Chapter 576: Do whatever you want, it's none of my business

Back when the conservative candidate was still in office, all sorts of shocking rumors swirled around.
What…what…
Each rumor was so outrageous it made people question reality, to the point that everyone thought it was just mudslinging by political opponents.
Until later, as memoirs of former staff members were published one after another, everyone was horrified to discover—
Those rumors were fucking true!
“Last time, at least he had a few old ministers around him who could put the brakes.
If he comes back this time, he'll be surrounded by a bunch of hawks even more extreme than him. Then that chariot of revolution will be unstoppable.”
“Yeah, he's been going around shouting that the whole world is taking advantage of him.”
This former president has always considered the trade deficit a thorn in his side, vowing to teach those countries that “dare to make money off the Americans” a lesson.
“If he really goes all out in this area, the already shaky global market might collapse completely, and everyone will be doomed.”
“Fortunately, this election is basically a foregone conclusion,” someone optimistically summarized.
“Shillis’s approval rating is far ahead; for any candidate to turn the tide, it’s harder than climbing to heaven.”
“That’s right, the media is practically declaring Hillis the winner already.
Speaking of which, the Asian events are a super windfall for the Democratic Party.”
Everyone chattered, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful.
Someone turned to Su Hao, who had remained silent:
“Chairman Su, you must also think the Democratic Party is a sure thing, right?”
“…”
Looking at his subordinates’ cheerful conversation, Su Hao couldn’t smile.
“Chairman Su?”
Su Hao didn’t say a word, finishing the remaining tea in his cup in one gulp.
He raised his eyes, scanning the relaxed and cheerful faces, and dropped a bombshell:
"Go, get me a list of which sectors will surge and which companies will be the biggest beneficiaries if the candidate is elected.
Compile all relevant data and bring it to my desk."
"!?!"
The cheerful atmosphere in the entire department instantly froze, everyone's smiles stiffening.
"Chairman Su...you...you don't actually think the candidate...will win, do you?"
Someone stammered, their voice filled with disbelief.
Su Hao didn't want to believe it either.
However, his almost uncanny intuition repeatedly warned him, the answer remaining consistently clear.
His intuition had placed the winner of this election on the candidate.
"But...regarding both the approval ratings and the current situation, Hillis has an overwhelming advantage, a sure thing!"
Faced with his subordinate's confusion, Su Hao couldn't explain.
Even he himself couldn't understand what incredible methods the candidate would need to turn the tide given such a huge disparity in skill.
Just as everyone was exchanging bewildered glances, Liang Haiyuan slammed his fist on the table and roared, startling everyone:
"Shut up, all of you! Chairman Su has made his decision, and that's the law!
You bunch of brats, have you been living too comfortably for too long? Have you completely forgotten our company's first and foremost motto, etched into our very bones?!"
Company motto? What company motto? Su Hao himself was momentarily confused.
Liang Haiyuan straightened his back and roared in an almost fanatical tone:
"Abandon your egos! Execute orders!
Whatever Chairman Su says goes!
Enough with the nonsense! You dare question Chairman Su's judgment? Have you gone too far?!"
"..."
Su Hao didn't know when this had officially become company rules, but he had to admit, it was incredibly effective.
"Yes! I'll get right on it!"
"Get moving! All of you, get moving!"
"Yes, yes!"
The Liang Haiyuan who was roaring just a second ago was now wearing a fawning smile, bowing and scraping to Su Hao.
Then, he took the lead, turning around and leading a group of energized subordinates, rushing out like a whirlwind.
***
M Country, an office.
"Looks like you're really in a bind, actually coming to me of your own accord."
"Who's in a bind?"
"Heh, what else? When did you, former president, ever step into my office?"
Looking at the restless candidate before him, the outgoing president wore the most serene smile in the world.
Sure enough, as people approach retirement, they exude a "whatever, it's none of my business" kind of nonchalant air.
"I heard you're too lazy to even look at official business now," the candidate said irritably.
"I'm still doing what I'm supposed to do, just not as diligently.
Anyway, I'm a lame duck now, I'll retire next year, happy to have some peace and quiet."
"So irresponsible."
"Who do I think I am, to talk to you about responsibility?
Who was it that almost caused a major disaster after being elected?"
"Uh..." The candidate blushed, speechless.
The incumbent president felt a strange sense of pleasure watching the candidate's deflated and helpless expression.
"I've heard about your situation. You want to formally establish connections with Fanghuan Investment, right?"
"That's right!" the candidate bluntly stated.
"I've already clearly conveyed my sincerity through your former secretary, John.
As long as they support me, I'll give Fanghuan Investment the green light to do whatever they want after I'm elected."
"But you've come to me today, which means they haven't given you an answer yet?"
"..."
Though humiliating, it was indeed the truth.
He, a candidate, had lowered himself, and the other party hadn't uttered a single word.
"But what good is coming to me? I'm powerless now, my words carry no weight." The incumbent president shrugged.
The candidate, enraged, retorted, "Stop pretending! Everyone knows you're just a dog Fang Huan's investment shill!"
"Hmm, true, though the words may be harsh.
However, I really don't have much of a say over there."
"W-what?" The incumbent president, surprisingly unperturbed, readily admitted it, which surprised the candidate.
"I joined a very interesting 'guild,' and there's a very strange rule there," the incumbent president said slowly.
"If you can't create value of your own, you'll be treated like air.
You won't even have the right to breathe, let alone have a voice."
"You... what nonsense are you spouting?"