Chapter 365

Chapter 365: Keep a Correct Attitude

Cameras meticulously captured every movement and expression of Arthur from various angles, with the spotlight ensuring each perspective was flawless.

The entire world, or more precisely, the interior of the auditorium, seemed to plunge into an unpredictable and chaotic state.

Everyone had completely abandoned any attempt to think, as even if they tried, they couldn’t comprehend what was unfolding.

Arthur descended the stage with steady steps, while simultaneously, Shi Jin subtly returned to her original position in a faint gust of wind.

What exactly was this so-called grand occasion?

Shi Jin understood the moment the reverse awarding ceremony began.

Simultaneously, a vest she wore beneath her coat tightened around her neck, signaling it was time to activate her abilities.

About half of the superpowered individuals in the auditorium were present. Shi Jin wasn’t sure how many noticed her movements, but she had done her utmost.

Time seemed to slow and stretch; each syllable felt as though it lasted an eternity.

Shi Jin rushed out of the auditorium’s main hall and ascended to the second floor, where only a handful of staff members were present.

After effortlessly disabling three signal transmission devices, she locked all the cameras onto their targets, completing the task Fulan had entrusted to her.

By the time she returned below, Arthur was just about to step off the stage.

The illusion crafted by Fulan vanished instantly, leaving only Shi Jin standing in her place, as if nothing had transpired.

Watching Arthur approach, Shi Jin recalled her duties and slightly bowed her head to ask Councilwoman Nia:

“Is there anything you need me to do?”

“No… no need.”

Nia, usually composed, now spoke with a hint of panic. Having confirmed that the citywide live broadcast could not be halted, she dared not take any drastic actions, lest the council’s authority be undermined.

But if that man truly completed the awarding, then in full view of everyone, that so-called Speaker would be fully legitimized.

For the first time, Nia felt trapped between a rock and a hard place. Hesitating, she declined Shi Jin’s offer, then saw the kind man with golden hair standing before her.

He reached into the tray, retrieved a medal, and looked at Nia:

“May I know your name?”

The cold killing intent veiled within his gentle words made Nia tremble slightly; she could scarcely imagine the consequences of resistance at that moment.

“My name is… Nia.”

She stammered in response.

“Then this medal is yours.”

Arthur’s tone seemed cheerful. Nia slightly lowered her head, gazing at the medal that bore no resemblance to her name, and forced a smile, nodding twice in confirmation.

The medal was swiftly pinned to Nia’s chest, and Arthur gestured for her to rise and face the more than ten cameras behind her, then he bowed slightly.

The moment she sat back down, Nia finally felt as though she had been granted a great reprieve.

It’s easy to imagine that in her remaining years, she would never choose to sit in the outermost position at a similar event again.

Let the brave bird stick its neck out; she wouldn’t be the one doing it.

Arthur approached the next councilor, a middle-aged man whose face was impeccably maintained, with no trace of stubble or anything unsightly.

Before Arthur could pose a question, Zhong Ding flashed a radiant smile:

"Mr. Speaker, I am Zhong Ding. It’s quite normal that you haven’t met me before; I was elected as a council member ten years ago, and it’s a great honor to meet you."

"Oh, Zhong Ding, you say? Quite different from the previous one indeed. Here’s your medal."

As he spoke, he retrieved another medal from the tray, one that didn’t match the name at all, and prepared to commence the ceremony.

Zhong Ding had already sprung into action, standing as straight as a new recruit, and said, "I am honored that you are personally awarding me…"

Nia stood by, utterly dumbfounded. This guy, who usually excelled at muddying the waters, now, with a new boss parachuted in, was quicker than anyone to kneel in submission…

And why was he so adept at this? If you had just said to stand up earlier, I would have done so too…

Nia felt as though she was being roasted over a fire, her discomfort only second to Sharma on stage.

Originally, everyone might have pretended to go along with it, but now that the first rebel had emerged, he shattered the fragile balance of trust among the council members. Everyone began to hesitate about how they should act next.

Indeed, Zhong Ding’s submission was nothing short of complete; for the few seconds it took to pin the medal on him, his body almost trembled with emotion.

Then, without any external prompting, he turned and bowed deeply to all the residents of Hope City behind the cameras.

The level of coordination was such that even Lin Qingliu, who was trying to maintain his persona, nearly lost his composure, wondering if this was a clear sign of Zhong Ding aligning with him.

Another issue was also troubling him—

Aside from Sharma, who was left hanging like a piece of dried meat, there were only four young (and mobile) council members left, while the remaining five were all old bones. Could these people even stand up?

Soon, the two young council members named Bordeaux and Gao Xi also received their medals. Although their performances weren’t as obsequious as Zhong Ding’s, they were much better than the not-so-cooperative Nia.

Every time Arthur awarded a council member, Sharma, left out to the side, seemed to straighten her back a little more.

And both the audience inside and outside the hall fully grasped the situation—

The Speaker of the Council was genuinely awarding each council member one by one, and the council members were all overjoyed. Indeed, today was a scene of universal delight; it seemed this Speaker was truly genuine.

Now, the tall, robust yet exceptionally kind man approached the frail Matthew:

"Old Ma, how are you? Can you still stand?"

He asked with concern.

Matthew’s old face flashed with surprise and indignation as his lips trembled slightly:

"Do I… need to stand up too?"

"Is it not necessary?" Arthur countered.

"I… probably can’t…?"

Although Matthew’s expression remained stiff, his tone softened a bit.

More importantly, he truly could not stand up.

Though he didn’t know exactly how old he was this year, Matthew understood that his life had surpassed that of an average human for a long time, and it was normal for his bodily functions to decline, right? There was no need to force him into it, was there?

And what was "Old Ma"? Matthew was simply his name; there was no need to break it down like that.

"Hey, think again. Really can’t do it?

"If it’s truly impossible, is it a matter of inability or unwillingness?"

The man’s tone became more gentle as he slightly leaned down, like a psychologist gradually helping a patient:

"Old Ma, Old Councilor Ma, so many people are watching today. Give me a little face, okay?

"Whether you can stand is indeed a matter of ability, but whether you want to stand is a matter of attitude."