Chapter 431: Letting the Wolf In

Everyone was taken aback, then suddenly understood.
"You mean...!"
"There are only two possibilities," Yoshida held up two fingers,
"First, they already have a trump card, but the time isn't right, so they can't reveal it;
Second, they don't have any plan at all, they're just trying to lure us in.
But either way, as long as they took the bait, it means they're interested in this game."
This analysis made everyone feel much more at ease.
That's right!
Since Fanghuan Investment dared to take the bait, it means they might really be brewing a big move.
If the Liberal Democratic Party doesn't win, they'll get nothing.
“So, what we need to do now is wait,” Yoshida said slowly and deliberately.
“Just observe and see what happens. They'll definitely make a move.
Even if they fail, wouldn't all the conditions we offered be null and void?”
“Then… what if they really do reverse their approval ratings?” someone asked timidly.
“Well…”
Prime Minister Yoshida's lips twitched slightly.
To be honest, seeking investment from Fang Huan was purely a desperate measure, grasping at the last straw.
Because no matter how hard they racked their brains, they couldn't find any way to break the deadlock.
That's why they pinned their hopes on Fang Huan, who had created countless business miracles.
But do they really have the means to defy fate?
What if… what if they really do create another miracle?
Then the Japanese government would have to fulfill those promises that could be described as “humiliating and detrimental to national sovereignty.”
"Ahem, that's all in the future, we'll talk about it later." Yoshida waved his hand vaguely.
"Everyone knows in their hearts, is it realistic to fulfill all those conditions? Not at all!
If it really comes to that, we can just put on a show, genuinely or feigning fulfillment of one or two insignificant ones.
The rest, we can just find some excuse, use a delaying tactic, and slowly wear them down."
Those present were all shrewd people, and they immediately understood.
These politicians were calculating their options rapidly:
As long as Fang Huan Investment could help them through their difficulties, they could just casually fulfill one or two token promises afterwards, and the rest?
Heh, they could talk about it slowly, until the next election.
After all, if all those conditions were fulfilled, wouldn't Japan truly become Fang Huan Investment's backyard? Absolutely not!
"So, until Fang Huan gives a clear signal, we can only wait and see?"
"Of course not!" Yoshida's face darkened.
"Hmm?"
"Do you know where the former Prime Minister has been yesterday, today, and tomorrow?
He's been to cities big and small all over the country!
To garner just one more vote for us, he's still personally going to the grassroots, working tirelessly to get votes!
Even he's risking his life on the front lines, so how can we just sit here drinking tea and reading newspapers?"
"Ah..."
The crowd lowered their heads in shame. This was a warning: get out there and campaign!
"Everyone, get moving! For even one more vote, give it your all! Victory is never something you wait for!"
***
Meanwhile, the former prime minister, on his way to the next campaign stop, remained well-informed despite his distance, fully aware of the mess at headquarters.
"Hmph, a bunch of idiots." He sat in his car, listening to his subordinates' report, a disdainful sneer playing on his lips.
"I told you long ago, never beg Fang Huan for investment, that's like inviting a wolf into the house!"
Wasn't Fang Huan the culprit who made Japan such a mess?
And now they're shamelessly begging him for help?
Have these people been kicked in the head by a donkey or slammed in a door?
Even more ridiculous was the other party's response, a blatant insult.
Clearly, they weren't in a hurry at all.
"Fang Huan and his cronies are probably prepared for two scenarios.
They could easily negotiate with the opposition as well. That way, no matter who wins, they'll profit!"
AB knew it perfectly well.
The current situation is irreversible, no matter how hard you try.
The shrewd people at Fang Huan Investment are certainly aware of this, hence their arrogant attitude.
"However, there's always a chance. Maybe a miracle will happen? We absolutely cannot give up!
So, this old man has to keep running, even to the very last moment, I must give it my all!"
"Sir," the security chief suddenly spoke up, "today... are you still not wearing a bulletproof vest?"
"Bulletproof vest?"
The former prime minister laughed as if he'd heard a hilarious joke.
"What a joke! In such a safe country, you're talking to me about bulletproof vests?
Besides, I need to shake hands with citizens and show friendliness. What would I look like wearing a metal box?
People would think I'm collecting protection money!
And look at this awful weather outside! It's so hot!
If I walked around wearing that, I wouldn't even get shot, I'd be dying of heatstroke first!"
This might be somewhat necessary in the US, across the ocean.
But in Japan? Purely unnecessary!
"Most importantly, aren't you elites protecting me?" AB patted the security chief on the shoulder.
"If anything happens, you'll protect me."
"Yes! Please rest assured!"
Indeed, compared to the looming threat of gunfire, the scorching summer heat that could bake a person alive was the real killer.
Wearing a bulletproof vest for outdoor activities was pure suicide.
“Alright, let’s go.”
AB took a deep breath, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
He bore undeniable responsibility for the Democratic Liberal Party’s current state.
If he hadn’t acted so recklessly back then, provoking China and angering Fang Huan Investment, that formidable figure, the Democratic Liberal Party wouldn’t be in this predicament.
Now, with Japan’s economy collapsing, the Democratic Liberal Party is teetering on the brink of collapse.
Therefore, he had to do everything in his power to save it!
As long as he could help the party rise again, there was still hope for Japan!
Even if the hope was slim, in elections, until the very last moment, no one could predict the outcome.
He firmly believed:
As long as one still believed in miracles and ran desperately in that direction, anything was possible!
"Please trust our Liberal Democratic Party one more time! We will lead this country back to its former glory!"
The former prime minister stood on a makeshift platform in the street, shouting at the top of his lungs to the crowd.
Just then—
Thud—!
A muffled sound, like a cheap firecracker, came from behind him. Startled, the former prime minister instinctively turned and looked around.
"What was that sound?"
Was it some kid's prank?
This thought lingered in his mind for only half a second.
"...?"
Suddenly, he felt a strong, malevolent gaze fixed on him.
The former prime minister frowned in displeasure and turned around, following his intuition.
To his horror, he saw a man in the crowd holding a crudely made, DIY-looking weapon, the dark muzzle pointed directly at him!
It was… a homemade gun!
"W-What are you doing...!"
Bang—!
The second gunshot rang out, much crisper than the first.
The immense horror left his mind blank; his body froze on the spot, even forgetting his instinct to dodge.
A burst of fire shot from the muzzle, and a bullet, like the whisper of death, whistled into his chest!