Darkstone Code
Chapter 269 - 0267 Not proofread, subscribe later [This - added by book friend: Muyiyang Flower Crown Name - 7/8]

Chapter 269: 0267 Not proofread, subscribe later [This Chapter added by book friend: Muyiyang Flower Crown Name - 7/8]

What His Excellency the President said to the people, if you listen carefully, all relates to many undisclosed policy changes, and those in this room will receive definite news before these changes occur.

Often, people’s lack of success is not due to insufficient effort; it’s just that they inherently lack the elements of success.

And those who have grasped the true secrets of success, who hold these elements, often attribute success to hard work.

Since Lynch was singled out by His Excellency the President, it counts as him making a public appearance. Some who couldn’t get close to His Excellency chose to chat with Lynch, perhaps hoping for some unexpected gains.

Even if there’s no direct gain, becoming acquainted might someday prove useful.

Actually, when His Excellency mentioned Lynch and referred to Bail Federal’s six-year practice of "isolationism" as "escapism," it created a misunderstanding that extended thoughts to Lynch.

This also leads some to believe Lynch might be very important, even possibly a candidate to become a politician when necessary—examples of merchants turning into politicians are countless; they are closer to politicians than ordinary people are, and the two professions share many similarities.

For instance...everyone speaks insincerely, everyone acts disingenuously, yet everyone appears more human than humans themselves, and even dignified.

"Mr. Lynch..."

A well-dressed person took the initiative to stand in front of Lynch, speaking out earlier than the others.

Before Lynch could say anything, Severa suddenly brought up the handbag carried by the other person’s female companion, and the two grew closer, naturally moving away from Lynch, joining a group of ladies.

This was the time for men, and a qualified female companion knows how to discreetly depart from the gentleman’s side, giving them ample space to discuss potentially private matters.

Don’t be fooled by the refined appearance and courteous manner of the men here; each one meets the strictest definition of a gentleman, yet there are certainly some rogues among them.

To avoid topics that could arouse dissatisfaction among the ladies, it’s better for everyone to converse separately, and sometimes the topics women discuss can be more frightening than those discussed by men.

"My name is..." The man, who for now, is not important enough to have a name in this story, introduced himself. Perhaps if he learns some truths, he might be interested in spending money to become a protagonist in the story rather than being a nameless character in someone else’s tale.

After introducing himself, he began to discuss some of his views and opinions, "Mr. Lynch, do you think the mistakes of ’escapism’ will reoccur amidst the deepening trend of international cooperation? How long will it take us to emerge from the current predicament?"

Regardless of how people criticize and attack escapism, they can’t avoid an awkward fact: the Federation’s economic and financial peak coincided with the height of what they call "escapism."

A few years ago, people used the results of a certain war as a warning to others, using numbers published in newspapers to remind neighbors and even strangers of the dangers and fears of participating in international affairs for our children and economy.

They also sang praises of the benefits of distancing ourselves from all this — higher employment rates, more comprehensive security systems, everyone being prosperous...

Many of today’s Progressive Party supporters were once among the numerous supporters of the Conservative Party President.

Of course, back then, they would appear as different faces in different places; betting on both sides is common practice for merchants, especially for some less prominent small and medium-sized enterprises and their owners.

No one cares whether these people’s positions are clear and unequivocal; politicians only care if these small merchants deliver political donation checks to their offices on time and in full.

The smiles on people’s faces in the past only accentuated the hatred on people’s faces today.

Writers and artists always describe the shifts between love and hate as elusive, leaving countless boys and girls shedding tears over love...

Actually, love and hate are not so complicated; whatever benefits oneself is love, whatever takes from oneself is hate!

Lynch did not blindly answer this question. He held his wine glass, thought for a moment, and then began to attempt an answer, primarily standing on the correct political perspective.

"The mistake of ’escapism’ was that they initially chose the wrong path, but it also left us precious lessons!"

This statement essentially equates to nonsense because it contains no substantial content. Yet to label it nonsense is clearly wrong; at least the statement aligns with mainstream views, serving as a cover-up.

With such a stable and politically correct opening, subsequent statements could be slightly relaxed, "Previously, our policies seemed to be building a solid fortress; it resisted internal and external exchanges. Those present must understand; an independent city, without communication with other cities, is like an island in the ocean."

"It may have brief glory, but will soon decline due to a sealed environment."

"We feared engaging with the outside world; we avoided our international responsibilities, believing that doing so protected ourselves, but in reality, we were wrong."

"Broader international engagement, participation in more international affairs, and interaction with more countries and forces may indeed subject us to challenges and crises we have never faced before. The immense competitiveness may initially set us back somewhat."

"But from another perspective, a harsh competitive environment may instead activate more of our latent strengths."

"Gentlemen, my analogy might not be so fitting..." He paused while speaking, took a small sip of wine, since he didn’t deliberately lower his voice while expressing his views, some people around began to gather nearer.

Now, he needed to allow these people some time and process to accept his ideas and then introduce new content to them.

Moments later, Lynch continued, "The birth of the Wolf King was never dictated by the previous Wolf King; only through cruel competition and fighting, proving one wolf could lead the entire pack, does the Wolf King emerge."

"Regarding how long it’ll take to emerge from the current predicament, I actually don’t know the precise answer, not even relatively possible guesses."

"Because this does not rely on our naive views but rather on when we can face global competitiveness and move forward!"

"Only by achieving this, by successfully establishing ourselves in a more complex international society, do we have the opportunity to begin the revival of the great Federation!"

These words shattered some people’s fantasies; indeed, there still exist many optimists in society, with some of these optimists currently in this room.

It sounds a bit unbelievable, yet this is the most intriguing and ironic aspect!

Outside, people queue for food stamps and welfare vouchers surrounding a circle of relief points, yet here, or in some other places, some people’s lives haven’t changed a bit.

They haven’t even realized anything is amiss because before they were eating meat, and now they still eat meat; before they drank fine wine, today they continue to indulge without restraint.

They naively believe that once the new President takes office, everything will immediately improve, but it’s not like that; it won’t swiftly improve.

The process from decline to revival will last at least three to five years, not three to five days or three to five months.

Lynch’s statements briefly plunged those around him into silence, and then, a slightly familiar voice rang from behind him.

"Mr. Lynch, how do you believe we should confront this new era and this world?"

This voice seemed familiar, and Lynch turned around to see a middle-aged man seen frequently here, dressed as elegantly as others, with impeccable hair and exquisite accessories, not much different from others here.

Lynch nodded slightly in greeting and said, "War!"

This word instantly pulled everyone’s wandering thoughts back, causing their faces to display some degree of fright.

In fact, the prevalence of isolationism stems from a significant reason: the fear of death, fear of war that Bail Federal’s people began to experience at a certain period, especially ordinary citizens, who under some people’s promotion appeared to believe that participating in international affairs necessarily leads to war.

Many would die, including everyone’s children!

The Conservative Party thoughtfully designed a set of isolationism for these people, winning the election.

Now, facts prove this was wrong. When Lynch once again uttered the word "war," which instinctively people want to avoid yet cannot, their complexions changed dramatically; even those at a distance stopped conversing.

All eyes focused on Lynch, including the President and his staff officers, Progressive Party vice-chairman, and Mr. Wardrick, chatting with someone.

Under the gaze of so many big shots, Lynch showed no stage fright. He suddenly felt a bit excited; he had experienced such occasions multiple times.

He moved to the center of the crowd, nodded slightly, "Yes, war, but the war I’m talking about is entirely different from what you know."

"Because, this will be humanity’s great evolution on the issue of war!"

"A commercial war centered on economy!"