Chapter 51: Ava Gardner (First Update, Please Vote)

Lobbyists are a uniquely American phenomenon.

In the future, lobbying firms even became an industry. These firms generally fall into two categories: those serving domestic interest groups and those working on behalf of foreign governments’ interest groups. In Washington alone, there are over 20,000 full-time and part-time lobbyists, most of whom have previously worked in federal government or congressional offices. It is precisely because of this experience that they have the opportunity to build relationships with White House staff and members of both parties in Congress, thereby advocating on behalf of their clients.

When exactly lobbyists first appeared in Washington remains unclear, but they have always existed, weaving connections to help their clients persuade politicians and achieve their goals.

Now, the legendary lobbyist sat right before him. Was he a braggart or genuinely skilled?

After a moment’s thought, Li Yian wiped his lips with a napkin and looked at him.

“Mr. Harry, you are right—professional matters should be handled by professionals. But professionals certainly deserve compensation commensurate with their expertise. What is your fee?”

“A consulting fee of $1,000 per month, with additional charges for special circumstances.”

The price was neither low nor exorbitant.

Nodding, Li Yian said, “I want to invite a senator to dinner.”

As he spoke, he wrote a name on the napkin and handed it over. One of his objectives for coming to Washington was to meet this person. He had been wondering how to establish contact, and now someone had conveniently offered assistance.

“Truman!”

Seeing the name, Ryan thought for a moment and said, “Although he is just a federal senator from Missouri, he is currently the hottest figure in the capital, arguably the most closely watched legislator in the entire district, and also the most powerful. He chairs the Special Committee on Defense Programs, which is investigating waste and corruption in military production. Since the committee was established, it has saved the federal government billions of dollars. Many want to see him—at least half the people in Washington. But few succeed.”

Setting down the napkin, Harry emphasized the senator’s special status, essentially warning that this would be a difficult matter to arrange.

“If it were easy, how could professionals demonstrate their capabilities?”

Li Yian smiled and said, “Indeed.”

After a moment’s thought, Harry nodded and said, “This is a test for me, isn’t it?”

“What do you think?”

“As you wish.”

Then Harry looked Li Yian over carefully and said, “Mr. Li, you will need a female companion.”

“What?”

“When the senator attends dinners, he is always accompanied by his wife. You will need a lady to accompany you as well. Do you have a suitable companion?”

“A companion?”

Li Yian shook his head in surprise. He’d only brought three or four people with him to Washington, none of them women. Stana was in London—too far to be of help now.

“If not, I can arrange one for you.”

“Please do. Just send me the bill after the meeting.”

...

“Excuse me...”

In the hotel room, Ava Gardner set down her glass and hesitated slightly.

“What do you need me to do?”

Bright sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Ava Gardner’s figure. Her long chestnut waves shimmered in the light, exuding an indescribable charm and allure.

Although she had signed with MGM two years ago, in reality, Ava had only played minor roles in films.

As an obscure actress, especially now after divorcing just months after marriage, she was more anxious than ever. To make ends meet, she even worked in a restaurant. Yet this was the first time she had accepted such an invitation. Her slender, pale hands nervously gripped the teacup.

The light brown tea rippled gently, mirroring the turmoil in her heart.

Two hundred dollars—that was her pay.

Simply to accompany someone to a dinner.

In fact, when her agent called, she was still performing for troops at a military camp near Washington with other actresses. The agent’s call had brought her here.

“Do you understand what your role is?”

Li Yian glanced at the woman before him—Ava Gardner. He had no idea where Harry had found her. She was stunningly beautiful yet somewhat shy and innocent.

“Yes, sir. I’m to be your companion and attend the dinner with you.”

Ava nodded in response.

“I’ve received etiquette training at the company and won’t let you down.”

At that moment, she was quite nervous. At MGM, she knew many girls like her who also served as companions, attending dinners with clients—but it was never just about attending the dinner.

Even now, she didn’t know why she had agreed.

Was it financial pressure?

Certainly. MGM only paid her $200 a month. Without acting roles, that wasn’t enough to cover her living expenses. Being an actress was costly, which was why she had signed up for the troop performances—each show paid ten dollars and included food and lodging.

So yes, it was poverty that made her accept this job introduced by her agent. But would it really be as simple as they said...

Now, she was quite satisfied with her employer.

Though Chinese, he was an extraordinarily handsome young man who made her heart flutter. He looked no older than eighteen or nineteen, probably still of school age.

The setting sun shone through the window, casting a golden glow over the youth’s upright figure. The muscular lines beneath his shirt were enticing, and his handsome features were both striking and gentle. From every angle, he was a breathtakingly handsome young man.

Sitting opposite him, hands wrapped around her cup, Ava’s heart raced. If it were him, perhaps something more than this wouldn’t be impossible...

“Good,” the man said as Ava wrestled with her thoughts.

“Since you have received the training, there’s no need to be so nervous. This is just a small dinner, hardly a banquet. You only need to accompany me. After the dinner, the driver will take you back to your hotel.”

Just that?

Ava looked at him, puzzled. He had brought her all this way from hundreds of miles away just to accompany him to a dinner, and not for anything else... Her eyes involuntarily flicked toward the large bed in the other room.

What am I thinking! Ava!

Just as she was lost in her complicated thoughts, Li Yian said, “Let’s go shopping now.”

Since they were attending a dinner, they would definitely need formal attire. Ava would need a gown, and not just that—some jewelry as well.

Well, it seemed she was going to have to splurge after all!