Chapter 589: The Classic Scene of Three Refusales

"It seems the President's resolve to retire is much stronger than we thought."
Outside the Presidential Office, several congressmen who had just been passionately pleading for the president's resignation now followed Huang Fengwen out, their faces clouded with worry and their heads hanging low.
The previous "coup" attempt to persuade the president to serve another term had clearly ended in utter failure.
"He really should rest," one congressman sighed, forcing a smile.
"This term has been a constant stream of troubles, both inside and outside the government. The President is exhausted."
"I see," Huang Fengwen clicked his tongue with a compassionate expression, seemingly sharing the same sentiment.
Exhausted? Absolutely.
The leader of the world's leading superpower, reduced to a "lame duck," his decrees unable to leave the office—how could that be pleasant?
It's probably more disgusting than swallowing a fly.
As Whip Steve walked, he glanced at Huang Fengwen's face, which was plastered with "sympathy," his brow furrowed in a frown.
Keep pretending, you bastard.
Isn't Huang Fengwen and Fang Huan Investment the culprits who turned the president into a "lame duck"?
If it weren't for your behind-the-scenes manipulations, would the president be in this pathetic state?
Of course, Steve wouldn't be foolish enough to say such things to his face.
In politics, a thick skin and emotional control are fundamental skills.
“Mr. President is now in a bind,” Steve said, adopting a more candid tone.
“He’s already announced his retirement to the world, and the invitations to his retirement party have probably already been sent out.
The media is giving him extensive coverage, portraying him as a saintly figure, indifferent to fame and fortune, leaving without a trace.
With the atmosphere built up like this, if he suddenly changes his mind and says, ‘Hey, I was just kidding, I want to serve another term…’
Frankly speaking, wouldn’t he lose face?”
“Mr. Steve means… he needs a way out? A legitimate reason?” Huang Fengwen raised an eyebrow.
“Exactly!” A glint of light flashed in Steve’s eyes.
“A ‘righteous reason’ that could overturn all his previous promises, allowing him to legitimately, even with the support of the people, return to the battlefield!
With that, Mr. President will definitely not refuse!”
A righteous reason… Huang Fengwen’s mind raced.
Steve lowered his voice, leaned closer to Huang Fengwen, and a knowing smile played on his lips:
"Honestly, who in this world would truly dislike being the most powerful man on Earth for another four years?"
"So, even the president..."
"He may say no, but his actions speak louder than words," Steve said decisively.
"As long as we present him with this 'title,' a dazzling, irresistible reason, I guarantee he'll be back at the poker table faster than anyone else!"
Huang Fengwen suddenly understood.
Good heavens, good heavens! So that's what they were playing!
I knew it! Why the refusal so readily? It was just going through the motions!
Isn't this the classic "three refusals and three concessions" drama from ancient Xia Dynasty history?
This tactic was thoroughly exploited by our ancestors in *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*.
A group of ministers kneel on the ground, wailing and pleading with their lord to ascend the throne.
The lord, however, insists on making excuses, beating his chest and stamping his feet, righteously refusing, saying it's "against the laws of nature" and that he's "unworthy of the position."
Only after everyone has put on a good show, building the atmosphere of "divine mandate" to its peak, does he "reluctantly" don the yellow robe.
Damn it, without some half-hearted resistance, it's easy to seem frivolous, isn't it?
"So, this 'title'..." Steve's gaze was fixed intently on Huang Fengwen,
"I wonder if Fang Huan Investment could tailor-make one for us?"
"...Hmm?" Huang Fengwen's eyelids twitched.
“We believe that with Fanghuan Investment’s unparalleled connections, creating a compelling reason for the president’s return would be a piece of cake!”
Steve’s tone became incredibly sincere, even tinged with fervor.
“As long as you can change the president’s mind, our Democratic Party, and indeed the entire Capitol Hill, will be Fanghuan Investment’s most steadfast ally.
We promise to provide the highest level of support for every business decision Fanghuan Investment makes!”
Huang Fengwen was utterly speechless, completely taken aback by these politicians’ outrageous maneuvering.
What a joke!
The candidate registration deadline was fast approaching, with only a tiny bit of time left.
You expect a Chinese investment company to create a groundbreaking “legitimate reason” for a president of the US desperately wanting to retire?
Do you think I’m some kind of god disguised as a Hollywood screenwriter?
"Well then, we'll await good news, Chairman Huang."
Steve didn't give Huang Fengwen a chance to refuse, warmly shaking his hand before leading a group of congressmen away in a flurry.
Leaving behind only the words: "Please remember, our Democratic Party will always be a friend of Fanghuan Investment. Hahaha..."
Leaving Huang Fengwen standing there, bewildered.
"..."
Huang Fengwen watched Steve's receding figure, scratching his head in utter confusion.
Are these politicians' thought processes messed up?
If they really wanted the president back, they could have gone on a hunger strike outside his office, staged a suicide plea, or done something like that. There are plenty of ways.
Why pass such a hot potato to a company?
***
"So, what the hell is that so-called 'title' anyway?"
"Brother Huang... did they really say that?"
Su Hao was completely stunned after hearing Huang Fengwen's account on the phone.
“Yes,” Huang Fengwen’s voice carried a hint of helplessness,
“The president is completely unyielding, insisting on retiring, and has shut down all those congressmen.”
It seemed Huang Fengwen had heard that Su Hao had cleared out his CP-related stocks and was now frantically buying up presidential-related stocks, so he personally went to the president’s office to try and pave the way for Su Hao.
However, what should have been a relaxed and pleasant “vacation-style” negotiation turned into a rebuff, a complete waste of his time.
What’s worse, even with Huang Fengwen, this big shot, personally going to the president, he still didn’t give him any face.
“Yeah, that president has been talking about ‘retirement’ for months.”
"He's been shouting all over the world about retiring from politics completely, and he's even vowed never to make any political statements after retirement. He's raised such a flag that it's practically in the sky."
Su Hao rubbed his temples, feeling things were developing in an extremely absurd direction.
"Yeah, he's already gone this far, and now he's suddenly making a comeback, returning to the race...
It's too shameful for him to do this."
Huang Fengwen said,
"So, those old foxes in the Democratic Party have passed this problem to me, hoping Fang Huan can give him a way out."