Chapter 636

Charles went back to Tokyo with Lin Chi-ling. He wanted her around to help with translations since her Japanese was much better than his.

In the villa of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, Charles was sitting with Lin Chi-ling chatting when suddenly the doorbell rang.

"They're here. I'll get the door!" Lin Chi-ling got up from Charles' embrace and adjusted her clothes.

Then Kyoko Fukada, Haruka Ayase, and Keiko Kitagawa showed up together.

"Oni-san... Oni-chan..." They greeted.

Charles smiled and hugged them, noticing how well they were doing. "Kyoko, you're looking better than ever!"

Feeling her chest, Charles joked, "Your figure is quite impressive, Kyoko."

Kyoko Fukada leaned in and whispered in Charles' ear, "Oni-san, Haruka has the best figure among us, isn't she your favorite?"

"I love everyone," Charles hugged Kyoko Fukada and Haruka Ayase as they sat on the couch. Lin Chi-ling smiled and pulled Keiko Kitagawa aside, saying, "Recently, Keiko's been handling more and more in East Asia International, and she's been very helpful to President Okada!"

"Yeah, she's been in fewer productions lately," Haruka Ayase agreed.

Keiko Kitagawa shyly added, "I'm still learning, just doing some side work!"

"Take your time, Keiko. You might find that your seniors come to you for help someday," Charles said, kissing Haruka Ayase on the cheek.

...

In the evening, Charles took Lin Chi-ling to the Okura Hotel near Akasaka. "Charles, I'll wait for you in the room!"

Charles nodded and kissed her before heading to the meeting room where he had an appointment with the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, John Roos.

"Charles, welcome to Tokyo," John Roos greeted Charles with a hug, "I just attended a business networking event here!"

Charles smiled and nodded, sitting on the couch and taking the fine cigar John Roos offered.

Leaning back, Charles exhaled a puff of smoke. "This is a good time for an overseas trip."

"Indeed, it is. John Boehner just replaced Barbara Boxer as Speaker of the House," John Roos observed Charles's expression, noticing little change.

"But there's good news from this year. The House passed the Senate's healthcare reform bill with a vote of 219-212," Roos continued. "The final version of the bill will provide insurance to 32 million uninsured Americans, raising the national insurance coverage rate from 85% to about 95%."

"Obama's biggest accomplishment so far, though it falls short of his campaign promises. At least it's a significant achievement," Roos, appointed by Obama, was part of his team.

Charles nodded. "In this midterm election, the Democrats faced a massive defeat. Out of 435 seats, the Republicans increased their seats from 179 to 243, while the Democrats dropped from 256 to 192. The Republicans now hold the majority, winning 51 extra seats. This is the biggest win for the Republicans in the past 68 years. Since the House is controlled by the Republicans, it's only natural for them to hold the Speaker position."

Charles didn't feel much about Barbara Boxer losing the position. At least she remained the Democratic leader in the House and held a deputy position.

John Roos reminded, "Charles, although the Democrats hold the majority in the Senate, the House is now under Republican control, which will make things tough for Obama."

"So what?" Charles shook his head. "Economic recovery and job creation are the most important issues now. If he doesn't address those, the 2012 election will be even harder for him. Competence isn't as important as being open to suggestions. If he's too arrogant to listen, then it's hopeless."

John Roos furrowed his brow, "Are you planning to...?"

Charles waved dismissively. "No, Hollywood's liberalism doesn't align with conservative strategies. My influence in the entertainment industry and among feminists is significant. I wouldn't cripple myself, just maybe moderate a bit, not too far left. If Obama makes some progress in these two years, with Senate support, his chances of reelection in 2012 are high."

"Good, that's all I need to hear," John Roos, continuously supported by Charles, expected either to return to Washington or get appointed as an ambassador to the UK, France, or Germany after his tenure in Japan, which was what Charles hoped for.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.