Chapter 631 - 573 High-End Forum

"You will be staying here for a week this time, I have arranged four events for you."

In the Marriott Hotel room, Angel opened the huge garment box on the bed while explaining the recent event itinerary.

"The remaining three days, you should visit Fael and see his operations. Now his website and newspaper are doing well, though the scale isn't large, they are quite distinctive and have certain influence among the right-wing public…"

After taking out a suit, Angel headed to the bathroom.

Song Heping had just come out when she held the suit up against him to compare.

"It fits well, I still remember your SIZE…"

After saying that, she glanced at Song Heping, who was only wearing shorts and had his bare upper body, her gaze resting on his pectorals and abs.

"They say a disciplined man can be recognized at a glance."

Song Heping took the suit and smiled, "How so?"

Angel replied, "A disciplined man manages his body well, only those who lack self-control end up fat like pigs."

Song Heping patted his abs and said, "I have no choice, if I don't keep in shape, I might lose my life."

Angel sighed, "I think you should set up a company here in the United States."

"Company? Why?"

Song Heping asked while changing.

Angel said, "If you want to partake in the political games here, you need a legal identity, like I said before, you need to deal with lobbying firms, invest in politicians you're interested in, all requiring a legitimate businessman identity. And establishing a legal company is a start."

Song Heping put on his shirt which fitted perfectly.

While adjusting his clothes in front of the mirror, he said, "It's actually not about seizing greater benefits here…"

Saying this, he turned and started to slide his legs into his pants.

"It's about survival."

"Survival?" Angel walked out of the living room to the minibar, picked up a bottle of wine, took some ice from the fridge, and poured herself a drink.

"Are you involved in some kind of trouble?"

"Not at the moment…" Song Heping was securing his belt in the room, continuing, "But we have an old saying in our country, foresee potential dangers in times of safety. Just because it's safe now doesn't mean it will be in the future, I need ample protection."

After putting on his pants, he walked out to the living room, likewise went to the bar to pour himself a drink, and then returned to sit next to Angel, embracing her waist and said, "Originally I went to Illiguo just to make a living. Back then, my dream was simple: make some money during the turmoil, buy a house for my younger brother, save some dowry for my sister, and keep some money to open a small store and do some business."

"But unexpectedly, an IED explosion by the roadside killed two of my partners, and my partner who was in debt had to leave. I had no way out and had to become a mercenary. Unexpectedly just like that, I met a chef, joined 'Musician' and this small team, and then by some twist of fate I met you…"

At this point, Song Heping got a bit emotional.

He looked at Angel next to him, gently lifted her golden hair by the ear, and gently hung it behind her ear.

"I must say, you were the start of my good luck, Angel, I am really grateful to you."

Angel just looked at Song Heping, seemingly not responding much, but her eyes brimmed with tenderness.

After a long while, she said, "Song, you are different from all the men I have met. There are many outstanding young talents in the elite circles of America, but most of them come from wealthy backgrounds, raised in luxury, following paths arranged by their families. But I feel although they are excellent in some aspects, they are merely relying on the shelter of their families. But you, you're from a different world. I admire men who made it on their own, there's a sense of conquest in these men."

Song Heping knew she wasn't lying.

Angel's words were sincere.

She, too, came from a distinguished background.

Children from such families often find it easier to succeed but equally lack a sense of achievement.

The brilliance of their forebears lets them enjoy the family's legacy while having to live in the shadow of their predecessors' successes, struggling to show their own capabilities.

Thus, while they may not have much interest in the lower classes, they genuinely admire those who climbed out from the bottom to achieve something notable.

"Angel, there's a saying in my hometown—those used to lobster and abalone always think sweet potato porridge is the delicacy of a lifetime."

Song Heping said with a bitter smile, "Actually, many people like me don't really like their success. What you take for granted and think easily achievable, often takes us a lifetime to obtain. Some spend their entire lives chasing Rome, but some are born in Rome."

He sighed and continued, "My defense company has been growing increasingly bigger, involving more operations, and covering broader areas, yet I feel the danger rising. I need to secure an insurance policy for my future, which is why I came to Washington to see you."

"I can tell," Angel said.

Song Heping sincerely said, "You are under no obligation to help me, arrange connections for me, especially since it might implicate you in the future. If you choose not to help, I won't be upset, as I must be honest with you."

Suddenly, Angel stood up, went back to the room, fetched Song Heping's coat, and threw it to him.

"Rest assured, you won't cause me any trouble."

She paused and then continued, "Hurry up and put on your clothes and come with me. There's a forum this afternoon followed by a reception. The forum consists of politicians, scholars, and retired military personnel from various countries, and there might be some intelligence agents as well. It's a good place for you to listen and learn, as defensive forums and international political seminars can be very beneficial for you."

She raised her index finger, pointed at Song Heping, and tapped him saying, "Remember, you're no longer just any defense company owner. You need to reach higher and expand your network."

At two in the afternoon, near Mount Vernon Square in the northeast of the Washington Conference Center, Song Heping, accompanied by Angel, arrived at the entrance of the venue. The security followed the routine, conducting a detailed inspection, especially since the level of security checks nationwide in the United States had heightened to the maximum after the Twin Towers incident.

After showing the invitation letter and identity IDs, the two entered the venue smoothly.

The meeting had just commenced, and the hosts and guests were taking their seats.

Angel found a corner, sat down with Song Heping, and whispered, "Today's forum is organized by RAND think tank, and among the sponsors is an established lobbying firm, BGR. At the reception tonight, I can introduce you to their CEO. However, such established lobbying firms may be quite sensitive towards your background, so what matters isn't just this place, but also the people here and a few guests. See that person sitting on the far left? That's the Deputy Director of the Military Committee's Anti-Terrorism Task Force. Despite his not-so-high rank, he holds significant influence over overseas anti-terrorism deployments…"

Angel started explaining the identities and roles of key figures present to Song Heping, also educating him about traditional American political lobbying.

The term 'lobbying' stems from 'lobby,' originally meaning a large hall, which later became a verb meaning "to attempt to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue."

When Old America decided to establish its capital in Washington, besides geographical considerations, politicians hoped to keep the political center far from the economic centers to avoid interference from financial syndicates.

Back then, lobbyists representing various regional interests traveled long distances to the capital, staying in hotels and waiting in the lobbies of Congress or government departments to meet politicians and officials, advocating their causes, hoping the government would adopt their ideas.

As their numbers grew, the lobby became their "battlefield", hence the activities were termed as such, and the professionals as lobbyists.

In the United States, the registered lobbyists number over ten thousand, with a median annual income of 106,057 dollars, performing on both large and small scales.

Domestic lobbying firms are of two types: traditional ones like BGR that primarily target Congress. Regardless of who is in power, Congressional influence over policy is highly effective, making it a sustainable focus.

However, targeting Congress requires more flexible lobbying tactics and strategies, along with a network built over many years, maintaining good relations with legislators from all parties, demanding long-term engagement.

Another type targets officials or directly a particular president. For instance, managers or strategists from a campaign team who helped during the election might start a lobbying firm after their client becomes a governor or president, acquiring lobbying funds through their relationship with these high officials, with some even calling such firms spawned by high officials as 'white gloves.'

These firms are typically small and fine-tuned, with a lifespan correlated to their targeted official's term.

The forum discussed the wars in Illiguo and Afghan, with guests deliberating on counter-terrorism and the current situations in Illiguo and Afghan.

Song Heping listened very attentively.

After all, these individuals wield considerable influence in American politics, representing real thoughts of some capital or political forces.

The most intense moment came during the debate over the situation in Afghan, where a British guest and the Congressional overseer of overseas counter-terrorism affairs disagreed vehemently.

On the surface, they were discussing, but Song Heping saw clearly that both were blaming each other.

Currently, the commander of the coalition in Afghan is British, while Americans believe that the deteriorating situation in Afghan and the passive state of the coalition are due to improper British command. Moreover, Americans making up 70% of the coalition accuse other countries of lacking effort, bringing minimal forces that are not very effective, demanding increased troop deployment from Britain and other coalition forces.

From their dispute, Song Heping discerned clues; first, that Afghan seriously lacked troops, and second, that Americans seemed determined to continue the war for a not so short duration.

"What's the name of that deputy director?"

"Simmons, Nicholas Simmons."

"What party? Elephant or Donkey?"

"Donkey Party. Just like my aunt."

"He seems like a pro-war advocate."

"Donkey Party tends to be hawkish."

At this, Angel couldn't help but laugh.

"Most American wars have been initiated by the Donkey Party, while the Elephant Party has fewer."

Song Heping smiled, "Then I support the Donkey Party."