American Gossip King

Chapter 229 Live Broadcast (Part 2)

On the stage of the Grand Theatre, Ian held the microphone, letting Balayev speak eloquently.

There's nothing new to it; it's nothing more than demanding that Russia recognize Chechen independence and that Russian troops withdraw from Chechnya within a week, among other conditions.

They also warned that for every one of them killed by the police, they would kill 10 hostages.

Ian listened quietly, waiting patiently for him to vent his emotions.

He didn't ask many questions; it's not a live broadcast, just a recording, and it can be edited later.

Balayev spoke for about an hour, until his mouth was dry.

He took a sip of tea and said, "Don't you have anything to ask, Ian Karl? This isn't like you."

Ian laughed and said, "Actually, all good interviews require knowing all the information beforehand so that you can ask good questions... The broadcast hasn't even started yet."

Balayev was taken aback: "You mean everything I just said was wasted? I have to repeat myself?"

Ian shrugged. "You mind that?"

Balayev thought for a moment, then shook his head and laughed: "No, of course not. I could recount a hundred times the harm the Russians have done to us!"

"That's fine then. Let's chat about anything else for now. The real action will come when the Russians agree to broadcast it."

Balayev nodded. "Alright. So, what should we talk about now?"

"How are you doing?" Ian asked.

Barayev sighed, "I have dedicated everything I have to the cause of Chechen liberation; I have no personal life left!"

Ian gently comforted him, "There are always stories to tell. You know, the more they understand you, the more they'll sympathize with you, and the more they'll support you!"

Catherine grew increasingly angry.

Are you sure you're helping Russia?

Balayev's eyes lit up slightly.

He thought about it seriously for a while, then lowered his head and said, "I have a family, a child who is only twelve years old... I miss him very much, but I know I can no longer be there to watch him grow up..."

He spoke in a low voice, recounting his family, his aspirations, and his upbringing.

Not only that, he even called in other militants.

Let them each tell Ian about their experiences and lives.

They cried out in grief and anger: "The Russians destroyed our homes, and they must pay the price!"

Ian took notes, casually remarking, "They should compensate you for your losses."

Everyone nodded in unison.

Time flew by, and the two sides were still discussing the issue of live broadcasting—originally, they were supposed to directly negotiate the withdrawal of Russian troops, but now, they started with the broadcasting issue.

Ian wasn't in a hurry; he seized every opportunity to record every important shot.

What should have been a perilous kidnapping incident turned into a heartwarming venting session for Ian.

This also made all the militants feel very favorable towards him.

Ian is helping them and showing everyone all the suffering Chechnya is experiencing.

Not only that, Ian also had Vincent Brideson and others interview the audience—there were quite a few important Russian figures in the opera house, both to get news and to get inside information.

Ian will gain a wealth of information from this trip. Although it may not be as explosive as 917, it will be more comprehensive because of the ample time available!

Under normal circumstances, the Russians would not agree to the broadcast.

But the situation is different now. Ian has conveyed his needs through Natasha and told them that he would help them salvage their reputation.

Since Ian had already reached a preliminary agreement with them, it is believable.

Besides, if what you say is wrong, I can just cut off the signal.

Finally, news came from Moscow: "Live broadcast is now possible."

Ian clapped his hands and said, "Alright, everyone, get to your positions. Don't be nervous, audience. I believe you've all seen that Barayev isn't a bloodthirsty person. As long as Moscow is willing to meet their demands, everyone will be fine."

The audience watched Ian in silence.

Are you an idiot?

There's no way anyone would agree to something like that!

Balayev was very happy. He said to Ian, "Whether they agree or not, we will not hurt you, Ian Karl. You are our friend."

Ian smiled slightly: "Of course. But let me warn you beforehand, I might ask some questions you don't like in a bit. Don't worry, it's necessary. If Moscow finds out I'm inclined to support you, they'll immediately cut off the signal. But don't worry, the facts won't change!"

Balayev nodded in agreement.

As the call connected, Ian sat in front of the camera and said, "Hello everyone, this is CBS correspondent Ian Carl reporting live. As you can see, I'm currently at the Moscow Theater. Six hours ago, we witnessed a kidnapping. This incident was orchestrated by Chechen militant Barayev, the man sitting behind me."

Ian pointed at Balaev.

Balayev proudly gestured to the camera.

Ian then turned to Balayev and said, "Mr. Balayev, could you please explain why you kidnapped the audience at the Grand Theatre?"

Balayev began to roar at the camera, once again condemning the heinous acts of aggression committed by the Russians.

Ian listened to him vent slowly.

After listening to Barayev explain his political demands, Ian said, "Mr. Barayev, have you considered that although the Russian army is fighting against you, these civilians are innocent?"

Ekaterina's eyes lit up.

The latest novel is first published here!

Ian hadn't asked this question before, but at this moment, he finally said it.

This made the two girls understand some of Ian's thoughts.

He had deliberately recorded the conversation beforehand, letting Balayev speak first to vent his emotions, and trying to agree with him so that Balayev would think he supported him.

He didn't start guiding the conversation until the broadcast began.

You were invaded, but aren't the people at the Grand Theatre innocent?

Balayev clearly didn't realize this, and he was far less naive than Ian on this issue: if he had any political sense at all, he wouldn't have done it this way!

He shouted, "There are no innocent people! All Russians are accomplices in the invasion of Chechnya..."

Ian listened quietly, a smile playing on his lips, a slight glint in his left eye: "I don't intend to discuss whether the audience at the Grand Theatre were accomplices; that's a matter for the public to consider. What I want to say now is, Mr. Barayev, is there any possibility that, for humanitarian reasons, you could release some ladies, foreigners, and children first?"

Balayev immediately replied, "The children can be released, but nothing else."

Natasha was secretly delighted.

This statement is tantamount to offending women.

Ian Karl was right; he was actually helping Russia, but he did it so subtly that even Balayev couldn't tell.

He was just a reckless fool; he couldn't possibly have realized the intricacies behind those issues.

Balayev was originally going to release the foreigners, since he needed international support, but under Ian's hypnotic influence, he changed his mind.

He didn't even notice the problem!

If Ian hadn't also had his own bottom line, he might have even made sure that Balayev didn't release his children.

I clearly didn't sell my conscience thoroughly enough!

You can't become a big capitalist just by selling your conscience, but if you don't sell enough conscience, you definitely won't become a big capitalist!

Ian smiled and continued, "I thank you on behalf of those children. So, besides those requests, do you have any other requests?"

A glimmer of light flickered in his eyes once more.

In that instant, Balayev suddenly remembered what Ian had said earlier: "They should compensate us for our losses."

Balayev then said, "They must compensate for their acts of sabotage against Chechnya."

"How much?" Ian asked.

Balayev thought for a moment and replied, "One hundred billion, in US dollars!"

Ian smiled. "That sounds like a lot. But do you really believe the Moscow government would abandon the war and pay a hundred billion for a few hundred people?"

Barayev roared, "They are Russians! Russia has an obligation to protect them!"

"But you just said that Russia is a bunch of robbers. Why would robbers protect other robbers?" Ian continued to hypnotize Balayev.

Guiding this guy was very simple and cost almost nothing.

As expected, Balayev flew into a rage. He rushed over and grabbed Ian by the collar: "What are you saying?"

Ian raised his hands and said in a low voice, "Don't mind him, sir. Don't get angry. This is a live broadcast. Mind your image. You're seeking the support of the whole world."

Balayev gasped, then quickly sat down. "I can ask for a lower ransom. How much do you think would be appropriate?"

Ian smiled: "I'm just a reporter, I don't handle this kind of thing."

(End of this chapter)