American variety show: The Godfather, the Peace Ambassador, what the heck?

Chapter 77 Perhaps it's because of peace.
Luca concealed his murderous intent and stepped forward with a smile to greet and chat with Anthony.

"Casso, it's been so long since I've seen you. You didn't even come to my club's opening. I was thinking to myself, if Casso had come, hahaha, with his connections and status, he would definitely have brought a lot of business to my club."

“I’m out of town, Pigeon. With your face, you could just stand at the club entrance and wave, and you’d have as many customers as you want. Those women would fall in love with you like they’re addicted to drugs.”

The two embraced warmly, neither able to see whether the other was holding a knife.

Today's family meeting can be a negotiation or a resolution meeting.

Then Luca warmly greeted Pauli Cicero and the White Tiger.

Including Marigio, the family currently has only these four leaders.

Each gang leader brought his own close associates, all of whom were full members; there were no partners.

When White Tiger and his gang encountered Luca, they always felt a little scared. Even White Tiger was somewhat resistant to Luca getting close. This guy was a recognized top assassin. Wouldn't they be killed if they got too close?

Only after Luca had walked away did they realize that they were sweating profusely.

"That Pigeon guy is getting scarier and scarier," a member muttered. "I haven't heard anything about him killing anyone's whole family lately, so why is he so murderous? I'm really afraid he'll suddenly pull out a knife and kill me."

“I feel the same way. The brighter this guy’s smile, the more afraid I am that he’ll stab me in the back.”

"Can all of you handle the pigeon if you all attack together?" the white tiger asked them in a low voice.

The henchmen looked at each other in bewilderment.

Even if it's a sneak attack or assassination, there's no guarantee of success, right?
Seeing their cowardly behavior, the white tiger felt extremely frustrated.

A bunch of trash!
He had previously considered poaching Luca, but gave up on the idea.

The most powerful assassin in the family is actually that bastard Marigio's godson, and he even has more than ten years of upbringing with him. With that connection, there's no way to dig him out.

A powerful assassin with a knack for making money—the combination of "cash cow" and "gangster" makes him incredibly successful within the Mafia.

The white tiger was very envious of Marigio. How could he be so lucky? He actually poured holy water on Luca's head when Luca was born.

If it weren't for Luca, would Marigio have been able to sell drugs so peacefully before? Otherwise, White Tiger would have taken all the business away long ago.

But this time, he's going to take back everything he's lost.

Soon after, the strategist Bartolo arrived at the villa and chaired a discussion.

The big boss still hasn't shown up.

Luca couldn't help but think of the Genovese family. Who was the head of their family had been a long-standing point of contention, and even other families were unsure who the real leader was.

They love to be clever and create things that are both real and unreal.

Fortunately, Luca knew exactly who it was.

Once the meeting began, power was allocated for some business deals, a scene reminiscent of dismembering Dominic's corpse.

Regarding business, besides drugs and casinos, the Lucchese family's biggest business is garbage recycling.

The Luches family monopolizes the entire garbage recycling business in New York City—this business requires little negotiation; everyone manages their own "garbage" within their own territory.

Then came the allocation of other small businesses, which went on until the casino business came into play.

New York's local casinos, and the "cake" in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is a large operation involving numerous mafia families across the country, such as the Chicago family and the Bufalino family of Pennsylvania.

They embezzled hundreds of millions of dollars from various labor unions, cultivated relationships with the local government, and pooled their resources to invest in and build a casino in the middle of a desert.

Initially, it was just because gambling was legal there, and they wanted to open a hotel and casino to launder money through the gambling industry. Nobody expected it would later become a world-famous gambling city.

This has boosted the economy and created numerous jobs, and generated countless votes.
Bartolo said, "The biggest gang in Las Vegas is currently controlled by a partner of the Chicago family. That guy is too brutal and has killed countless people, which has aroused the dissatisfaction of the local police. He has caused too much trouble, and the committee also thinks he is a menace and has the idea of ​​getting rid of him."

He was merely a low-level partner in the Mafia, yet he amassed a gang and acted with impunity in Las Vegas because the Mafia was backing him up.

The group of mafia bosses hiding in the shadows prefer to sit back and collect money rather than get their hands dirty.

Looking around, Bartolo asked, "Is anyone interested in getting involved? I can speak to the committee; Las Vegas needs stable order."

“It’s too far, I’m not getting involved.” Marigio was the first to withdraw, focusing his energy on the gasoline tax, where the profit margin was much higher than in other businesses.

"You don't even want money that's free?" Anthony stared at Margio with a half-smile.

“That area is all desert, not suitable for long-term residence,” Marigio sneered. “I prefer to live in a coastal city and enjoy the Atlantic monsoon.”

Bartolo looked at Luca. "Peace Ambassador, don't you want to go and maintain peace?"

Luca: "My club has only recently opened, and I'm still needed to oversee some things here."

Bartolo nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

In the end, nobody wanted to get involved. Even Anthony didn't want to go. Everyone knew that since he was so powerful in New York, why would he want to go to Las Vegas and cause a bloodbath?
There's more money there, but also more trouble.

Luca did have some ideas, but he had other things to do and didn't have time to go.

The group continued their discussion.

In the end, they discussed the distribution of the drug deal.

"Galant has taken refuge in Philadelphia."

Bartolo's words immediately lifted everyone's spirits: "He tried to reconcile with the committee, but many people still insist on executing him! We're not killing him just because of the drug business. Galant is a penny-pincher who doesn't want to share with us. Only when he's dead can our five families do business together peacefully."

Everyone, including Luca, had no objections. Luca supported the execution of Galant, but the drug trade was a different matter.
"I quit."

Marigio's words drew the attention of others, which was beyond their expectations.

Bartolo frowned: "Give me a reason."

If the subordinates don't do it, how much less tribute will they receive?
Marigio pulled out his prepared excuses, using reasons such as helping his nephew Luca manage the club and run the casino business. Then he abruptly changed the subject:
"I can hand over the drug business, including the markets and distribution channels I manage, but White Tiger wants your jewelry business in exchange. From now on, you can focus on drug trafficking, and we'll handle the other businesses. Let's keep things peaceful, how about that?"

The white tiger was a little conflicted about the "harmony is paramount" policy, as the jewelry business was one he had independently developed.

He had a group of professional thieves and robbers working under his command, robbing jewelry stores and armored vehicles. He also bribed people inside the businesses and planted moles within them.

Theft, robbery, switching, smuggling. Jewelry resources are acquired through a series of means and then transferred to black market middlemen or "buyers".

He had already established channels and built a network of relationships. Handing all of this over would be a painful blow to White Tiger.

However, the jewelry business is all about making one big profit at a time. He doesn't own any minerals, so his supply is unstable. On the other hand, the drug business has a stable supply chain through the Bonanno family, and there's never a shortage of market demand, making it much more profitable.
Greed was stirring within him.

White Tiger thought for a moment and said, "Let's discuss this privately. Anyway, it's just the two of us in the family doing it. Do the others here want to participate?"

Paul remained silent, while Anthony shook his head.

It's still the same as always.

Bartolo had no objection. Whether the business was run by two people or merged, it didn't matter, as long as the money was paid on time.

Towards the end of the conversation, the topic of succession for the position of second boss finally came up.

Bartolo had a well-thought-out plan: "All of you commanders are the people the big boss trusts the most. He has high expectations for each of you and doesn't want to disappoint anyone. The position of second boss can't remain vacant forever. The family needs someone to coordinate things."

He decided to give everyone a fair chance. Two months later, Joe Colombo will convene the Second Annual Italian-American Convention!
Other families in New York will also be involved.

During this period, whoever can bring more benefits to the family will gain the approval of the big boss!
The big boss will announce the next Under Boss at the banquet!

This decision elicited varying expressions from the several leaders present. After a brief moment of thought, everyone applauded in support.

Luca thought to himself that the big boss really knew how to pick his time, choosing the day his boss in Colombo was shot.

On one side, the old king is stepping down, and on the other side, a new one is taking the throne?

The meeting ended two hours later.

SSR Club.

Pauli Cicero did not visit Mariggio first, but went directly to Luca.

"I didn't expect you guys would actually be willing to give up drugs."

"Given the current situation in New York, the drug trade is not as easy as it used to be. The trouble from the police is far greater than before, and once caught, the sentence is heavier than before."

The two people at the bar clinked glasses.

Luca glanced at Pauli's expression and thought to himself that this guy really neither sold nor used drugs, and his status as an anti-drug ambassador was of no use to him at all.

“This is not Marigio’s style.”

Paul scoffed. "I've known him for decades, and I've advised him to stop dealing drugs more than once, but he never listens to me. I know him. The trouble with the police is no reason for him to give up. He's the kind of person who would sell drugs even if he were in jail!"

Luca penalized himself with half a cup, indicating his agreement; Mariggio's business style was indeed rather unrestrained.

Paul: "The only person in this world who could persuade him to give up the drug business is you, Pigeon. I can't think of anyone else."

Luca smiled faintly: "Isn't this what you expected?"

"So what do you plan to use to compete for the second boss position? Without the drug business, what will Marigio do? Run the club and casino with you? Or take over White Tiger's jewelry business?"

"Let's do some business within our capabilities."

Luca's suspense didn't pique Pauli's curiosity. He took a sip of his drink and said in a low voice, "But you shouldn't have given the business to White Tiger. He'll take over all the family's drug business, and no one will be able to stop him! Do you want to see a drug lord running the family business?"
Drugs can destroy a family!
The Bonano family fell apart because of rampant drug trafficking, with the entire family involved in drug dealing.
"Pigeon, I know you don't deal drugs. If you, like me, are proud of your family's honor, you should stop the White Tiger's family from dominating and prevent him from taking power!"

Pauli's voice grew louder and louder, but Luca didn't care at all, just smiled and took a sip of his drink.

He thought to himself that Paul probably supported Dominic's death, because Paul also disliked the drug dealer's second boss.

Poly's decision not to traffic drugs is not due to a lack of ability, nor is it out of kindness or concern for innocent people being harmed by drugs.

Poly was simply afraid that if his subordinates and allies were arrested and sentenced to heavy prison terms, the police would exploit a loophole, causing the law of silence to fail and implicating him.

I'm an old man, I don't want to die in prison.

"What family honor?" Luca smiled faintly, but judging by actions rather than intentions, Pauli didn't touch it, and that's that.

Luca hopes he will maintain this approach; otherwise, can the old man withstand the aura of being a drug ambassador?
"How can I stop the white tiger from taking power?"

Luca sighed, "Maligio and I surrendered the drugs voluntarily, which means we're admitting defeat and giving in. Maligio will negotiate with the White Tiger later, and once the White Tiger takes over, he'll give us some preferential treatment."

White Tiger is the most senior gangster, and Bartolo also admires him; we can't compete with him.

"Poly, perhaps you could proactively try to curry favor with White Tiger. You don't deal drugs, but as long as you can make money, White Tiger won't give you the cold shoulder once he takes power."

To curry favor with that motherfucker?

Paul's expression immediately darkened, and he picked up his wine glass to hide his embarrassment.

What a bunch of trash! The peace ambassador and Marigio are both useless. Their so-called relinquishment of the drug trade is just a way of admitting defeat and bowing down?
To side with the White Tiger? To willingly hand over the White Tiger to power?

Paul quickly analyzed the pros and cons in his mind. If the situation continued to develop, he would have no chance of becoming the second boss because Anthony and White Tiger also had a good relationship.

Anthony is a "gangster" and White Tiger is a "cash cow." The two started working together a long time ago.

And then there's the cowardly pigeon and Marígio.
Paul suddenly felt despair.

Perhaps it was because of the alcohol, but in his hazy state, he seemed to see the white tiger's face, which gradually transformed into the dead Dominic.

How to do?
When it comes to making money, what business can compare to drugs?
How should we suppress the white tiger?

A subtle murderous intent gradually accumulated in Poly's eyes.

At this moment, Luca suddenly said, "Our family's drug business has never been particularly good. The Bonano family used to be the most powerful in the drug business, followed by John Gaudi of the Gambino family."
Marigio mentioned this person to me. He said that if White Tiger had Marigio's help, his business should be able to surpass Gaudi's and seize more market share.

Luca glanced at the Silver Queen on the counter, seemingly unintentionally. "Paul, we need to look at this from a different angle. If White Tiger makes the drug business the biggest in New York, even surpassing Gaudi and the original Blue Magic, our family's power will also rise, won't it? You'll get even more benefits then."

"Poly, I think we should support the White Tiger!"

"You actually expect the White Tiger to give you benefits? Pigeon, you're just as stupid as Marigio. The drug business you handed over will only make the White Tiger more arrogant, and he'll turn around and devour you. I regret coming here for drinks today. I thought if you didn't deal drugs, you'd be on my side."

"I simply made the wisest choice."

"That's weakness! Not wisdom!"

With a cold laugh, Poly finished his drink, lost all interest in conversation, and got up to leave.

"Pigeon, is the peace you've always defended just about letting drug lords rule your family? Do you live up to your nickname?"

Poly's retreating figure was desolate yet resolute: "This time, you have truly disappointed me greatly."

Luca remained silent, waving his hand to signal the bartender to make another cocktail.

A wine glass was handed to Luca; the wine was as red as blood, reflecting his face, which wore a faint smile.

The assassin chose to use money to peacefully rise to power, while others used the money to buy guns.

Poly bumped into Jimmy, whom he hadn't seen in a long time, at the hotel entrance.

Pauline, in his fifties, is already old, and Jimmy, in his forties, has also grown gray hair.

"Jimmy, you've been with Pigeon for almost half a year now. What makes you so reluctant to leave and not want to go back to see me even once? Have you made a lot of money here?"

"It's not just about money."

Jimmy held a watering can and watered the old pigeon's silver queen. "Perhaps it's because of the peace, the atmosphere here makes me feel very safe."

Peace?

How can cowardly actions bring peace?!

Only by taking war into our own hands can we achieve peace!

Poly scoffed and walked out the door.

Without the Silver Queen's suppression, the murderous intent in his chest grew even stronger.

Paul recalled his glorious past, when he was the most notorious gangster in the Lucchese family.

(End of this chapter)