Shadow Empire

Chapter 991 Celebrations, Phone Calls, and Laughter
Every era has its own roles, just like the cover figures of Time magazine are constantly changing.

No one can stay on the cover forever, no one can!

Whether he is an emperor, a president, a tycoon, or someone invisible or unseen.

Before long, their era will be over; this is the most real and cruel side of this world.

Even great people have their moments of sorrow. This world has never lacked great people, nor has it lacked those who are about to become great.

The governor's refusal to attend the winner's victory celebration party slightly tarnished Governor Terry's election victory, but a governor is a governor, and that fact remains unchanged regardless of whether the previous governor attended or not.

The era of the previous governor has come to an end.

Likale has welcomed its new "owner".

The word "master" should be in quotation marks because the main body of this country is the people.

People give power to the government, and in a sense, the gubernatorial election represents the transparency of federal politics!
"The President is on the phone!" As Governor Terry's aide walked over with the phone, the courtyard quickly quieted down.

It's a tradition that today the president will personally call the governors of the nineteen states to congratulate them on their election victory and wish them success in accomplishing what they want to do during their term.

Governor Terry immediately turned on the speakerphone so that people nearby could hear it.

“Terry?”

“It’s me, Mr. President!” Governor Terry stood next to the phone. He didn’t even need to hold the phone himself, as his staff held it for him. He just needed to stand there and speak.

"I already know the election results for Likale this year. Congratulations, Terry, you have become the new governor."

"As is customary, I have to make this call to you, and of course, I am very willing to do so. I hope that during your tenure, you can make the people of Likale even more satisfied with the place they live in!"

"If there's anything you need to know and I happen to be able to help, feel free to call me anytime."

"I know you're probably having a party right now, so I won't bother you. Have a great evening!"

"Thank you, Mr. President, goodbye."

"goodbye!"

The call ended quickly, and Governor Terry looked around at the people, his face flushed and beaming with a happy smile.

This was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Another part of it was that when he first entered that humid and warm environment, he was so excited that he trembled!
“Mr. President…” Governor Terry smiled and spread his hands, “He is a very easy person to talk to. I don’t know why some people always think he is not good enough, but from my point of view, he is actually a good person.”

At this point, all the necessary political compromises have already been made, so whether the president is good or bad is no longer so important.

That’s what makes politics special: given enough time, there’s nothing that can’t be resolved, even if the solution is flawed.

He gazed at the crowd, just about to say something, when the phone rang again. He was somewhat surprised, but still answered it. This time he didn't put it on speakerphone because he didn't know who was calling.

After a brief exchange, he brought up the topic, "Could I turn on the speakerphone?"

"Of course you can do that!"

The person on the other end of the line agreed to his request. He quickly put down the receiver, turned on the speakerphone, and introduced, "This is a call from Senator Cleveland of the Senate. He is also very interested in the gubernatorial election in Likaley."

Are you very interested in the gubernatorial election in Likale?

Oh, that's a good excuse. Why don't we see him paying attention to gubernatorial elections in other places?
Political statements often make it difficult to understand what people are trying to say at first glance, especially by seasoned politicians who often hide their thoughts behind wordplay.

This is actually a form of self-protection. If the actual meaning of one of his statements might be questionable, it would be difficult for others to use that statement as leverage against him.

Likalai also plays a significant role in Senator Cleveland's plans, with Golden Harbor City, being the closest point of connection to Alan, set to assume the role of a "transportation hub" once the Union annexes Alan.

Connecting the Federation and Asialan will not only enhance the transportation of goods, but also strengthen the influence and reach of the Asialan region in terms of culture and politics.

Golden Port City, in Likale County, served as a bridgehead against the invasion of the Alan culture.

He got the term "cultural invasion" from Lance. At first, he didn't think much of it, but after thinking about it for a while, he really liked the term.

Culture and invasion, combined, allowed him to see some new landscapes that he had never seen before.

Senator Cleveland is not focused on the Likale state election, but rather on whether Governor Terry can win the election and whether the subsequent plans can be implemented better.

Although every governor will cooperate with them, why not choose one who is more compatible?
After all, with Lance's help, Governor Terry had already traveled to New Gold City and met with Senator Cleveland, and they had several private conversations, reaching some agreements on cooperation.

Now that Governor Terry has won the election, it means that the deals they had previously agreed to can proceed, which is a good thing.

That's politics—it's about finding ways to make yourself and your people stronger. That's politics!

Senator Cleveland made some very nice remarks, affirming the legitimacy and compliance of the Likaley election results, and also acknowledging that Likaley voters are opinionated voters. In short, everyone performed very well, which is why such a good result occurred.

He also called to wish everyone a good time at today's party and encouraged them to have a few more drinks.

Senator Cleveland's words were spread far and wide, letting people further afield know who he was and what he said.

This was incredibly impactful for those attending a gubernatorial victory celebration for the first time!
After Governor Terry won the election, the president called, and then a bigwig in the Senate called. Who will call next?
After Senator Cleveland ended his call, several more calls came in, all from members of Congress and cabinet members. They were now on the same side as Governor Terry, so naturally they would support him at this time.

The more people call, the more it reinforces the perception that Governor Terry holds a significant position in the federal political system, which becomes a topic of conversation and continues to spread.

When the phone calls had almost stopped coming in, Governor Terry turned around and said to his staff, "You have to take the phone inside. If anyone calls again, just say I'm drunk and I need to give my time to the people here."

"Remember their names, titles, and phone numbers, and tell them after the party that I will personally call back to thank them for their calls."

The aide nodded, picked up the phone, and quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Governor Terry then remembered what he had originally intended to do. He looked around the crowd and quickly found the person he was looking for.

"Lance, come here, come here!"

All eyes followed his gaze to Lance, who was holding a wine glass in the crowd. Lance waved his hand, indicating that he didn't really want to go over, but Governor Terry stood on the small stage and kept waving.

Moreover, he kept waving and saying "Come on" until Lance finally couldn't refuse and reluctantly handed the wine glass to William beside him. Then he walked through the crowd and onto the small stage.

Governor Terry did not consider himself superior to others because of his election victory.

He knew very well that Lance had been a great help in the campaign and had played a crucial role in his liaison with high-ranking federal officials.

His victory will not only not make him lose his reliance on Lance, but will actually increase his reliance on Lance.

You could say that he used to play relatively basic games, most of which he could handle on his own.

But now, the game he's playing has been upgraded. He can't handle it all by himself; he needs Lance's help.

Governor Terry acted very affectionately, giving Lance a hug, patting him on the back in front of everyone, and then putting his arm around his shoulder to make him turn around and look at the people in the yard.

He walked to the microphone. “Here, I must express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Lance White for his help during this campaign and in my daily life.” “Some of you certainly know that Mr. Lance solved my headache with campaign funds and played a very crucial role in helping me garner votes.”

"If my victory is half due to my efforts and yours, then the other half is due to Lance!"

This statement was quite "bold," and Lance paused for a moment. He turned to look at Governor Terry but didn't notice anything unusual. However, he still felt a little wary.

It wasn't that he thought Governor Terry was crazy and wanted to do something to him; it was just a habit, a habit of self-protection.

"Lance, can you tell everyone something?"

Lance nodded, and Governor Terry released his arm from Lance's shoulder, then voluntarily gave up the position in front of the microphone, allowing Lance to step forward and stand there.

Lance looked at the large group of people in the courtyard. He wasn't particularly intimidated; this small scene didn't affect his emotions.

He was just thinking, thinking about how to say a few simple words.

After a few seconds, he spoke, “Terry’s praise of me just now was actually a bit exaggerated. Governor Terry’s victory was not due to me or anyone else; I believe it was his own achievement.”

"During Governor Terry's tenure as Likale Attorney General, he led the investigation and resolution of many high-profile cases, laying a solid foundation for the reputation of Likale's justice system."

"Fairness and impartiality are the qualities that prosecutors should possess. They are not special, but they are very noble!"

“And coincidentally, Governor Terry possesses these qualities, which is why voters chose you!” He glanced back at Governor Terry. “People need a leader like you to bring us a better future!”

“You deserve everything, Terry. Even without me, and without the help of anyone else, you would still be the governor!”

People started clapping. Whether what Lance said was true or not, at least he said it very well, didn't he?

Governor Terry's complexion also became much rosier. He went over and hugged Lance again, saying, "Thank you, thank you all. You are my greatest support and source of strength!"

Lance stepped aside again, and Governor Terry took two wine glasses from his attendant, one of which he gave to Lance.

He walked to the microphone, raised his glass, and said, "Thank you all for your support, and thank you to every guest who is here today."

"There are so many people, please forgive me if there are any areas I can't attend to!"

"Please raise your glasses!"

People below the stage raised their glasses, and Lance raised his glass too. This actually made Lance feel a little silly, but that's how socializing is in the Federation, and the Federation people love this kind of thing.

"cheers!"

"Have a great time!"

As everyone toasted, Lance raised his glass and took a big gulp.

The band, which had been resting for more than half an hour, started working again, and the rhythmic and powerful music instantly filled the entire courtyard—or rather, the huge lawn, the courtyard of Governor Terry's estate.

People on the lawn began to join the party. Some were dancing in the makeshift dance floor, while others were chatting in a corner with a topless girl in their arms.

More often than not, he would hold a wine glass and move among the different guests, chatting about sophisticated topics.

Governor Terry shook hands with Lance. "I won't say thank you; I need to go take care of the others now."

Lance nodded. "We have plenty of time!"

Governor Terry waved his hand, then left with his wine glass.

Lance returned to Mayor Williams and William with his wine glass in hand.

Their expressions as they looked at Lance were slightly off. They knew Lance played a significant role, but they hadn't realized how crucial it was.

Before the entire celebration party, who were the other people speaking on stage besides Governor Terry?

The president, senators, cabinet members (ministers or deputy ministers), and then only Lance went up and said a few words, which meant that in Governor Terry's mind, he placed Lance alongside these people!
Meeting their gazes, Lance smiled. "Actually, it's not as important as he says, do you believe me?"

Mayor Williams chuckled twice. "Guess whether I believe you or not?"

He now even suspects that Lance may have helped Governor Terry eliminate some of his rivals, otherwise why would Governor Terry value Lance so much?

Before they could say anything more, another mayor arrived—the mayor of Creek Valley.

The mayor of Creek Valley City was a small, elderly man in his fifties, slightly balding, and not very tall. He was a local of Creek Valley City and gave off an impression of being difficult to talk to.

He's the kind of guy who always has a stern face and a somewhat sinister look in his eyes!
But actually, this little old man was quite easy to talk to.

He walked over with a wine glass in his hand. "Mr. White, Mayor Williams, and..." His gaze lingered on William for several seconds, as if he couldn't quite bring himself to call out William's name.

William was just about to introduce himself to end the awkward situation when the mayor of Creek Valley raised his hand to stop him. "No, no, I actually know, but I'm getting a little old now. Sometimes, even when those things are right in my head, it takes me some time to recall them. Let me think about it!"

He thought for a moment, then a look of surprise appeared on his face. "Mayor William of Lake City, right?"

“I’ve read about you in the newspaper. They said you’ve brought new blood and energy to Lake City, and that old city has begun to radiate new vitality!”

That's a nicer way of putting it. Another version is that William brought the Lawrence family there and disrupted the local market environment, and now the market is starting to pick up again.

Like stagnant water that has been stirred up, you could say it has become vibrant again, or you could say it has been muddied.

William breathed a sigh of relief, and with an exaggerated expression, he took the initiative to shake hands with the mayor of Creek Valley City. "I was afraid you would call me by the wrong name, and if that happened, I wouldn't know whether I should agree or not!"

“Haha, you’re a real joker, William!” the mayor of Creek Valley said, shaking his hand.

Federal citizens appreciate people with a sense of humor, whether it's the president, governor, or mayor!
He then shook hands with Mayor Williams and Lance, saying, "Seeing how well Golden Harbor City is developing gives me a headache!"

He glanced at Mayor Williams, who had a somewhat surprised expression, and said, "I heard they're already discussing whether to let Golden Harbor City annex Valley City directly."

"We're too close!"

"If that day ever comes, I might become a councilor for one of the districts in Golden Harbor City!"

Mayor Williams chuckled and shook his head, saying, "That day will never come, don't worry."

It won't happen in the short term, but it's uncertain in the long term.

Abolishing a city is not a simple matter; it means many jobs will disappear, and those who hold those jobs will have objections.

Moreover, this involves some issues and conflicts regarding the merger and planning between the two cities, making a merger unlikely for at least the next decade.

The mayor of Creek Valley turned to look at Lance, "Mr. White, when will you also come to Creek Valley to invest?"

Lance laughed and said, "Haven't I already invested?"

(End of this chapter)