"Let's talk about how much you're planning to invest."
Frederick explained that he didn't need much capital expansion at the moment. Trustworthy managers were in short supply, and his operations had already stretched to their limit. In fact, he had trouble finding a good place to put the daily inflow of money—so $200,000, even $300,000, could easily be spared.
Hearing that figure, even Wilkie was moved. A country bumpkin's son, yet possessing such wealth? Truly impressive.
Nell was also surprised by how substantial Frederick's assets had become. As sworn brothers, Nell knew full well that Frederick had "borrowed" $100,000 from his father, Barend, to start his business.
Now, just a year later, Frederick had not only built a business that raked in daily profits but also held over $200,000 in liquid assets. It was remarkable.
One might say Frederick had an uncanny talent for running inns and discovering the potential of "special industry workers."
As for Nell, he had also quietly accumulated some wealth. Although neither of them had brought up the ginger beer business directly, Frederick wasn't stingy—in the past year alone, he had transferred over $30,000 in profit shares to Nell.
Considering Nell had no taxes to pay, no lawyers to hire, and no gangs to deal with, that money went straight into his pocket. Truthfully, he had gotten the better end of the deal.
Adding to the money Nell already had, he now held about $50,000 in total. Though not on Frederick's level—who ran several successful inns—it still made him a "man of means."
It was hard to imagine that both Nell and Frederick would willingly remain in the poor, rundown countryside of Brook rather than moving to the city for a life of luxury and indulgence.
Wilkie's opinion of them rose considerably.
In short, Wilkie could now go to Hollywood and negotiate with RKO Pictures with at least $300,000 in guaranteed backing. As for the cost of employing him, that was a small matter they could discuss later.
After such a long conversation, the fire in the hearth was nearly out, and it was late. Frederick had to head home so his family wouldn't worry. Wilkie, of course, would be staying at Nell's house.
The weather was bitterly cold, so bathing wasn't even up for discussion—Nell's home had neither proper insulation nor bathing facilities. Luckily, Wilkie wasn't someone who insisted on daily showers. A warm bed was more than enough.
The next morning, Nell got up early as usual to shovel snow at the door with his cousin Patrick and tend to the livestock. Wilkie, on the other hand, wasn't an early riser. He only woke up naturally when he heard shuffling downstairs.
Seeing Nell, a man who had tens of thousands in cash, up and working so early impressed Wilkie deeply.
By the time Nell finished clearing the snow and feeding the animals, Wilkie finally got out of bed and came down to freshen up. The hardworking and honest nature of Nell's family was evident to him.
Such a capable and diligent young man—if only he could work for me...
But Wilkie knew very well that Nell's goal was to go to college and seek a better future for himself. Trying to recruit him now would likely be futile.
To be fair, going to college wasn't just about acquiring deep knowledge or forming lifelong brotherhoods—it was more of a stepping stone, a way to navigate society. Having a college degree, whether in the East or the West, was always an advantage.
There are opportunities you simply can't access without a diploma. With one, at least you have a shot at competing with those who had a much stronger start.
"Good morning, Mr. Wilkie." Aunt Ginger greeted Wilkie as he came down.
Wilkie, nearly forty, truly was a magnet for older women. Despite his age, he was exceptionally well-maintained, with a very striking personal image. His smile exuded warmth and charm—especially towards women, he was incredibly attractive. Even Aunt Ginger, who had been cold to the idea of Wilkie as a congressional candidate, found herself liking him.
Of course, it was just a healthy admiration, not romantic love—Aunt Ginger wasn't the type to fall head over heels at first sight.
"Good morning, ma'am," Wilkie replied with a smile that nearly made Aunt Ginger blush.
"Coffee or juice?"
"Coffee, please."
As soon as coffee was mentioned, Aunt Ginger turned and went to brew it. Now, has anyone here ever seen Aunt Ginger get up early to make coffee for Nell? Just outrageous—the money isn't even in yet, and someone in the house has already switched allegiances.
It's no wonder the Republican Party nominated Wilkie for president in 1940—his face alone could win over every housewife in the market in under ten minutes.
Seeing Wilkie sit down, Nell brought him the day's newspaper and turned on the radio to begin preparing breakfast. Soon, the smell of cooking wafted from the kitchen. It was a peaceful and lovely morning.
After the weather report, the radio played a few other segments before asking listeners if they were tuned in—clearly, something important was about to be announced.
Sure enough, after confirming the audience's presence three times, the broadcaster delivered major news: the $24 million in federal emergency agricultural relief funds allocated to West Virginia had begun distribution.
The specifics were $80 per household, based on five people, with an additional $12 per extra person. Families of disabled or fallen veterans would receive an extra $50.
Hearing this, the whole family stopped what they were doing and gathered around the radio. When the announcement was over, their faces were full of joy—finally, the money was arriving.
"How much do we get?" Patrick asked as he washed up for breakfast.
"$130, I think," Aunt Ginger answered before Nell could.
The family of five—Aunt Ginger, cousin Patrick, sister-in-law Campbell, Nell, and little sister Debbie—qualified for the base amount. With the extra $50 for being a fallen soldier's family, that totaled $130.
"That'll make for a comfortable Christmas," Wilkie said as he set down the newspaper.
"Exactly." Nell took the coffee pot from Aunt Ginger and poured Wilkie a cup.
All that was left now was to head to the town's administrative committee in the next couple of days to collect the money.