America 1919

Chapter 739: 254. Night Talk

Even though there were still many details to be ironed out in Apollo Chain’s alliance with A&P, at this point, there was no need for Donnie’s involvement anymore. Therefore, when Maholi left Kansas City, it only took a couple of days before Donnie, along with Helen and others, departed from there and returned to Atlantic City.

“Every time I come back from outside, I can always feel the warmth of Atlantic City!”

After getting off the train, Tang Fei embraced the air of Atlantic City, a smile on his face.

Helen chuckled, “That’s just all in your head!”

Unconcernedly, Donnie said, “It doesn’t matter if it’s all in my head, as long as I’m happy!”

By this time, Helen had already gotten into the car and asked, “Are you heading back to the manor, or to the Surf Hotel?”

Donnie answered, “Naturally, we’re going back to the manor. Robert is looking after the Surf Hotel, so there won’t be any problems!”

Donnie had a lot of faith in Robert’s abilities!

The two of them took a ride back to the coastal manor, where Alice, who was playing tennis at the manor, handed her racket to a servant and came over with a towel in hand.

“You two are finally back, I was getting so bored!”

Alice complained with a hint of reproach.

Helen did not mind Alice’s complaints, “I’m going to take a shower first!”

Donnie took Alice’s hand as they arrived at the poolside, laughing as he said, “It was you who said we should start preparing for next year’s Miss America early!”

Even though this year’s Miss America had come to an end, being the biggest beauty pageant in the United States meant that early preparations were indispensable, and now Alice had fully taken over the operations of Miss America.

“Can’t I change my mind?”

Alice said, nestling into Donnie’s arms, pouting.

Even though she had just been exercising, there was no scent of sweat on Alice; her fragrance remained, and Donnie, out of habit, placed his hand on her abdomen, which was slightly sweaty.

“Of course, you can change your mind. Next time we go out, I’ll take you with us!”

“That’s more like it!” Alice replied, clearly happy, and then she said to Donnie, “I have an idea for next year’s Miss America!”

Although next year’s Miss America was still several months away, Donnie did not refute Alice since she mentioned it, and prompted, “What idea?”

Alice said proudly, “I want to combine next year’s Miss America with the Atlantic City Racing Club, and even hold the final of Miss America at the new stadium!”

As Donnie continued to explore Alice’s abdomen, he said, “The new stadium can accommodate 80,000 people at the same time, are you sure the Miss America final can draw that many people?”

With her cheeks flushing slightly, Alice responded, “You always have to try. What if it really succeeds? It would be a promotion for Miss America, and more importantly, it could also enhance the Racing Club’s reputation using Miss America’s influence!”

Donnie nodded and said, “I have no objections, but you need to be clear about a couple of things, otherwise, it could potentially become a target for criticism!”

Alice shifted in his arms and gave Donnie a playful glare before asking, “What things?”

“I suppose you’ve already considered security, so I won’t go into that. The other two things are, first, you have to ensure the safety of both the live audience and the contestants, you know, the mosquitoes in Atlantic City can be pretty fierce!”

In truth, after many years of development, the mosquito situation in Atlantic City had improved a lot. When Atlantic City was just a small village, that’s when the mosquitoes were truly dreadful.

Back then, a trip to the outhouse meant getting a backside covered with mosquitoes.

This was also why it was difficult for Atlantic City to attract tourists early in its development.

“Second, you need to think about the voting process. Previously, at Block Tavern and Surf Hotel, the number was limited and all were willing to spend money, but now with tens of thousands of people, you need to sort out how this is going to work.”

Alice nodded seriously, her voice faltering slightly as she said, “Those two problems are indeed significant. I hadn’t thought about them before!”

Alice’s hesitation lasted only a moment before she suddenly exclaimed, “Wait a moment, if I hadn’t thought of this, why hasn’t the Miss America team thought of it either? They’re the ones who handle these matters, aren’t they?”

Donnie let out a chuckle, “Do you know why we were able to take over A&P so smoothly this time?”

“Why?” Alice inquired.

“Because A&P’s management and board had grown accustomed to A&P’s supremacy, they never imagined that any retail company could challenge them successfully. Thus, their response to Apollo Chain’s promotional activities was extremely sluggish, which gave us a great opportunity!”

Donnie replied.

Alice pondered for a moment, then understood Donnie’s point, “So what you’re saying is, now that Miss America is the best beauty pageant in America, the team responsible for Miss America has also grown complacent. They believe that no matter what we do, it will continue to be the most grandiose beauty pageant in the country!”

Donnie nodded, “That’s the idea. People resting on their laurels are always slow to react!”

Pulling Donnie’s hand away, Alice sat herself fully on his lap, facing Donnie with both hands around his neck, seductively asked, “So, what should we do?”