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Chapter 29: Picking Sides Is an Art
Congressman Murphy's promise ignited the crowd's enthusiasm.
The workers erupted in louder cheers than ever before.
They rushed onto the stage, surrounding Murphy and Leo.
The journalists' flashbulbs captured this historic moment.
A seasoned congressman struggling in politics for years and a young activist just starting out shook hands tightly, surrounded by workers.
This photo made the front page of The Pittsburgh Chronicle the next day.
The headline read: "Congressman Murphy Promises to Bring New Hope to Pittsburgh."
After the barbecue ended, Murphy’s chief of staff, a middle-aged man named Kevin, found Leo.
He politely invited Leo into a luxurious RV parked beside the park—Murphy’s mobile campaign office.
The door closed, shutting out all the noise from outside.
Here, there were no media cameras or voter cheers.
The real political deal began.
Congressman Murphy sat on the sofa, unbuttoned the collar of his work shirt, revealing an expensive silk undershirt underneath.
His smile had vanished. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and looked at Leo.
"Kid, your little performance today was clever," Murphy began, his voice low but each word heavy with pressure. "Forcing me onto that stage in front of everyone, giving me a choice I couldn’t refuse. Very smart, but also very foolish."
He took a sip of whiskey and tapped the bottom of the glass on the table.
"Don’t think posting a few tear-jerking videos online will get you anywhere in Washington. That stuff might fool voters, but it’s worthless in the real power game. That’s children throwing tantrums, not politics."
He stared at Leo, his gaze sharp.
"The reason I’m sitting here talking to you isn’t because I was moved by your videos or because I’m really afraid of Frank and his old cronies. I’m simply fulfilling my duty as a congressman to resolve trouble in my district—especially from someone like you, a young man who knows how to cause trouble."
His words were filled with rebuke and warning.
Roosevelt’s voice echoed in Leo’s mind.
"He’s reasserting dominance in this conversation. He’s telling you that even though he lost face outside, in this room, he’s still the one in charge. Acknowledge his displeasure, but don’t apologize for your goals."
Leo leaned forward slightly, his face calm beyond his years.
"Congressman, the situation in the park today wasn’t the ideal way to communicate. I completely understand how you feel."
Leo’s tone was sincere, sounding like an apology, but his words weren’t.
"Sometimes, when a door is tightly shut and can’t be opened normally, more direct methods are needed to make those inside hear the voices outside. All we did today was ensure you heard the true voice of Pittsburgh."
This respectful yet firm response softened Murphy’s expression slightly.
"Alright," Murphy said. "Regardless of how you did it, the result is what it is. Now let’s talk business. You want me to help you secure that fund, fine. What do I get in return?"
"A YouTube channel’s support?" He chuckled. "Honestly, I don’t need that."
Roosevelt’s voice echoed in Leo’s mind: "Now, show him your value."
Leo looked at Congressman Murphy.
"Congressman, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding between us," Leo said. "Our support isn’t just about a YouTube channel posting a few videos and saying nice things."
"Oh?" Murphy raised an eyebrow. "Then what else?"
"Our support includes Frank Kowalski and his hundreds of loyal union brothers. They can go door-to-door in every worker community to campaign for you—a task your current team can’t accomplish."
"Our support includes Sarah Jenkins and the skeptical young voters behind her. We can help you rebuild communication bridges with them, showing them that you’re still the John Murphy who cares about their future."
"Our support has the ability to amplify the effects of today’s event a hundredfold, making you the hero of Pittsburgh’s working class once again."
Leo’s words gradually shifted Murphy’s expression from initial disdain to seriousness.
Leo continued, "There’s one clear premise to our cooperation."
"The only reason we’re supporting you is your commitment to our ‘Pittsburgh Revival Plan.’ This is a policy-based collaboration, not unconditional personal allegiance."
"If you betray today’s promise after being re-elected, we can lift you as high as we did today—and knock you down just as hard tomorrow."
These words carried a veiled threat.
Leo concluded, "Besides this federal fund, we need another promise from you."
"If—just if—you succeed in getting re-elected with our help, then as repayment, you’ll use your twenty years of connections on Capitol Hill to introduce us to a high-level ally in the Senate with real decision-making power."
"What we want isn’t just this one-time fund, Congressman. What we want is a channel to continuously bring resources back to Pittsburgh—an introduction letter to open the doors of higher power."
Leo finished speaking.
He had expressed all the key points Roosevelt taught him clearly and firmly in his own words.
His demeanor was composed, seasoned—nothing like a political novice.
Murphy realized that the young man before him was far more than just an internet influencer who knew how to stir public sentiment.
He was a born political animal.
Congressman Murphy fell silent for a long time.
He finished his whiskey, stood up, and extended his hand to Leo.
"Deal," he said. "Give me your application report. I’ll give you an answer within a week."
An oral agreement was reached.
Leo stepped out of the luxurious RV and looked up at Pittsburgh’s dark sky.
Roosevelt’s voice echoed in his mind, tinged with satisfaction.
"Well done, child."
"You’ve learned how to convert public opinion into tangible achievements and how to invest those achievements into future power."
"Welcome to this dirty yet captivating game."
"Now, let’s see what our congressman can deliver."
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