America 1919

Even when the Venus Bank announced the sale of its large tracts in Florida, it only temporarily affected land prices in Florida. The prices soon rebounded.

In this scenario, Café Jackson instantly became a figure of national interest.

Some were adamant that Donnie Block would surely punish this third-in-command of the New Jersey Consortium for the incident.

Yet, now Donnie has me interviewing Café Jackson. Doesn't this mean Donnie doesn't have any intention of punishing Café Jackson?

"I thought Mister Block would take some disciplinary actions against Mr. Jackson during this period!"

Donnie laughed heartily and said: "Although Café and I have had differences in our investment ideology, that doesn't negate Café's capabilities. Since I've entrusted these businesses to him, it's only natural that I trust him!"

Catherine Lemercier seized the opportunity to ask: "So, Mr. Block, are you dissatisfied with Mr. Jackson's previous decisions?"

Donnie waved his hand and said: "Miss Lemercier, I can't respond to you on this question. If I continue, it would become a personal interview with me!"

Catherine Lemercier wore a helpless expression; she truly wished she could conduct a personal interview with Donnie!

The three of them moved to the garden and sat on stone chairs.

Donnie looked at Catherine Lemercier and said: "Miss Lemercier, next will be my conversation with Mr. Salazar. While I trust the love between you and Mr. Salazar, I hope you will grant us a space for intimate discussions."

Donnie, in his upcoming dialogue with Antonio Salazar, would discuss many topics not suitable for public dissemination. Although Catherine Lemercier was a journalist, Antonio Salazar might trust her, but Donnie absolutely would not.

As for whether Antonio Salazar would relay his conversations to Catherine Lemercier, Donnie wasn't worried. If Antonio Salazar was such a person, he wouldn't have ruled Portugal as a dictator for over a decade!

Although Catherine Lemercier was helpless, she understood Donnie's meaning and had to leave!

At this point, only Donnie and Antonio Salazar remained.

"Mr. Salazar, speak freely about your thoughts. I can assure you, our dialogue here won't be eavesdropped on, not even by the United States FBI!"

Edgar Hoover had officially renamed the Bureau of Investigation to FBI.

Antonio Salazar stated: "Mr. Block, I need to know your intentions regarding Portugal. Do you just want Portugal as a stepping stone for your New Jersey Consortium's entry into Europe, using it then discarding it, or do you view Portugal as your own territory to exploit its wealth, or do you genuinely want to assist Portugal?"

Donnie laughed lightly: "Mr. Salazar, those are three questions!"

Antonio Salazar nodded and said: "That's correct. I request an accurate response from you, Mr. Block!"

Donnie indifferently laughed and queried: "What if I said I'm only considering Portugal as my private land?"

Antonio Salazar replied earnestly: "If that's the case, upon returning to Portugal, I would use every possible means to counter Mr. Block's strategies concerning Portugal, irrespective of conflicting with President Carmona's ideas!"

Donnie nodded slightly, showing no anger towards Antonio Salazar's statement, "Mr. Salazar, honestly, if you wish not to stay in Portugal, I hope you can come to the United States. I can offer you a Vice President position within the Venus Consortium!"

Antonio Salazar smiled and declined: "Thank you for the admiration, Mr. Block. But even if you appoint me as Vice President of the Venus Consortium, wouldn't it still be that I'd be responsible for matters related to Portugal?"

"Haha!" Donnie laughed heartily: "Mr. Salazar, you genuinely make me appreciate you more and more. You can rest assured that I'm not interested in exhausting resources.

A peaceful and strong Portugal actually aligns more with my interests. If I simply wanted a low-end market, I could go to Africa and occupy one or two small countries!"

Antonio Salazar visibly exhaled in relief. If it's merely targeting Donnie's businesses in Portugal, it would not pose much difficulty for them!

At least that's what Antonio Salazar thought.

What truly concerned Antonio Salazar was the powerful United States behind Donnie; a force they couldn't afford to provoke, hence the caution.

"So, should I understand that Mr. Block, you're actually supportive of Portugal's development?"

Donnie nodded: "Of course, but your development plans for Portugal must not impinge upon my core interests!"

Antonio Salazar knew this was Donnie's bottom line, just like the response Donnie previously sent to Bobby Mozelle. Regardless of the negotiation's outcome between Antonio Salazar and Donnie, both Antonio Salazar and Antonio Carmona would surely promote domestic companies to counter Donnie in Portugal.

Yet all this counteraction would remain within a tolerable scope.

"So now, have we reached a consensus?" Antonio Salazar seriously inquired of Donnie.

"Certainly, I previously mentioned to President Carmona that the entry of the Venus Consortium into Portugal isn't to disrupt its economy, but to aid its economic development!" Donnie said with a smile.

Also to control Portugal's economy!

Antonio Salazar didn't vocalize this thought. Achieving consensus with Donnie on the economic development of Portugal had already completed half his purpose for visiting the United States.

The other half still required Donnie's help...