"Don't try to win over all the voters at once. This is a long-term, ongoing task."
Nell believed that even if Wilkie had the potential to aim for the presidency, it certainly wouldn't happen overnight. After all, Wilkie had previously been a complete political outsider with no experience in governance.
This was both a strength and a weakness. A strength, because he was a blank slate—his public persona had not yet been formed, which meant it could be shaped positively and strategically. A weakness, because Wilkie lacked any name recognition. If no voters knew who he was, it would be difficult to gain political momentum quickly.
This would have to be a gradual process.
"So you're suggesting using a discount retail store to win over voters and generate political traction?" Wilkie had thought of many strategies, but he hadn't expected Nell to still be fixated on the wholesale supermarket idea.
"It's just a small start that can lead to something bigger. Nothing more."
As far as Wilkie was concerned, his "handsome uncle" image already made him quite the hit among middle-aged women. The next step was to build on this advantage. By gaining the favor of housewives, he could become the ideal "friend to women."
As long as women had the right to vote, there was nothing wrong with being seen as a "friend to women." A politician didn't need to overthink things—just get the votes first.
A discount supermarket aimed at housewives would be a perfect debut for Wilkie as a political newcomer. It would cast him in the light of a man of the people, someone offering affordable goods to New Yorkers—a wholesome, generous figure.
"Hmm... makes sense," Wilkie nodded in agreement.
From this point on, the supermarket wasn't just about protecting assets—it was laying the groundwork for Wilkie's future. Nell hoped he would make this store a highlight of his career.
"If you can open it before Christmas, that would be ideal," Nell added.
The reasoning was simple—Christmas in the U.S. was like Lunar New Year in other countries: a national holiday where families gathered to eat and celebrate. Naturally, a major shopping spree would precede it, to stock up for the holiday season.
If Wilkie's store could launch before Christmas, his name could spread like wildfire in New York.
"Got it. I'll get started right away." Wilkie had already looked into the idea before, but back then, he hadn't made up his mind. He'd been hesitating.
Now it was different—this was about paving the way for his political career. There was no reason to hesitate anymore. Whether or not the store made money was irrelevant; it just had to be done well.
"There's one more thing you need to pay attention to," Nell said.
"What is it?"
"Tone down your Republican affiliation. Don't voice any sharp political opinions until after the presidential election." This was the same warning Arnold and Humphrey had received before Huck became Prime Minister, and now Nell was giving it to Wilkie.
Once the Democrats were in power, Wilkie's role as an opposition figure would become useful. Voters liked to see checks and balances on the ruling party. A strong opposition was better than a single party dominating everything, which always led to stagnation and incompetence.
When the time came, Wilkie could criticize the Democratic government as much as he liked. As long as he maintained his image as a savvy, down-to-earth man who understood economics, he'd be fine.
Even challenging Roosevelt wouldn't be a problem. In fact, it could lead to more political exposure. Look at modern times—Ukraine's parliament, or the Taiwanese Legislative Yuan—fistfights were common. To an outsider, it looked more like street brawling than lawmaking.
Why did they do that? For media attention. TV ads were expensive—most legislators couldn't afford them. But if you got into a brawl and ended up on the news, that footage would be replayed over and over, portraying you as someone who fought for your constituents.
There were no lofty ideals—just interests.
As the station chief in The Pretender once said: "All that talk of defending ideals and protecting leaders—I've worked for decades and learned only one thing: if you don't look out for yourself, heaven and earth will destroy you."
The Pretender truly was a national treasure of a show.
"Alright, let's head over to the school for a stroll," Nell said, now that they'd finished both their discussion and their breakfast.
Wilkie's assistant also got up to pay the bill. Nell certainly wouldn't be footing the tab—Wilkie had to play host, after all.
"Nell, maybe you shouldn't enroll in school this year. Just postpone it a little longer," Wilkie said suddenly, in a very serious tone.
"Hmm?" Nell looked puzzled at first, but then immediately understood.
Wilkie had taken a liking to him. As someone who had never been in politics, Wilkie lacked a knowledgeable advisor with real political insight. Sure, with his Republican connections, he could easily hire some political consultants.
But the party was full of mediocrities. Truly ambitious and capable young people were few and far between. Rather than searching for a needle in a haystack, better to make use of Nell right in front of him.
They could start working together, and then gradually bring in more talent later. Step by step. Plus, they already had a close financial partnership through their investment in King Kong.
As the saying goes, no bond is stronger than money. While money-based relationships can be fragile, when money is present, they're stronger than you'd think. And if they eventually gained political clout, Wilkie's connection with Nell would only deepen.
Better to work with someone familiar than take chances on a stranger.
"How about becoming my political advisor?" Wilkie didn't even bring up money—he knew Nell's value. He wouldn't shortchange him. He could even gift Nell an apartment in New York if needed.
Compared to Nell's worth, that expense was nothing. Based on Nell's single push toward Wilkie's candidacy, he would've been granted a hereditary title in ancient times.
"Hmm..." Nell hesitated.
"One year. Just one year until the election ends," Wilkie promised, understanding that Nell had his own plans and couldn't be forced.
He played the emotional card: Just help your old buddy get started. Once the foundation is laid, you can move on.