Chapter 2505: Chapter 2505: Conspiracy Theory
From the public statements of this old lady, it’s clear that she is very opposed to the political forces supported by the Outer District Forces, having repeatedly criticized such representative figures, even to the point of direct confrontation at times.
However, in the two-decade-long struggle, she still fell behind, as more and more players from the Outer Zone entered District 001. These people naturally had a divide with the local players of District 001, tending to band together not to cause trouble but to better fight for their rights. In this day-to-day struggle, the political forces representing the Outer District Forces also gained a certain position within the District Government.
Of course, the old lady completely withdrew from the political arena years ago, becoming silent and unnoticed by the media. Even when they mentioned her son, Mr. Valen, they only briefly referred to her.
Logically speaking, for someone of her status, at least with a son slated to enter the core of the political circle, she shouldn’t be neglected like this. But when she resigned as chief secretary, she got embroiled in a bribery case. Even though she was acquitted, her reputation in the eyes of the people of District 001 plummeted, and the forces that once supported her completely abandoned her, so no media were willing to report on her.
As for why she didn’t become a weakness for political opponents against Mr. Valen, it’s because although she resigned, not all the players around her perished. In the years when her son Mr. Valen was approaching the Council, her past affairs were brought up and sensationalized, but the duration was short and was interrupted by several incidents of "accidental death."
Well, those who "accidentally died" were somewhat related to the negative information released about her.
The media did not dig up how this matter eventually subsided, but Mr. Valen smoothly got promoted, further approaching the Council.
From such information, it seems that Shera Warren and her son represent one side of District 001, and they are directly opposed to the Outer District Forces. The struggle between the two parties is in pursuit of greater benefits.
When Mr. Valen suddenly announced his withdrawal from the Council election, if it were related to the Wan Family incident, it would likely be the doing of the Outer District Forces, to remove a competitor.
As for what Bubble Bean said, that Lady Shela threatened one son for another, it’s simply not worth considering.
"So that’s their competitor?" Bubble Bean said, "It seems this opponent is not very smart, or is kidnapping and assassination popular in the political circles of District 001?"
"Didn’t you also say that crying thief is a common tactic of those in power?" Xu Huo said, "Maybe this whole thing is staged by them."
"Are you saying they deliberately used this move to get Valen to withdraw first, then reveal before the election results that it was the work of political opponents, to frame them, and wait for public opinion to reverse? At that point, the Council couldn’t possibly allow someone who uses any means to achieve their ends to take power, allowing Valen to successfully be elected?"
Bubble Bean pondered for a moment, "Isn’t that too much of a conspiracy theory?"
"He was already a popular candidate; he could have been elected through a normal election as well."
"It’s hard to say for sure," Xu Huo said, "but this is a one-time, sure-shot plan."
"That makes sense too." Bubble Bean touched his chin, "Regardless of who did it, it seems they want to use the Wan Family as a stepping stone."
"Noble character refers to them, right? The side quest should be to save them."
"Since there are suspects, why not strike directly?"
Whether it’s a conspiracy theory or not, they could easily use this conjecture to threaten Valen. Whether the Wan Family is in the hands of Lady Shela or their political enemies, this person about to become a Council member is the best target.
Xu Huo did not agree. Not to mention that getting close to these two figures was never easy, but even if they did meet, their threats wouldn’t be any leverage without real evidence. Even acquiring the Collection of Information Terminal or seeking out the media to create a narrative wouldn’t attract attention, and fabricating false evidence would only help these politicians deflect attention.
Getting involved would be problematic; getting drawn in would make them "people with malicious intentions to destroy the peace of District 001" or "people inciting conflicts within District 001."
A couple of individuals against pervasive technology and players wouldn’t likely make it out of the District.
"Let’s start with the Wan Family instead." Xu Huo said, "We’ll split up and see if there are any surviving players among the Wan Family."
Bubble Bean had no objections and left "Small Object Carving" first.
Information about Cat Fruit Town was already locked down, and there were no updates on the Collection of Information Terminal. Locals didn’t know much about the situation, and those most familiar with the scene were probably members of the Law Enforcement Team. But getting past them or posing as them was extremely difficult now; the Players sent by the Military District came well-equipped, with advanced instruments and props readily available. Forget using Psychic Power to sow confusion; it would even be hard to hypnotize a few people to help out.
"I’ll help you get a look." Said Old Lady Gui at this moment, "I know quite a few people and can get some details from them."
After she finished speaking, she stared firmly at Xu Huo, "You’re trying to save the Wan Family, right?"
Xu Huo glanced back at her, "Are you willing to trust strangers now?"
Old Lady Gui wore a wooden expression, "All the crows under the sun are black; no matter where people come from, whether man or woman, there are beasts willing to sacrifice innocents for power and profit. I accept my grandson’s fate; he overestimated himself, meddling in the affairs of those big figures. He didn’t die unjustly. But the Wan Family, they’re good people and shouldn’t come to such a bad end."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures."
She finished and took a few mature Cat Whisker Fruits and set out.
"Me! Me!" The Girl in the painting held up her Communicator, indicating she could help too.
"There are many detectors over at the Wan Family, which might pick up the energy fluctuations on you," Xu Huo said, "You wouldn’t be safe going there."
The Girl in the painting shook her head, "I can eavesdrop from someone else’s house."
Though it’s difficult to get into where the Wan Family lives, the blockage weakens outwards from the Wan Family. Those who originally lived near the Wan Family might know something. They won’t speak in front of outsiders, but wouldn’t silently discuss it at home?
"Then be careful." Xu Huo said, "If discovered, try to escape underground."
The Girl in the painting gave him a reassuring look and happily walked away with her backpack.
Xu Huo also followed her out, locking the door of "Small Object Carving."
He didn’t head towards the Wan Family, but instead sat down where players trying to clear levels congregated.
The incident with the Wan Family was fervently discussed by Outer Zone players lingering there. Because of it, the Cat Whisker Fruit business in town had nearly stopped entirely; with nothing else to do, they were trying to come up with new Cat Whisker Fruit ventures together.
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