American Strategic Deception Bureau

　The party, the bikini-clad beauties at the party, the endless wine, the endless food, the endless music and dancing...

　——Speaking of American parties, what do they generally include?

　In Hollywood movies, the impression left on people is one of liveliness, fun, carnival, pranks and all kinds of beautiful women and handsome men.

　Of course, there are also the indispensable drugs, fine wine and romantic affairs.

　Every year, countless playgirls or party girls get hooked at parties and have to go home with big bellies.

　But in reality, there are many different types of parties in the United States, with many different functions. Some are private parties, where guests need invitations to enter, and journalists are naturally not allowed in. They can only hide outside, getting bitten by mosquitoes while taking secret photos and guessing what is happening inside.

　If this private party is actually held on a golf course...

　So, in the eyes of Americans, it is almost obvious that they can smell the conspiracy that "there is something fishy".

　——Just as ancient Roman nobles often discussed conspiracies in the bathroom, modern American politicians generally like to discuss conspiracies on the golf course.

　Some are family parties, where a few neighbors just get together for a meal, the kids play with each other, and everyone just chats.

　Others are formal parties hosted by companies or non-governmental organizations. Reporters from all walks of life are welcome to come, and guests must dress formally. Everyone talks about some glorious and empty rhetoric in front of the camera. It is no different from the conferences in China: both tiring and boring.

　The last type is a group sex party, which is also the most exciting one. From sex to drugs and various decadent sports, it fully satisfies the most primitive desires in the human heart. The wonderful parties in American horror movies and youth films that are infinitely anticipated by children are basically of this type.

　Although the parties at the Playboy Mansion were usually not serious, today's party was a rare serious one.

　Because today's party was celebrating the Democrats' hard-fought victory in the election, securing President Johnson's re-election. And Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, as a financial backer of the new Democratic Vice President, Kennedy Jr., was also going to be rewarded with a promotion and wealth!

　So, this time, the courtyard of the Playboy mansion was rarely hung with small American flags, as well as balloons, artificial flowers and other decorations. The guests were also solemnly asked to wear formal attire as much as possible, making it seem like a White House reception.

　But since it was a party at Playboy's mansion, even though it was a rare occasion for it to be serious, it was still natural to not be serious.

　So, although there was no striptease or samba, the girls still

　They stripped naked and jumped into the heated pool, enjoying a nude swim and seducing male guests to join them. Some drunken girls even floated in the warm water, like turtles, rising and sinking again... The surface of the pool was also covered with moisturizing oil, reflecting a rainbow of colors under the light.

　In the corner of the party venue, the smell of burning anesthetics quickly wafted into the air...

　Well, there's no way around it. If it weren't for these lewd and decadent things, why would any decent person come to the Playboy mansion?

　Speaking of which, this presidential election was really full of twists and turns. President Johnson was willing to bet the fate of the country just to be re-elected. As a result, he mistakenly thought that he had won the election several times, but was slapped in the face by the cruel reality several times. The polls fluctuated and he almost hung by a thread.

　In particular, the failure of the Apollo 7 spacecraft launch a month before the vote was a huge loss of face in front of people all over the world. The Republican mouthpieces also revealed a lot of black material about serious corruption in the Apollo project and that NASA was only interested in making money, which made the Johnson administration very embarrassed.

　As the polls closed and the votes began to be counted, Johnson and Nixon were locked in a race. The numbers flashing on the cable television network's electronic scoreboards showed the lead shifting several times. The Associated Press described the two candidates as "fighting state by state."

　Both sides won their own "voting base" states and estimated winning states, and then engaged in fierce competition in various swing states.

　In the end, Nixon won a majority of the popular vote, 7 percentage points more than President Johnson, but lost in the Electoral College.

　The final electoral vote was Johnson with 302 votes to Nixon's 236, securing Johnson's re-election. However, both the House and Senate were controlled by Republicans, making Johnson the first president of this century to hold office while both houses of Congress were controlled by the opposition.

　Nixon graciously called Johnson, acknowledging his defeat and wishing Johnson well in his final term.

　However, no matter how lame President Johnson might be in his next term, the landmines he had laid in order to win the election, if unfortunately exploded in the next four years, would have a disastrous impact on the Democratic Party and even the entire United States.

　But for Hugh Hefner, who was getting involved in politics and the election for the first time, just helping the election to victory was enough to make him happy!

　So, as soon as the election results came out, Hugh Hefner was overjoyed and ordered a big party to celebrate his new achievement.

　However, the people who were willing to come to his party... well, while they weren't low-class, they were basically Hollywood actors and actresses, or just playboys looking for fun. Aside from a state legislator, most of the others were far from the political arena.

　In other words, there are too many female celebrities to liven up the atmosphere, but too few high-ranking figures who can discuss anything substantive.

　So much so that Fieri, a CIA colonel, became a big shot at the party, with actresses coming over to chat with him from time to time.

　——In Hollywood, whether you are a model or an actor, you must attend as many parties and cocktail parties as possible to look for opportunities.

　Generally speaking, every cocktail party is a talent promotion event. Large cocktail parties are large talent promotion events, and high-end cocktail parties are high-end talent promotion events. In fact, world-renowned award ceremonies such as the Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Oscars are also just grand parties.

　If you don't have a background and connections, you can't get into the crew through the back door. Then you can only apply for a job like a salesman.

　Whenever you see someone who looks like a big shot at a party, try to communicate with them to see if you can find opportunities and resources from them.

　Of course, even if the other party has resources, there is no reason for them to give them to you - this requires the female star to boldly sacrifice herself in exchange for opportunities!

　Years ago, when Fieri was still selling war surplus at the Pentagon, he had filmed a number of low-budget doomsday survival adventure films set in radioactive wastelands. He still had a bit of a reputation in Hollywood, and now some female celebrities were approaching him, looking for opportunities.

　Although Marita was sitting next to them, she didn't seem jealous at all. Instead, she watched with great interest as Fili chatted with these female stars.

　——Yes, it was an awkward conversation because they were no longer in the same circle. It would be very difficult for Fili to promote these young stars even if he wanted to.

　Although the Kim family has some influence in Hollywood circles, Fieri is not the heir to the family and is not making any movies now.

　Therefore, he was unable to make decisions for his father and his second brother Anthony, who was a director.

　Especially when a certain woman with dark circles under her eyes, who had worked with Fieri ten years ago on a low-budget, radioactive wasteland film, playing a female adventurer in the apocalypse, had languished in the past decade without any further development, came to Fieri again today to reminisce and explore opportunities, Fieri's expression became even more bitter.

　"I'm sorry, Li Cui, I haven't made a movie in a long time, and I don't have any thoughts of returning to the entertainment industry recently."

　Looking at this once proud little actress, after ten years of wasting her time, not only did she not become famous, but she was reduced to being a group actor, Fieri could only sigh and shake his head and said, "If you really need a job, the Eden Town in San Fernando Valley is about to be completed and the properties are about to be sold. There are also plans to shoot a movie.

　I can write you a note and recommend you to audition for the female lead in this low-cost promotional film..."

　"

　Eden Town? That nudist community? If I get the role, does that mean I have to appear nude?

　Seeing Fili nod, Li Cui, an 88th-tier actress, suddenly showed an expression of humiliation on her face. But after hesitating for a moment, she asked Fili for the note and contact information, then bowed her head, thanked him, and turned to leave.

　After Li Cui, with her afro and dark circles under her eyes, left, Marita gave Fili a wicked smile and nudged his chest with her elbow, joking with a sweet smile.

　"Hey, hey, you didn't have an affair with her, did you? Otherwise, why would you be so concerned about her?"

　"She? Li Cui? No, no, no, she and I are just ordinary colleagues. However, Li Cui did have an affair with my second brother Anthony, who is a director. And we brothers don't have the habit of sharing women."

　Fili was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook his head and said,

　Of course, they've been apart for years, and relationships in Hollywood are always unstable and short-lived...Okay, let's not talk about these trivial matters for now. Honey, look! The owner of this mansion is coming over."

　As he extended his finger, Marita turned her head and saw Hugh Hefner sitting in a wheelchair, being pushed out by a bunny girl...

　Author's Note: PS: In real history, the owner of Playboy did campaign for the Democratic candidate in 1968, but unfortunately, it didn't end well for him. Not only did he lose his money because the Democrats lost the election, but he was also beaten by gangsters in a sack. This was said to be a warning to Nixon.

　After that, the bunny girl farmer finally gave up, stopped caring about politics, and never dared to use Playboy to interfere with votes again.

　But, at least in 1968, he was very politically engaged.

　Chapter 413: Bunny Girl Farmer Becomes Ambassador

　Although Hugh Hefner was still in a wheelchair with his arm in a cast, the Playboy boss still looked very energetic.

　He was seen smiling, waving and greeting everyone, accepting compliments from the guests, and even clinking champagne glasses everywhere, looking very high and proud.

　——Perhaps, this is what is called "people feel refreshed when good things happen to them"?

　The group of beautiful women surrounding him were all dressed up in gorgeous colors, making people extremely envious.

　However, compared to the "shameless old man" decades later, the image of the young Hugh Hefner is not that bad.

　With his rather handsome face, he somewhat saved the impression of this bunny girl breeder.

　After all, appearance is justice, and those with good looks are the focus of protection by the Appearance Association. And women are often born as potential members of the Appearance Association.

　Hugh Hefner is now handsome, rich, and well-known. According to American tradition, he should naturally be surrounded by beautiful women.

　So, even though Hugh Hefner already had enough women around him, there were still many beautiful and charming female stars who came to the party, enthusiastically rushing up to ask about his well-being, and even queuing up like bees and butterflies to give kisses to the owner of the mansion...

　Almost in the blink of an eye, Hugh Hefner's face was covered with lipstick marks.

　Of course, since the theme of today's party is political, the celebrities present are destined to just create atmosphere.

　So, after being "paraded" around in a wheelchair pushed by a bunny girl and greeting all the guests at the party, trying to say hello to everyone, Hugh Hefner came up to Fieri and, while saying some polite words, made a subtle nod at him, signaling Fieri to follow.

　Well, the main event of tonight is about to begin!

　Fili winked knowingly, then told Marita to stay outside and enjoy the party, while he followed Hugh Hefner's wheelchair into the house.

　To Fieri's surprise, as soon as the oak door of the mansion closed, isolating the noise of the party outside, Hugh Hefner stood up from his wheelchair, removed the plaster on his arm, and then stretched his muscles while explaining to Fieri, who was full of surprise.

　"Those are movie props, Colonel King, and back in August, Nixon's sons of bitches really beat me up so bad my face was swollen.

　However, two months ago, I spent $5,000 to find a "super chick" in Chicago who didn't like to wear clothes. I had sex with her, and except for the teeth that were knocked out, all my injuries were healed.

　But if I didn't show my injuries, who would know how much I sacrificed for the Democratic Party's victory?

　Hugh Hefner shrugged. "Maybe someone will say something weird, like I staged the beating I got in Chicago!"

　Oh, I see. It is to gain sympathy by playing the victim, and also to show off one’s achievements to others!

　Ferry nodded in understanding.

　I was wondering, how could a wealthy, suave playboy like Hugh Hefner be so limited by morality or money as to not seek out a "Tantric master" for sexual healing? It turns out he's already recovered, yet he's still pretending to be "injured for a hundred days"!

　So, Firi followed Hugh Hefner into a small conference room, and found his old friend Dr. Kissinger and his elder brother Bernard King already sitting on the sofa inside drinking coffee.

　After they sat down and exchanged a few words, Dr. Kissinger, who came from Washington,

　, let’s talk about the main topic first.

　"Mr. Hefner, President Johnson and Vice President Kennedy have not forgotten the contributions and sacrifices you made to our party during this election. In return, the White House intends to hire you as ambassador next year..."

　Generally speaking, there are two types of American ambassadors stationed abroad. One type is assigned to "hotspots" such as hostile or troubled countries, where they are constantly called upon to respond to emergencies. While these locations present significant risks, they also offer the opportunity to achieve significant success, and are typically filled by experienced career bureaucrats.

　Just like the US ambassador to the Soviet Union and later to China, they all had very demanding tasks to complete, which outsiders simply could not handle.

　The other type is assigned to developed and stable allies like the UK and Japan, where they generally don't cause any trouble. However, they also don't achieve much, and are often used by the president after taking office to reward wealthy individuals who contributed to his campaign, bestowing them with gilded titles.

　Therefore, after World War II, there were often many eccentrics among the US ambassadors to the UK, Japan, and some Latin American countries.

　Because they are all outsider wealthy people or people with connections, they are simply there to brush up their resumes and build relationships, or simply take the opportunity to do their own business.

　The identity of an American ambassador is nothing more than a shining business card and a powerful stepping stone for them when socializing.

　As for real diplomatic affairs, the US embassies and various overseas agencies in these places have their own mature and long-established institutions. Without the ambassador having to worry too much, they can directly contact the Secretary of State and senior officials of the host country, and easily maintain normal relations and deal with various emergencies.

　It's obvious that Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy and a major producer of bunny girls, has basically no idea how to be an official.

　Although Ford Motor Company CEO McNamara also rose directly to become Secretary of Defense, Hugh Hefner's management skills couldn't compare to McNamara's. If this dandy young man were to run the Pentagon, he'd probably reintroduce the military prostitution system during his tenure.

　(Hugh Hefner did serve in the military during World War II. But he was a war correspondent, interviewing soldiers and Japanese prisoners of war on the Pacific Front.)

　Therefore, even if he were to become a minister in the White House Cabinet, Hugh Hefner probably would not have the ability to run a department well. If one wanted to thank Hugh Hefner for his great contributions in the election year, the most reasonable way would obviously be to reward him by sending him overseas to serve as a leisurely ambassador.

　"Let me be an ambassador? That sounds great. Can you arrange for me to be the ambassador to the UK in London?"

　Hugh Hefner rubbed his hands excitedly and said with some anticipation, "I'm looking forward to presenting my credentials to Queen Elizabeth!"

　"Ambassador to the UK? That... might be quite difficult." Dr. Kissinger hesitated for a moment, then answered truthfully, "Sir, President Johnson made a lot of promises during the election. There are quite a few Democratic Party supporters waiting to become ambassadors or join the cabinet."

　——Similar to the situation in the 21st century, even in the United States today, most news media and entertainment industry figures tend to favor the Democratic Party. Conversely, after winning the election, the Democratic president must repay the gratitude of many news media bosses.

　Of all the gilded official positions the US president can offer to reward his supporters, the one that seems the most respectable and high-end is probably the US Ambassador to the UK. Whether it is the special relationship between the US and Britain due to their common roots, the lofty status of the British Empire as the "Old Ruler", or the admiration and fascination of American nouveau riche for the old British aristocracy, all of these make American tycoons flock to this position.

　Since the competition is so fierce, Hugh Hefner's background, family background and strength are a bit insufficient compared to other bigwigs.

　Not to mention, Hugh Hefner, the owner of Playboy, did not directly join President Johnson's campaign team—mainly because he couldn't join, but was a member of Vice President Kennedy's team. Therefore, after the victory, when the merits were awarded, he would inevitably be placed at the back of the list.

　Therefore, Hugh Hefner would never get the most sought-after position like ambassador to the UK, given his status.

　Not to mention, given his sensitive identity as the owner of Playboy, if he went to present his credentials to the Queen of England... God knows whether the British royal family and aristocracy, who have long been in decline but still have a lot of airs, would have their sensitive self-esteem touched, and would consider it a great humiliation, leading to an explosion of public opinion?

　"Is being the ambassador to the UK not an option? Then is there any hope for being the ambassador to Japan? I'm also interested in developing business in Japan!"

　Hugh Hefner pressed on, "I heard that my Playboy magazine sells quite well in Japan—although it's mainly through smuggling."

　"That's probably going to be quite difficult," Kissinger said as tactfully as possible. "The position of ambassador to Japan is also being eyed."

　Although the position of US ambassador to Japan is not as prestigious as that to the UK, being able to wield power and authority over an island nation that is effectively a semi-colony of the United States and enjoy the treatment of an "angel from above" is a very prestigious position, and the benefits are quite substantial.

　There's also a long queue of wealthy Americans hoping to become ambassadors to Japan and show off in Tokyo. The owner of Playboy isn't even qualified enough to compete.

　So basically, don't expect to see Hugh Heinz.

　There is the famous scene where Funa, accompanied by a bunny girl secretary, presents the letter of credence to Emperor Showa.

　"If Japan doesn't work, then France is even less likely to succeed, right? I wonder how many people yearn for Paris, the so-called city of romance..."

　Seeing Kissinger nod in agreement, Hugh Hefner sighed. "Well, where on earth is Washington trying to send me this time? To some tiny, tiny country as an ambassador? Like... the Vatican?"

　"The Vatican? Well, even if you wanted to be an ambassador to the Vatican, you probably wouldn't be able to do it, because there are also many people eyeing it."

　Dr. Kissinger smiled bitterly and spread his hands. "Although the Vatican is small, the Holy See is huge..."

　Although Vatican City covers less than half a square kilometer, making it the smallest country in the world, as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, its fame and influence are far beyond the reach of other tiny countries.

　In other words, the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican can influence dozens of countries throughout the Catholic world through the Catholic Church. Therefore, this is a position of great power and great value, and it cannot be used as a prize to appease presidential campaign sponsors.

　Not to mention, if the owner of Playboy were to present his credentials to the Pope with a bunny girl... well, how should I put it? It would be even more outrageous than if he were to present his credentials to the Queen of England or the Emperor of Japan!