In truth, it was much as Tang Long had guessed. Before the Dragon Country and the Flower Flag Country had escalated into a confrontation, although the politicians were somewhat eager to make political gains from security issues, not many people bought into it.
What's more, with Jonas assisting, he often shut down the auditors' questions at the outset by citing regulations.
The security department's trip was in vain, which made Jackson breathe a sigh of relief.
Since it was Tang Long's first time at the company, Jackson intended to give him a tour, but a bug had temporarily appeared.
Jackson was in a hurry to get back to deal with it, so he asked his assistant to show Tang Long around. Coincidentally, Bill Duffy was already hungry, and Jonas was a guest, so they decided to visit again tomorrow.
"Tang, are you planning to invest anywhere?"
Jonas popped a mouthful of rare beef into his mouth, chewed it with enjoyment, and then asked about investments.
"I do have some plans, but investments require careful consideration," Tang Long said, looking at Jonas. "Why, do you have a good project?"
"I don't know if it counts as a good project."
Jonas pondered for a moment. "Frankly, Tang, the potential of Twitter is evident to many now. Several of my clients have expressed deep regret for missing out on Twitter's investment, which also means the more shares you hold, the more people will become jealous."
Tang Long remained silent, listening quietly, as he knew Jonas had more to say.
"Even if you were a star player, even if you reached Jordan's level of fame, in the Flower Flag Country, those shameless politicians could always find absurd angles to attack you."
Jonas said calmly, "If you want to continue holding shares in Twitter, the best choice is to pick a side."
Tang Long, partly understanding, vaguely guessed what Jonas meant but wasn't entirely sure.
He hesitated for a moment before asking, "You want me to make political donations?"
"Yes and no."
Jonas put down his knife and fork and said seriously, "In the Flower Flag Country, politicians move like a flowing stream. Take San Francisco, for example. So many politicians come and go in this city, like a revolving door in the Dragon Country, taking office and then returning to the sea like a stream. But no matter how many politicians there are in this city, there are always some who are rooted here."
Jonas added, "Flowing politicians, ironclad aides. Why be a follower of those politicians when you can be a benefactor to the aides?"
Tang Long was taken aback. He thought Jonas was a broker, but unexpectedly, this guy was on a higher level.
Aides and brokers were somewhat different.
Brokers were more like intermediaries, mainly responsible for connecting parties and facilitating consensus between those who needed resources.
Aides were more like strategists, often relied upon by politicians during their campaigns. After a politician was successfully elected and took public office, they wouldn't be too deeply involved. However, because these individuals were experienced in campaigning, many politicians chose them.
Thus, the saying "flowing politicians, ironclad aides" came to be.
Tang Long was aware of political donations, but this was the first time he had heard of "benefactor to aides."
But at the very least, he knew a basic fact: aides were roughly equivalent to local gentry in ancient Dragon Country. These individuals, while not holding power, could constantly influence it.
For politicians to implement their plans, they naturally needed the support of this local gentry.
However, seeing Jonas inexplicably putting on airs, Tang Long couldn't show his ignorance. He shrugged and said, "As you know, I'm in Cleveland. San Francisco has nothing to do with me."
"I'm talking about Cleveland, and not entirely Cleveland," Jonas said mysteriously. "After all, some aides follow politics to broader stages."
"Chief of Staff?"
Jonas neither confirmed nor denied.
He thought his demeanor would make Tang Long unable to figure him out.
But Tang Long saw through him at a glance. If he were as influential as he claimed, he wouldn't be acting this way.
Jonas was playing this game in front of a Dragon Country national. Wasn't that like showing off in front of a master craftsman?
Tang Long didn't expose him and even cooperated with a surprised exclamation.
Then, Tang Long looked at Jonas curiously. "Since you say these people are so powerful, what can I do?"
"Influence!"
This time, Tang Long was truly confused.
He admitted that he was somewhat famous in the sports circle now and could indeed influence some fans, but in political matters, such influence would only have the opposite effect.
After all, his Dragon Country identity endorsing someone would be giving his opponent a direct opportunity to attack that politician.
So, even with his lifetime of experience, Tang Long was genuinely perplexed about Jonas's intentions.
"We've conducted a survey. The Dragon Country descendants in the Flower Flag Country all regard you as a source of pride. Your reputation as a gentleman on the court is also respected by many Flower Flag Country citizens. You are capable of influencing their choices."
Jonas said confidently, "Tang, in the future, when influential people speak well of you, it will be much easier for you to invest in anything in the Flower Flag Country, and you won't have to worry about holding shares in sensitive industries."
"I'm still a bit unclear. This kind of thing is better handled with caution."
This was what Tang Long still couldn't figure out: he was a Dragon Country national, and they could easily find other star players. Those Flower Flag Country star players clearly had more advantages.
Besides, there were many logical inconsistencies in what he was saying.
"Of course, I'm just introducing it to you," Jonas said with a hint of pride now. "Specifics require the agreement of some of our members."
"Members?"
"I can't tell you that for now," Jonas shook his head. "Of course, if you're willing and pass the assessment, I'll explain it to you in detail."
"Then I'll have to consider it carefully."
"Naturally. We only recruit voluntary members."
Jonas nodded and then added, "By the way, Tang, while dealing with the auditors today, I noticed several loopholes in the contracts you signed previously. I've marked them all for you. You can review them later."
Was this a welcome gift?
Regardless, Tang Long had to thank Jonas for this, and it also served as a reminder.
He had previously simplified things because he was too eager to acquire shares. After the Olympics, he did indeed need to sort these matters out again.
The next day, Bill Duffy drove Jonas to the airport. Tang Long went to Twitter alone. Jackson was still busy, so Tang Long decided to look around by himself.
"Let me tell you, I'm very optimistic about Twitter. It definitely has the potential to lead the world."
Hearing someone speaking Mandarin, Tang Long curiously looked for the voice.
Two young men in their early twenties walked by in a hurry.