Chapter 274: A "Sincere" Lie!
Joel Nash's remarks caught everyone off guard, including his closest family—his wife and daughter. In reality, the speech prepared by his staff was nothing like this; it was a poignant, tear-jerking piece about light, hope, and rebirth.
Had he followed the script, it was a certainty that at least a tenth of the reporters present would have been moved to tears.
But he didn't. Without informing a soul, he unilaterally altered his statent, exposing a staggering scandal in a manner that seed almost foolish.
The First Lady’s mouth hung open in shock, and the staff behind her exchanged bewildered glances. No one had anticipated that Joel Nash would say such things.
While the team had been worried before the press conference about whether the President's current ntal state would allow him to finish a speech, they never imagined he would recklessly disclose his amnesia to the world.
Wasn't this shooting himself in the foot? Who would cast a vote for soone whose brain wasn't functioning correctly? Did he think the voters were fools?
It was over. Everything was over.
Years of hard work were vanishing into thin air. Kate Nash’s vision blurred, and she nearly fainted. Vanessa hurried to support her mother, looking at her father with an incredibly complex gaze. What was he thinking? They had agreed to follow the script—why the sudden change of heart at the critical mont?
What could have caused such a drastic transformation in him?
They weren't the only ones confused; the Senate and the Departnt of Defense were equally baffled. Hyde Klim and Kelk even let out a chuckle. The President’s mind truly was broken; otherwise, how could he be stupid enough to leak such a scandal?
As the speech concluded, the floor opened for the Q&A session.
Under the stern shouts of the Secret Service agents, the crowd finally settled down. Standing at the podium, Joel Nash pointed at a random individual. The selected reporter asked rapidly:
"Mr. President, is what you just said true? Have you really lost your mory?"
"Yes."
Joel Nash did not hide it. Though his expression was icy and unapproachable, his voice was unexpectedly steady. "I rember nothing from before six days ago. I only have so very blurred images."
"Then do you know what the aliens who attacked you looked like? Did you know them?"
"That was sothing from six days ago."
The reporter tried to speak again, but Joel Nash pointed to the person next to them. The forr had no choice but to sit down and wait for another chance.
"Mr. President, did your wife and staff know you were going to say these things?"
Joel Nash shook his head silently. "They did not. This was a spur-of-the-mont decision."
That single sentence sent the atmosphere of the hall to a fever pitch. A reporter followed up excitedly, "So you're saying the content of the prepared speech was different from what you just said?"
"Yes."
The reporter added, "Can you tell us what was in that speech?"
"No."
The crowd: "..."
The President's way of speaking was as blunt as a child's. Considering his current mory state, no one was truly surprised; a man who has lost his mory is, in many ways, no different from a child.
Another reporter stood up and asked, "Mr. President, what made you change your mind at the last minute and announce your condition?"
Joel Nash replied, "For the past few days, Kate, Vanessa, and the people in the White House have been teaching about being President. When I learned that so many people support and view as the hope and future of this country, I realized I couldn't lie. Lying is wrong. Hiding my condition is an act of irresponsibility. I had to tell the truth. This is my understanding of the decision a President should make.
"Therefore, I decided to abandon the script and give the true answer. I cannot let those who support down."
His calm, indifferent, and emotionless words echoed through the air. Inexplicably, the noisy hall fell silent. The reporters looked on in shock, their eyes reflecting deeply complex emotions.
Those sitting here were renowned journalists from major dia outlets. They had interviewed countless high-ranking officials, politicians, and presidents, yet none had ever delivered a psychological impact quite like Joel Nash just did.
What is a politician?
To put it nicely, they are humans who make a career of political activity. In reality, everyone knows the score: politicians are opportunists who play power gas for fa and authority. They are schers who do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, willing to sacrifice personal interests, family mbers, political groups, or anything else.
The old Joel Nash was a politician. The current one was not. Having lost his mory, he had beco a simple man. Such a person might not be "fit" to be President in the traditional sense, but he was absolutely convincing.
The reporter who spoke first said with a sincere expression, "Mr. President, I take back what I said earlier. Thank you for your answer just now. You’ve shown us true sincerity. I will give you my vote tomorrow. You are fully capable of serving as President."
Following this, a round of warm applause broke out. The previously confrontational atmosphere turned surprisingly heart-warming.
The sudden shift in montum caught the First Lady and the staff completely off guard. Joel Nash’s "foolish" speech had actually won the room over.
What on earth? It was unbelievable.
The press conference continued in a peaceful atmosphere for nearly an hour. During this ti, reporters asked various questions, and Joel Nash provided simple, direct answers. For things he didn't know or couldn't answer, he said "No" directly, rather than talking in circles or avoiding the question like other politicians.
The reporters were very satisfied with their haul today.
The citizens watching on television were also satisfied. Although the amnesiac President had beco blunt, stoic, and perhaps even unlikable, he provided an inexplicable sense of trust.
In the executive office of Ferris Aircraft in Coast City, Luke watched the news and smiled at Carol, who was buried in work.
"The President perford quite well. He didn't disappoint ."
"Disappoint you?" Carol glanced at him, speechless. "He's the President. What does he have to do with you?"
Luke shrugged without explaining further. He walked up behind the girl, stroking her hair as he spoke softly.
"I’m heading back to tropolis tomorrow."
Carol froze. "Do you have to go? Coast City is big enough; you could easily establish yourself here."
Luke shook his head. "The company's next direction is Europe. Coast City isn't the right fit." He added, "Don't worry, it's not like I won't be back. I'll co see you as soon as I have ti."
Carol gripped her pen tightly and said with extre seriousness, "Once a week. You must co back."
Luke reached his hand under her clothes and whispered in her ear, "How is once a week enough? It should be at least twenty tis."
Carol’s face flushed slightly. "Stop it, we're in the office. Soone will walk in."
"Don't worry, I talked to Angie. No one is coming in."
"You jerk!"
Luke laughed loudly, scooped Carol up, and tossed her onto the sofa. Soon, rhythmic sounds filled the office. Standing outside the door, Angie trembled, wanting to flee in embarrassnt.
Who would have thought that the always serious and steady Miss Ferris would indulge in an office romance!
🗒️NOTE:
Support on : s/c/MistaQuartz
Explore up to 20 chapters in advance!
Reviews
All reviews (0)