"And I don't even need to ask," Lucas continued.
"The content of their protests is probably the same as what happened in New Los Angeles—they want the government to approve the New York reconstruction project as soon as possible."
Ellis nodded.
"That's right. They want the same treatment New Los Angeles received—free housing in the rebuilt New York."
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
"Not surprising. I expected that already. It's simply greed driven by desire."
Ellis laughed.
"As long as you understand that clearly, it's fine. So what do you plan to do?"
Lucas shrugged.
"Mr. President, the reconstruction project hasn't even been officially announced yet, and you're already asking how I'll handle it?"
"So you're already certain that my company will win the New York reconstruction contract?"
Ellis immediately laughed and scolded him jokingly.
"You brat, it's just the two of us here. Since when did you start talking like a politician?"
"Isn't it obvious the project will go to your company? Tell me—what other construction company on Earth could actually pull it off?"
"They probably wouldn't even dare to submit a bid. Most of them wouldn't even dare to speak up."
"And honestly, if I didn't know your character well enough, I might suspect that this whole incident was orchestrated by you just to secure the New York reconstruction project."
On the other side of the screen, Lucas was speechless.
He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Well, thank you for your confidence in my character, Mr. President. I would never do something like that."
"As for this issue, don't worry. Tomorrow I'll hold a global press conference and make a public statement."
"After all, I don't want too many people thinking I'm some kind of saint whose goodwill they can exploit without guilt."
"And the moment they can no longer take advantage of me, they'll start resenting me instead."
Hearing this, Ellis silently breathed a sigh of relief.
He had genuinely been worried that Lucas might be too kind.
That kind of personality could actually cause major problems for human society.
Why?
Because humans have a certain nature.
Once people become accustomed to someone's kindness, they start believing it's their rightful entitlement.
And the moment that kindness stops, they feel wronged—and begin to hate the person who once helped them.
Unless you're like Clark, who chooses to be a selfless hero from beginning to end.
Ellis nodded.
"You're absolutely right."
"But I believe you already have a solution in mind, so I won't interfere."
Lucas nodded.
"Alright. Once I finish preparing the speech later, I'll send you a copy as well."
Ellis replied immediately.
"Good. I'll look forward to hearing from you."
---
After ending the call, Lucas tapped his fingers lightly on the desk while his mind raced.
This press conference speech could not be careless.
There were several issues he had never had the opportunity to address before.
This time, he intended to deal with them properly.
With Alpha's assistance, Lucas quickly drafted an outline.
After revising it several times, he finally finalized the first complete version.
He copied the file and asked Alpha to send it to Ellis as well.
---
Half an hour later, every major media company in the world received an invitation.
It came directly from Saiyan Corporation.
The invitation read:
"At 10:00 AM tomorrow, the true controller of Saiyan Corporation will make several important announcements at a press conference."
"Company aircraft will arrive forty minutes in advance at the headquarters of invited media organizations to transport journalists to the venue."
The news immediately caused a global sensation.
This would be the first time Lucas had ever spoken publicly through the media.
People everywhere began speculating about what he would announce.
Some users on the internet claimed that Lucas might declare his intention to rule the world.
After all, with his strength, even the combined military forces of Earth wouldn't stand a chance against him.
But others quickly refuted that theory.
If Lucas had wanted to rule the world, he could have done so long ago.
Why wait until now?
Some people also pointed out that Lucas had previously stated publicly that he had no interest in ruling Earth.
Another theory soon emerged.
Perhaps Lucas would announce that he intended to lead humanity into space.
Many people agreed with this possibility.
After all, judging from New Los Angeles, the technology of Saiyan Corporation had already surpassed the technological level of Earth.
If Lucas said humanity could enter the cosmos, people believed he could absolutely make it happen.
But critics quickly argued that humanity still didn't understand the level of extraterrestrial civilizations.
Rushing into space could potentially expose humanity to even greater danger.
Speculation spread across the internet like wildfire.
Yet every theory was eventually challenged or disproven.
But one thing became certain:
The entire world was eagerly waiting to hear what Lucas would say.
---
The next day arrived quickly.
As promised, precisely on schedule, aircraft from Saiyan Corporation landed outside the headquarters of every invited media company.
At the same time, countless civilians began driving toward New Los Angeles.
Many had started traveling the previous night.
When Lucas heard about it, he didn't stop them.
Instead, he instructed his company to prepare designated open areas to accommodate the crowd.
Soon, a massive gathering formed outside the headquarters of Saiyan Corporation.
Thanks to Lucas's arrangements, everyone was guided into organized positions.
Time passed quickly.
Before long, the moment for the press conference arrived.
---
At the top of the headquarters tower, something remarkable happened.
The structure of the upper levels suddenly began to shift.
The metallic exterior of the building split apart.
From within it, a wide platform road extended outward.
Moments later, Lucas appeared at the front of the platform, carried forward by an automated lift.
At the same time, a massive holographic projection of his upper body appeared above the plaza in front of the building.
Lucas smiled slightly and began speaking.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests—welcome."
"I suppose introductions are unnecessary."
"If someone here still doesn't know who I am… I'd seriously suspect they might be an alien."
The crowd immediately burst into laughter.
Indeed, at this point, the only people who might not recognize Lucas would probably be extraterrestrials.
Lucas continued with a relaxed tone.
"I'm a straightforward person. I'm not used to giving long formal speeches."
"And I know none of you came here to listen to meaningless pleasantries."
"So why don't we get straight to the point?"
The audience shouted in unison:
"YES!"
Lucas nodded.
"Very well."
"First of all, regarding the destruction caused during the battle in New York…"
"I would like to express my sincere apology."
"Although I did everything possible to minimize the damage, some destruction was unavoidable."
"Therefore, I would like to make a promise today."
"If the governments of New York State and New York City are willing to let Saiyan Corporation handle the reconstruction project…"
"Then I will provide the greatest possible benefits for everyone involved."
....
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