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Chapter 33: The Charity Gala
🕑 Added 2024-11-28 15:21:44 +0000 UTCThe so-called high-fructose corn syrup is nothing more than the fructose-glucose syrup widely used in modern food processing, gradually replacing cane sugar in many applications.
This type of sugar only became commercially available after the 1950s, but its production process is not overly complex.
The most crucial components are two enzymes: amylase and glucose isomerase.
The former had already been extracted by the 1930s, though it had not yet been commercialized. The latter, however, would not be discovered until the 1950s.
For Josh, only the first enzyme is necessary. Its primary function is to hydrolyze starch into glucose syrup. The second enzyme’s role—converting glucose into fructose to enhance sweetness—is not immediately essential.
Josh’s knowledge of these enzymes stemmed from a certain unfortunate drinking buddy before his transmigration. That friend worked in the raw material supply chain for fast-moving consumer goods—essentially a supplier for boba tea shops.
Back when his friend was starting his business, Josh had often lent a hand during his free time, which gave him some insights into the industry.
However, Josh himself was no biologist. He couldn’t produce amylase or manufacture fructose syrup on his own.
Fortunately, he didn’t need to. He could outsource that work.
Chicago, being the educational hub of the Midwest, boasts 19 universities, including prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois. There is also a wealth of research institutes. Finding a few specialists in the field wouldn’t be difficult.
“If you’re confident, go ahead and do it. Just tell me how much money you need,” Margaret said after hearing Josh’s plan.
“But since you’re starting a business, you’ll need to network with some influential people. It just so happens that I received an invitation to a gala this weekend. It’s from Uncle John, who’s hosting the event. I hadn’t planned on attending, but given your new venture, we should go together. I’ll introduce you to some people who could be helpful for your business.”
Despite the time Josh and Margaret had spent together, she had yet to bring him to any high-society events.
It wasn’t because Josh wasn’t presentable.
In fact, after her father’s death, Margaret had largely withdrawn from attending such gatherings. Initially, it was because people constantly whispered about Tony Windis’s scandals around her, which led to arguments with former friends. Later, when she learned those rumors were true, she avoided such events altogether—fearing humiliation.
Coupled with her recent struggles with David Leibler’s harassment, she had even less interest in socializing. So, the topic of attending galas had never come up—until now.
However, if Josh wanted to start a factory and establish a business, networking was essential. This gala became a necessary occasion.
“What kind of gala is it?” Josh asked.
“It’s a war bond charity gala hosted by the city government, with Uncle John as the lead organizer. Influential figures from all over Chicago will be attending,” Margaret explained.
Josh nodded. This was indeed an event worth attending.
“Will it cause you any trouble?” he asked. This would be his first high-profile event in either of his lifetimes.
“What trouble could there be? Besides, it’s a good opportunity to show everyone I’m doing just fine,” Margaret replied with a gentle smile.
“Is there anything I should keep in mind?” Josh asked.
“Just dress handsomely!”
Soon, the weekend arrived.
Dressed impeccably, Josh and Margaret arrived punctually at the venue—a lavish estate owned by the Leibler family.
By the time they arrived, the estate was already bustling. The courtyard was filled with high-end cars from this era. Compared to these, the wine-red Lincoln Continental Josh had driven that day appeared modest.
If he were to take out the Cadillac V16 from his system inventory, it would undoubtedly turn heads. But now wasn’t the time.
Although Josh had managed to enter Chicago’s upper-class society by being with Margaret, this was far from a guarantee of security.
After all, when push comes to shove, desperate people fear nothing. The Italian mobsters were known for their ruthlessness—they had even plotted to assassinate a president before.
Until Josh had sufficient means to protect himself, the Cadillac would remain a personal collector’s item.
Thankfully, the system space preserved items in a timeless state, so there was no risk of the car deteriorating from neglect.
After handing over the invitation to the attendant, Margaret and Josh entered the grand hall without issue.
“Margaret! Long time no see!” called a familiar voice shortly after their arrival.
It belonged to an elegant lady about Margaret’s age.
“Gloria! It’s been so long!” Margaret warmly greeted her friend with an air kiss. The two seemed quite close.
Margaret offered Josh an apologetic smile as Gloria pulled her aside to chat in private.
Unable to join their conversation, Josh surveyed the surroundings to ease his awkwardness. He grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter’s tray.
While Josh wasn’t fond of drinking, he wasn’t a complete teetotaler. He had tested his current body’s tolerance before and found it passable.
“What’s your name?” A refined-looking middle-aged man approached him.
“Josh. Josh Kahn,” he replied politely.
“Patrick Chase. Gloria’s my wife,” the man introduced himself, gesturing toward the two women.
Josh nodded in understanding. That explained why Patrick had approached him.
The two struck up a casual conversation.
Given that they were unfamiliar with each other, their discussion avoided anything too personal, quickly turning to the war—a popular topic for men at such events, especially at a war bond charity gala.
As they talked, Josh’s observations about the ongoing conflict impressed Patrick.
A former logistics officer during World War I, Patrick now owned a department store in Chicago. He wasn’t a stranger to military matters, and Josh’s insights into the war’s trajectory were refreshingly novel.
“Josh, with your knowledge, it’s a shame you’re not in the military, making a name for yourself!” Patrick remarked.
Josh resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Join the army? With this body—barely a ninth-grade dropout—what could he do besides carry ammunition on the front lines?
In World War II, while the military rapidly expanded, officer roles weren’t handed out to just anyone. Specialized branches like the Air Force or Navy still required a high school diploma at minimum.
Even if he qualified, Josh had no intention of risking his life for a soulless government. Why bother when he could comfortably enjoy his life with a wealthy partner?
“Mr. Chase, Josh isn’t even 16 yet—he’s far from the legal age to enlist!” Margaret interjected as she returned, slipping her arm through Josh’s and glaring disapprovingly at Patrick.
Patrick froze in surprise.
He took another look at Josh, noting his youthful features, which he had overlooked earlier due to Josh’s height, composed demeanor, and sharp insights.
Sixteen? Patrick glanced back and forth between Josh and the mature, striking Margaret.
Well...
In fairness, such relationships weren’t unheard of among the upper classes of this era.
Had it been the 21st century, Margaret might have faced legal charges...
