Chapter 819: A New Chapter

There’s a clear difference between an elected president and one who wasn’t. An elected president can legitimately form his own cabinet, rather than continuing with the previous administration’s team.

The sudden resignation of the last president had already been a major surprise. For the sake of national stability, it hadn’t been possible to immediately reshuffle key government positions. It was also a sensitive time—most cabinet members were from the Conservative Party.

Of course, to cooperate with the new president, those ministers did their best to stay out of his way.

But the president couldn’t do much about them. For example, he wanted to assign Mr. Truman to an important position to help with certain issues, but as an unelected president, he didn’t have that authority.

Up until yesterday, the State Department was just for show. The foreign minister rarely showed up, and all diplomatic matters were handled by the deputy minister or Mr. Truman—who had no official title.

But now, after winning the election, the president had the power to act.

As he stood at 9:30 a.m. in the sunlight outside the presidential residence, holding the Federal Code in his hands, and in front of the statue of the first president where the constitution was inscribed, he shouted:

“I will defend the people’s rights with my life.”

Meanwhile, a group of people was walking out of the presidential residence, carrying boxes filled with personal belongings. Security guards helped them move out—guards who used to smile at them were now expressionless, as if they’d forgotten their eight years together.

This was strictly business.

Lynch glanced over. Some of those leaving had held fairly high positions—being a chief of staff in the presidential office wasn’t a minor role.

Now, all of that was history.

They had risen with the president, and now, they left because of him.

Mr. Truman also looked over with a rare smile.

Seeing it, Lynch suddenly remembered. “I almost forgot—congratulations. The first Secretary of State in federal history!”

Truman smiled with restraint and pride. “What else can I say but thank you?”

The president’s dissatisfaction with the former foreign minister and deputy gave rise to the idea of restructuring the State Department.

Of course, the method couldn’t be too aggressive—the foreign ministry wasn’t a small department. It involved extensive and complex interests. Mishandling it could lead to disaster.

So the president used a clever workaround. He didn’t appoint a new foreign minister. Instead, Truman, as the First Deputy, took over routine diplomatic affairs. Meanwhile, the Office of International Affairs/Strategic Research was expanded into the new Ministry of International Affairs, with Truman as its first minister.

This allowed Truman to hold two key roles. Given the seniority of a minister, he would work out of the State Department, and diplomatic matters would gradually shift there.

This avoided threatening the interests of lower-level foreign ministry politicians while still achieving the president’s objectives.

Once key diplomatic personnel transitioned to the State Department, the foreign ministry could be phased out.

For now, though, nothing had changed—except that there was no foreign minister.

At this point, Truman had reached the peak of his political career. Beyond this, there were only two paths: enter Congress, become a senator, and then run for either governor or president.

Returning to the military? Highly unlikely. After finally stepping out and securing this much political power, why go back?

Those left behind by history gradually left. Even the reporters didn’t waste film on them anymore. All lenses were on the president and his inauguration guests.

Very likely, the main members of this administration would come from among them.

By a little past ten, the ceremony ended, and the president returned to his office.

His mood was visibly good. He hadn’t stopped smiling all morning.

“I’ve still got a little over a week of vacation. In a few days, I’ll host a formal celebration. Every one of you must come!”

In the modest office gathered the most powerful people in the Federation. Even Mr. Geruno came in person to celebrate the inauguration.

At this moment, he was truly the center of attention.

Everyone played along, expressing enthusiasm. No one in their right mind would say, I don’t have time. Only a fool—or someone looking to ruin their future—would say that.

Their flattery pleased the president even more. His victory made his presidency legitimate, and he was now on track to become one of the most powerful presidents in federal history.

Interestingly, even the Progressive Party whip attended the inauguration. This 60-something man, who had been nearly invisible for years, showed up in a proper suit.

The moment he appeared, he drew attention.

Even in the office, it was clear—his status was just below Geruno and the president.

“Lynch, any interest in getting involved?” the president asked suddenly, sounding almost like he was joking, causing many in the room to glance at Lynch.

They weren’t shocked. Everyone there knew it was likely just a light comment—or maybe a hint, an invitation for Lynch to express any needs or requests.

Sometimes, the public found cabinet appointments hard to accept. They thought, I may not have a fancy education, but I’m smarter than some of those fools.

Whether in looks or capability, why were such people chosen for top posts?

Because the president picked them.

The people elect the president. Then the president, with a pen and a piece of paper, picks the cabinet. Whether the members are idiots, or even a cat or dog—it doesn’t matter. It’s his right.

Lynch would never give up his own business empire to work for the president. Everyone knew it—including both of them. It was just a joke.

The president was really probing to see if Lynch wanted anything.

He knew Lynch had a young girlfriend. If she could stay on after her internship at the presidential residence, it would be a rare and valuable opportunity for her.

Not everyone starts at the top when they enter politics.

Lynch shook his head. “I’m not considering that for now. I’m still young—I can’t let the media or a job turn me into some kind of ascetic.”

That was his way of responding.

The president pursed his lips, a hint of regret in his expression. Lynch suddenly looked at Mr. Truman, and the two made eye contact. Truman smiled and quickly looked away.

It wasn’t the president testing him—it was Truman. He had long been trying to persuade Lynch to step into politics.

Lynch was sharp. His methods could be questionable at times, but overall, he had all the makings of a qualified politician.

With Lynch’s help, Truman could more quickly realize some of his own ambitions, instead of constantly struggling to navigate the traps laid by capitalists.

Unfortunately, Lynch had once again turned the offer down.

The mood in the room didn’t change because of his refusal. It remained the same as before.

People kept saying pleasant things, sharing their thoughts, suggesting one name after another—some familiar, some not—before the president.

Taking advantage of the moment, Lynch slipped out.

The interns stood awkwardly in the lobby. It was a time of staff transition, and technically, the presidential office had shut down. It wouldn’t reopen for another week.

During this period, each department would handle documents internally or via teleconference. Only the most urgent documents requiring the president’s signature would be sent over.

That meant the interns had nothing to do.

After months of intense work, the sudden downtime left them uneasy.

Lynch’s appearance made them all stand up straighter. Though he was about the same age as them, he was still Lynch.

“I’m here to see Katherine, no need to be nervous…” he said with a warm smile, greeting the others.

They responded stiffly, and Lynch took Katherine’s hand and walked with her outside the presidential residence.

The interns left in the lobby slowly slouched again. What changed, perhaps, was the way they looked at the girl walking away.

There was envy. There was also a touch of awe.

Their family backgrounds were far superior to Katherine’s, but in large, powerful families, no one had the time or energy to focus on each individual.

Competition. Pressure. It was everywhere. In the end, that ordinary girl might be better off than they were.

“I just turned down the president’s offer on your behalf…” Lynch said. He felt he owed her that explanation—she deserved to know where he stood.

Katherine said nothing, nor did she pull her hand away. In the cold winter air, Lynch’s palm felt especially warm.

He glanced at her. “If you stay at the presidential residence, you’ll carry the president’s mark. That might be fine for older people, but you’re still young—it’s not the right path for you…”