Chapter 428: The Only Lifeline

The massive acquisition of FaceWeb has swept the world.
Nearby Japan, naturally, is also trembling, closely monitoring every detail of the situation.
At this moment, a high-level closed-door meeting is underway.
"...But, aren't they afraid of violating antitrust laws by doing this?
I remember the US has always been extremely strict and rigorous in that regard," an official questioned.
It's worth noting that at its peak, FaceWeb was severely punished by its own regulatory authorities for alleged monopolistic practices.
Strangely, PicPic has now completed this epic acquisition, instantly expanding into an unprecedented behemoth.
Yet, criticisms regarding "antitrust" have been collectively silenced, not a single word heard.
"From North America to Europe, and then to Asia, all the mainstream media are remarkably unified in their coverage, a deluge of praise for PicPic!
Articles criticizing its monopolistic practices are extremely rare. Even if one or two do emerge, they quickly disappear into the information overload for some unknown reason."
"This is... global media manipulation!"
"Everyone knows Fang Huan's investment power; it's practically bottomless.
The world's media are probably lining up, kneeling and feasting on the money Fang Huan has poured in."
Using endless funds to silence the world's media.
This isn't just extravagance; it's ruthlessness!
"Enough! Stop discussing this!" The meeting chair slammed his hand on the table, angrily interrupting the conversation.
"We're gathered here today not to sing praises to Fang Huan!
Don't forget, the reason we've fallen to this state, this pathetic state, is ultimately because of Fang Huan's investment!"
In the highest-level meeting room of the ruling Democratic Liberal Party of Japan, a somber atmosphere hung heavy, the air thick with tension.
Every leader present faced an unprecedented crisis in their political careers.
"For over fifty years! Our Democratic Liberal Party has held power in this country!
Although there were two brief setbacks, we quickly regained it both times.
But now… the situation is completely different! We… are about to lose our ruling position completely!"
Conservatism is ingrained in the very core of Japan.
The Democratic Liberal Party's foundation is deeply rooted in the equally conservative rural areas, intricately intertwined and unbreakable.
While the so-called opposition parties may have some influence in the cities, they are simply no match for the deeply entrenched and powerful Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Furthermore, city dwellers prefer stability to change and dislike disruptive actions.
This unique political climate has allowed the LDP to maintain its stable rule for over half a century.
"But now, that foundation is crumbling! We... our approval ratings have been overtaken by those useless opposition parties!
If we can't find a way to turn the tide, our ship will truly sink!"
Back then, thanks to the former prime minister, they had managed to revive the stagnant economy.
Everything should have been stable, and the people were happy to see this "stability."
"Sigh...who the hell was so foolish as to provoke that sleeping lion of China..."
Someone couldn't help but sigh.
The point at which all the problems erupted was when they actively provoked China.
It was simply...like stupidly plucking the whiskers of a sleeping lion.
Provoking China was bad enough, but the most fatal flaw was that they had offended the demon behind that lion—Fang Huan Investment!
"If we hadn't been severely punished by Fang Huan back then, we wouldn't be in this situation!"
That famous battle, later known in the financial world as the "Cherry Blossom Festival," remains a lingering nightmare in the hearts of the Japanese.
The Japanese government, thoroughly crippled by Fang Huan's financial offensive, hastily withdrew all pressure on China, practically surrendering in front of the entire world.
On the surface, the matter seems resolved.
However, the aftereffects of that economic devastation are like a persistent, incurable disease.
"The yen depreciated, the economy suffered negative growth, prices soared, the real estate market collapsed… Fang Huan's single attack set our economy back ten years in an instant!
Even the most conservative citizens have finally realized that this country is doomed if it doesn't change!
This is the root cause of our plummeting approval ratings!"
In short, Fang Huan's single company destroyed the entire Japanese economy, and incidentally, pushed the Democratic Liberal Party's political life to the brink.
"Shouldn't Fang Huan be held responsible for this?!" someone shouted indignantly.
“…But, tracing back to the source, we were the ones who started this trouble first…” another person weakly retorted.
Silence fell over the room.
Yes, there was no way to shift the blame.
If they hadn't brought this upon themselves, how could they have attracted this killing machine?
“So what? What's the use of saying all this now? The question is, what should we do? Do we still have any cards to play to turn things around?!”
“…”
In the dead silence, Finance Minister Watanabe slowly spoke:
“This problem cannot be solved by either the Bank of Japan or the Ministry of Finance.
Our economic structure has been completely destroyed.
The opposition parties have seized on this, using the banner of ‘judging the Liberal Democratic Party’ to frantically reap support.”
Fang Huan's thunderous blow directly shattered Japan's YCC policy, and the entire country was on the verge of economic shock.
All they could do was withdraw all overseas capital to barely keep the country from bankruptcy.
"There's only one way to solve this predicament."
"What way?!" Everyone immediately turned their anxious gazes towards him.
Watanabe took a deep breath and uttered a word that made everyone's brains freeze:
"Invest in Fang Huan...and request assistance."
"...!?"
The meeting room erupted instantly!
"Watanabe-kun! Are you crazy? You want us to beg the culprit who ruined us like this?!"
"It's not just a request," Watanabe's eyes were unusually calm,
"Even if we beg, do you think Fang Huan would even listen to us?
To get them to even glance at us, we... we'd have to kneel down and kowtow!"
"You... what the hell are you talking about?!"
"I'm not talking nonsense! It's reality!" Watanabe's voice suddenly rose,
"Look at the US! Fang Huan swallowed up FaceWeb in front of the whole world—that's blatant monopoly!
They didn't dare utter a single word! What does that prove?
It proves that Fang Huan's power has reached a point where even the US doesn't dare to easily touch him!"
No one could refute it.
Even the US, which is most concerned with the so-called "rules of the game," turns a blind eye to this kind of social media monopoly that can manipulate public opinion.
The power behind this has exceeded everyone's imagination!
"Our Democratic Liberal Party, our nation, have fallen to this state. Fang Huan certainly bears some responsibility, but ultimately, it's our own fault!
Moreover, everyone, we must face reality!
What can we use to avenge a behemoth that even the US dares not touch? Powered by love?"
"..."
Therefore, instead of pondering unrealistic revenge, let's change our approach.
Fang Huan might be the only lifeline for our Democratic Liberal Party!"
The only lifeline?
"Fang Huan...can he really help us?"
"Look at their trajectory. Has the word 'impossible' ever existed in that man's dictionary?
Moreover, their newly issued 'Fang Huan Coin' is sparking a brand new digital currency revolution.
Now, with the terrifying platform of FaceWeb, its momentum is unstoppable!"