American Scandal King

Chapter 229 Live Broadcast (Part )

On the stage of the Grand Theater, Ian held the microphone and let Balayev talk incessantly.

There is nothing new about it. It is nothing more than asking Russia to recognize Chechnya's independence and for Russian troops to withdraw from Chechnya within a week.

At the same time, they warned: For every one of their number killed by the police, they would kill 10 hostages.

Ian listened quietly, waiting for him to vent his emotions.

He didn't ask too many questions. This was not a broadcast, just a video, and it could be edited later.

Balayev spoke for about an hour, his mouth dry.

He took a sip of tea and said, "Don't you have anything to ask? Ian Karl, this is not like you."

Ian laughed and said, "Actually, all good interviews require knowing all the information in advance so that you can ask good questions...and the broadcast hasn't even started yet."

Barayev was stunned. "Are you saying that everything I just said was in vain? Should I repeat myself?"

Ian spread his hands and said, "Do you mind this?"

Barayev thought for a moment, shook his head, and laughed. "No, of course not. I could recount a hundred times the damage the Russians have done to us!"

"That's fine. Let's chat about something else now. Once the Russians agree to the broadcast, that's when we'll get serious."

Barayev nodded. "Alright. So what should we talk about now?"

"How are you doing?" Ian asked.

Barayev sighed: "I have devoted everything I have to the cause of Chechnya's liberation. I have no personal interests!"

Ian comforted her softly, "There are always stories to tell. You know, the more they understand you, the more they will sympathize with you, and the more they will support you!"

Catherine grew more and more angry.

Are you sure you are helping Russia?

Balayev's eyes lit up slightly.

He thought seriously for a moment, then lowered his head and said, "I have a family and a child, only twelve years old... I miss him very much, but I know I can't accompany him to grow up..."

He spoke in a low voice, talking about his family, his ambitions, and his growth.

Not only that, he even called in other militants.

Ask them to tell Ian about their experiences and lives.

They were sad and angry: "The Russians destroyed our homeland, and they must pay for it!"

Ian recorded everything and said casually, "They should compensate you for your losses."

Everyone nodded together.

Time passed quickly, and the two sides were still discussing the issue of live broadcasting - they were originally supposed to negotiate directly about Russia's withdrawal, but now they started with the broadcasting issue.

Ian was not in a hurry. He seized the opportunity to record every important shot.

What should have been a dangerous kidnapping incident turned into a heartwarming grievance-telling session for Ian.

This also made all the militants feel good about him.

Ian is helping them and presenting to everyone all the suffering that Chechnya has endured.

Not only that, Ian also asked Vincent Brydeson and others to interview the audience - there were many big Russian figures in the theater, so on the one hand they could get news, and on the other hand they could get some inside information.

This time, Ian was able to gain a huge amount of information. Although it was not as explosive as 917, it was more comprehensive because he had enough time!
Under normal circumstances, the Russians would not agree to the broadcast.

But the situation is different now, Ian has conveyed his needs through Natasha and told them that he will help them save their reputation.

Since Ian had already reached a preliminary agreement with them, it was trustworthy.

Besides, if what you say is wrong, I can just cut off the signal.

Finally, news came from Moscow: "It's time for live broadcast."

Ian clapped his hands and said, "Alright, everyone, take your positions and get ready. Don't be nervous, audience members. I believe you can see that Barayev is not a bloodthirsty person. As long as Moscow is willing to meet their demands, everyone will be fine."

The audience looked at Ian in silence.

Are you an idiot?

There’s no way I’d agree to something like this!
Barayev was very happy. He said to Ian, "Whether they agree or not, we will not hurt you, Ian Carl, you are our friend." Ian smiled slightly and said, "Of course. But let me say hello first. I may ask some questions that you don't like in a while. Don't mind it, it's necessary. If Moscow finds out that I tend to support you, they will immediately cut off the signal. But don't worry, the facts will not be changed!"

Barayev nodded in agreement.

As the call was connected, Ian sat in front of the camera and said, "Hello everyone, this is CBS special correspondent Ian Carr reporting live for you. As you can see, I'm in a theater in Moscow. Six hours ago, we just experienced a kidnapping incident. This incident was planned and directed by Chechen militant Baraev, the person sitting behind me."

Ian pointed at Barayev.

Balayev gestured proudly to the camera.

Ian turned to look at Barayev and said, "Hello, Mr. Barayev, can you please tell me why you kidnapped the audience of the Bolshoi Theater?"

Barayev began to roar at the camera, once again denouncing the Russians' evil acts of aggression.

Ian just listened to him vent slowly.

After listening to Barayev's political demands, Ian asked, "Mr. Barayev, have you ever thought that although the Russian army is fighting you, these people are innocent?"

Ekaterina's eyes lit up.

Ian hadn't asked this before, until this moment, when he finally said it.

This made the two girls understand Ian's thoughts to some extent.

He had deliberately recorded the video before, letting Balayev speak first to vent his emotions, and tried his best to go along with him, making Balayev think that he supported him.

It wasn't until the broadcast began that he began to guide the topic.

You were invaded, but aren't the people in the Grand Theater innocent?
Balayev obviously didn't realize this. On this issue, he was much more naive than Ian: if he had any political thinking, he wouldn't do this!
He shouted: "There is no innocence! All Russians are accomplices in the invasion of Chechnya..."

Ian listened quietly, a smile on his lips, his left eye twinkling. "I'm not going to discuss whether the audience at the Bolshoi Theater were accomplices. That's a question for the public to consider. What I want to ask now, Mr. Barayev, is there a possibility? Out of humanitarian considerations, could you release some women, foreigners, and children first?"

Barayev immediately said, "You can release the children, but not the others."

Natasha was secretly delighted.

This statement is tantamount to offending the female community.

Ian Carr was right, he was actually helping Russia, but his method was so clever that even Barayev couldn't tell.

He was just a reckless man and it was impossible for him to realize the mysteries behind those problems.

Originally, Barayev would release the foreigners, after all, he needed international support, but under the influence of Ian's hypnosis, he changed his mind.

He didn't even notice the problem!
If Ian didn't have his own bottom line, he would even ask Barayev not to let the child go.

It turns out that I haven’t sold my conscience thoroughly enough!

You can’t become a big capitalist just by selling your conscience, but if you don’t sell enough conscience, you definitely won’t be a big capitalist!
Ian smiled and continued, "I thank you on behalf of those children. Besides the above requests, do you have any other requests?"

There was a flicker of light in his eyes again.

At that moment, Barayev suddenly remembered what Ian had said before: "They should compensate us for our losses."

Barayev then said, "They must pay compensation for the damage they did to Chechnya."

"How much?" Ian asked.

Barayev thought for a moment and replied, "One hundred billion US dollars!"

Ian smiled. "That sounds like a lot. But do you really believe that the Moscow government will give up the war and pay 100 billion for a few hundred people?"

Barayev roared: "They are Russians! Russia has an obligation to protect them!"

"But you just said that Russians are all a group of bandits. Why should bandits protect bandits?" Ian continued to hypnotize Barayev.

Guiding this guy is very simple and almost free.

As expected, Balayev was furious. He rushed over and grabbed Ian by the collar: "What are you talking about?"

Ian raised his hands and whispered, "Don't mind me, sir. Don't get angry. This is live now. Watch your image. You are seeking support from all over the world."

Barayev gasped and sat down quickly. "I can ask for a lower ransom. What do you think is appropriate?"

Ian smiled: "I'm just a reporter, I'm not responsible for this."

(End of this chapter)