MWC – Chapter 163 A Historic Moment

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

Kunlun Broadcasting Corporation’s headquarters is located on Qingshui Road in the eastern district, a relatively remote area. The tree-lined road sees little traffic, and there are no tall buildings within the company grounds. The headquarters building is just a five-story, gray structure.

Private television stations operate this way, spending money wisely rather than building opulent headquarters.

In the lounge next to Studio One on the third floor, Lu Ming reluctantly allowed Pamela to fuss with his face.

She mainly worked on brightening his complexion to avoid looking dull and lifeless on camera.

There was originally a professional makeup artist, but Lu Ming wasn’t comfortable with someone else touching his face, so Pamela stepped in.

“Hmm, getting prettier and prettier,” Pamela muttered as she worked with a small brush on Lu Ming’s face.

Lu Ming occasionally let out long breaths through his nose, as frowning would affect the lighting.

Seeing his frustrated expression, Pamela stifled a laugh, relishing the rare opportunity to manipulate this man’s face.

“Everyone out!” Lu Ming suddenly commanded.

Immediately, led by Murong Xue and Master Gong, the male and female staff members bowed and exited.

Even the two television station staff members were startled by this and quickly followed suit.

Pamela let out a small cry of surprise as Lu Ming tried to hug her. She deftly evaded but was caught by the arm.

“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore…” Pamela pleaded, struggling and whispering in Lu Ming’s ear, “I was wrong, I was wrong… master…”

Pamela’s voice was soft and melodious, with that unique intonation of a Westerner speaking Zhongzhou’s language. When she suddenly called out “master,” Lu Ming felt a shiver run through his body, as if a small feather had tickled him from head to toe, leaving him tingling all over.

He held Pamela’s smooth, fair wrist, reluctant to let go, staring at the alluring curves formed by her snow-white suit, her towering peaks, slender waist, and a pair of smooth, white legs beneath the suit. Her deep blue eyes twinkled with a hint of seduction as she begged for mercy, causing Lu Ming’s heart to race and his breathing to become labored.

“There are many people outside, business first, business is important…” Pamela whispered, sensing she might be in trouble.

Finally, Lu Ming coughed and let go of her hand. “Alright, continue.”

Pamela dared not act out again, dutifully touching up her man’s makeup.

Lu Ming sighed inwardly, feeling that his body was likely similar to a normal person’s now, no longer in the suboptimal health of a recluse.

But Bizhu said he needed to wait until his twentieth birthday, which was in June, still over six months away.

Moreover, he had to pass some test of Bizhu’s.

Recently, he had stopped having spring dreams, for reasons unknown, but he feared becoming a walking powder keg, constantly on edge, as losing that outlet left him with no release.

Someone knocked on the door. It was a staff member from the television station with an announcement. Lu Ming shook his head, pushing those thoughts aside.

……

The studio was quite humble compared to the ones Lu Ming had seen in his previous life.

There were no dazzling lighting effects, just two small podiums with microphones in front.

Lu Ming stood at the left podium, while Cao Ying took the right.

The audience was divided into two camps, the left side wearing red, supporting candidate Lu Qianxing, and the right side wearing green, supporting candidate Cao Ying.

There was also a time for audience questions.

However, during the candidates’ entrances and their statements, supporters were not allowed to make any noise, or they would be expelled.

After all, this was a serious political debate, not a star fan meeting show.

These arrangements were all Lu Ming’s ideas, and they were executed well.

The host delivered an enthusiastic opening, while Lu Ming maintained a smile, facing the three cameras below.

The live broadcast of this political debate would be delayed by half an hour to handle any unforeseen situations.

Meanwhile, Kunlun Radio would also broadcast the debate live simultaneously with the television station.

“Alright, that’s the basic situation of the third district!”

The host first provided a detailed explanation of the population, economic conditions, and employment distribution in the third district.

“Now, let’s hear the candidates’ views on the first topic, racial segregation policy.”

The host’s tone was calm, avoiding any dramatic tension, emphasizing the seriousness of the political discussion.

He stepped back after speaking.

The first topic was strongly demanded by Cao Ying.

He was the first to speak, bowing slightly to the audience, and pressing the speech button. He sighed softly, “I never imagined that, with the empire approaching its thousandth year, such an absurd policy would still exist. Everyone is born equal, as stated in the preamble of the Imperial Charter…”

Cao Ying’s words were consistent with his vehemently worded articles in the newspapers, condemning the racial segregation policy as a severe violation of the constitution, collective persecution of a certain group, artificially dividing society, and causing social unrest.

Towards the end, Cao Ying changed his tone. “A policy that should be consigned to the dustbin of history is cherished by our candidate Lu Qianxing. He believes that racial segregation should also be implemented in Donghai. He was furious when a black student was admitted to our St’ Anthony School, even suing the school for hundreds of thousands in damages.”

“I don’t want to use words like ‘insane’ or ‘greedy’ to describe a lawyer entering politics, but I believe that while Lu Qianxing may be an excellent lawyer, lawyers often focus on the interests of individual clients. This is completely different from a politician who must consider the welfare of millions, even opposites. If Candidate Lu Qianxing continues to use a lawyer’s mindset in politics, the consequences would be terrible.”

“Thank you, host!”

The green-shirted audience erupted in applause.

Even a few people in red shirts joined in, only to be scolded by those around them. The cameras caught this, broadcasting it to all viewers.

Cao Ying maintained his usual smile, but a trace of smugness flashed in his eyes.

Lu Ming also smiled, observing the commotion among his “supporters,” noticing that it was initiated by the old police chief Xu Sanzhi, who had come to support him.

“Host, may I begin?” Lu Ming asked the host.

“Of course, let’s hear Candidate Lu Qianxing’s views!”

Leaning slightly towards the microphone, Lu Ming smiled. “First, I do not support racial segregation policies. However, I believe that equal segregation, as implicitly approved by the Empire’s Supreme Court, is a highly compassionate measure for the black community, though few recognize the good intentions of the justices.”

It’s easy to imagine that many boos would be heard from the TV audience, though more cheers likely came from the Westerners.

“Equal segregation? I would even say it is our best weapon for securing the rightful rights of the black community, but unfortunately, most of our equality experts, like Candidate Cao Ying, have not realized this.”

“For example, equal segregation requires that in public areas, the segregated black community must receive the same services as other groups.”

“For instance, in two train cars, one for the black community and one for other groups, I would record the annual traffic of each car over a year. I would also record the frequency of free water and snacks provided, the frequency of cleaning and replacement of small items, and the total service hours of the attendants in each car.”

“Thus, dividing the total services by the number of passengers in each car, while the numbers may not be exactly the same, they should be relatively close. This is true equality in segregation; otherwise, it is a violation of the law, and the railway company should be penalized.”

“The same applies to parks’ activity areas, the free services provided, and the amenities in public restrooms.

“Black communities should have the same per capita treatment, which would actually be a tremendous benefit for this generally economically disadvantaged group.”

“In fact, if equal segregation were strictly enforced, I believe the finances of most states would quickly go bankrupt!”

Looking into the camera, Lu Ming continued, “In reality, I would be more than willing to represent all our Black brothers and sisters as their collective lawsuit agent, suing each state government that enforces equal segregation.”

Everyone listened in stunned silence, including Cao Ying.

“Of course, I absolutely do not want things to reach that point. So I think equal segregation will soon fulfill its historical mission.”

Lu Ming paused. “But in reality, each ethnic group has its own way of life. The empire was founded as a confederation because the founding fathers understood that forced integration, requiring all groups to live together, would only lead to chaotic clashes, even bloody wars.”

“For instance, we in the East Sea have long had immigration policies that are criticized by other states and provinces because obtaining a residence permit in the East Sea is very difficult, let alone full citizenship. However, for those with relatively affluent economic conditions, obtaining an East Sea residence permit is quite easy, hence the controversy from other states and provinces.”

“But in fact, it is precisely because of the East Sea’s strict selection of immigrants, attracting various talents to come here and utilize their intelligence, that we have been able to lead the empire in economic and technological development, making great contributions all along. If we also implemented a free migration policy like some other states and provinces, the East Sea would quickly become a chaotic mess.”

“I also firmly oppose artificially altering the ethnic composition of new immigrants. That would bring catastrophic consequences to the current social order in the East Sea.”

“Moreover, Beiguan must not become a bridgehead for such ethnic evolution!”

“Thank you, host! Thank you, friends!” Lu Ming bowed slightly.

The audience in red shirts immediately burst into enthusiastic applause.

“Candidate Lu Qianxing, from your last statement, it is clear you are a racist!” Cao Ying quickly pressed the speech button.

Lu Ming nodded slightly. “Maybe.”

“You boast and provoke racial sentiments among the public, publishing numerous articles in the newspapers attacking St. Anton’s School for admitting a Black student. In your eyes, this has become a great crime that will destroy the future of the East Sea? Ridiculous!”

“You even hung a huge advertisement covering an entire floor of a shopping mall, falsely claiming that the Third Community would become entirely Black in the future.”

“These actions, I can forgive. I know they are your campaign tactics, so although your actions are despicable, I won’t blame you.”

“But do you realize the harm you’ve caused to little Elber?”

Cao Ying’s face was filled with sorrow. “Of course, you probably don’t know who little Elber is.”

“Little Elber is the Black child specially recruited by St. Anton’s School. He is smart, kind, and understanding, so he couldn’t understand why his coming here to study was met with such malicious criticism, even making the classmates who were initially friendly to him start beating and scolding him!”

“He couldn’t understand any of this. He couldn’t understand why the uncles and aunts in the East Sea hated him so much.”

“A few days ago, he left a letter and disappeared.”

“To this day, we haven’t found him, this poor child…”

Cao Ying wiped the corners of his eyes. “Even in his letter, he didn’t blame anyone. He kept saying he was sorry and that he didn’t want to hurt anyone…“

The audience remained silent.

When discussing an entire ethnic group, people have different thoughts. Ethnic groups are just a vague collective impression.

But this poor child, a victim severely harmed by the election campaign, undoubtedly made everyone feel heavy-hearted.

“So, what’s the point of this election?!” Cao Ying suddenly cursed and kicked the lectern hard.

The audience looked at him with teary eyes, perhaps thinking that what they needed was such a passionate and kind leader.

“Do you know who Seier Seibaha is?” Lu Ming suddenly asked Cao Ying.

“What?” Cao Ying, with a sorrowful face, looked at Lu Ming.

“Seier Seibaha,” Lu Ming repeated.

Cao Ying frowned. “What are you trying to say? Who is Seier?”

“Seier Seibaha is the real name of the child you call little Elber, and it’s also the name he likes. Before he boarded the train yesterday, he insisted that I tell you his name is Seier Seibaha.”

“He didn’t run far that night. My people stayed with him near the park around the school, but no one seemed to look for him.”

“You’re spouting nonsense!” Cao Ying was completely stunned.

Lu Ming shook his head. “He has never been happy since he came to the East Sea. His classmates isolated him, calling him ‘black coal’ behind his back, beating and scolding him when the teachers weren’t around. He missed home dearly, telling my staff hundreds of times how much he missed home.”

“You’re lying. He’s an orphan!” Cao Ying shouted.

“Yes, and the home he referred to was the orphanage and his friends there. Also, he has an uncle in Hamilton, where there is a Black community. I’ve already arranged for him to go to a school there. That little guy should be almost home by now. He’s very excited about his new school, but he also asked my staff to convey his sincere gratitude to you and his teachers, but he doesn’t belong here. He just wants to go home.”

“You’re lying!” Cao Ying instinctively refuted.

Lu Ming sighed. “Originally, I considered bringing him to this debate to surprise you, but to protect him, I decided not to expose him to the public. He deserves a quiet place to study and live.”

“Oh, it’s you! It’s you!” Cao Ying suddenly realized, going mad. “You guys encouraged him to run away from school. It’s you, Lu Qianxing. You set this up deliberately. You’re a sinister man who knew I wouldn’t debate with you on TV, so you set this trap to make me think he was missing and that it would be a good point to attack you!”

Suddenly, Cao Ying’s face turned pale as he remembered this was a live broadcast.

This meant that not only the audience but also millions of viewers and listeners had heard everything he just said.

Lu Ming remained calm. “Think what you want, but it’s true that you didn’t seriously look for him. You probably hoped he would just disappear, making me the real villain.”

“But little Seier Seibaha didn’t blame you. He still said he was very grateful to you.”

“Also, you just mentioned you originally refused to debate with me on TV because you knew your public policies were wrong and that you would lose this debate, right?”

“Host, isn’t there a half-hour delay in this broadcast? I demand you stop the broadcast now!” The stunned Cao Ying suddenly remembered this point and immediately became excited, as if finally grabbing a lifeline.

“According to the contract, I have the right to stop the live broadcast at any time!” Cao Ying shouted to the backstage. “I’m telling you, if this segment gets broadcast, I’ll sue your lousy TV station into bankruptcy! Stop it now! Understand?!”

The audience was already stunned. Is this what politicians are like?

Lu Ming just looked at him helplessly, shaking his head as if also believing this part wouldn’t be broadcast.

In reality, every clause of the contract was ironclad, and Cao Ying couldn’t possibly win a lawsuit.

Feeling a bit helpless, Lu Ming also hadn’t expected Cao Ying’s performance to be so dramatic. This video might be worth a fortune even decades later, with countless people willing to pay to watch it online. Who would’ve thought there’d be future profits from this?

Lost in thought, he forgot to watch the raging Cao Ying.

In the camera lens, Lu Ming appeared extremely calm and composed, not even bothering to look at his rival’s outburst.

There was no mockery or ridicule, not even a sneer. His demeanor was impeccable.