Chapter 330: Be Careful
Chapter 332 of "Suddenly, I Am Rich" starts revealing surprises: For a moment, no one spoke. Everyone just stared at each other. After a passing... Read on!
For a moment, no one spoke. Everyone just stared at each other. After a passing second, they all laughed as if they had just understood what Alistair said."Youâre straight to the point, as always," Leonard muttered as he shook his head. "So it really is about your election."
Ramon lifted his glass slightly. "You should have known our friend, Leonard. Election costs a lot of money. Public appearances, charity events, campaigns, connections, all of that costs a lot."
"Yeah," James nodded. "Especially if Alistair plans to be more visible to the public. The more people see you, the more expensive it becomes."
Alistair did not deny it. Instead, he smiled calmly and nodded to his friends.
"You already know that politics is not cheap," he said. "But you also know the benefits youâd get if I win." He smiled sheepishly.
"So how much are we talking about this time?" Benedict leaned forward a little. He raised his brows, intrigued by the number that Alistair would say.
Alistair set his glass down gently.
"That depends," he replied. "On how far you want me to go." He didnât want to give any specific numbers.
In Alistairâs mind, itâs better not say any numbers. He wanted to know how much his friends actually value him.
"You really know how to say dangerous things." Leonard raised an eyebrow.
A few of them laughed quietly at that. After all, they were already used to each otherâs tactics. For them, their friendship isnât just any friendship. Itâs business and profits. They invest in one another to gain mutual benefits.
While that was happening, Gray just stayed silent on the side. He would laugh with them if they laughed, but he didnât engage in any talk.
He already knew that these things happen. However, it still made him uneasy.
âSo this is what they meant,â he thought as he sighed in his mind.
"You want us to back you again." James crossed his arms before smiling playfully at Alistair.
"Yes," Alistair answered without hesitation. "And more than before."
Leonard leaned back and took a sip from his wine.
"Alright," he said. "If it is charity events, public projects, and image building, then I can help with sponsorships."
"Me too." Benedict nodded.
James glanced at Alistair. "And the media side will not be a problem either. My brother owes me a few favors. Though we just had to be careful, since itâs still the public. We canât sell you hard. We need to do it subtly."
At that, Alistairâs smile widened.
"Thatâs already fine for me. I know your brother still had to do his job. He should do it as he sees fit. After all, we donât want your brother to be implicated in such issues."
"Yeah, donât worry."
"I can also help with locations," Ramon spoke next. "If you need venues for events, fundraisers, or gatherings, just let me know. I can make things easier for you." He said calmly.
Victor nodded in agreement at that.
"Iâll coordinate with some of my trusted partners," he added. "If you need sponsors, logistics, or even manpower, just contact my secretary. Sheâll handle the arrangements for you."
Alistair listened to all of their offers, clearly satisfied with them. They might not say the monetary amount, but he knew their offers were more valuable than money.
"Thatâs more than enough," he said. "I knew I could rely on you."
Truth to be told, he wasnât really talking about money. He already has saved up enough from his years in office. That he can do alone.
For a brief moment, the atmosphere felt almost light. Then, slowly, Alistairâs gaze moved, landing on Gray. Others followed too.
And in just a second, all eyes were on Gray now.
"Youâve been quiet this whole time while we were talking," Ramon muttered. "What about you, Gray?"
Gray blinked and straightened up.
"Ah... right," he said quietly. "Sorry. Iâm not really used to this kind of talk yet."
A few of them laughed at that.
"Itâs fine. We understand." Leonard waved a hand.
"We were like that the first time, too," James added with a light smile. "Youâll get used to it, especially now that youâre here."
Gray let out a small breath and smiled.
"Yeah," he said. "Youâre right."
He straightened his back slightly before continuing.
"My business isnât as big as everyone elseâs. I canât offer properties or media influence. But I can offer my good image to the public."
The men listened to Grayâs words. They were curious on what Gray was about to offer. It was not new to them to know that Gray wasnât as big as anyone else at the table.
They werenât expecting much, to be honest. Even Alistair. But they wanted to know the sincerity that Gray could provide to be part of this group. For them, thatâs what matters the most.
"And I can help with charities too," Gray added. "I have a few grocery stores. I can provide food, daily supplies, and support for community programs. I apologize if itâs too little."
His voice sounded sincere, which caught everyoneâs attention. His words slowly amused the men around him
"Thatâs fine, Gray. Nothing is small when it comes to supporting," Ramon nodded slowly. "What you muttered is already a good contribution."
"It also fits you," Benedict said. "Itâs quite clean and practical."
Gray gave a faint smile.
"Itâs the most I can do for now."
Alistair suddenly laughed in the middle of the serious talk. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the others. There was a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"You see," he continued, "this is exactly why I invited him."
The men glanced at one another.
"Among all of us here," Alistair said calmly, "Gray is the one with the cleanest hands."
Leonard snorted softly.
"Thatâs one way to put it."
"Are you saying we all have dirty hands here?" Ramon jokingly muttered.
The table burst into light laughter at that. However, inside, Grayâs thoughts were already circling around. The thing he was about to do with them is dangerous. He knew it.
âThis wonât be cheap,â he thought. âI need to be careful with this one so I wonât lose that much.â