Golden Spoon Investment Portfolio - Chapter 503

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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503. Just send me an invitation whenever you’d like.

A few days later, in Arlington, Texas.
The spacious grounds of Globe Life Park in Arlington, home stadium of the Major League Baseball team Texas Rangers, stretched out below the skybox in a panoramic view as the midday sun streamed down warmly, and the private suite was crowded with numerous guests.
Though the season hadn’t yet begun, the gathering of so many people was because today marked the day when the Texas Rangers would have a new owner.
Seok-won, who had flown in from New York on a private jet the previous day, stood to one side as Richard Gallant, the Governor of Texas and co-owner of the Rangers, signed the contract on the table with his fountain pen.
It was a historic moment as ownership of the Texas Rangers officially transferred to the new owner.

Click click click! Click!

As soon as the signature was complete, the journalists on the side unleashed a barrage of camera flashes accompanied by the loud shutter sounds.
Governor Gallant straightened his posture and extended his hand first to Seok-won with a bright smile.
On the face of Governor Gallant, who was offering a handshake, both a hint of regret and satisfaction at having sold the team’s management rights at a favorable price were evident.

“I look forward to you taking good care of the Rangers.”

Governor Gallant, tall and lean in build, was born in 1946, making him nearly an uncle’s generation in age, so Seok-won naturally spoke to him respectfully, and Governor Gallant, who took a liking to him, spoke casually in return.
Seok-won grasped the other’s hand and offered a faint smile.

“When the team advances to the World Series, I’ll invite you as the ceremonial first pitch thrower for the home opener. Please be sure to attend.”

Though they had won the division championship multiple times, in the 38 years since the Texas Rangers’ founding in 1961, they had never once advanced to the World Series.
Yet at this confident assertion of advancing to the World Series, Governor Gallant burst into hearty laughter.

“Ha ha ha! If that day comes, I’ll drop everything and rush over, so just give me the call.”
“You have my word.”

In the warm atmosphere, the two men standing side by side fielded brief questions from the assembled journalists.
First, a journalist with a thick beard thrust his voice recorder forward and asked.

“You’ve acquired 100% of the team’s shares for the substantial sum of 290 million dollars. What are your plans for leading the organization going forward?”

Seok-won answered with an air of composure as he received the journalists’ gazes.

“First, I offer my commendations to Governor Gallant and all the members of the joint investment group for achieving the brilliant accomplishment of division championships in 1996 and again last year.”

I turned my head slightly to the side and clapped lightly, and Governor Gallant raised his hand with a smile.

“First, we’ll maintain our existing operational philosophy of developing promising talent and building a strong team with solid fundamentals.”
“Is that all?”
“Of course not.”

I smoothly deflected the reporter’s question.

“After all, I’m a Wall Street investor, so I wouldn’t have invested such a massive sum without any vision for the future, would I?”
“Ha ha ha.”

I glanced around at the gathered reporters before continuing with a noticeably serious tone.

“If necessary, I won’t hesitate to make bold investments, and I promise our fans that within the next three years, our team will lift the World Series championship trophy.”

Wow!
As the new team owner officially declared the goal of winning the World Series, camera flashes erupted loudly.
The reporters, who had attended without high expectations, sparkled with excitement at the unexpected scoop and bombarded me with questions like a swarm of bees.

“Do you have a specific plan prepared for winning the World Series?”
“The team has repeatedly fallen short in the American League Division Series—what are your thoughts on that?”
“Isn’t developing young talent contradictory to aggressive investment?”

Though I could have been flustered by the barrage of questions coming at me so quickly, I faced the reporters with a smile playing at my lips.

“By filling the gaps in weak positions with skilled players who can lead the team beyond the Division Series alongside the promising talent we’ve carefully developed, I’m confident we can not only win the World Series but also build a dynasty.”

My confident remarks stirred the reporters greatly, and Governor Gallant standing beside me gazed at me with admiring eyes.
Though the reporters threw more questions at me, we had already exceeded the scheduled time, so I declined further interviews.
As the reporters, who had been clamoring moments before, reluctantly followed the team staff’s guidance out of the sky box, only my close aides remained in the room.
I sat across from Governor Gallant at a table where the expansive green field stretched out refreshingly beyond the large glass windows.

“It’s finally quiet now.”

As I spoke, Governor Gallant, seated on the plush leather sofa with a champagne glass in hand, curved his lips into a smile.

“Just as you declared before the reporters, I sincerely look forward to the Rangers winning the World Series and bringing the trophy here to Arlington.”
“I’ll make sure we bring the Commissioner’s Trophy.”
“The upcoming seasons are truly something to look forward to.”

The two of them clinked their champagne glasses together lightly.
The crystal glasses produced a clear, resonant chime that echoed softly through the sky box.
After taking a sip of the finest French champagne and setting down his glass, Seok-won looked at Governor Gallant, whose expression radiated satisfaction, and spoke.

“Though belated, I wish to congratulate you on your decisive reelection victory in last year’s gubernatorial race.”
“Ha ha ha. Thank you.”

Richard Gallant, who had defeated the incumbent Democratic governor and won the 1994 Texas gubernatorial election, secured his reelection bid last November with an overwhelming 64% of the vote, decisively crushing his opponent.

“I hear you garnered substantial support not only from your existing base but also from African Americans and Hispanic voters with strong Democratic leanings. It’s clear just how popular you are as governor throughout Texas.”

Governor Gallant’s face broke into a smile as he offered a humble demurral.

“To repay such overwhelming support, I must work even harder going forward.”
“During my preliminary investigation into acquiring the Rangers, I learned of how you overcame considerable opposition and obstruction during your first term to fulfill the promises you made to voters—reforming public school financing and restructuring the tax system. I was deeply impressed.”

As Seok-won praised his accomplishments, the corners of Governor Gallant’s mouth naturally lifted.

“I believe your efforts as governor were reflected in the vote totals from the election.”
“I’m simply grateful that voters recognized my hard work and gave me another opportunity to serve.”

Seok-won leaned forward slightly and spoke in a measured tone.

“I believe that someone like you—responsible and committed to fulfilling your duties without regard for personal comfort—rather than the empty-talking politicians in Washington, should become the next occupant of the White House.”

Governor Gallant, whose shoulders had been held high, could not conceal his bewilderment at this unexpected turn in the conversation.

“I appreciate the high regard, but the White House? That’s absurd.”

He attempted to brush it off with a laugh as a joke, but Seok-won’s demeanor remained serious.

“President Davidson came perilously close to impeachment over Zippergate, and Republican Speaker Sabitz, who vehemently condemned infidelity, was himself exposed as having an illegitimate child—a tremendous embarrassment. As a result, politicians across both parties have faced criticism for their hypocrisy and moral corruption.”
“….”
“By contrast, what could possibly make you—a devout Christian with an unblemished private life—inferior to the politicians in Washington?”

Governor Gallant, born into a prominent political family who enjoyed his friends and alcohol, had been a typical troublemaking young aristocrat during his university years, arrested while driving and losing his license while paying a $150 fine.
At one point, his severe alcohol addiction had nearly cost him his life when he collapsed after drinking.
But after meeting his current wife, he recognized his mistakes and underwent consistent rehabilitation, completely overcoming his alcoholism and dissolute lifestyle.
Despite his profligate youth, his redemption story—becoming a devout Christian through rehabilitation—resonated perfectly with conservative Texas values and greatly aided his political career.

‘Looking at that, he has a similar image to Amar Cuff—someone who once wandered through a phase of drug abuse but overcame it to become the first Black American president.’

Of course, there was a significant difference: one was born into a political dynasty whose father had served as president, while the other was a mixed-race Black man who grew up under his grandparents and became self-made.

“Even if you don’t run for president, I would like to be of some help, however modest, in your future political endeavors.”

Governor Gallant’s eyes lit up at the proposal, and he straightened his posture.

“Are you offering to sponsor my political career?”
“Yes, I am.”

There was a saying that elections ran on money, and indeed, money was an absolute necessity for anyone pursuing politics.
No matter how renowned the Gallant family was as a political dynasty in America or how wealthy they were from oil, the enormous costs incurred with each election were still a burden.
But when Seok-won, a titan of Wall Street and known as the world’s richest man, offered to become a patron, he couldn’t help but feel delighted.

“If you’re willing to do that, I’m truly grateful.”
“It’s an honor for me to be able to help someone of your caliber, Governor.”

Governor Gallant, having gained an unexpected and reliable patron, broke into a broad smile.
Then, with a voice full of warmth, he asked:

“Have you ever hunted wild boar?”
“I haven’t had the experience yet, but I’ve heard that in Texas they hunt using very wild methods.”
“Their numbers grow every year, reaching millions, and they wreak havoc on crops—the damage is substantial. That’s why hunting permits aren’t required year-round; we allow wild boar hunting without permits to help control the population.”
“I see.”

There was good reason why Texas conjured images of gun-wielding hunters.

“If you have time, why don’t we go to my ranch together next time and hunt wild boar?”
“Whenever you extend the invitation, I’m ready.”

At the straightforward reply, Governor Gallant burst into delighted laughter.

“I’m already looking forward to going hunting together!”

He raised his champagne glass and clinked it against mine, then drained it in one go.
Having successfully forged a connection with Governor Gallant, who would win next year’s presidential election and become the next occupant of the White House, I smiled warmly and brought the champagne glass to my lips.

‘I should practice shooting beforehand so I don’t embarrass myself during the wild boar hunt.’

I had spent a staggering $290 million to acquire a Major League Baseball franchise, creating a natural point of contact with Governor Gallant. Yet when I considered the benefits of maintaining an intimate relationship with the master of the White House—a figure wielding immense power—this investment seemed trivial by comparison.

‘And considering the rising value of a Major League franchise in the future, this is actually a sound investment.’

Beyond that, becoming the owner of a Major League Baseball team—one of the most popular and passionate professional sports in America—carried a significance that transcended mere wealth. It was a distinction that set me apart from being simply another wealthy magnate.
Seok-won sipped champagne alongside Governor Gallant, engaging in deep and wide-ranging conversation within an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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