Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 252: David Koch]

"However..." The guard was caught between a rock and a hard place.

"If there's an issue, just let my dad come to me," Ivanka said coldly.

Reluctantly, the guard stepped aside, and Ryan sauntered into Mar-a-Lago.

"Still busy with work?" Ivanka surveyed Ryan, speaking slowly, her expression blank.

"A lot of artists have been coming to Florida lately," Ryan explained.

Ivanka nodded. "Can you join me for a walk?"

Of course, Ryan wouldn't refuse, and the two strolled across the lush lawns of Mar-a-Lago.

...

"Pregnant women shouldn't be flying back and forth; why not stay here? It'll be easier for me to come and see you," Ryan suggested.

Ivanka was noncommittal; it was clear that she felt somewhat lost at that moment. Though she had made up her mind to have the baby, she didn't know how to face others, including her parents, and... Ryan's fiancee.

"No, I'll only be here for a little while. Staying here would just complicate things for you, especially since your house is so close. It'll be too awkward if I run into Taylor," Ivanka said.

"When the child grows up, I will tell him or her who the father is. As for the last name, I will use mine," Ivanka resolved to raise the child alone.

"I think it would be better if you stay here; the weather is nice," Ryan replied. "If you really don't want to live here, you can find a house nearby. I'll arrange for a couple of caregivers to take care of you, so you can relax and focus on the baby."

"Thanks... I..." Ivanka hesitated.

"You're all alone, without the support of your parents, and pregnant -- doing anything is inconvenient. What I'm doing is for both the child and for you," Ryan said, looking at Ivanka.

After some thought, Ivanka eventually nodded, agreeing to Ryan's suggestion.

"If you want to stay fit, go to that gym we talked about, but don't do anything too strenuous."

"How's the food here? I certainly don't want my baby going hungry. Should I get you a personal chef for pregnancy meals?"

"Your child won't starve; can't you see I've put on some weight?" Ivanka lifted her chin.

"Really? I thought you looked even hotter than before," Ryan said, looking her up and down.

"I swear my belly has grown."

"Then I have to feel it." Ryan raised his hand jokingly.

Before Ivanka could refuse, Ryan naturally wrapped his arms around her from behind, his hands resting on her waist and leaning close to her cheek.

"Go back to your sweetheart Taylor; let go of me... Those gardeners are watching; they'll report to my dad, and then you'll be in trouble," Ivanka protested lightly, trying to pull away.

"Once the baby comes, you'll be my wife. Taylor will be the older one and you will be the younger one," Ryan plotted their future.

"The law forbids it."

"Florida still doesn't allow the possession of contraband. Do you think other nightclubs have less going on? I'm the one who sets the rules here," Ryan countered.

"Let go of me." Ivanka pried at Ryan's arms still wrapped around her waist.

"Then you have to agree to my terms first."

"I won't; I can still raise the baby without you." Ivanka shook her head.

"A child needs a father figure. Just look at those kids without one."

"That's not your concern; I will hire the best teachers and send the child to the best schools."

"I still don't feel comfortable letting this go."

After Ryan's persistent insistence, Ivanka finally frowned and shot him a glare.

"I only agreed to this because of the child."

"Whatever you think, sister." Ryan laughed, releasing her.

...

The two proceeded to the dining room, where other members were present. Mar-a-Lago resembled a resort, frequently visited by members for leisure, and also served as a social venue.

"That old guy really doesn't act his age." Ryan noticed an elderly man seated at a nearby table with three stunning women, their elegance and figures eclipsing Hollywood starlets.

Ivanka turned, immediately taking Ryan's hand and leading him toward the older man.

"Don't say anything stupid; I'm just going to greet him," Ivanka whispered.

She approached the man with a smile plastered on her face. "Uncle Koch."

Koch?!!!

The super-rich, oil magnate, a financial powerhouse behind the tea party movement, a significant donor!

"Ivanka? I remember the last time we met, you were still in college," the bespectacled elder smiled, taking Ivanka's hand warmly.

"Let me introduce you; this is Ryan Rivers, a musician," Ivanka said to Uncle Koch.

The old man then shifted his attention to Ryan. "I remember that name; Donald told me it was you who got Jeffrey to spill the beans? You're quite clever."

It was Ryan who helped the tea party secure the draft of the reinvestment bill.

"Just got lucky," Ryan nodded.

"Really? I heard you borrowed my name?" David Koch casually remarked. "You're the first to be so bold in years. Now the Democratic Party is excluding oil from the investment bill, all thanks to you."

Instantly, Ryan felt his spine tingle, but he maintained his composure. "The tea party is attracting too much attention nowadays."

"So you think this is self-inflicted?" David Koch's smile remained.

Seeing this, Ivanka quickly interjected, defending Ryan. "Ryan might have been a bit reckless, but he was just eager to assist you; he's not powerful enough to provoke the Democrats against you."

"Uncle Koch, you've known me since I was little; you have to forgive him for my sake," Ivanka said, naturally wrapping her arm around Ryan's.

David Koch didn't reply, seemingly waiting for Ryan's response.

"I think it's a fundamental conflict; you want Congress to favor domestic industries, but the Democrats are in control, and the internationalists have more power now," Ryan expressed slowly.

"Oh, do tell," David Koch seemed intrigued, gesturing to the seats beside him.

So Ryan and Ivanka joined him at the table.

Ryan continued, "Take me for example; I'm in the music industry, a prime example of globalization. Practitioners come from all over -- Europeans, African Americans, Asians, Latinos, with more than half of sales occurring outside the U.S. Hollywood is the same. If I were a record label owner, I would want the U.S. trade agreements to emphasize copyright. Meanwhile, I would project an 'open' attitude publicly and sign some foreigners, or even acquire local record companies to expand into foreign markets. Some industries operate similarly; this so-called globalization involves an American-led global supply chain, with Americans providing funding, controlling core technologies, and reaping maximum profits.

However, for other sectors like real estate, healthcare, and petrochemicals, the demands often conflict severely with those in the music industry. They might seek to establish trade barriers, limit imports, and become more 'closed,' creating an irreconcilable contradiction that can only result in compromise."

David Koch maintained his smile as he listened. "You make valid points, but your viewpoint is too narrow; the reality is much more complex."

"How old are you?" Koch asked suddenly.

"Twenty."

"I initially didn't deny that your actions were at my suggestion, but now I think it might have been the right choice. I won't deny it from now on," David Koch said, looking at Ryan.

No wonder Jeffrey had been so accommodating back then... Ryan suddenly realized something.

"What songs did you sing?" David Koch suddenly asked.

"You probably wouldn't like them," Ryan replied.

"Is it because I'm out of touch? I admit that, but I still want to try. I want to see if you're as talented as others say," David Koch nodded enthusiastically.

"If you need, I can perform live for you."

Koch nodded. "Maybe you can do more than just play pop music."

He then looked at Ivanka. "I ordered a lot of Spanish seafood; can you eat it?"

Ivanka understood his implication and promptly responded, "We don't want to interrupt you."

Koch replied, "Indeed, you two lovebirds might feel uncomfortable in front of this old man."

...

After leaving David Koch's table, the two returned to their own seats.

"He seems to really like you. I'm surprised you, a singer, are so thoughtful about these things," Ivanka remarked, her face lighting up.

"At least that's not a bad sign," Ryan replied.

Soon, the food started arriving at the table. Ivanka was mainly eating eggs, beans, lean meat, spinach, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

"I can't eat anymore; today's nutrition is abundant, and you'll have to help me digest later," Ivanka said shaking her head.

"Maybe you should return to manage the company," Ryan suggested, as Ivanka was the most suitable candidate available.

"Now you see my worth?" Ivanka beamed.

"If you are too idle, it will affect the development of the fetus. Besides, I will feel more at ease if you go over and take charge of the overall situation."

"I knew you wouldn't leave me." Ivanka said proudly.

...

After finishing dinner and taking another walk with Ivanka, they returned to her room at Mar-a-Lago, finally opening up to each other.

"I guess even if you hadn't gotten pregnant, you would have come back to me, right?" Ryan guessed.

Blushing, Ivanka didn't deny it.

"Since you get pregnant so easily, maybe you should have a few more for me," Ryan said.

"Okay." Ivanka tightened her embrace around Ryan.

...

The next morning, Ryan left Mar-a-Lago, where the same guards from last night were still on duty. Ryan informed them that he would return again tonight, leaving amid their furious gazes.

Back at the office, Ryan first called Teresa, who was still managing the company, asking her to come back tomorrow as more and more stars were arriving in Florida.

For example, today's visitor was Katy Perry, sporting a bizarre blue-violet retro wavy hairstyle and oversized plastic-framed sunglasses, looking like she'd stepped out of a cheap cartoon.

Accompanying her was producer Dr. Luck, a man with a scruffy beard and a somewhat sinister demeanor. His entourage included another woman: blonde with a nose ring, heavy smoky makeup, and clothing intentionally tattered, her stockings riddled with holes.

"Ha! Ryan Rivers! Come here, give me a hug!" Katy Perry exclaimed excitedly, bouncing on her toes, immediately extending her arms to Ryan.

Seeing Ryan's lack of intention to rise, she quickly walked around the desk. "You want me to come over?"

Ryan sighed, standing up. When he embraced her, he was surprised to feel her hands wander to places they shouldn't.

"You are so freaking strong, look at those arms!" Katy marveled, exaggerating her shock.

Ryan chuckled, knowing it was a playful moment. Naturally, he returned the "favor" by wrapping his arm around her waist and giving a playful squeeze that surprised her.

Katy let out a shriek and pushed Ryan's arm away. "If you keep this up, I'll call the cops!"

"You started it; you can't bite back now," Ryan laughed.

"You're the one benefiting more," Katy shot back with a glare.

Luke, trying to ease the awkwardness, cleared his throat and took the initiative to shake hands with Ryan.

They exchanged small talk and hollow compliments, praising one another.

"By the way, Ryan, I know this might sound abrupt... could you... put her..." Luke gestured toward the young blonde, "on the warm-up roster?"

"Why are you being so abrupt? Ryan, you really screwed me over this time with that awful time slot! As repayment, wouldn't it be fair if you arrange a newcomer for me?" Katy complained.

Previously, Ryan had agreed to conditions to bring her on board, but now he was regretting it.

"The popularity of the carnival is beyond imagination, with too many stars joining. I can't control that. If you feel it's inappropriate, we can cancel your act with no penalty fee," Ryan said, somewhat evasively.

"If you had this attitude from the start, I wouldn't have bothered. Now that I'm here, what can I do?" Katy pouted, clearly frustrated.

"As for the warm-up acts, they're already confirmed; unless that lady knocks my socks off, I can consider it." Ryan glanced at the disheveled-looking woman.

"I promise you'll love her!" Luke nodded toward the girl.

The woman immediately started singing -- Flo Rida's hit song Right Round.

Ryan initially thought of leaving it alone but instantly changed his tune when he heard her voice.

It was as if her voice came pre-equipped with an effect; smooth, high, piercing -- it was divine.

"What's your name?" Ryan asked, curious.

"Kesha," the girl replied, half-awake.

Ryan realized she was one of the creators of Right Round and had sung on the track.

"I could describe your voice as stunning, but sorry, even if you had come a week earlier, it wouldn't guarantee a warm-up slot," Ryan ultimately shook his head.

She met the warm-up criteria easily, but Ryan wanted to understand what her relationship was with Katy Perry and Luke before moving forward.

At this moment, Ryan was already contemplating signing her.

*****

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