Chapter 2505: Conspiracy Theory
From this old lady's public statements, she was very opposed to the political forces supported by outer zone powers. She had publicly criticized such representatives many times, even going tit-for-tat with them at one point.
However, in the twenty-year struggle, she ultimately ended up at a disadvantage. As more and more players from outer zones entered District 001, these players naturally felt alienated from the local players of District 001. They tended to band together for warmth—not necessarily to cause trouble, but to better fight for their own rights. In this day-to-day struggle, the political forces representing outer zone powers gradually secured a certain position within the district government.
Of course, this old lady had completely withdrawn from the political circle a few years ago. She had once faded from public view, and the media no longer reported on her. Even when mentioning her son, Mr. Warren, they only gave her a brief mention.
Logically, a figure like her—especially with one son firmly on track to enter the most core political circle—should not have been so overlooked. But when she stepped down as Chief Secretary, she was implicated in a bribery case. Even though she was eventually acquitted, her reputation in the eyes of District 001's people had taken a serious hit. Coupled with the complete abandonment of her former supporters, few media outlets were willing to cover her.
As for why she didn't become a weapon for political enemies to attack Mr. Warren, it was because although she had resigned, not all of the players around her had died. In the two years when her son, Mr. Warren, was approaching the Council, her past was dug up and sensationalized. However, the smear campaign didn't last long before it was interrupted by a series of "accidental deaths."
Mm, those few people who died "accidentally" were more or less connected to the release of her scandals.
The media never uncovered how this matter was finally settled, but Mr. Warren successfully got promoted, moving closer to the Council.
From this information, Sheila Warren and her son represent one faction in District 001. They are locked in a struggle with outer zone forces, each vying for greater rights and benefits.
If Mr. Warren's sudden announcement to withdraw from the Council election is related to the Wan family incident, then it should be the work of outer zone forces, using this to eliminate a competitor.
As for Bubble Bean's suggestion that Mrs. Sheila threatened one son for the sake of another—that's simply not worth considering.
"So it's their competitor?" Bubble Bean said. "That competitor doesn't seem very smart. Or is kidnapping and assassination the norm in District 001's political circle?"
"Didn't you also say that 'the thief crying 'stop thief'' is a common tactic of those in power?" Xu Huo said. "Maybe this whole thing is a setup they orchestrated themselves."
"You mean they deliberately used this move to make Warren withdraw first, then before the final election results come out, expose it as the work of political enemies to frame them? Then, when public opinion reverses, the Council would never let someone who stops at nothing to achieve their goals take office—so Warren would actually succeed in getting elected?"
Bubble Bean thought for a moment. "Isn't that a bit too much of a conspiracy theory?"
"He was already a popular candidate. He could have been elected through normal means anyway."
"It's hard to say exactly what's going on," Xu Huo said. "But this is a one-and-done solution."
"That makes sense too." Bubble Bean rubbed his chin. "Whoever did it, it looks like they want to use the Wan family as a stepping stone."
"'Noble character' probably refers to them. The side quest should be about rescuing people."
"Since we have a suspect, why not go straight to the source?"
Whether it was a conspiracy theory or not, they could use this speculation to threaten Warren. Whether the Wan family was in Mrs. Sheila's hands or in the hands of their political enemies, this man about to become a Council member was the best target to strike at.
Xu Huo disagreed. For one thing, getting close to either of these two figures was difficult enough. Even if they managed to meet them, without solid evidence, their threats wouldn't be worth anything as bargaining chips. Even if they used the Message Collection Terminal or sought out media to create public opinion, it wouldn't attract attention. Falsifying evidence would only help these politicians deflect the heat.
If they weren't dragged into it, fine. But if they were, they'd be labeled as malicious actors "undermining District 001's peace" and "sowing discord within District 001's internal relations."
With just two or three people against pervasive technology and players, they might not even make it out of this district.
"Better to start from the Wan family's side," Xu Huo said. "Let's split up and first see if there are any surviving players from the Wan family."
Bubble Bean had no objections and left "Small Object Carving" first.
By now, information related to Mao Guo Town had been sealed off. There were no updates on the Message Collection Terminal, and even the locals didn't know much. The people most familiar with the scene were probably the Enforcement Team members. But at this point, bypassing them or impersonating them was extremely difficult. The players sent by the military district came fully equipped with advanced instruments and items. Forget using spiritual power to create confusion—even hypnotizing a few people to help with tasks would be nearly impossible.
"I'll go take a look for you," Old Lady Gui said at that moment. "I know a lot of people. I can get details out of them."
She stared fixedly at Xu Huo. "You're trying to save the Wan family, aren't you?"
Xu Huo glanced back at her. "You're willing to trust strangers now?"
Old Lady Gui's expression was wooden. "All crows are black. No matter where people come from, man or woman, there are always beasts who will sacrifice the innocent for power and profit. I accept what happened to my grandson. He overestimated himself, meddling in the affairs of those big shots. He deserved to die. But the Wan family are good people. They don't deserve a bad ending."
"I'm grasping at straws."
With that, she tucked a few finished Cat Whisker Fruits into her pocket and set off.
"Me! Me!" the Painting Woman raised her communicator, indicating she could help too.
"There are a lot of detection instruments near the Wan family. They might sense the energy fluctuations from your body," Xu Huo said. "It's not safe for you to go there."
The Painting Woman shook her head. "I can go eavesdrop at other people's houses."
The Wan family's residence was inaccessible, but the lockdown's intensity weakened as it radiated outward from the Wan family. People who originally lived near the Wan family might know something. They wouldn't talk in front of outsiders, but wouldn't they whisper about it in their own homes?
"Be careful, then," Xu Huo said. "If you're discovered, try to escape underground."
The Painting Woman gave him a "don't worry" look, cheerfully slung her backpack over her shoulder, and left.
Xu Huo followed shortly after, closing the door to "Small Object Carving" behind him.
He didn't head toward the Wan family. Instead, he sat down in an area where clearance players were gathered.
Regarding the incident at the Wan family, the outer zone players stranded here were also buzzing with discussion. Because of this incident, the Cat Whisker Fruit business in the town had almost completely stopped. With nothing to do, they could only gather together, trying to create a new Cat Whisker Fruit business.