I was acting crazy in North America, and all the crazy people there took it seriously.

Chapter 15 A Harmonious Gang Meeting
Donald's demands boil down to one word—reducing the power of regional princes and centralizing authority!

In this regard, there are too many historical examples to refer to from the history of a certain ancient Eastern country!
However, considering Donald's intelligence, he might not be able to handle overly complicated operations, so Logan chose the classic operation of the loyal Emperor Taizu of Song, who was right next to him on his bedside—releasing military power over a cup of wine.

After listening, Donald offered a kindergarten-level interpretation: "So, you're saying that by offering your underlings a drink and having them cry, you can force them to hand over power?"

Richard rolled his eyes. "That's just a formality!"

"Logan is saying that you can use coercion and inducement to force the other families to relinquish power by promising to protect their interests!"

"This is a good idea. It won't completely break ties, nor will it severely damage Aibang. I think it's feasible."

Donald nodded thoughtfully, though it was unclear whether he truly understood.

Logan continued, "What happens after you relinquish military power, uh, take it back?"

"And then?" Donald's eyes were crystal clear.

What else can happen? Under his leadership, they'll sell alcohol like crazy and expand their territory, right?
Logan covered his forehead. "I knew it."

"I mean, how do you plan to organize and manage the entire Irish gang?"

In Logan's view, the current Irish gangs, well, including the Mafia, are no different from a bunch of thugs who are always shouting for violence.

In fact, before Prohibition, they were all considered by the American police to be “insignificant Irish/Italian thugs” who made a living by collecting protection money and petty robberies and thefts.

Prohibition provided an opportunity for "thugs" to become true "godfathers".

The Italians are undoubtedly the ones who do this best.

Historically, the Mafia's ability to leave its mark on history is undoubtedly due to seizing opportunities to organize a relatively tight management structure and extend its reach into other industries.

The Irish gang has never amounted to much, and Logan had never even heard of Donald, so he must be far inferior to Al Capone.

Richard, who had just gone through the process of transforming a makeshift organization into a formal newspaper, immediately understood: "That's right, you need to establish a strict hierarchy and implement top-down management."

Logan further explained, "You can build a strict pyramid-shaped gang, centered around the family."

"The core leadership team consists of O'Connor's family members and your confidants. The business and territory are divided according to hierarchy, with different small bosses leading their subordinates. They compete and check each other through the distribution of benefits, thereby ensuring the stability of the gang organization."

Logan has watched quite a few gangster movies. Although movies are more dramatic than real life, they are still rooted in real life.

These "successful" models, proven by both Italians and Japanese counterparts, are not nonsense.

This industry has its own unique characteristics, and a high degree of trust is the cornerstone, so Logan did not advise Donald to mess around.

Donald, who joined the army during World War I and rose to the rank of sergeant, finally understood what was going on.

Now, whether it's the O'Connor family or any of the other families, they basically just point and shout "Follow me!" They assign business to whoever they like, and there's no performance evaluation mechanism.

Logan wanted him to develop the gang in a way that made it as disciplined as the military.

"That makes sense, that makes perfect sense!"

Donald nodded hurriedly, "You're right, this mess definitely needs to be changed."

Donald immediately drew inspiration from military organization and thought, "We need to establish unquestionable ironclad rules, hmm, gang regulations."

"The O'Connor family had some rules: family members must be respected; fratricide is forbidden; robbery is prohibited..."

"However, this doesn't form a complete system. I think we should at least add the following: no leaking gang secrets; no embezzling property... and most importantly, that anyone who betrays the gang will suffer a terrible death."

Richard slapped his thigh hard: "That's right! We also need professional support! We need an intelligence department to be responsible for gathering and collecting intelligence."

Logan was taken aback when he heard this.

Believe it or not, it's no joke that gangs have intelligence organizations.

It is said that Al Capone had a network of informants serving the Mafia, with members involved in every inconspicuous but essential profession in Chicago, such as brothel madams, bartenders, hotel waiters, restaurant doormen, taxi drivers, and even beggars...

His ability to eliminate opponents quickly, ruthlessly, and accurately to achieve his goals is largely due to the organization's efforts.

It is said that the CIA, FBI and other intelligence agencies in the United States have learned from this organization. Logan did not know if it was true or not, but Richard himself could think of this, which made him sigh that it was really "like attracts like".

Logan immediately chimed in, “Richard is right!”

"In addition to intelligence, you should also hire senior legal and financial advisors to help Aibang handle legal and financial matters."

"This not only helps you launder your income smoothly, but also helps you get connected with some powerful backers. I have to say, this determines how far Aibang can go in America!"

Upon hearing this, Richard couldn't help but glance at Logan sideways, thinking to himself, "You're wasting your cunning mind by not joining a gang!"

Then he added, "There's one more thing we absolutely must not forget: we must constantly brainwash the members of the gang!"

He became more and more enthusiastic as he spoke, gesturing wildly as if he were sketching out an invisible blueprint.
"When you join the Love Gang, you have to swear allegiance to the gang. After you join, the brainwashing can't stop. It has to be brainwashed until they have a high degree of respect for you, and are even willing to risk their lives for you!"

Logan's mouth dropped open slightly as he listened.

He glanced at Richard again and again, thinking to himself, "You old bastard, it's a waste of your ruthless talent not to join the Love Gang."

As for Donald...

Donald struggled to raise his hand and rubbed his throbbing temples hard.

He was completely dumbfounded!
He kept asking himself: Am I really trying to organize and manage a gang instead of a country? I don't think so, do I?

Damn, even the military isn't this insane!
So you two are such a waste of talent not to join the federal government!

Finally, when Logan concluded with a resounding statement, "A truly successful gang possesses a rigorous organizational structure, comprehensive rules and regulations, a strong management style, a sustainable profit model that keeps pace with the times, and a powerful background that allows for mutual checks and balances!"

Donald was completely numb!

But soon a surge of passion welled up inside him, breaking through his astonishment and shock.

It is no longer a simple act of violent conquest, nor a struggle for petty gains.

Logan and Richard envisioned an underground empire with a strict hierarchy, professional teams, an all-encompassing intelligence network, iron discipline, and even a faith!
If the "chosen one" prophecy brought by the master gave him confidence and faith, then these two people in front of him, these two strategists, outlined the prophecy for him.

He straightened his back, his blood boiling with excitement.

"Oh, God!"

Donald's voice was hoarse with excitement. He suddenly opened his arms as if to embrace the whole world. "You must be angels sent to my side by the Dark Force! You shouldn't be running a newspaper! You should join us!" He was so excited that he was incoherent. His huge hand slammed heavily on Richard's shoulder, making him stagger.

Logan dodged the slap that was coming down.

He exchanged a glance with Richard, who was grimacing in pain, and thought to himself—this guy seems to have been given too much pep talk; he's completely out of his mind!

……

Yes, Donald really got carried away!

He immediately demonstrated that while his brain might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, his execution ability was absolutely phenomenal.

On this night when the chaos had not yet subsided, he immediately decided to summon the heads of several other families of the Irish gang to his villa under the pretext of "Mafia activity" to discuss matters and made some arrangements.

The leaders, alerted by the several fires, had no suspicions and arrived at the O'Connor family's villa one after another.

The sprightly old Casavetti, the obese old Mason, the sinister-looking old Cortena, and the amiable old Buono sat unceremoniously on either side of the long table.

Donald walked in, his overly tailored black suit stretched taut over his muscular frame, like a layer of black armor.

“O’Connor’s son, you said the Italians are planning to frame us Irish for the fire, what exactly is going on?” Old Mason asked on the spot.

"Yes, just how serious is the situation that you had to invite a few old guys like us here overnight?"

Donald walked to the head seat, cleared his throat, and gave a warm smile. “Uncles and elders, let’s put aside the fire set by the Italians for now. I invited you all here not for anything else, but for the future of all Irish people in Chicago.”

He tried to recall the words of the Logan Church: "I believe that in the current environment, breaking down traditional barriers and achieving resource sharing is in line with the trend of historical development and will greatly improve the operational efficiency and competitiveness of Irish gangs."

"Therefore, I hope to reach a consensus with everyone, establish a unified leadership mechanism with me at its core, clearly define the jurisdiction of the area, improve collaborative efficiency through professional division of labor, and allow the Irish underground business to enter a new stage of mutually beneficial development!"

Aside from a glint of shrewdness in old Casavetti's eyes, the other three: ...

Old Mason slammed his fist on the table. "What the hell are you spouting, you little brat?!"

Donald mentally grumbled about Logan's unreliability—yes, these strange ideas were all Logan's enthusiastic suggestions to demonstrate his depth as a leader.

Show me what a load of crap, these boorish people can't even understand what I'm saying.

Donald remained unperturbed, maintaining his warm smile.

"Simply put, from now on, all the Irish gang's territory, businesses, and manpower will be under my unified management! You all just focus on counting your money and enjoying yourselves; I'll handle the fighting and killing!"

The room suddenly fell silent.

The group finally understood and could hardly believe their ears.

"Are you trying to take over our territory? Hahaha..."

Old Mason laughed so hard his fat jiggled. "Keep dreaming! Back when I was fighting for territory with knives on the streets, you were still nursing in your mother's arms!"

Old Kurtney's face was grim, his voice like sandpaper scraping: "O'Connor, kid, do you think we old folks are all senile? Just enjoying our retirement? You're trying to take over the Irish gang for yourself, aren't you?!"

Even the seemingly approachable old Buono chuckled and said, "Donald, aren't you being a bit too ambitious?"

Only old Casaveti narrowed his eyes slightly and remained silent.

Donald remained unperturbed, sighed, and stopped talking nonsense. He raised his right hand and gave three crisp claps.

The heavy oak door was smashed open with a loud bang!

A dozen or so burly figures filed in, all dressed in black suits, expressionless, carrying Thompson submachine guns, the dark muzzles pointed directly at the old men.

The laughter stopped abruptly.

Donald slowly stood up, his massive body casting a menacing shadow under the light, completely enveloping the long table.

"Gentlemen, times have changed!"

“The Italians have already started to move. If we don’t integrate our resources and manage them efficiently, we’ll be eaten up by them.”

“I, Donald O’Connor, swear to God that I will guarantee your family’s long-lasting wealth; and those who do not wish to share in the wealth are the Judas of Ireland, and need not leave this room.”

"I've finished speaking. Who agrees? Who disagrees?"

The others looked as if they had been fed excrement.

After a while, old Casavetti closed his eyes, then opened them, stared at Donald, and asked, "What do you want us to do?"

Donald looked at old Casavetti with appreciation and calmly said, "I would like you to invite young Casavetti over."

He looked around at the other three and then said, "The same goes for you all. Please ask your juniors to come over here."

“You…” Old Kurtney’s face became even more sinister.

Arresting the old is not enough, you're not even letting the young ones go, are you!

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to wipe them out. I invited people of the same age over here to discuss everyone's place in the new Irish gang."

“After all,” Donald said with a smile, “new faces bring new beginnings!”

"As for my uncles and aunts, you'll have to make do for now. I've already prepared rooms for you, and you may have to stay at the O'Connor's house for a while longer."

He spoke in the most gentle and refined tone, saying the words the four of them least wanted to hear.

Seeing the old guys so angry they wanted to flip the table, but were too afraid to move because of the gun pointed at them, Donald felt a great sense of satisfaction!
Logan said that if "releasing military power over a cup of wine" didn't work, there was always "the Feast at Hongmen"—one of them would work, and he was right!

The wisdom of this ancient Eastern country is truly remarkable. It's said to have a history of five thousand years; it's a truly admirable and awe-inspiring nation. Hmm, I should learn more from them in the future.

……

On that night in Chicago, shaken by the fires, Logan and I, with our foresight, pointed out the direction for optimizing the Irish underground industry, which became a great program and important milestone in the development of the Irish organization!

—Excerpt from Richard Hudson's autobiography, Amusing Ourselves to Death, published in 1959, 2.

On the same night, representatives from several Irish families held a consultative meeting in a united, harmonious, and pragmatic atmosphere. All parties exchanged views fully and unanimously agreed to establish a new type of cooperative relationship!

—Excerpt 3.

(End of this chapter)