Chapter 274: A "Sincere" Lie!
Joel Nash's remarks caught everyone off guard, including his closest family—his wife and daughter. In reality, the speech prepared by his staff was nothing like this; it was a poignant, tear-jerking piece about light, hope, and rebirth.
Had he followed the script, it was a certainty that at least a tenth of the reporters present would have been moved to tears.
But he didn't. Without informing a soul, he unilaterally altered his statement, exposing a staggering scandal in a manner that seemed almost foolish.
The First Lady's mouth hung open in shock, and the staff behind her exchanged bewildered glances. No one had anticipated that Joel Nash would say such things.
While the team had been worried before the press conference about whether the President's current mental state would allow him to finish a speech, they never imagined he would recklessly disclose his amnesia to the world.
Wasn't this shooting himself in the foot? Who would cast a vote for someone whose brain wasn't functioning correctly? Did he think the voters were fools?
It was over. Everything was over.
Years of hard work were vanishing into thin air. Kate Nash's vision blurred, and she nearly fainted. Vanessa hurried to support her mother, looking at her father with an incredibly complex gaze. What was he thinking? They had agreed to follow the script—why the sudden change of heart at the critical moment?
What could have caused such a drastic transformation in him?
They weren't the only ones confused; the Senate and the Department of Defense were equally baffled. Hyde Klim and Kelk even let out a chuckle. The President's mind truly was broken; otherwise, how could he be stupid enough to leak such a scandal?
As the speech concluded, the floor opened for the Q&A session.
Under the stern shouts of the Secret Service agents, the crowd finally settled down. Standing at the podium, Joel Nash pointed at a random individual. The selected reporter asked rapidly:
"Mr. President, is what you just said true? Have you really lost your memory?"
"Yes."
Joel Nash did not hide it. Though his expression was icy and unapproachable, his voice was unexpectedly steady. "I remember nothing from before six days ago. I only have some very blurred images."
"Then do you know what the aliens who attacked you looked like? Did you know them?"
"That was something from six days ago."
The reporter tried to speak again, but Joel Nash pointed to the person next to them. The former had no choice but to sit down and wait for another chance.
"Mr. President, did your wife and staff know you were going to say these things?"
Joel Nash shook his head silently. "They did not. This was a spur-of-the-moment decision."
That single sentence sent the atmosphere of the hall to a fever pitch. A reporter followed up excitedly, "So you're saying the content of the prepared speech was different from what you just said?"
"Yes."
The reporter added, "Can you tell us what was in that speech?"
"No."
The crowd: "..."
The President's way of speaking was as blunt as a child's. Considering his current memory state, no one was truly surprised; a man who has lost his memory is, in many ways, no different from a child.
Another reporter stood up and asked, "Mr. President, what made you change your mind at the last minute and announce your condition?"
Joel Nash replied, "For the past few days, Kate, Vanessa, and the people in the White House have been teaching me about being President. When I learned that so many people support me and view me as the hope and future of this country, I realized I couldn't lie. Lying is wrong. Hiding my condition is an act of irresponsibility. I had to tell the truth. This is my understanding of the decision a President should make.
"Therefore, I decided to abandon the script and give the true answer. I cannot let those who support me down."
His calm, indifferent, and emotionless words echoed through the air. Inexplicably, the noisy hall fell silent. The reporters looked on in shock, their eyes reflecting deeply complex emotions.
Those sitting here were renowned journalists from major media outlets. They had interviewed countless high-ranking officials, politicians, and presidents, yet none had ever delivered a psychological impact quite like Joel Nash just did.
What is a politician?
To put it nicely, they are humans who make a career of political activity. In reality, everyone knows the score: politicians are opportunists who play power games for fame and authority. They are schemers who do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, willing to sacrifice personal interests, family members, political groups, or anything else.
The old Joel Nash was a politician. The current one was not. Having lost his memory, he had become a simple man. Such a person might not be "fit" to be President in the traditional sense, but he was absolutely convincing.
The reporter who spoke first said with a sincere expression, "Mr. President, I take back what I said earlier. Thank you for your answer just now. You've shown us true sincerity. I will give you my vote tomorrow. You are fully capable of serving as President."
Following this, a round of warm applause broke out. The previously confrontational atmosphere turned surprisingly heart-warming.
The sudden shift in momentum caught the First Lady and the staff completely off guard. Joel Nash's "foolish" speech had actually won the room over.
What on earth? It was unbelievable.
The press conference continued in a peaceful atmosphere for nearly an hour. During this time, reporters asked various questions, and Joel Nash provided simple, direct answers. For things he didn't know or couldn't answer, he said "No" directly, rather than talking in circles or avoiding the question like other politicians.
The reporters were very satisfied with their haul today.
The citizens watching on television were also satisfied. Although the amnesiac President had become blunt, stoic, and perhaps even unlikable, he provided an inexplicable sense of trust.
In the executive office of Ferris Aircraft in Coast City, Luke watched the news and smiled at Carol, who was buried in work.
"The President performed quite well. He didn't disappoint me."
"Disappoint you?" Carol glanced at him, speechless. "He's the President. What does he have to do with you?"
Luke shrugged without explaining further. He walked up behind the girl, stroking her hair as he spoke softly.
"I'm heading back to Metropolis tomorrow."
Carol froze. "Do you have to go? Coast City is big enough; you could easily establish yourself here."
Luke shook his head. "The company's next direction is Europe. Coast City isn't the right fit." He added, "Don't worry, it's not like I won't be back. I'll come see you as soon as I have time."
Carol gripped her pen tightly and said with extreme seriousness, "Once a week. You must come back."
Luke reached his hand under her clothes and whispered in her ear, "How is once a week enough? It should be at least twenty times."
Carol's face flushed slightly. "Stop it, we're in the office. Someone will walk in."
"Don't worry, I talked to Angie. No one is coming in."
"You jerk!"
Luke laughed loudly, scooped Carol up, and tossed her onto the sofa. Soon, rhythmic sounds filled the office. Standing outside the door, Angie trembled, wanting to flee in embarrassment.
Who would have thought that the always serious and steady Miss Ferris would indulge in an office romance!
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