Chapter 68: Refusal_1

Jiang Yu had asked for three more days under the pretext of considering how to recount his own deeds.

Throughout these three days, he pondered repeatedly and realized this was indeed an opportunity to calm everyone down.

Since the existence of the Trisolaran Civilization became known, social unrest had grown increasingly severe. What started as marches a couple of days ago had escalated to vandalism, looting, and arson in some areas,

with many people claiming that nothing of value should be left for the Trisolarans.

Jiang Yu only heard about these incidents on the news and didn't experience them firsthand.

However, a couple of days ago, his mother, Hu Huilan, called to say that now only she and a few colleagues were still going to work.

Someone had tried to break into their factory to commit violence and had seriously injured the security guard, but fortunately, the militiamen who protected her had stopped the intruders.

Jiang Yu told his mother not to go to work for now, to which Hu Huilan agreed, but Jiang Yu guessed she was just placating him.

So, Jiang Yu played his trump card, saying he was feeling unwell and wanted to eat the dishes made by his mother. Only then did Hu Huilan agree to take a few days off to take care of her son.

During these three days, Jiang Yu also carefully recalled that the original work did not describe "Crisis Era Year One" or "Crisis Era Year Two"; "The Dark Forest" seemed to start from "Crisis Era Year Three."

The absence of description in the book indicates that human society fell into a certain degree of paralysis during those two years and did not have the surplus energy to fight back at all.

In other words, humanity did nothing significant in the first two years; it was only starting from "Crisis Era Year Three" that they began to act meaningfully.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yu once again cursed the decision-makers at the operations center in his mind. Only someone with a brain filled with lard would think of disclosing all the information completely.

Of course, the information about the Trisolarans would have to be disclosed sooner or later, but Jiang Yu believed that it should be released in increments, with sufficient psychological buffering time in between, to be the most prudent approach.

Furthermore, Jiang Yu reflected on why he did not play a critical role in this matter, first thinking that his position was not high enough to offer decisive advice.

Secondly, he thought his approach was wrong. Arguing with everyone at the meeting was less effective than convincing a few key individuals afterward.

Jiang Yu resolved in his heart to quickly adjust his mindset; they were facing a different opponent now, so their approach to handling them must change as well.

Then Jiang Yu gave a wry smile, having originally thought that after capturing Ye Wenjie, he could relax, but realized there were some things he simply couldn't overlook and would regret not addressing.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Yu began to make short-term plans. He intended to actively support the initiative to "establish heroes" and increase his influence.

With enough influence, he would have enough say.

In interviews a few days later, Jiang Yu's composed demeanor and his deeds helped to alleviate the anxiety of many people.

It was particularly when Jiang Yu said, "Everyone hasn't seen the Trisolarans, which is why they feel panic.

"But they are not so terrifying. They have blood and flesh. They can be deceived by us. They are just a harder enemy to deal with."

After saying these words, Jiang Yu felt like the host across from him seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

The operations center saw that the interview with Jiang Yu had a very good effect and immediately began rebroadcasting it on various television stations.

Foreign television stations scrambled to buy the broadcasting rights, and for a while, Jiang Yu became the backbone for many people.

Many foreign television stations were willing to spend a million dollars just for a brief appearance by Jiang Yu on their channel.

And who knows who leaked Jiang Yu's residence, but more and more people were gathering outside his villa, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

Jiang Yu had no choice but to make another speech on the villa's terrace, still emphasizing that the Trisolarans could be defeated, urging everyone to stop panicking and join the war against the Trisolaran invasion.

Many listeners were moved to tears, many were thrilled; they were like drowning people who finally grabbed onto a straw and would not let go no matter what.

Every day after that, hundreds or even thousands came to Jiang Yu's residence as if on a pilgrimage, to hear his speeches.

Jiang Yu soon ran out of things to say, and out of necessity, had to ask the combat center to assign him a few clerks to write his speeches.

Hu Huilan, worried about her son, took extended leave again to stay by Jiang Yu's side and care for him.

In fact, the entire social and business systems were almost completely paralyzed by now; the food in the markets and supermarkets were all stock from before.

Even if Hu Huilan hadn't taken leave, the factory where she worked would have ceased production.

...

More than a month flashed by, and more and more people came to Jiang Yu's place to listen to his speeches.

When Jiang Yu appeared on the terrace, some even worshipped him with devotion.

During this period, some people wanted to examine the United Nations' files on the details of the "Poison Apple Project."

The reason for access was the hope of using the technology within the project to strengthen humanity and counter the Trisolaran invasion.

Jiang Yu immediately refused the request without hesitation. His reason for refusal was: Has your brain been squeezed by a door? Using the enemy's technology to confront them?

After that, about every month, Jiang Yu would receive a request to access the files, which he would reject without hesitation.

Gradually, some domestic officials tried to persuade him to agree just once, as China's representatives at the United Nations were facing great pressure; every time, it was the other four permanent members who agreed, while it stopped at Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu remained unmoved, asking the lobbyists to consider all of humanity. The two advised each other to no avail and eventually, the lobbyists gave up.

Jiang Yu was somewhat relieved. After all, he had used the opportunity to "establish a hero" to obtain this authority, specifically to prevent anyone from accessing the "Poison Apple."

As the weather gradually grew colder, winter came.

The chaos that had persisted for three to four months was finally beginning to subside.

However, these three to four months had dealt a severe blow to the global economy, and many people and families were driven to the brink of starvation and cold.

Jiang Yu began to encourage everyone in his speeches to return to their jobs amd work through the harsh winter with their efforts.

He also spoke of the Spring Festival, hoping to evoke memories of better times with the holiday.

Actually, no action was required from everyone now; if people could just live well, the combat center would be able to take the next step.

Therefore, on the day of Laba Festival, Jiang Yu held a press conference as arranged by the combat center, attended by both domestic and foreign media, hoping to utilize both the Eastern Spring Festival and the Western Christmas to get the world back on track in one fell swoop.

This press conference would be broadcast globally, and it was said that over two billion people would be watching.

At the start, Jiang Yu and the two guests he was with chatted happily, successfully creating a joyous atmosphere suitable for the festive season.

When the journalists' questions began, Jiang Yu first answered some predetermined questions.

Suddenly, a reporter asked Jiang Yu, "According to reliable information I've just received, during the operation to capture ETO members, you let go of your own teacher, a leader of the Adventists, is that correct?"