A prime minister must rise from the provinces; a great general must emerge from the ranks.
Two thousand years ago, Han Feizi captured the essence of entrepreneurship: Every good leader must begin at the bottom.
Only by understanding the industry's foundational logic can one effectively steer the whole.
In Leo's view, if his brothers wanted to become future leaders, then today—not a single screw should go unturned.
Kevin's roars echoed endlessly from inside the grocery store. The reason? Sean and the others couldn't read blueprints, and their workmanship was absolutely crude.
On the 15th, Leo finally escaped Kevin's furious tirade—temporarily.
Just before noon, Leo and Emily stepped out of the Richmond train station, capital of Virginia.
"Leo!"
Wearing a crisp suit, Desmond waved happily as he ran toward them.
"Whoa! Desmond, you look sharp. I almost didn't recognize you."
Desmond sheepishly touched his waxed hair and said,
"Honestly, I prefer uniforms and denim. But lately I've had to attend too many receptions. Bishop Harris insists I dress like this."
"You'll get used to it, brother," Leo said as they walked. Passing a newsstand, Leo stopped and picked up a newspaper.
"Desmond, they didn't pay me for the article."
On the front page of the Richmond Gospel Times was Leo's first biographical piece on Desmond—but the author's name was missing.
Next to it was a row of freshly printed books: Hacksaw Ridge. Again—no author credited.
Desmond pointed toward a nearby Ford and said,
"Father Lesterwyn said he wanted to give it to you in person."
"Welcome to Richmond, Leo. And the lovely Miss Emily."
Father Lesterwyn stepped out and smiled warmly.
"Leo, I'm sorry for forwarding your article to the Gospel Times without asking. But we wanted to avoid certain... well, let's say 'sensitive' issues we both understand."
"The paper couldn't run your name, and even the payment couldn't be processed through normal channels.
So after consulting with Bishop Harris, we decided to give you two gifts instead."
Leo raised an eyebrow.
"The church owns a piece of land in the suburbs of Lynchburg, not far from the university.
We plan to develop fifty homes there—and the only developer we want is your company."
Leo's eyes lit up.
Desmond hadn't even taken the political path yet, and already rewards were flowing in.
But for a newborn Lynchburg Real Estate Company, this kind of project was overwhelming. Like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
"I'm honored, Father. But our company is brand new. We're not yet capable of taking on something this big—and we don't have enough capital."
Leo's response made Father Lesterwyn's eyes glimmer with admiration.
"That's not a problem. The church is in no rush.
Your second gift is a low-interest loan from the Lynchburg Community Bank.
Of course, this money can only be used for that housing development."
"Father, I'm grateful for the opportunity—but this far exceeds what you owe me for the article.
I can't accept it."
Leo remembered his greatest pitfall in his past life—believing in free lunches, only to end up starving in the cold wind.
"Desmond, Emily—would you two give me a moment alone with Leo?"
Father Lesterwyn asked gently.
After the two stepped away, the priest spoke:
"You're one of the most cautious young men I've ever met. And that's a virtue.
Young people don't come to church like they used to.
Our influence is waning.
We've tried all kinds of ways to revive it—most have failed.
Until Desmond appeared.
You offered religion a new path forward.
Why should the Church only serve as someone else's voter base?
We can groom our own representatives."
He looked through the window at Desmond and continued:
"Bishop Harris is very pleased with Desmond. Your book is a hit along the East Coast, and it has brought the bishop great political capital.
He believes Desmond's journey should not be confined to little Lynchburg—it would only hinder his growth. Richmond would suit him better.
With the Church's backing, his future is limitless."
Leo's face remained calm, but anger bubbled inside.
Lesterwyn's words painted a glorious future—but every sentence came from the Church's perspective.
Not once had he asked what Desmond actually wanted.
To them, Desmond's sincere faith and naïve trust made him the perfect puppet.
"Desmond refused our offer.
He wants to return to Lynchburg—to be with Dorothy, to stay among his brothers.
The Bishop asked me to tell you:
If you can persuade him to stay,
everything I just offered will be honored—
and even better, we'll give you a long-term low-interest loan with no strings attached."
Before Lesterwyn could finish, Leo was already shaking his head.
"If I were that kind of person, I'd be in Japan right now.
Sorry, Father."
"Leo!"
He had barely walked two steps when Father Lesterwyn caught up, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Now I'm truly at ease.
You're nothing like Harris.
You're not the kind of man who would exploit Desmond's ambition."
"You—"
Leo was stunned.
"Desmond's a good boy. Just like we said—
Heroes should live the life they want.
Before I even spoke to you, I already rejected Harris.
I won't offend him directly,
but this ends Desmond's connections in Richmond."
He sighed.
"I've thought it over. I still believe Desmond has no chance in this year's Seven-Member Council election.
His opponents are far too strong."
"Rock Meyer—
A plantation owner, president of the Agricultural Association, head of the local grain companies. He's made every grain merchant in Lynchburg rich.
And Andy Jones—
Owner of Jones Real Estate, the town's only developer, deep ties with Mayor Patrick."
"Compared to them, Desmond's status and finances are nothing.
No one wins elections without spending money.
After all, council members are expected to 'bring blessings' to the townsfolk.
Originally, I thought we could back him using Richmond Church funds.
But now... that's off the table."
Father Lesterwyn looked guilty.
Leo gave the priest a firm hug.
"You're the priest of Lynchburg. That's more than enough.
Honestly, I never counted on help from Richmond to support Desmond's campaign.
I still believe we can do it this year.
We just need one speech, one banquet, one association—
and Desmond's weaknesses will be covered.
Sometimes, 'benefits for the people'—can be given using someone else's money."
The priest smiled.
"Having you by his side—Desmond is truly lucky.
I made a promise, and I intend to keep it.
Lynchburg is my domain—I'll handle the development project.
As for the loan, that's out of my hands now.
But don't refuse—this helps you and Desmond."