Chapter 250: Chapter 176: Want to Negotiate Now? Too Late!
"OK."
Lawson sneered, then turned and left.
While the entire state was still buzzing about the FBI reaching out to Governor Stevenson, an announcement from KNPR-FM Television Station stirred the state into a frenzy once again.
The announcement was quite straightforward.
It was that at 7 o\'clock tonight, Senator Candidate Lawson would again appear on the KNPR-FM television interview program to drop another bombshell on Governor Stevenson.
"Dammit, our Governor Stevenson hasn\'t even dealt with the Golden Ear Bridge issue yet, and now there\'s new gossip to be revealed?"
"The Golden Ear Bridge scandal was already explosive enough. What is Senator Candidate Lawson planning to disclose next?"
"Governor has enough on his plate already, won\'t another explosive revelation force him to resign?"
As soon as the news broke, social media across Nevada State lit up.
Gossip like this happens almost every day, but not often about someone of the Governor\'s stature—this was a rarity indeed.
Instantly, many across the state prepared their benches, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and drinks, ready for the blockbuster revelation that evening.
At the Governor\'s Mansion.
"Fuck, what the hell is this bastard up to now?"
It had taken Governor Stevenson the strength of nine bulls and two tigers to handle the FBI agents, and just as he sat down to catch his breath, this sudden news exploded on him.
Eugene pondered for a moment before replying, "No matter what he\'s planning, it\'s definitely something that\'s not in our favor..."
"So, are we just going to do nothing and sit here waiting to die?"
"Governor, at this point, I\'m not sure if it\'s appropriate for me to speak my mind."
"We\'ve come to this, just say it!"
"I think we can\'t keep going on like this. We are very passive right now. Maybe... we should have a talk with Lawson and see if we can downplay this whole situation."
Hearing this, Governor Stevenson\'s face contorted in rage, but after some thought, he began to calm down.
As a seasoned politician, he certainly knew not to lose his composure now, and the negotiation Eugene suggested was indeed what they should be contemplating.
After all, they were not only getting hit but also didn\'t know what move the opponent would make next. The best course of action was to temporarily avoid the sharp edge of their attack—this was the most prudent choice.
With that in mind, he said, "But surely this is all Director David\'s manipulation behind the scenes. What\'s the point in talking to Lawson?"
"If Director David is pulling the strings from behind the curtain, it means he doesn\'t want to involve the Federal Tax Bureau. So, even if we wanted to talk to him, he wouldn\'t be open to it. We can only talk to Lawson to pass on a message!"
After thinking it over and finding the argument reasonable, Governor Stevenson, after a full 2 minutes of contemplation, gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, then let\'s arrange a talk with him."
At the Ninglin Branch Office.
Director David had arrived at the temporary office and was on a call: "Thinking of talking now? It\'s too late!"
Ever since Governor Stevenson\'s son had died, he had been thwarting David at every turn.
If he let his opponent off the hook this time, there was no guarantee that they wouldn\'t come back for more in the future. So, the best strategy was to completely remove him from the governorship.
"Alright, I\'ll get it done."
Just after he ended the call, a knock came on the office door. David said, "Come in."
Simmons entered and said, "Director David, Director Jon\'s secretary, Secretary Monroe, would like to see you."
"The Director\'s secretary?"
David thought for a moment that this must be the state director trying to inquire or pass on a message, he then said, "Bring him in."
About five minutes later, a white man in his thirties was brought in. He extended his hand to David while introducing himself, "Director David, nice to meet you. I\'m Secretary Monroe, the secretary of Director Jon."
"Hello, Secretary Monroe."
David shook his hand and then asked, "What brings you here today, Secretary Monroe...?"
"It\'s like this, Mr. Jon is busy with official duties, so he sent me here to inquire whether there might be a need for the Federal Tax Bureau\'s involvement regarding the matter with Governor Stevenson?"
"As expected..."
David thought to himself, indeed, the secretary must have been sent by Jon to feel out whether the scandal involving Governor Stevenson was something he had orchestrated.
Gathering his thoughts, he calmly replied, "Had the matter not been brought to light, our Federal Tax Bureau could have gotten involved, but now that it\'s out and with the FBI involved, I believe it wouldn\'t be appropriate for our Federal Tax Bureau to step in."
Secretary Monroe nodded and then asked, "Director David, do you think there\'s an issue with Senator Candidate Lawson? Right now, he hasn\'t had any problems come up for him?"
"Mr. Monroe, we are all members of the Federal Tax Bureau here. Just speak plainly with what you want to ask!"
David knew the other party was still fishing for information, but he wasn\'t one for beating around the bush, and so he decided to speak directly.
Secretary Monroe fell silent for a moment before asking, "Director David, actually, Director Jon sent me mainly to ask whether this matter really concerns our National Tax Service or not."
David smiled faintly, speaking with deep meaning, "Does Director Jon really want to know?"
As someone who could become Jon\'s secretary, Monroe had more than ordinary abilities in thinking and reading people\'s expressions. Therefore, after seeing David\'s expression and hearing his meaningful words, she instantly had her answer.
Afterwards, she replied, "Director Jon asked me to remind you that your career has just started, and you should be cautious in everything."
"Please thank Director Jon for his reminder," David said.
From the secretary\'s reply, David could infer that, as he had previously thought, Director Jon was very shrewd. He did not want to get involved in such matters.
But that was also fine, as he had never planned to involve the director anyway.
...
The sunset was setting, marking the end of another day.
Under the discussion and anticipation of the entire Nevada State, the time reached 6:50 PM.
KNPR-FM Television Station.
"Mr. Robert, our television station\'s viewership has increased by tenfold compared to yesterday!"
A staff member approached the head of the television station to report.
This man named Robert, upon hearing these words, was also elated. He immediately went over to Lawson, who was still getting ready backstage, and asked, "The audience is already looking forward to it, how about it, Mr. Louson, are you ready?"
Lawson straightened his tie and replied, "I am ready."
"Then let\'s get started!"
As they were speaking, the time reached seven o\'clock.
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The live broadcast was ready to go. Milton walked onto the stage, first thanking the audience for tuning in, and then he announced, "Let us welcome Senator Candidate Lawson!"
Compared to yesterday, Lawson, who walked in front of the cameras today, seemed even more radiant and spirited.
He was very clear that, although yesterday\'s Golden Ear Bridge document was explosive, it only concerned the citizens of two cities.
But the agricultural legislation that David had leaked to him today concerned all the people engaged in agriculture throughout the state of Nevada.
If this document were to be released, Governor Stevenson would surely be the target of widespread criticism, and he, as the dragon-slaying hero who exposed it all, would certainly receive the votes and support from those related to agriculture!
Pushing aside his thoughts, Lawson said to the camera, "Hello, everyone, I am Louson, and I am very pleased to be here at the KNPR-FM Television Station for the interview again today…"
After a brief introduction, the two of them took their seats.
Milton was the first to ask, "Mr. Louson, I hear that today you have another major piece of news about Governor Stevenson, what is it?"
"We\'ll get to that slowly, no rush," Lawson adjusted his thoughts and then said, "I wonder if everyone still remembers December 11, 2021, the agriculture export bill signed by the Governor for the state of Nevada!"
Upon the mention of this legislation, the people of Nevada State who were concerned about it suddenly became very attentive.
Over at the Governor\'s Mansion, both Governor Stevenson and Eugene felt a shudder in their hearts because they knew all too well the secrets hidden within this legislation.
At this moment, all they could do was pray internally, praying that Lawson did not have actual evidence.
Back to the live broadcast at KNPR-FM Television Station, Milton, curious, asked, "Mr. Louson, what\'s the issue with this bill?"
"Of course, there is a big problem!"
"When this bill was being drafted, I stood up and criticized it. It is a vile bill that sacrifices the interests of our agricultural folks in Nevada State to exchange for Stevenson\'s personal benefits."
"Now, I still stand by what I said, and I now have solid evidence!"
Upon these words, the entire Nevada State erupted into chaos.
This agricultural bill, at the time of its drafting, caused strong opposition from the state\'s agriculturalists because it involved compressing their interests.
However, Stevenson, with many agricultural representatives and various experts, heavily promoted the idea that the reduction in benefits was only temporary.
Once the products were exported abroad and the market was seized, they would surely earn back double!
After all, with so many agricultural products in the world, if you don\'t compete with the advantage of a price war, how can you beat other regions and countries?
Most of these agriculturalists had little education, and with Stevenson\'s promotion through various channels, it sounded somewhat reasonable, so they agreed to it.
Eventually, this state law was also passed.
But now, with Lawson\'s words, these agriculturalists suddenly felt deceived.
Could it be that, as Lawson said, everything Stevenson told them about earning back double was a lie?
Actually, was Stevenson only out for his own political achievements and benefits?