Chapter 355

Chapter 355: Who is the First Victim of Hope City?

A stroke of genius!

In a matter of moments, the conference room was enveloped in silence. Though everyone harbored thoughts of admiration, they remained silent, either due to factional differences or hierarchical constraints.

Only Sharma, having just presented her idea, continued to leisurely enjoy the meal on her plate.

It was a steak prepared using Old Era cooking techniques, adorned with some mysterious green sprouts that added a touch of elegance to the otherwise sparse plate.

Such a meal was a rare luxury in Hope City, virtually priceless and accessible to fewer than ten individuals.

Yet, no council member showed any sign of surprise or disapproval at her indulgence; each had their own indulgences and naturally dined well.

At this moment, everyone was still absorbed in the proposal Sharma had just unveiled.

Undoubtedly, it was the optimal solution to the current predicament.

The most deceptive lies are those interwoven with truth.

Most people, unaware of the full picture, either fully believed or completely dismissed the information broadcasted.

Even those with a hint of suspicion found it challenging to pinpoint where the council members might have manipulated the facts, obscured by the majority’s narrative.

In essence, it was a matter of complete trust or outright disbelief; there was no middle ground of partial belief.

Even if there were, each person’s trust would vary—what to believe and what not to.

Thus, the next steps were straightforward: wait for the beast tide to subside and then commence the award ceremony.

If that blond-haired man appeared, it would signify his understanding of Hope City’s high-level hints and his acceptance of the olive branch extended to him.

After all, with the chaos and destruction nearly complete, it was time to accept the decree, wasn’t it?

If he failed to appear, it would mean he was rejecting the offer and would inevitably face increased pursuit and obstacles.

The council members, however, were not overly concerned.

This individual might be formidable, but could he withstand a full-powered energy cannon?

If recruitment was refused, they could deploy "Starfall"; a single energy blast, even at the cost of a few civilian lives, would suffice to eliminate him.

As for his resistance, it was mere folly.

By having "Holy Shield" contract the Energy Shield’s range to the vicinity of the spire, the concentrated energy shield would be more than adequate to repel any attack, ensuring their invincibility.

As for whether he would target other city residents, the council members hoped the blond-haired man would tarnish his own reputation and paid little heed to such trivialities.

In any case, everyone was privately celebrating, eagerly anticipating whether it would be a minor or major victory.

But then, the plan’s key figure, Council member Matthew, suddenly inquired,

"Then who will confer the award?"

This question struck like a thunderbolt, jolting the council members who had subconsciously assumed the matter was settled.

Indeed, with external issues seemingly resolved, internal matters now came to the fore.

Clearly, the task of presenting an award was too demanding for the longevity faction council members, who were deeply integrated with their specialized life-sustaining gear.

Having been seated for decades, their muscles had largely atrophied, making even standing a challenge.

Thus, the only viable candidates were Sharma, Zhong Ding, and Nia among a few other council members.

Since Sharma was the one who proposed the plan, she certainly had the right to participate in and even lead this medal ceremony.

However, the problem was that the broadcast station and the newspaper were Matthew’s private properties, and now Sharma was using his people and his authority to create a benefit for herself.

Using my platform? In your name?

Isn’t this just a bit too much?

Damn it, in just one day, I’ve been outsmarted twice!

Matthew reached out to adjust the medication pump on the side of his chair, allowing more energy to flow into his body and speeding up his brain’s functions.

He felt that the standard of the nutrient solution had recently declined, making his thoughts less sharp than before, but this wasn’t the time for such concerns.

As he looked at the eager expressions of the other council members, even noticing the underlying mockery, he felt as if he was being roasted over a fire.

If he agreed, he would be the victim; if he refused, he would be a selfish person who ignored the bigger picture.

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward as everyone waited for Matthew’s response.

After a long pause, Matthew reluctantly said,

“You can go; I will also attend this medal ceremony.”

Sharma, in the midst of cutting beef, halted her hands immediately, staring blankly at Matthew as if trying to glimpse the true face of Hope City’s first victim through the heavy hoods.

Wait, not only did you agree, but you’re also going to watch it in person?

Matthew’s decision actually posed no real issue from an objective standpoint.

As a council member, he was bound to appear in the most notable spot during the medal ceremony.

Anyone sitting there would inevitably be noticed by countless residents of Hope City, which would enhance his presence and establish his authority.

After all, council members shouldn’t be too mysterious; they needed to occasionally engage in some approachable activities.

Balancing the elements of mystery and authority was what he should be doing, and from that perspective, his actions were understandable.

However, that was just a rational viewpoint; emotionally, why would you still want to be a bystander?

Sharma continued to stare at Matthew, seemingly trying to figure out if her little trick had awakened some strange quality in him.

Damn it, this was meant to irritate that old thing, don’t let him enjoy it…

After a moment, Sharma saw nothing unusual.

The expression on his face returned to calm, and he smiled as he picked up his knife and fork and said,

“I have no objections.”

“Good, then it’ll be…”

“Wait.”

The hand raised was from council member Kande, the one who governed luxury goods in Hope City.

As a member of the longevity faction, he naturally had reasons and a stance to side with Matthew.

It seemed to ease the tension of his ally; he interrupted Sharma, who was about to make a final decision, and said,

“I want to see it too.”

You have such an interest?

The precious metals used to make the medals are also part of your business.

Sharma felt that these old guys weren’t ordinary; they seemed to have something they wanted to say but held back.

At this moment, the master of compromise, the current Zhong Ding, finally chimed in again:

“I have an idea.”

All the council members displayed disdainful expressions.

Whenever this guy spoke, it was always about how good they all were together, a stark contrast to the previous Zhong Ding.

This council member Zhong Ding seemed aware of his reputation among everyone, yet he reacted indifferently to their subconscious dismissiveness and disdain.

After all, everyone was silent; they were waiting for him to speak, and that was already quite respectful.

As the chance to speak was given, Zhong Ding spread his hands:

"My suggestion is, why don’t we all go together?”