章 1: Chapter 1: Interview Report
Note- If you don't like reading slow pace novels, please don't read this. And give a low rating because it is not fast food; that you have to finish in 5 to 10 minutes.
...
Chapter 1: Interview Report
The sound of a ringing telephone echoed through the office of the Daily Bugle newspaper, breaking the silence.
"Hello, this is the Daily Bugle. May I ask what you'd like to share..."
"Quickly, dispatch our live broadcast van to Fifth Avenue immediately. Witnesses claim to have seen members of the Thunderbolts in action there..."
"There's a building fire in Manhattan. Send a reporter to the scene to cover the situation right away!"
The Daily Bugle headquarters, located on 39th Street, Second Avenue, New York, was a bustling hub of activity. Within the 46-story building, employees hurriedly moved about, their faces displaying a mix of unease and anxiety.
News of the newspaper's impending acquisition had spread rapidly, and the lack of response from J. Jonah Jameson, the founder and boss of the Daily Bugle, only fueled the rumors further.
Given Jameson's reputation for being steadfast and unwilling to back down, his silence served as confirmation of the acquisition rumors. The staff at the Daily Bugle now accepted that the newspaper's acquisition was an inevitable outcome.
The only uncertainty lay in the timing and the identity of the acquirer.
.…
"Mr. Wilson, what is your motivation for running in the mayoral election this time? Given your success as a businessman, why pursue the position of mayor, particularly in New York City?"
In the studio, seasoned journalist Ben Yurić was conducting an interview, glancing at his question card before looking up at the tall man seated across from him on the sofa. He asked, "Are you truly prepared?"
"Absolutely," came the confident response.
Sitting on the sofa, Wilson Fisk, better known as Kingpin, nonchalantly adjusted his slightly askew collar pin on his white suit. With a smile directed towards the camera, he affirmed his readiness, portraying a carefully crafted campaign image designed to minimize the intimidating presence emanating from his imposing physique. Combined with his longstanding positive public image, his candidacy swiftly gained popularity in this year's New York City mayoral election.
Even in a recent poll conducted by The Daily Bugle and Emerson College, Kingpin, as a businessman, received a 19% approval rating, more than double his score from the previous week's poll, positioning him as the second most favored candidate.
It is noteworthy that Kingpin's rapid rise in poll numbers can be attributed not only to his favorable public image but also to the recent exposure of a sexual harassment scandal involving the former Commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation. Disillusioned voters turned away from the Commissioner and chose to support Kingpin, resulting in a significant surge in his poll numbers and making him one of the prominent contenders in the mayoral race.
"Now, regarding your question about my reasons for entering the mayoral election..."
Inside the studio, the interview continued.
Kingpin glanced at the journalist in the host's seat, deliberately leaning forward slightly and lowering his voice. "You know, Ben, my childhood was far from pleasant. From my earliest memories, I was surrounded by shootings and gang warfare. Eventually, even my father fell victim to a gang shootout on the streets..."
"Such a childhood had a profound impact on me, granting me a deeper understanding of the law of the jungle within society. Since then, I've harbored a desire to change my own life. I don't want to end up like my father. So I worked hard to transform myself and eventually built my own 'business empire' from scratch..."
In front of journalist Ben Yurić, Kingpin recounted his entrepreneurial journey, which was skillfully embellished and edited by his campaign team. His story successfully captivated those in the studio, and he smoothly transitioned to his campaign proposals. "It is precisely due to such a childhood that I possess a profound understanding of the darkness within New York City. Having grown up there, I am well aware of the city's crime problems. Our police system requires robust reforms, not relying on so-called 'vigilantes' to maintain law and order..."
"Oh, so Mr. Wilson, it seems you don't support the current trend of superheroes in New York City?" Ben Yurić detected a news-worthy angle in Kingpin's interview and promptly followed up with an probing question.
Observing the inquisitive look in Ben Yurić's eyes, Kingpin inwardly sneered, yet maintained his composure as he responded, "You've misunderstood me, Ben. I'm not against all superheroes. In fact, registered superhero groups like the 'Thunderbolts,' operating under federal government control, are acceptable. What I oppose are those self-proclaimed 'superheroes' in the community who refuse to abide by registration and regulation. They constitute a significant contributing factor to the rising crime rates in New York City in recent years..."
The twenty-minute live TV interview concluded smoothly, and Ben Yurić extended his hand to Kingpin.
"Mr. Wilson, I look forward to the day when you become mayor."
"Thank you, Ben."
Kingpin extended his large and imposing hand, briefly shaking hands with the journalist, accepting his well wishes.
"I too eagerly anticipate that day."
...
Simultaneously, at the scene of a thick smoke-filled fire.
Amidst screams and the urgent sirens of fire trucks, captured by the on-site camera, the viewers in front of their televisions were vividly presented with the unfolding events.
"...As we can observe, the arriving firefighters are diligently working to control the situation, striving to prevent further spread of the fire..."
"The cause of this disaster is still unknown. However, according to residents who managed to escape, the initial fire seemed to have started on the top floor of the residential building. By the time many residents heard the cries for help, the fire had already rapidly engulfed the upper levels. This highlights the swift progression of the fire. At this moment, all we can do is pray for the firefighters to successfully rescue those still trapped inside the building..."
"...this was Colin Luper, a reporter from The Daily Bugle, providing the latest report from the fire scene!"
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