't even started, and they only trained for basic assembly line tasks. There's no way they know the core secrets. Do you think I'm an idiot?"
"Alright, politics checks are necessary anyway. But I recommend you use American workers for such an important factory."
"Hold on. I agree to the background checks, but only accompanied by my people. You don't get a say in the hiring."
"Fine. Since you insist on Chinese workers, there's one condition: if they pass the background check, before official production starts, they must obtain U.S. citizenship, and must not leave the country for three years after starting or after leaving. Otherwise, they're banned from the factory."
"No problem. I think they'll be glad to comply. Though they only arrived late last year -- do they qualify for citizenship?"
"We'll handle that part."
"Good."
"Now, the third requirement: all the pills you produce must be sold exclusively within the U.S. No exports permitted."
"What if foreign customers buy them from a Los Angeles store and take them abroad? Is that considered export?"
"That's allowed, but we ask you to limit purchases by foreign customers -- for example, one bottle of Vitality Pills per person, and a maximum of two Beauty Pills bottles."
"No problem. Actually, I planned to set purchase thresholds for the Vitality Elixir. Every customer will have a profile with a real-name system, limited to one bottle a year. But for the Beauty Pills, that seems unnecessary."
"Great idea. Also, you may not sell to anyone on our government's watch list."
"Sure, just send me the list regularly."
"You can only produce 60,000 bottles of Beauty Pills annually. With two bottles per user per year, that only supports 30,000 people. That's a tiny output -- you need purchase restrictions."
"Alright, each customer can buy up to two bottles per purchase. But I won't verify identities each time, or salespeople will be overwhelmed."
"Agreed."
"Quick question: if Americans buy the pills here and resell them abroad, how will you handle that?"
"You don't worry. We'll arrange customs to monitor that."
"Good then."
"Finally, the fourth requirement: your factory must prioritize the U.S. government's orders -- an annual quota of 2,000 bottles of Vitality and 60,000 bottles of Beauty Pills, delivered monthly. Prices will be those you just set. And we'll pay upfront."
"Are you worried that these pills won't be able to meet market demand after they're released?"
"Obviously. You underestimate the world's rich and powerful."
"The Beauty Pills are fine, but 2,000 bottles of Vitality Pills a year? I only produce 4,000 total. Taking half of that seems excessive."
"It's essential. The elite aren't all billionaires; many can't afford it. But they need to be guaranteed supply."
"Do they really need 2,000 bottles?" Linton doubted they weren't using official channels for personal gain.
"Certainly. Those present here, along with high-level government officials, senators, congressmen, Pentagon generals, and leading scientists -- they value this more than the wealthy."
"But if you take half, I'll only have 2,000 bottles for the store. That's not even 200 a month; it might not survive."
"That's your problem. Remember, this is America -- a pure market economy. If it's tough, raise prices. But prices for government sales stay fixed."
"Okay then, I'll price the Vitality Pills at $8 million per bottle." Linton saw through their scheme -- they planned to resell at high prices.
"Good. Don't be reluctant. You're making a major contribution to the nation and cooperating fully. We won't shortchange you. Do you have any other demands?"
"Besides easing weapons procurement, what else can you offer?" Linton didn't know what else to ask, so he took the initiative to see what perks they'd provide.
"Honor, interest-free loans, financial support, and tax breaks." Leon Panetta and the others exchanged glances before presenting these four.
"Skip the loans and support funds; honor is up to you. But tax breaks sound great -- can you make my health products company tax-exempt?"
"You're asking too much. For now, wait in the reception room outside while we decide."
"All right." Before leaving, Linton exchanged a look with Clinton and silently urged him to do his best.
...
Half an hour later, Linton returned to the conference room.
Leon Panetta spoke again: "Linton, we've discussed it. Since you've made such a significant contribution and cooperated with us, we won't be stingy. We'll grant your health products company an 80% federal tax exemption for five years. How's that?"
Linton's heart skipped a beat. Why were they so generous? With his earlier prices, the company's annual profits should reach at least $20 billion, and the federal tax rate was 35%. That meant $7 billion in federal taxes yearly. An 80% exemption equaled $5.6 billion saved annually, $28 billion over five years. Damn, these people were saints. He suspected his loyal Bill Clinton had played a key role here.
"Thank you, gentlemen. I'll do my utmost to cooperate with your requests."
"Since you agree, come with me to my office to sign the priority supply contract."
...
The priority supply agreement was straightforward. Linton's company would sell the government 2,000 bottles of Vitality Pills annually at $6 million each, and 60,000 bottles of Beauty Pills at $100,000 each -- delivered monthly, with government agents picking them up by the 10th of every month.
Leon Panetta was extremely generous on payment terms: after signing, the government would pay $18 billion for the first year within one week, then pay annually in early March.
The deal was incredibly favorable. Linton felt the thrill of working with the U.S. government for the first time. He mused that the pills must have struck a deep nerve among the elite, but the real key was Clinton's efforts.
After having Goodman review the documents by fax, Linton happily signed the letter of intent. Because of the large sums, the formal contract required Congress's budget approval -- but with such high-level vested interests involved, Congress wouldn't block it.
...
The discussion wrapped as the clock hit 5 p.m. Gore and Warren had already left, and Linton headed to Clinton's office for a private meeting.
"Master, are you satisfied with the policies I secured today?"
"Not bad, you did well. Here's a Vitality Pill and three Beauty Pills for you. Remember, one Vitality Pill per month, and one Beauty Pill every ten days. The first government shipment will arrive soon, no more than two months."
"Thank you, Master."
"You've done well. This is an election year -- your re-election campaign is secure, right?"
"Master, don't worry. Under my four-year term, America's strength has soared, the economy thrived, and our global influence grew. My approval is over 70%, so this election is a formality."
"That's a relief." Linton knew Clinton's leadership was solid; he remembered the seamless victories of the past life's campaign.
"Regarding controlled weapons, I'll convene the Pentagon generals tomorrow morning to discuss. You'll attend too, and we'll get you a satisfactory outcome."
---
That night at the Waldorf Hotel in Washington, D.C., two figures moved under the sheets.
With Hillary's tender attentions, the two spent a joyful night together.
---
The next morning, back at the White House in Clinton's meeting room, he convened three Pentagon generals.
Having learned about the government's free access to Vitality Pills and Beauty Pills, the generals greeted Linton with warm smiles and friendly attitudes.
After hearing Linton's requests, the Pentagon granted a special weapons acquisition list for his farm's Thunder Guards:
Two upgraded Apache attack helicopters, a cutting-edge radar system, four 200mm howitzers, the latest armored vehicles and tanks...
Linton planned to use the Apaches at the farm, while deploying the other heavy weapons to his overseas military base in Damakin, Africa.
With an $18 billion supply contract, five years of 80% federal tax breaks, and Pentagon-approved weapons procurement -- carrying this substantial White House bonus package -- Linton returned to Los Angeles in high spirits.
*****
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