HLM -Chapter 817 A Hypocritical Life

Vajona arrived in Sunset Town by bus, accompanied by her husband, Alexander. Why they chose to travel by bus, Wang Bo didn’t know—perhaps it was to project a “people-friendly” image.

When Wang Bo came to receive them, he asked with a smile, “Why did you take the bus?”

Alexander patted his round belly and laughed heartily. “Isn’t this more environmentally friendly? We have to protect the environment—there’s already too much carbon dioxide in the air. If we can take the bus, there’s no need to drive.”

After hugging Wang Bo, Vajona added with a smile, “Look, there are so many of us. If we came by car, we’d need at least five vehicles. Compared to that, one bus creates much less pollution.”

Wang Bo glanced at the cameraman carrying the video camera and immediately knew what to say. “You’re absolutely right, ma’am. I’ve always admired how seriously the Green Party takes environmental protection.”

Indeed, the Green Party valued environmentalism—but not to the point of taking buses instead of cars It was clear this was just a publicity stunt, an image-building exercise.

From that alone, Wang Bo could tell—the Green Party had ambitions now. If they weren’t planning something big, these party leaders and officials wouldn’t be putting on such a show.

Wang Bo found all of this tiresome. Political leaders treated voters like chess pieces—every election, it was all slogans, rallies, and fake displays of “closeness to the people.”

But once the election was over? Everyone went their separate ways, pretending the voters didn’t exist.

To be fair, New Zealand’s prime ministers and mayors were generally diligent, and the voters weren’t easily fooled. If a politician only made empty promises, no one would buy it the next time.

Still, compared to ordinary citizens, those in power had it much easier. Who really served “the people” purely out of selflessness? Parties fought for control not for the people’s welfare, but for their own faction’s interests.

The voters thought about daily necessities—rice, oil, and bills—while the leaders lived in mansions and drove luxury cars. Wang Bo didn’t believe for a second that they weren’t also looking out for their own families’ benefit.

He understood all this, but there was no need to say it aloud. After all, Alexander and his wife had helped him quite a bit, and they were his future party leaders—he had to stay polite.

Elizabeth escorted the group to the reception room. Kidd leaned over and whispered to Wang Bo, “Boss, the organization really values you—looks like they’re going to hold a press conference for your party membership!”

Qingyang shook his head. “It’s not that simple. These politicians are pros at manipulation. They’ve trapped the boss in a neat little play.”

Wang Bo frowned. “What do you mean?”

Qingyang sighed. “The party leader and deputy chair both came here personally. Do you think they came all this way just to film you joining the party alone? Of course not. They’ll make the entire leadership of Sunset Town switch over—it’s a mass defection.”

Hani clapped his hands. “A is absolutely right. No wonder the boss brought you in to handle political affairs—you’ve got real talent for this.”

Wang Bo hadn’t realized it before, but after Qingyang pointed it out, it all made sense.

You can’t fight the big dogs—he had no choice but to go along. The Green Party wasn’t doing charity; all their help to Sunset Town came with strings attached.

So Wang Bo told Hani to spread the word—forget the townspeople for now, just have the entire leadership team switch allegiance to the Green Party.

Atulu shook his head. “Not me, boss. I think the Labour Party’s just fine.”

Juan shot him a sharp look. “Why you always gotta be difficult?”

Atulu stiffened his neck. “We have freedom of political choice. As Māori—”

Qingyang cut him off smoothly. “From now on, we’ll have weekly party gatherings with barbecues and beer. Non-members can’t attend.”

Atulu instantly changed his tune. “Māori joining the Green Party is great! Why? Because New Zealand belongs to the Māori people—we’re the ones who truly love this land.”

Conley sighed. “Damn, so loyalty to a party means less than a plate of barbecue.”

“Not necessarily,” someone replied. “Sometimes it takes two barbecues.”

They were wrong, though—there was no press conference. Just a team of journalists filming the entire process.

But when Wang Bo declared that his team was willing to follow him and join the Green Party, Alexander and Vajona were overjoyed.

That day, Wang Bo didn’t do any other work—he accompanied the couple around town, showing them the hills, the lakeside beaches, and the local coffeehouse “Great Qin Café.”

That evening’s banquet was held at his castle—New Zealand’s best place for a social gathering.  Any time he used it, it was sure to impress.

Bartier skipped the event—he was a senior member of the National Party, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to attend.

Seeing his absence, Alexander seemed a bit disappointed. He whispered to Wang Bo, “We’re on the same side now, so let me be honest with you.”

Wang Bo smiled and nodded, though inwardly he scoffed, The hell we are. I joined your party, not a thieves’ guild. If you can’t give me enough benefits, I’m out in a heartbeat.

That was easy enough—switching parties in New Zealand was simple. No special procedures required; just register on another party’s website.

Alexander continued, “I know you’re close to Mr. Bartier Good. I hope you can persuade him to join the Green Party too.”

Wang Bo took a sip of his wine and agreed readily. Whether he’d actually do it—well, that was none of Alexander’s business. Worst case, he’d just say he got drunk and forgot.

The couple’s visit was already giving Sunset Town enough prestige. They were busy people, so after dinner they left by helicopter.

Yes—these political leaders were exactly that hypocritical.

They came by bus, but left by helicopter.

Their excuse was that they had urgent business to attend to—but Wang Bo knew the truth. They just didn’t want anyone to see them leaving. At night, no one could tell who was inside the helicopter.

As the helicopter lifted off, Atulu spat on the ground. “Urgent business, my ass! When they were eating steak and lamb shanks, they didn’t look in a hurry!”

Wang Bo watched the chopper fade into the distance and sighed. “These people… what a hypocritical life they live.”

Hani said, “Not really hypocrisy, boss. They were honest enough with you. The hypocrisy was taking the bus for show, only to fly off in a helicopter once we couldn’t see.”

Holding Eva and Dale in his arms, Wang Bo said wistfully, “I kind of regret stepping into politics. I wonder if, years from now, I’ll turn into one of those people I despise.”

Qingyang smirked. “Old Wang, don’t flatter yourself. You haven’t joined politics—you’ve joined the chessboard of politicians. You’re not a player, you’re a piece.”

Wang Bo shot him a sideways glance. “Even if I’m a chess piece, I’m at least a chariot. You lot? You’re just pawns—once you cross the river, there’s no turning back!”