Chapter 1015 - 1012: Things Have Escalated
Omama spoke, grabbed a newspaper on the table, and threw it to Everson.
Everson had already seen today's Washington Post, where on the front page, it almost used more than half of the space to report on Lin Chuan's issue, and all the evidence was quite sufficient.
"Mr. President, I have already sent people to investigate, and I believe there will be news soon." Everson said, holding the newspaper with an extremely unpleasant expression.
Omama paced back and forth in the office, saying to Everson, "By the time you investigate, it'll be too late. It's obvious that either the British or the Chinese are behind this."
Everson dared not speak.
Omama continued, "They want to pressure me into sending Lin Chuan to the International Military Court. Fine, I'll play along. Everson, notify the media immediately and hold a press conference."
Everson cautiously asked, "Should the press conference be held in the name of the White House or..."
Omama pondered for a moment and said, "In the name of the State Department. You personally draft the news release, explaining to the media that Lin Chuan is being acted upon because he shot and killed American soldiers at our camp in Iraq. Also convey that the United States will act according to international law principles, bringing Lin Chuan to court for a public trial."
"Understood, Mr. President, I will handle it right away." Everson said and then left.
The reason Omama was angry today wasn't because the media exposed the matter, but because, these past few days, many international celebrities and several countries have sent messages hoping the U.S. government would exercise caution in handling Lin Chuan's situation and respect human rights, etc...
This hot potato, Lin Chuan, must be tossed out quickly. The only way is through the suggestion of the Queen of the United Kingdom.
...
The headline about Lin Chuan in the Washington Post was quickly reprinted by major newspapers worldwide within two days. Simultaneously, the internet was flooded with stories about Lin Chuan. Unexpectedly, in just two days, Lin Chuan became a world-famous figure, unrivaled in popularity.
Chen Zhenguo's residence, the old General, in Beijing, China.
The old General was looking at the Xinhua Daily, which reprinted an article from the Washington Post. A slight smile appeared on his lips. It seems the Chairman's strategy was correct—using diplomatic means not only forced the Americans to bow under tremendous public pressure but also avoided direct confrontation with them.
Lin Chuan being sent to the International Military Court is already a certainty. Yet, the old General was thinking about another issue: Even if Lin Chuan is sent to the court for a public trial, the Americans will certainly not let it go easily. If Lin Chuan is to return safely to his country, it will require more effort.
The old General picked up the phone and called Li Xiangguo, asking him to come over immediately.
Li Xiangguo, upon receiving the call from the old General, rushed over without delay.
"Old Chief, do you have any instructions?" As soon as he entered the door, Li Xiangguo asked the old General without even taking a sip of water.
The old General gestured for Li Xiangguo to sit down first, then said, "Xiangguo, after Lin Chuan is judged by the International Military Court, what do you plan to do?"
Li Xiangguo paused slightly to think and then said, "Old Chief, after Lin Chuan faces trial, following international conventions, we can only use diplomatic means to extradite Lin Chuan back to our country."
"It's not that simple," the old General said thoughtfully, "The Americans won't easily let Lin Chuan return home."
Li Xiangguo frowned and asked, "Old Chief, what do you suggest?"
The old General smiled slightly and said, "Xiangguo, in this matter concerning Lin Chuan, which country, which person contributed the most?"
Li Xiangguo pondered for a moment and said, "Probably the United Kingdom's Elizabeth, the Queen."
"Haha," the old General chuckled and said, "Yes, why not leverage the connection with Queen Elizabeth; after Lin Chuan's trial, transfer him to the UK and then use this to bring him back."
"Old Chief, you're brilliant. I didn't think of that," Li Xiangguo praised sincerely.
...
The few women who had substantial relationships with Lin Chuan didn't know about Lin Chuan's arrest by the Americans initially. They only learned about it after the news was disclosed by the media.
Nuo Xiaoxi was designated by Lin Chuan's mother as his prospective daughter-in-law. Upon seeing the news of Lin Chuan's arrest by the Americans, she immediately worried and booked a flight to Washington without even requesting leave.
Yang Zi's feelings for Lin Chuan could be described as love and hatred. Yet, there remained deep affection for Lin Chuan in her heart. Upon getting this news, she immediately put aside her work and flew to Washington.
Mu Bai, Fang Yuan, and others—everyone connected to Lin Chuan, whether friends or foes, upon hearing the news of Lin Chuan's arrest, although their perspectives varied, they all wanted to see how Lin Chuan would be judged, so they all went to Washington.
American White House, news center conference scene.
Today, the U.S. State Department is holding a press conference regarding Lin Chuan's trial. Almost all the major world media were present, and the site was tightly packed with journalists permitted entry, so much so that those who couldn't get inside could only watch the live broadcast on a large screen outside.
At nine fifteen in the morning, Ms. Sicily, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, arrived at the press conference site accompanied by several staff and took her seat at the main position.
Various media outlets aimed their cameras at this nearly forty-year-old beautiful spokeswoman.
At nine thirty, the press conference officially began.
Ms. Sicily stood up and spoke at a moderate pace, "Thank you to all the media staff for attending. I would like to express our gratitude on behalf of the U.S. government." After speaking, Ms. Sicily slightly bowed to everyone.
The site erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Ms. Sicily continued, "I believe you are all aware of the purpose of today's press conference. Here, I must especially state that what I say represents the perspective of the U.S. government."
Subsequently, Ms. Sicily clarified the U.S. government's stance on handling Lin Chuan; when Ms. Sicily announced that Lin Chuan would be presented to the International Military Court through proper legal procedures, the site once again erupted in applause.
Even though the U.S. government agreed to transfer Lin Chuan to the International Military Court for trial in accordance with legal procedures, they did not clearly indicate the time for the transfer and the public trial.
During the post-conference Q&A session, a reporter raised this issue.
Ms. Sicily's response was that the U.S. government would complete the transfer procedures as quickly as possible, and the public trial date would be determined according to the completion status of the transfer procedures.
Another reporter asked what charges Lin Chuan might face in the military court and the maximum penalty.
Ms. Sicily replied that it would be up to the military court's judges to determine the charges against Lin Chuan, and as for the maximum penalty, they also have no right to decide—it all depends on the judges' ruling.
This press conference was broadcast globally, setting a world viewing record, with ratings reaching around thirteen points, about three points higher than the most famous Summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup.
Everyone's attention was focused on the timing of Lin Chuan's public trial. Various online rumors spread, with some saying the public trial might be a month later, others accusing the U.S. government of intentionally delaying the handover to the International Military Court, and some even spreading rumors that Lin Chuan had been secretly killed by the U.S. government. In short, all types of news seeking to grab attention revolved around Lin Chuan's case.
Under immense public pressure, Omama ordered Everson to expedite the handover procedures to quickly dispose of Lin Chuan, this hot potato. As for the aftermath, he already had a rough strategy in mind.
The International Military Court was established in the famous Swiss city of Geneva. Everson completed the transfer procedures in the shortest time but did not agree to send Lin Chuan to Geneva, requesting the trial at the Washington branch of the International Military Court.
After deliberations, the International Military Court agreed with the U.S. government's request and assigned a tribunal comprising seven neutral countries, with the world's most renowned judge, the Swiss Royal Chief Justice Francis, to preside.
Francis and the tribunal members held three consultation meetings, eventually setting Lin Chuan's public trial date for ten o'clock in the morning on July 16th.
This public trial will be entirely open, allowing major media to report directly from the trial scene. It can be said that this is unprecedented in the history of world military trials.
Decades ago, when the International Military Court publicly tried WWII criminals, it was never so open.
The whole world's attention is focused on July 16th, with countless people eagerly anticipating.
Online, some enthusiasts are reposting Lin Chuan's photos, and for a while, Lin Chuan became a hero in the hearts of countless young girls worldwide; many girls even ran to Washington alone, just to catch a glimpse of him.
Residing in Washington, Zhou Kai and Zhou Rui were certainly aware early on that Lin Chuan would be submitted to the International Military Court. On the day of the press conference, Zhou Kai and Zhou Rui went to the scene. Although they didn't enter, seeing the outside spectacle, they felt shocked; they hadn't expected their leader's influence to be so substantial, enough to focus the whole world's attention.
During the crucial moment of Lin Chuan's transfer to the International Military Court, those connected with Lin Chuan must not encounter any issues; otherwise, it might trigger a widespread effect. Therefore, Zhou Kai specifically instructed Lu Dapao to keep an eye on these two hundred brothers, strictly forbidding them from leaving the Green Hotel.
Tang Yumeng also learned about Lin Chuan's impending public trial. Xiao Xue was with her, and at this moment, they were together. Although Xiao Xue wasn't clear about what the result of Lin Chuan's public trial would be, she knew Lin Chuan's life had been spared.