Chapter 1422 - 461: Sorry, Money Really Can Make You Show Off_3

Chapter 1422: Chapter 461: Sorry, Money Really Can Make You Show Off_3

Lin Miao gently persuaded Miles

"Some things should never be set in motion. Once they discover that threats can make you back down, these guys will escalate and demand the government hand over more benefits. By then, the political capital you’ve painstakingly accumulated over the past decade will be put at the disposal of others, going down the drain."

"As long as there’s profit to be made, even if it’s just a penny, they won’t flip the table and gamble their lives with you. You soften, they harden; you harden, they soften. That’s how business works."

Originally, Lin Miao wanted to say that in America’s three hundred years, there hadn’t been a rumor of merchants rebelling against the authority. However, realizing that in this era merchants indeed seemed to have taken over, he had to change his tone.

Miles, lost in thought, was equally unwilling to concede, but a few words from Lin Miao probably couldn’t change her mind, so Lin Miao voluntarily spoke

"Madam President, words are no substitute for actions. Why not listen to what the citizens are saying?"

"...."

Miles opened the livestream, the footage shot by drones controlled by Adcardo

In the dark, a ribbon of countless headlights extended from beneath Lin Miao’s feet all the way to the horizon, a hopeful road formed by numerous Detroit people.

These Detroit people, either in their cars or by the roadside, held up placards with simple yet clear phrases such as [President Miles!][Give us back our jobs!][Down with the damned corporation!][For democracy and freedom]

The local residents expressed their attitude through the simplest actions

This scene incited a fiery passion within Miles

Moved?

No!

It was power!

The allure of power made Miles’s heart race uncontrollably, unseen by Lin Miao, her tightly clenched fists trembled slightly, her breathing grew heavy, and she couldn’t help but close her eyes.

Just thinking about it brought her to ecstasy.

Did Lin Miao deceive or lie to her?

Not at all, what he said was the truth, with normal brainwave feedback

Moreover, even from Miles’s perspective, Lin Miao’s actions brought neither benefit to the Horizon Corporation nor himself.

On the contrary, if it failed, Lin Miao would definitely die before Miles.

After much consideration, Miles finally opened her eyes

"One night, until eight o’clock tomorrow morning, regardless of the results, you must stop, otherwise, I can’t hold them back."

"It’s enough."

Receiving Miles’s support, Lin Miao smiled

"After eight o’clock tomorrow morning, the entire city of Detroit will become your most faithful supporters, President Miles. All the people will call your name."

Miles had heard flattery from countless people, but praise from those with power was most pleasing.

"It better be so."

Ending the communication, Lin Miao turned to pick up a box and jumped off the hovercar, descending into the confrontation between the marching crowd and the blockade of military police.

Facing dozens of gun barrels, Lin Miao calmly stood at the forefront of the marching crowd and addressed the military police

"Step aside."

The sheriff stepped up with trepidation

"The city center is under lockdown. Without orders from the city government, no one is allowed through!"

"Not even an official of my rank?"

With my level of rank, theoretically, I can do anything, what is a mere city government.

"If Minister Lin, you have urgent matters, you may pass alone."

"Are you sure?"

"I’m sure, Minister Lin, I need to ensure the security of the city center. Please don’t make it difficult for my men."

Lin Miao looked back at the tens of thousands of Detroit citizens behind him, his expression grave

"Folks, did you hear that? This Detroit officer says he only takes care of the city center’s security! In other words, he doesn’t care about your safety at all!"

"Whoever pays the highest taxes receives their service."

Lin Miao’s voice grew passionate

"But every brick, every tile, every car in this city was built by your own hands. The working class created everything!"

"That’s right!"

Walt immediately stood up and shouted

"I worked at General Motors for more than ten years, and just because a colleague tricked me, they kicked me out! If not for Mr. Lin, I would have almost been beaten to death on the street."

Led by him, more and more people stepped up to accuse the military police

"I worked on the Ford assembly line for seven years. My fingers were crushed by a worn-out machine, and they didn’t give me a dime of medical compensation!"

A woman squeezed out of the crowd, and she looked at one of the officers, tears streaming down her face

"Sanders! Do you still remember me?"

A surprised Black detective among them said

"Louise... it’s you, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing? Don’t you remember? My husband was killed by a gang while investigating a case with you, and what happened? The police station said they’d send compensation, but it hasn’t happened yet. If it weren’t for Nova’s family helping us, my daughter and I would have starved to death at home."

Upon hearing this, the previously tense police officers began to stir.

Everyone works for money, but if you can’t even get compensation after dying, what’s the point of risking your life?

The sheriff panicked upon seeing this and quickly said

"We’ll discuss the compensation issues later; the chief will surely approve the finances for you."

Lin Miao mockingly interjected

"Will they really give you that?"

"Will you cover for their shortfall?"

"Or do you really not know the nature of your leaders?"

His voice was like a devil’s whisper, echoing in every officer’s ear.

Would those corrupt upper echelons, who even embezzled money meant for bulletproof vests, really compensate in the future?

It’s laughable; front-line soldiers’ compensations are held back as much as possible, so how could a group of readily replaceable police officers be given any compensation?

Even without continuing, Lin Miao knew the officers had already found their answer.

"I’m Lin Miao, Minister of the Efficiency Department, Lin Miao."

Lin Miao reiterated his identity, then opened the suitcase in his hand. Inside, neatly stacked were bundles of new Orokin currency.

Casually pulling out a stack, he placed it before the woman and said respectfully

"On behalf of the Federation government and President Miles, I’m compensating for your husband’s sacrifice. Your husband was a hero who sacrificed for the nation and shouldn’t be treated this way."

Then he picked up another stack and waved it before the military police

"Now, those who lower their guns and make way will receive ten thousand each; those who follow me with their guns will be transferred to the Efficiency Department as Federation detectives, with a post-tax salary of 5000 Orokin, 13-month salary, four days of vacation per month, and seven days of paid leave annually."

Sorry, money really can have its way.

All the officers’ eyes turned red.

The sheriff felt chills down his spine, as though something was pointing at his back, meanwhile, colleagues continuously called out on the channel

"A marching crowd is appearing on St. Paul Street! Need support!"

"A marching crowd is appearing on Indiana Street, it’s workers from the Kent factory!"

"A marching crowd is appearing in Watson District, employees from several companies are all rushing out!"

"Support! We need support!"

Lin Miao walked forward as officers holding riot shields moved aside to clear a path

He stood next to the sheriff and said

"Sheriff, think carefully. We’re not criminals, I represent the Federation government, you’re merely cooperating with the Efficiency Department’s work."

"As for the mayor and the chief... are you sure you want to be buried with a group of dead men?"

The sheriff’s hand trembled, and the chief’s angry shout rang out in the channel

"Hegbo, I warn you, don’t listen to this man’s nonsense; this is Michigan State, not under Federation government’s jurisdiction, according to federal law...."

Click—

The sheriff pressed his fingers over the walkie-talkie and turned it off, looking at Lin Miao with a newfound respect

"Minister, where are we going?"

"To the city center, to watch a fireworks show."