Starting from South America, speeding through the world

Chapter 54 Countdown

"I'm sorry, sir, your name is not on the registration list."

Zhou stood in front of the security checkpoint, staring expressionlessly at the security personnel on duty.

The other person was wearing an earpiece, with his left hand resting on the holster at his waist, and a badge with the word "Segurana" on his uniform.

"We only allow pre-registered media personnel to enter," the security guard said, glancing at Zhou Yi before reiterating.

Carlos, who was standing next to him, immediately chimed in, "Alves has fallen ill and can't get away."

"This is my other partner, a veteran journalist, guaranteed reliable."

The security guard frowned, clearly dissatisfied. "Mr. Mercado, the list was confirmed in advance, and we have strict entry requirements."

“Rules are rigid, but people are flexible, right?” Carlos shrugged, trying to sound relaxed. “The Vanguard is a long-established media outlet; it would never bring in unqualified people.”

After a moment's thought, the security guard still didn't budge. "I'm sorry, I may still need to contact my superiors to verify."

As he spoke, he reached for the walkie-talkie hanging on his tactical vest, preparing to report the situation.

Seeing this, Zhou Yi glanced at Carlos.

Upon receiving the signal, Carlos's breathing faltered slightly. He then grabbed the security guard's wrist, his tone resolute.

“Listen, my friend, I am an invited guest. Mr. Domingos knows my identity. The Vanguard must be present tonight.”

The security guard hesitated, stopped what he was doing, gritted his teeth, and whispered:
“Mr. Mercado, I understand your importance, but the rules here are not something I can decide. All personnel must register in advance.”

"Register in advance?" Carlos's tone was displeased. "The event starts in a few minutes. Are you really going to waste your time on something so trivial?"

“I’m sorry, sir, I must make sure—”

Security was interrupted again halfway through his speech.

This time, Carlos's attitude became even tougher: "Guess what Mr. Domingos would think if he knew that his reporters were stopped at the door, delaying their reporting?"

The security guard's expression immediately changed.

He glanced at the list in his hand, then looked up at Zhou Yi, who remained calm, and finally relented, waving his hand: "Alright, but he has to undergo the examination."

Carlos smiled with satisfaction and nodded, saying, "Of course, of course, rules are rules."

After receiving permission, Zhou Yi took off his backpack, placed it on the conveyor belt, and then walked towards the metal detector gate.

hum-

A short beep came from my ear, and the green indicator light came on; everything was normal.

The security guard glanced at the monitor, and after confirming that there was nothing unusual, waved to signal, "Next."

Carlos stood at the back, vigilantly observing the entire process. Only when everything went smoothly did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

At the same time, a young woman in a black suit walked over quickly.

"Please come with me, the meeting has already started, please hurry."

"Sir, we have just received a message from the Eastern Military District."

"Major General Arturo fulfilled his promise."

Alvaro stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his hands clasped behind his back, gazing into the distance.

The sun hung in the southwest corner, its light weakened by the thick clouds.

Outside the Guanabara Palace, countless protesters gathered outside the cordon, waving signs and chanting slogans.

Anger, disappointment, despair—it doesn't matter anymore, they'll shut up soon enough anyway.

Alvaro slowly turned around and looked at his chief of staff.

After the other party finished reporting, he stood respectfully in place, waiting for him to make the final decision.

"What about Rocha and Hansen?"

"The same goes for you, sir."

Alvaro nodded.

Without communication, the federal government is like a limbless entity, unable to respond effectively even if it struggles.

Moreover, they are probably unsure whether they should even struggle right now.

Thinking of this, Alvaro smiled slightly and adjusted his cuffs. "Have all our friends arrived?"

"Everything is ready, sir. The live broadcast signal has also been tested." "Except for Carlos from the Vanguard."

Alvaro glanced at the clock; there were less than five minutes left.

"There's no need to postpone the plans because of him. I'm ready. Let's go."

Upon hearing this, the two bodyguards at the door immediately followed and opened the heavy wooden door for him.

The corridor was brightly lit, and the sound of leather shoes echoed clearly on the marble floor.

Upon seeing Alvaro arrive, his assistant, who was standing outside the press conference room, immediately stepped forward, clutching a prepared speech:
"Sir, the live broadcast will begin in ten seconds after you are seated."

Alvaro didn't take the item; he simply waved his hand and continued walking forward.

This statement needs neither flowery language nor rhetoric.

All he wanted was for the facts to be laid bare before everyone.

Let everyone understand that the country they know has changed.

A subtle restlessness permeated the area under the spotlight.

More than a dozen media outlets were already in position below the stage, with cameras set up high and red lights on the cameras lined up.

Alvaro calmly walked onto the podium and placed his hands on the edge of the wooden podium.

"Ten, nine, eight—"

The numbers on the monitor were flashing.

"Seven, six, five—"

The lighting was slightly adjusted, and the camera was focused.

"Four, three, two—"

Alvaro adjusted his expression, raised his head, and straightened his back.

"one."

"The Brazilian people—"

His voice was steady, with a slight pause, as he sensed the quiet of the room.

Alvaro could hear his own clear breathing and the shouts of the protesters outside, like distant echoes.

He spoke slowly, each word distinct: "We stand at the crossroads of history."

A reporter's pen fell on the paper, quickly jotting down this opening line.

"Today, I stand here not only as the governor of Bahia, but as a Brazilian who deeply loves this country."

The spotlight cast a shadow on the podium.

He looked at the camera as if he were looking directly at the national audience through the lens.

“A few hours ago, a massacre took place in the heart of the city.”

"The people on the square were workers, teachers, young students, mothers, and fathers."

"They asked, why, even though our country is the world's ninth-largest economy, millions of people still live below the poverty line?"

"They asked, why is our infrastructure deteriorating, and why are hospitals lacking even the most basic medicines?"

They ask, "Why are our taxes getting higher and higher, while our wages are getting lower and lower?"

“They did not take up arms. They did not provoke.”

"How did Mr. Antonio respond to them?"

"With bullets. With blood. With death."

"why?"

"Because they were afraid."

"They're afraid their lies will be exposed."

"I'm afraid people will finally see that they are not incompetent, but deliberately betraying the country."

(End of this chapter)