[Chapter 488: Political Alliances, Super Billionaire]
Secretary of State Warren Christopher moved swiftly. In less than a week, he pushed through a congressional vote for the massive government funding allocation to purchase the Vitality and Beauty Pills. This vote created a historic miracle -- over 98% approval, with not a single opposing vote, and only a handful of abstentions.
Given the fractured political climate and partisan battles in America, such a unanimous result on any proposal was unheard of before and seemed unlikely to ever happen again. It was clear that when fundamental personal interests were at stake, everyone followed their inner desires. Upon hearing they might get free access to the Vitality and Beauty Pills, who could resist?
As for party politics, that was barely relevant. At most, the Republican Party had the upper hand in allocating benefits, ensuring they secured a bigger share, but no matter how they divided it, securing their own portion was what mattered most.
Not only that, once word spread that Linton Anderson would be in Washington to sign the contract, high-profile figures scrambled to contact him, hoping to meet while he was in town.
Where did they get Anderson's number? That was hardly a question at their level -- connections like that came standard.
But Linton didn't have time for everyone. In the end, he only agreed to meet with House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Secretary of Defense William Perry.
Newt Gingrich, a member of the Republican Party, had extended the invitation himself, making it hard to decline. Besides, Linton had his own ideas. Once the Vitality and Beauty Pills hit the market, his cash flow would surge dramatically -- just the White House contract alone was worth $18 billion.
At the same time, investing all that into tech, telecom, and internet sectors seemed unwise. It was time to consider defense and energy industries, traditional strongholds of the Republicans.
As for Secretary of Defense William Perry, the Pentagon had just warmly welcomed him with a generous procurement quota for controlled weapons, making it appropriate for Linton to establish contact. There could be future weapon requisitions on his end. Of course, he could always reach out to President Clinton directly, but having William Perry on speed dial was far more convenient.
...
Upon notification from Leon Panetta, Linton and his assistant Li Xiaoran flew straight to Washington aboard a private jet.
The meeting took place again in President Clinton's conference room, with the same four key figures present: President Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Warren Christopher, and Leon Panetta.
This time, however, the atmosphere was noticeably more relaxed. On the table sat an opened bottle of champagne -- as if celebrating a small victory.
It was well warranted. The Beauty Elixir sales alone were impressive, and the 2,000 annual bottles of Vitality Pills they had accounted for had been carefully allocated -- no more than 1,200 going toward official use.
The remaining 800 bottles were their spoils of war. Although a small portion would go to related parties, the lion's share would be split among the four of them.
Even Leon Panetta, the lowest-ranking among them, would get 60 bottles. Considering each bottle could sell for at least $8 million, 60 bottles meant $480 million. Could anything be sweeter than that?
Given such vast benefits, they all naturally viewed Linton as a born wealthy philanthropist -- someone impossible not to like.
Linton understood the unspoken truth: he was now allied with these four powerful men. They were his solid political allies -- more precisely, allies bound by mutual interests -- and they would reap huge profits from the Vitality and Beauty Pills.
Raising his glass, Linton toasted with them and eagerly updated them on the factory's progress.
"Everything is on schedule. Production will officially start on the 12th. The first batch of Vitality and Beauty Pills will be delivered by April 30th."
"How many in the first batch?"
"167 bottles of Vitality Pills, 5000 of Beauty Elixirs."
"Excellent. How's the progress on the exclusive stores?"
"We've secured locations and are renovating. The grand opening is planned for May 6th."
"Good. You're our most trustworthy friend. Here's to friendship."
Hearing that Linton would supply them a week before the store opened, the four agreed he was someone worth having in their corner.
...
After the meeting, Al Gore and Warren Christopher quickly departed. Far from finished, the task of distributing those Vitality and Beauty Pills remained. Deciding who got what, and when, would inevitably mean a political chess match against the Republicans.
Leon Panetta then escorted Linton to his office and turned the tentative contract into a formal one. Given the stakes involved, Leon Panetta handled it with utmost care. Once signed, he immediately initiated the payment procedures.
With the White House's efficiency -- and President Clinton personally overseeing the project -- the $18 billion would be transferred into Linton's health company's account by the day after tomorrow at the latest.
This was a moment too exciting to keep to himself. Upon arriving in Washington, Hillary Clinton had already booked the presidential suite at the Four Seasons Hotel.
That night, the suite was a scene of heated passion -- two figures draped in sweat, caught up in a fierce, intimate struggle.
A sweet, lively melody played on without pause, filling the room with warmth and joy.
---
The next morning, Linton arrived at a golf course outside D.C. to meet House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
Though nearing sixty, Newt Gingrich was in excellent shape and played a solid game of golf.
Linton deliberately went easy on him, ending the match in a draw. It was a meeting meant to build friendship, not rivalry.
Newt Gingrich recognized the gesture and grew even more favorable toward Linton.
With mutual goodwill in place, the first meeting laid a promising foundation, though they hadn't yet delved into concrete interests.
---
That afternoon, at a business club, Linton met with Secretary of Defense William Perry, casually dressed.
William Perry greeted him warmly. "Linton, your role in Independence Day really boosted America's military prestige. Since then, our recruitment campaigns have gone smoothly."
"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Secretary."
"More importantly, starting this year, our arms exports skyrocketed. Many countries were inspired by your film and placed new orders."
The conversation flowed easily, and as they parted, William Perry clasped Linton's hand.
"Whether it's movie projects or your security base, if you ever need Pentagon support, just say the word."
"Thanks, Mr. Secretary. I'll be sure to reach out if needed."
---
Back at the Four Seasons that night, the passionate adventure in the presidential suite continued, their cries of pleasure punctuated by whispered declarations: "Master, Hilly is so happy..."
...
The next morning, mid-flight back to Los Angeles, Linton's phone buzzed -- it was Meena.
The health company's account had received the $18 billion transfer from the White House.
Amazing. While he'd always been wealthy, never had he felt this flush with cash.
Now, he truly was a super billionaire.
*****
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