Chapter 183: Contradictory and Complex

“Mr. President, Frank has been shot dead!”

Outside the presidential press briefing room, the chief of security, dressed sharply and serious, whispered this update into the president’s ear as he reviewed his notes.

The president slowly lowered his papers, glanced at his security chief, wiped his face, and said, “That’s terrible news. But are the hostages safe?”

The chief nodded solemnly. “According to the reports, Frank refused to negotiate and tried to harm the hostages. Our team had no choice but to shoot. The hostages are safe.”

The president nodded with satisfaction. “Good. Protecting the federation’s citizens is my duty…” He picked up his notes again, glanced over them, then nodded to his chief of staff and security chief before stepping into the conference room.

As he entered, the flash of cameras turned the room into a silver sea of light. Even the media-savvy president squinted slightly, then lowered his gaze toward the podium, easing his discomfort.

Twenty-four hours had passed since the crisis began. No matter what others thought, the media would go wild, followed by public opinion.

The situation was out in the open; trying to cover it up was impossible and would only make the president and his cabinet appear incompetent. They had to find a way to calm ordinary investors crowding banks and exchanges.

After a few seconds, the flashes slowed, but reporters still raised their hands. Through the president’s earpiece came the chief of staff’s voice: “Second row, fourth seat, lady with the blue scarf…”

The president looked up, saw the woman, and pointed, “Lady with the blue scarf…”

As she stood, the other reporters lowered their hands and prepared to write.

After the room quieted, the female reporter asked, “Mr. President, since yesterday people discovered that war bonds issued abroad cannot be redeemed. What can we do? What can you do?”

Some reporters frowned—this was a tame question, ordinary and unchallenging, wasting a valuable chance. But since it was asked, it would be recorded.

The president remained calm and steady, answering immediately: “We have urgently contacted the bond-issuing countries. Our embassies abroad are negotiating with local governments.”

“So far, we have no effective solution, but I assure the public that not a second is wasted. Our diplomats and the foreign ministry have worked nonstop since yesterday.”

“If there is any new progress, we will announce it immediately.”

A standard, uninspired answer. Some reporters gave up halfway through note-taking. This was a press release response.

Usually, presidential statements follow an official press release with core messages that mainstream media respect and slightly adapt.

Less mainstream outlets, however, turn these briefings into conspiracy exposés to attract more readers and subscribers.

More reporters were called to ask questions, but all inquiries were equally routine, disappointing many who saw the Q&A as the president’s solo show.

This has become common. When the president first took office, he didn’t orchestrate reporters so rigidly. Back then, he was passionate. Look at him now.

Almost every press conference he attends is like this—official questions and official answers, no surprises.

Do those official media not find this repulsive?

In reality, whether it’s repulsive or not doesn’t matter. What matters is avoiding embarrassment amid uncertain times.

Half an hour later, the press conference ended. The president left quickly, and his press secretary took over.

Reporters knew better than to expect valuable answers from him. When questions grew sharp, he’d claim he was just a spokesman and could only repeat prepared statements, leaving everyone helpless and frustrated.

After leaving the briefing room, the president removed the heavy electronic devices that weighed several kilograms and caused discomfort.

Back in his office, he summoned the chief of staff and advisors for advice and solutions.

Some issues can’t be delayed.

“Mr. President, we debated all day yesterday and reached a conclusion, but…,” the chief glanced at others, then at the president, “…you may not like it.”

The president frowned. “What conclusion? Are you suggesting I submit my resignation to Congress?” He joked dryly, not really joking.

The chief chuckled nervously. “We believe the best course is to let things take their natural course, offering only simple answers as needed. This fits our current situation and stance.”

The president’s frown deepened; he even scratched his ear. “Sorry, I don’t quite understand. Could you explain in more detail?”

The chief elaborated: “We will do nothing for now because whatever we do won’t change those countries’ attitudes. They won’t redeem the bonds, especially the victors.”

The non-redeemable war bonds mainly come from the victorious countries. The defeated nations agreed to redeem the bonds and publicly announced a one-year delay for bonds issued before the war, increasing the payout by 15%.

But everyone knows that when they do pay, the money will be worthless.

The president nodded; he knew this. “So your plan is to do nothing?”

He leaned back, expression unreadable. “Then how do I explain this to our citizens?”

The chief promptly corrected him, “It’s not you who must explain it, but those refusing countries who must answer to ordinary people in the international community.”

“In fact, the advisory council believes this is a blessing in disguise. We have shifted the conflict from government-to-government to a government-to-international-citizens issue.”

“Before, these victors’ refusal to pay was a national action targeting the Bayler Federation as a state. Now, their opponent is ordinary citizens, which makes their stance shameless.”

“We can unite with other countries facing similar problems, even some defeated nations, to build momentum internationally. Privately, if we can persuade one or two smaller countries to redeem part of the bonds, it will fracture the victors’ alliance.”

“More importantly, we can use protecting citizens rights’ as a pretext to rally some forces internationally. Complete isolation has proven unfeasible.”

The president listened thoughtfully. The chief’s ideas had merit. As a staunch isolationist, the president had come to see its flaws.

When Bayler Federation faces trouble, no one helps. Its isolation means it holds no standing internationally, allowing victors to exploit it at will.

His thoughts deepened. He tapped his fingers on the desk. “A neutral countries’ alliance?”

The chief nodded slightly. That was the plan. Since isolationism failed, they would adopt a softer approach to change Bayler Federation’s international standing.

Because the president rose to power on this policy, they would maintain neutrality but unite some neutral countries, avoiding public perception of isolation’s failure while using public support to solve problems—a perfect solution.

“What about those rioters outside? How do we handle them?” The president quickly decided and asked sharply.The chief of staff said pointedly, “Someone has to be held responsible for this…”

A scapegoat—this tactic has been used for so many years that almost everyone knows it, yet people still fall for it.

The president nodded. “If there’s no other way, then so be it. I hope we see results soon.”