America: From a Fallen Child Star to the Head of the University of the West

Chapter 88 Kelly, what do you think?

Afterward, Sean left the study and walked down the corridor toward the party hall.

His feelings were somewhat complicated.

That conversation was essentially a dirty political deal. He traded the list he had for intelligence and potential allies, but in doing so, he also got his hands dirty.

But that's politics.

In this game, no one can remain completely innocent.

Just as he was lost in thought, a commotion arose ahead.

Sean quickened his pace and entered the hall, where he immediately saw a scene that made him frown.

Rachel was cornered by someone. And that person was none other than Brian Carlson, who had been thoroughly humiliated by Sean earlier.

"Stop pretending, I recognize you." Brian's voice was clearly slurred with intoxication. "You're that reporter from the Los Angeles Times, right? Rachel or something—"

"Please move aside," Rachel said coldly. "I don't want to talk to you."

"Hey, don't be so cold." Brian leaned closer. "I remember you used to pursue Sean Penn, but he rejected you. So, you're working as his assistant now? What's that, some kind of desperate pursuit?"

Rachel's face turned ashen.

"I said, please move aside."

"What do you mean 'give way'? I'm not giving way." Even as he said this, Brian instinctively took two steps back. "Come on, what's wrong with having a drink with me? Don't you like washed-up celebrities? I may not be washed up yet, but I can still let you experience it—"

That's enough.

A hand reached out from behind and grabbed Brian's wrist.

Brian turned around and saw Sean standing behind him with a sullen face.

"Sean?" Brian's expression changed. "When did you get here—"

"Just arrived." Sean released his wrist. "But I'm just in time. Mr. Brian, you seem to have had too much to drink."

"I wasn't drunk," Brian insisted.

"Really?" Sean's tone was gentle, but his eyes were anything but. "Would a sensible person harass a lady in public?"

"I didn't harass you—"

"I heard everything you just said," Sean interrupted him. "First of all, the relationship between Miss Jones and me is none of your concern. Secondly, even if someone has pursued me, that is her prerogative."

There's nothing shameful about someone liking another person, regardless of the outcome.

"On the contrary, it is people like you who are truly shameful."

Brian's face turned bright red.

The whispers around them grew louder, but this time, the laughter was directed at Brian himself.

"You—you—" Brian stammered, not knowing what to say.

"Mr. Brian," Sean concluded, "I suggest you go back and rest now. Otherwise, you might end up with some embarrassing headlines in tomorrow's entertainment news."

He turned to Rachel and extended his hand.

"Miss Jones, let's go."

Rachel stared at Sean's outstretched hand, paused for a moment, and then took it.

The two walked through the crowd and out of the manor gate amidst the varied gazes of the people.

A black sedan sped through the night.

Inside the car, Rachel remained silent, watching the lights flash by outside the window.

"Are you alright, Lei?" Sean asked.

"—I'm fine." Rachel's expression barely changed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Sean smiled. "Don't take what that bastard said to heart."

"————"

After a moment of silence, Rachel suddenly spoke up: "What he said is true."

"What?"

-

"I did pursue you before," Rachel said softly, "back when you were still a star."

Sean turned to look at her, only to find that she was still looking out the window, unwilling to meet his gaze.

"That was a long time ago," Rachel continued. "I was new to the industry then, and at an awards ceremony party, I mustered up the courage to interview you. I also wanted to take the opportunity to get your contact information—"

The more she talked about it, the more she realized how abnormal she had been back then.

"And then you had your assistant fire me."

"Oh, this—"

"You don't remember, do you? I know you don't." Rachel's tone carried a hint of self-deprecation. "Back then, you met hundreds, even thousands of people every day. How could you possibly remember a mere intern reporter?"

'

Silence fell over the car again.

He did remember this incident clearly. In addition to having his assistant drive Rachel away, the original owner also said some very harsh things to her. Because he was worried about Rachel's retaliation, he privately found Rachel and apologized to her!

That's why Rachel's name is in his contacts.

Just at this awkward moment, Sean's phone rang: it was Kelly calling.

"Pan, how's the party?" Kelly's voice came from the other end of the phone. "The driver said you left quite early."

.

"I'm a little tired," Sean said. "Is there something you need?"

"Yes." Kelly's tone turned serious. "The topic for Charlie Kirk's debate has been decided."

"What topic?"

"This topic—" Kelly paused for a moment, "He said he watched your farewell broadcast to Pennsylvania. You said in the broadcast that you weren't a devout person, which piqued his interest."

"So he wants to debate with you about theism and atheism, faith and non-faith."

"Wait a minute." Sean frowned. "What does this mean?"

"He believes that a person must have faith before they can talk about their stance, and that a person without faith is like a tree without roots; their values ​​are unstable and untrustworthy," Kelly replied.

"This topic—" Sean paused, "is he trying to portray me as someone without moral principles?"

"Pretty much," Kelly said. "But don't worry, I've already started preparing a strategy."

I can help you organize the relevant information and find some arguments that support secular humanitarianism —

"Wait, Kelly," Sean interrupted him. "This topic seems much more complicated than the previous political issues."

"How so?"

"Political issues, whether economic policies or social problems, can be debated using data and logic," Sean tried to analyze. "But beliefs involve people's deepest emotions and values. If not handled properly, they could offend a large number of people."

“You’re right.” Kelly’s tone also became serious. “The United States is a country with a strong religious atmosphere. Whether they are Christians, Catholics, or followers of other religions, they may all be particularly sensitive to this topic.”

"If you appear too atheistic in a debate, you might lose a lot of potential supporters. But if you appear too pious, you'll seem hypocritical, since you've already publicly admitted that you're not a pious person."

"This is a difficult choice—" Kelly sighed. "Honestly, I think Charlie Kirk chose this topic to put you in a bind."

"There's one more thing," he added. "No matter how you argue, never try to attack faith itself. That's off-limits. You can question dogma, you can criticize the corruption of religious institutions, but you absolutely cannot say things like believing in God is stupid."

"I know," Sean said.

"Also, regarding secular humanitarianism, let me tell you a joke," Kelly suddenly changed the subject. "Do you know what happens when an atheist and an agnostic walk into a bar?"

"What?"

"They ordered two drinks and then argued about their faith for three hours. Finally, the bartender said, 'Gentlemen, you don't believe in God, so why are you arguing?' They replied in unison, 'It's precisely because we don't believe that we have so many disagreements.'"

"————" Sean's lips twitched. "Kelly, this joke isn't funny at all."

"I know," Kelly said, seemingly unconcerned, "but it at least illustrates a point: even people on the same side can have huge differences on matters of belief."

Yes, think about it. The sensitivity of this topic far exceeds any debate he has participated in before.

Economic policies, social issues, and even abortion can all be discussed with reason and logic. But faith is irrational, emotional, and touches the softest and hardest parts of people's hearts.

"Kelly," Sean finally spoke.

What do you think?

>

"Um?"