I changed the world.

Page 325

“I was just truthfully disclosing some pictures taken by my friend. I think the public has the right to know about these things…” Brian Fetman said, carefully choosing his words. “Lassie Observatory is a professional observatory, and we did not tamper with any of the image information. As someone who works in social media, I think the public has the right and interest to know what is happening in the world, especially when these things may affect their lives.”

"I don't think there was anything wrong with my previous actions..."

Justine sneered inwardly. If she hadn't heard Mr. Fetman's flowery boasting at the bar earlier, she probably would have thought he was a civil rights activist working to protect public rights.

Just then, Brian Fetman's cell phone rang. He picked it up, glanced at the caller ID, and answered it.

Across from him was Sean, the employee on duty at his studio. Sean spoke in a rather nervous tone, "Boss,"

"Mr. Feltman, our application for traffic support to the club has just been rejected. Would you like to check the backend information?"

"What's going on? Didn't it already pass?" Born Fetman said in a low voice, his face grim.

"I don't know what happened. I just received a message from the backend saying that the review failed. Also, it seems that our account has been throttled. I've noticed that the data has decreased significantly in the last few hours!"

Upon hearing this, Born Feltman glanced at the two security personnel sitting calmly to the side, and suddenly understood something. He took a deep breath: "Alright, I understand. I'll handle this..."

He put down his phone, his face grim, and looked at Justine in front of him. He said angrily, "Ms. Justine, if I expose this, you will be in a very passive position too!"

“Mr. Feltman, I think you need to understand one thing.” At this moment, Agent Lebre, who had been sitting silently to the side, suddenly reached out and tapped the coffee table in front of him. Then, he looked directly into Born Feltman’s eyes and said, “Your actions have violated the state’s control over sensitive information. This even involves certain regulations of the Coordinating Committee for Resources and Technology Control. Therefore, our purpose here is not to make a request, but to demand something.”

As he spoke, he loosened the top button of his collar, cracked his neck, making a clear sound, then stood up and paced in front of the sofa. He walked up to Brian Fetman, leaned in close, and stared intently at him: "You need to understand, we have the power to destroy you. If we wanted to, tomorrow when you walk out this door, three children of different skin colors would rush up to you, hug you, and call you 'Daddy.' Then the newspapers would expose that you abandoned your lover and abused her, and there would be a large group of witnesses to corroborate her story. Then you would be embroiled in lawsuits, your reputation ruined, and all your accounts would be banned..."

“You…” Thinking of that scene, Born Fetman turned pale. He was angry at first, but for a moment he didn’t know what to say.

“Of course, it was just a joke. Lebred always likes to joke…” Just as the atmosphere was getting tense, Justine suddenly spoke up with a laugh, then gestured for Agent Lebred to sit back down.

Seeing her partner sit back down, Justina maintained her smile and continued, "I think Mr. Fetman is a smart man and won't let things get to that point, will he?"

Born Feltman stared at the two agents before him, his face hesitant, his hands clenched tightly. Finally, he let out a breath, like a deflated balloon: "Alright, you win. Tell me, what do I need to do?"

“A wise choice,” Justina clapped her hands lightly, then continued, “Our request is simple: cooperate with our publicity campaign.”

“However, I have already announced that another batch of photos will be released tomorrow, and some media outlets are already paying attention to this. If the statements are inconsistent, it will have a very bad impact on my reputation…” Born Fetman hesitated.

“You don’t have to completely deny what you said before.” Justina nodded: “Tomorrow, the media will report that a huge meteor has passed through the Kuber asteroid debris belt, and its gravity has caused some asteroids and meteorites in the asteroid belt to have erratic trajectories.”

"Then, you just need to prove the authenticity of this information from your perspective. We will provide you with the specific information. Before you send out the information, you need to submit it to us for review."

"After you, there will be other sources to confirm the authenticity of this news."

"As for what happens next... that's not your concern. Just cooperate."

“Well… alright.” Born Feltman thought for a moment, then slowly nodded. Although the whole thing seemed a bit of a pity, it was… the only way.

As he pondered, he looked at Justina again and said with a wry smile, "I'm really curious now. Why is this all being blown out of proportion? Could it be that something extraordinary really happened at Beacon Tower?"

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but ask, "Could it be... that aliens have really invaded?"

The authorities must be hiding something by doing this. Brian Fetman isn't stupid; he can't even see that. The reason they're using to justify their actions is definitely not the truth. Otherwise, these two wouldn't have gone to such lengths to convince him.

Chapter 642 The Temptation of the Church

But... what is the truth?

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you anything about that," Justina shrugged.

Seeing that Born Fetman was clearly frustrated, Justina comforted him, "Don't be discouraged. Once this is over, we'll arrange some platform-level traffic support for you. In addition, we can connect you with some official collaborations to increase your academic credibility."

"Are you serious?" Born Feltman's eyes lit up upon hearing this. For a self-media operator, Justina's words were like giving him a semi-official aura. If he could really collaborate with the official level on some joint activities, it would indeed increase the academic credibility of his account in the eyes of many audiences.

"Of course, you'll see later that we've always been generous in helping friends who are willing to cooperate with us..." In fact, Justina's words were not a lie. From the perspective of the Security Bureau's senior management, they have a clearer understanding of the various sudden supernatural events. Therefore, they are willing to adopt a more "win-win" approach with influential media channels like Born Fetman in order to create more room for cooperation in the future.

“Then, Miss Justine, if that’s the case, I would be happy to cooperate with your agency.”

"Great, someone will be assigned to work with you from now on. I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration!"

***

承和三十七年2016年4月1日23:38格兰德首府西黛市第7区若尔奈大街13号

In the 7th arrondissement of Cidé, the capital of the Republic of Grande, lies one of the core areas of Cidé. Here, the streets are wide and the buildings are magnificent. It is a place where famous landmarks, embassies of various countries, and national institutions are concentrated. In addition, there are also some upscale residential areas located here.

Located on the south side of District 7, Rue Jornai is a beautiful, tree-lined street. Number 13 on the street is a simple-looking nine-story office building. There are no signs on the surface, making it seem very low-key. However, this is the headquarters of the Grande External Security Bureau, and the "brain" of the Grande Republic's largest intelligence agency operates in this building.

It was late at night. In the director's office on the 9th floor of the Grand External Security Bureau, the thick curtains were drawn tightly, and not a single ray of light could be seen from the outside.

Inside, however, the lights were on. Director Herbert, sitting on the large sofa in his office, took a sip of black coffee from the coffee table in front of him and asked Ralph, the operations director who had come to report, again, "Is it all set up?"

"Yes, Your Excellency. I have specially selected my best men, and they are all in place, awaiting orders."

“However, Your Excellency… I still think… perhaps we should reconsider?” Ralph glanced at the empty office besides the two of them, lowered his voice, and hesitated. “I’m worried that this matter is still a bit too risky… and if the Vatican discovers something and overreacts, then… perhaps someone will have to take responsibility…”

Director Herbert paused for a moment after hearing this, then picked up his coffee cup again and took a sip: "I understand what you mean. We can't leave any loopholes in this matter. In the current situation, we really can't afford to completely break ties with the Vatican."

"Therefore, we must take some risks in this matter. Only in this way can we legitimately sever ties."

“That’s why I need you to keep a close eye on things personally, do you understand?” Herbert glanced indifferently at his trusted aide beside him.

Seeing his chief's attitude, Ralph vaguely understood what was going on, so he said no more and nodded, "I'll keep an eye on things."

Director Herbert glanced at the wall clock beside him and decided to be more explicit: "The power displayed by those Easterners is making some people uneasy..."

“Xuanmen… this is an ancient religion that we are completely unfamiliar with. The Zhao Kingdom keeps it a secret from them, however, we all know that the relationship between the Zhao Kingdom and Xuanmen is not as simple as it seems on the surface.”

"This incident at Fengsui Fortress put the government in a very passive position, completely caught off guard... and even after everything was over, they were unable to make an effective response."

“This is unacceptable to those important people.”

Director Herbert glanced at a religious oil painting, "The Baptism of Micah," hanging on the wall, then looked away: "So they are eager to know the secrets of the Church."

“That’s understandable. Everyone at the poker table wants to know what cards they and their opponents have,” Ralph nodded slightly.

"However, the Holy See's attitude has displeased many people, so they hope to test the Church."

"However, this is not easy, after all, the church is hidden too well, and it is difficult to find a way to get a hold of it."

"Fortunately, this trip to the East brought this priest to our attention..."

"So..." Ralph pondered, "this was just a test?"

“Yes and no…” Director Herbert’s gaze was deep: “We are certain that Father Simon has too many secrets about him, and he is a good entry point.”

“Especially that sacred relic he possesses…” Director Herbert glanced at Ralph, “If we could obtain it, it might help us answer some questions.”

“I understand, I know how to do it.” Ralph nodded.

"Remember, be careful with your methods, and don't leave any evidence against you," Director Herbert reminded him again.

"If you fail, the plane will take off normally. It's just an accident, do you understand?"

........................

***

承和三十七年2016年4月1日23:38格兰德首府西黛市国际机场外公路

A taxi was traveling on the highway from Grand Royal College to Westdale International Airport. Father Simon sat in the back seat, looking somewhat dejected. He listened to the driver, who had obvious mixed-race features, humming an off-key song while checking his online flight booking on his phone.

Not long ago, he had just come out of the police station. Because he was the first witness to the fire, the local police questioned him. Fortunately, no one was injured, and he had Mrs. Louise's testimony. His status as a priest also prompted a bishop of the local diocese to express his concern to the police station. All of these factors combined meant that he was not given any difficulties, and after the routine questioning, he was told he could leave.

Chapter 643 Protagonist?

Previous hospital examinations indicated that he had not suffered any major injuries. As for his general weakness, since he had previously stated that he was unable to clearly see the thief's face and that he had been attacked on the head, doctors judged that it might be due to some kind of mild concussion that interfered with the normal functioning of his motor nerves. Fortunately, at least the examination results showed that there were no major problems, and he should recover after a period of rest.

Just to be on the safe side, the doctor prescribed some medication. In fact, as time went by, Father Simon could clearly feel his physical strength recovering. Although he still felt a little tired, he could move around normally without any problems.

Therefore, Father Simon ultimately decided not to adjust his itinerary and flew back to Bergopelli overnight. After all, Bergopelli seemed very anxious this time, and he had just received another urging, so it was not appropriate to delay any longer.

Father Simon was still somewhat confused. One moment he couldn't help but think about the books in Viscount Delvo's house that were supposedly meant for him but which he had never actually obtained; the next he recalled the punch he had thrown earlier; and even the conversations he had overheard in the church and at Viscount Delvo's house earlier that day...

For a moment, he felt as if a thick fog had been shrouded in mist before his eyes, causing his mind to wander. He subconsciously touched the pendant on his chest again, feeling its hard texture, still warm from his body, through his clothes. It seemed that... his life had changed after he obtained this pendant!

Father Simon couldn't help but think of the protagonists he had seen in movies and novels... who, through some fortuitous encounter or a wondrous object, gained immense power and gradually rose to the pinnacle of life...

As he pondered, he recalled again the ghost's cryptic words from that night:

"All coincidences are preordained..."

As Father Simon's mind raced with a thousand thoughts, he was unaware that hundreds of feet above his taxi, a tiny drone was silently tracking it, like a nightingale in the night. The drone's camera was fixed intently on the moving taxi.

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"Thank you, sir, have a pleasant trip!" After watching Father Simon get out of the car, the driver waved to him in a friendly manner. Father Simon closed the car door for him, waved back, and then walked towards the terminal building not far away.

Because his priestly robes had been damaged during his stay at Viscount Delvoye's house, Father Simon was now wearing a newly purchased light gray suit. He dragged his suitcase, sizing himself up as he walked towards the nearest terminal entrance. A light rain began to fall, and Father Simon quickened his pace.

Xidai International Airport is a well-known large hub airport in the Western Continent, with two large terminals and a huge daily passenger flow. At this moment, Father Simon followed the flow of people toward Terminal 1.

"Ding-dong... Passengers traveling to Scjab, please note that boarding for your flight AK1298 is now commenced. Please take your belongings with you, present your boarding pass, and proceed through Gate 6. Have a pleasant journey, thank you!"

Upon entering the terminal, a loud announcement rang in his ears. Father Simon glanced at his watch; he had 40 minutes until his boarding time. He looked around and found a uniformed airport staff member. After asking for directions, he found the Grand Airlines check-in counter and obtained his boarding pass. After receiving his pass, he headed towards airport customs.

Because he was traveling on an international flight, he had to go to the airport customs before going through security. Father Simon dragged his luggage through the crowd and walked quickly toward the customs counter, which was a few dozen meters away.

Just then, a mother and daughter approached him. Both had brown hair, and the mother, with fair skin, was walking quickly while talking on the phone, looking hurried. The child, who appeared to be the daughter, was about ten years old and seemed to be of mixed race. She was drinking a beverage, smiling and humming a faint tune, her feet tapping to the beat, her whole being displaying an almost unstoppable rhythm.

Father Simon glanced at them but didn't pay much attention. He got closer and closer to the mother and daughter, and they were about to pass each other.

Just as the two were about to pass each other, the "daughter" seemed to suddenly jump to a certain beat in the dance, her toes touching the ground, and her whole body suddenly did a small-radius spin.

The action happened suddenly; the girl, absorbed in her own rhythm, seemed unaware of the pedestrians beside her, and so the accident occurred...