novelraw Chapter 267: Tokyo City TV's Fury and Despair!
Chapter 267: Tokyo City TV's Fury and Despair!
The moment the final televised debate ended, the air in the VIP lounge on the top floor of Tokyo City TV seemed to be filled with solidified magma, so stifling that it was hard to breathe.
The expensive velvet fabric on the leather sofa was crumpled, and in the crystal glass on the coffee table, the red wine rippled with the owner's violent breathing, yet no one dared to reach out and touch it.
"Trash! A bunch of trash!"
Tanaka Mikami suddenly sprang up from the sofa, his fat palm slamming fiercely on the coffee table. The invaluable crystal glass was jolted up, and the red wine spilled out, creating a dazzling dark red stain on the expensive Persian carpet.
His face flushed the color of pork liver, the veins on his forehead bulging one by one. The politician's posture of feigned steadiness he usually maintained was completely gone, leaving only hysterical fury.
"Just now at the debate, did you all see it?!" He pointed at everyone in the lounge, who were as silent as winter cicadas, his voice sharp as if scraped by sandpaper. "That old thing Shimazu Yoshihiro, over and over again, it was just employment, housing, and the future! Those are all empty talk! They're drawing pies in the sky! Why didn't you help me stop him? Why didn't you inform the reporters in advance to ask some tricky questions?!"
Takahashi Kazuo shrank his neck, his hands nervously wrung together, and cold sweat dripped from his forehead down his temples.
He was the Executive Deputy Station Chief of Tokyo City TV, but at this moment he looked like a schoolboy who had made a mistake, lacking even the courage to look up at Tanaka Mikami: "Mr... Mr. Tanaka, we... we arranged three questions heavily leaning towards you in advance, but the reporters changed their minds on the spot, and Shimazu Yoshihiro's answers were too... too demagogic. We simply couldn't stop them."
"Couldn't stop them?!"
Tanaka Mikami roared as he took a step forward, his fat finger almost poking Takahashi Kazuo's face. "I poured so much funding into you guys to turn Tokyo City TV into my propaganda front, and as a result, you couldn't even control a few reporters?! I see you are biting the hand that feeds you;
you were bought by Shimazu Yoshihiro a long time ago!"Takahashi Kazuo was so frightened his legs went soft, almost collapsing to the floor. He hurriedly waved his hands to defend himself: "No! Absolutely not! Mr. Tanaka, we are absolutely loyal to you! Those reporters were just driven by the emotions of the voters at the scene. They were afraid of being scolded by the audience, so they didn't dare to ask questions according to our arrangements!"
"Absolutely loyal?"
Tanaka Mikami sneered coldly, the mockery in his tone piercing like an ice pick. "Absolutely loyal means making me look like a fool in front of all the citizens of Tokyo? Making that defeated loser Shimazu Yoshihiro push me to the point where I could only repeatedly talk about real estate?! Do you know what they are saying about me outside right now? They're saying I only know how to speculate on real estate! Saying I don't care about the life and death of ordinary people!"
He turned around, grabbed the polling report from the coffee table, and tore it fiercely into pieces. Confetti flew and fell on everyone's heads and shoulders like a snow of despair.
"54% to 46%! The gap actually expanded to 8 percentage points!" His voice carried a tone of weeping, yet it remained full of brutality. "How long has it been? Three months ago, I was still leading him by 10 percentage points! It's all your fault! It's because you are useless! You didn't promote my policies properly! You didn't expose Shimazu Yoshihiro's true colors!"
Sato Tokugawa sat on the sofa in the corner, his fat body pressing the sofa deeply in.
His usual arrogant attitude had long since vanished entirely, leaving only anxiety and panic on his face.
Hearing Tanaka Mikami's angry curses, he spoke up cautiously: "Mr. Tanaka, please calm down. Actually... actually, real estate policies are still very attractive, but Shimazu Yoshihiro's rhetoric is too cunning. He specifically picks on the pain points of young people and poor people, and we... we just couldn't react in time."
"Couldn't react?"
Tanaka Mikami violently turned his head and glared at him, the fury in his eyes almost swallowing him up. "Sato Tokugawa! You have the nerve to say that! When I partnered with you, it was precisely because of your influence in the real estate sector! And what's the result? What about those homeowner votes you promised? What about that corporate support you promised? Look at the situation now, Shimazu Yoshihiro's approval rating is getting higher and higher, and your real estate projects are probably almost unsellable, right?!"
Sato Tokugawa's face instantly turned deathly pale. He opened his mouth but couldn't say anything.
What Tanaka Mikami said was the truth. Recently, the sales of his several new projects after launch couldn't even reach half of the expectations. Many potential homebuyers were waiting and watching, and quite a few explicitly stated they would wait until the election results came out before deciding—they worried that once Shimazu Yoshihiro was elected, housing prices would drop.
"A bunch of short-sighted fools!"
Seeing him remain silent, Tanaka Mikami's anger burned even brighter. "How could housing prices drop?! Japan's real estate market will only keep rising! To think those people actually believed Shimazu Yoshihiro's nonsense. Just wait, once I am re-elected, I will definitely make them know that giving up real estate is giving up wealth!"
The others in the lounge, including several department directors of Tokyo City TV, Sato Tokugawa's assistant, and members of Tanaka Mikami's campaign team, all kept their heads down, not daring to breathe loudly.
Every face was written with fear, terrified of becoming the next target for Tanaka Mikami to vent his anger.
Tanaka Mikami's fury seemed to have no end. He paced back and forth in the lounge, the sound of his leather shoes striking the floor like a heavy hammer hitting everyone's heart.
"How much contribution have I made to Tokyo City?!"
He roared as he walked. "How many real estate projects have I pushed forward?! How many high-rises have I built?! How many people's assets have I doubled?! But what about them? They actually support an old thing who only empty-talks about people's livelihood! Ungrateful! They are all ungrateful bastards!"
He stopped abruptly, looked at Takahashi Kazuo, his tone ruthless:
"Takahashi-kun, arrange it immediately! Have the news programs of the television station repeatedly broadcast interpretations of my real estate policies, framing Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies as 'destroying the economy' and 'endangering people's livelihood'! Have the editors write editorials attacking his 'Youth Entrepreneurship Fund' as a waste of taxpayers' money and his 'Affordable Housing Policy' as an infringement on private property!"
Takahashi Kazuo quickly nodded: "Yes! Yes! Mr. Tanaka, I'll go arrange it right now!" As he spoke, he turned around, ready to run out.
"Wait!"
Tanaka Mikami stopped him, his eyes full of unwillingness. "Also! Contact our supporters and have them create momentum in every community. Tell everyone that if Shimazu Yoshihiro is elected, housing prices will plummet, and everyone's assets will shrink! Have them go to the entrances of polling stations to canvass for votes. Even if they have to kneel, they must pull back those swinging voters!"
"Understood! I'll do it right away!" Takahashi Kazuo didn't dare to delay, almost jogging and sprinting out of the lounge.
Looking at Takahashi Kazuo's back, Tanaka Mikami's anger subsided slightly, but the dark clouds on his face grew even heavier.
He sank dejectedly back onto the sofa, plunging his hands into his graying hair and pulling hard, muttering to himself: "I can't lose... I can't lose... I've been mayor for so many years and enjoyed so much glory and wealth. I can't lose to Shimazu Yoshihiro..."
After Takahashi Kazuo left, the atmosphere in the lounge was still overwhelmingly oppressive, making it hard to breathe. Sato Tokugawa cautiously pulled a tissue from his pocket, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his eyes full of despair.
He knew that Tanaka Mikami's arrangements were probably already useless.
"Mr. Tanaka,"
He hesitated for a long time, but still mustered the courage to speak. "Actually... actually we can think of other ways. For example... for example, contact our old friends in the Cabinet to have them step forward and exert pressure, or... or perhaps play some tricks during the vote counting?"
Tanaka Mikami suddenly looked up, a gleam of light flashing in his eyes, but it quickly dimmed again.
He shook his head, his tone carrying a trace of powerlessness: "It's no use. Those people in the Cabinet are all fence-sitters right now. Seeing my approval rating fall behind, they started drawing a clear line with me long ago. As for the vote counting, the Election Commission has Shimazu Yoshihiro's people, and the attention on this election is too high. A slight little trick will be exposed, and we'll only lose even more miserably then."
He paused, his tone growing ever heavier: "Actually... I know clearly in my heart, we might... really be going to lose."
This sentence exploded in the lounge like a bomb.
Everyone's body went stiff, their faces showing expressions of disbelief. Although everyone had a premonition in their hearts, when Tanaka Mikami personally said these words, that feeling of despair instantly drowned everyone.
Yamada Ichiro, the News Department Director of Tokyo City TV, turned pale, his voice trembling: "M-Mr. Tanaka, don't say that... We still have a chance. With the last few days remaining, we will definitely think of a way!"
"A way? What way?"
Tanaka Mikami smiled bitterly, his tone full of self-mockery. "Except for real estate, we have nothing to put forth. Shimazu Yoshihiro's employment policy, affordable housing policy, and youth entrepreneurship fund—every single one strikes at the voters' pain points. And what about us? We can only tell everyone that housing prices will rise and assets will appreciate. But now, more and more people have realized that without a stable job and a decent life, what use is it even if housing prices rise sky-high?"
His words hit everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.
Everyone fell silent because what Tanaka Mikami said was the truth. Over these years, they had single-mindedly pushed for real estate development, but neglected the foundation of people's livelihood.
Difficulty for young people finding employment, enormous housing pressure on ordinary people, the gradual decline of traditional industries—these problems had existed for a long time, only they always chose to selectively ignore them.
It wasn't until Shimazu Yoshihiro laid these problems on the table that they realized they had already lost the support of the people.
"I am unwilling!" Tanaka Mikami suddenly slammed his fist onto the armrest of the sofa, his voice carrying intense unwillingness and anger. "I've operated in Tokyo City for over a decade. Connections, resources, wealth, I have more of everything than Shimazu Yoshihiro! But why? Why did he push me to this point in just a few months?!"
Sato Tokugawa sighed, his tone full of helplessness: "Mr. Tanaka, perhaps... perhaps times have changed. People nowadays no longer only value wealth;
they value the quality of life and the hope for the future more. Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies gave them hope, while our policies only gave wealth to a minority."
"Hope? That's all fake!" Tanaka Mikami roared. "Without real estate and economic growth, where does hope come from?! Shimazu Yoshihiro is just a liar! He lied to all the voters! Once he is elected, the economy will collapse and employment will become even harder. At that time, everyone will know who is truly doing what's good for them!"
But his roar no longer carried its previous confidence;
it was more like a powerless struggle.
Everyone in the lounge could feel that the shadow of defeat had already enveloped them, and no matter what they did, it would be difficult to salvage the lost game.
Suzuki Kenta, the Advertising Department Director of Tokyo City TV, spoke up carefully: "Mr. Tanaka, then... then what should we do next? If you really lose, what will happen to... to us people?"
His words voiced the heartfelt thoughts of everyone. The reason everyone was dead set on following Tanaka Mikami was not only because of his power, but more because he could bring them benefits.
If Tanaka Mikami lost and Shimazu Yoshihiro was elected, people like them who depended on Tanaka would probably not meet a good end.
Tanaka Mikami's expression grew even gloomier. He swept his gaze over everyone's fearful faces, his tone ruthless: "What are you afraid of? Even if I lose, Shimazu Yoshihiro can't do anything to me! I still have friends in the Cabinet and resources in the business world! If he wants to touch me, it won't be that easy!"
He paused and continued:
"As for you all, as long as you continue to follow me, I guarantee I won't let you suffer a loss. For Shimazu Yoshihiro to push his policies, he cannot do without the support of the business world and the promotion of the television station. When the time comes, he will still have to come begging to us!"
Although knowing this was just Tanaka Mikami's consolation, everyone still breathed a slight sigh of relief.
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with complicated emotions—fear, despair, unwillingness, and a trace of wishful thinking.
Over the following few days, Tanaka Mikami seemed to go mad, initiating his final struggle.
He only slept three hours a day. The rest of the time, he was either giving speeches on the streets, accepting interviews at the television station, or calling supporters in various fields, demanding they canvass with all their might.
In the studio of Tokyo City TV, facing the camera, he tearfully recounted his "contributions" to Tokyo City, attacking Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies as "endangering the economy."
He even brought out photos of the subways and parks he pushed to build many years ago, attempting to arouse the "gratitude" of the voters.
"Fellow citizens, I have been the mayor of Tokyo City for over a decade. I built convenient transportation and beautiful parks for everyone, allowing everyone's assets to continuously appreciate!"
He faced the camera, his tone sincere, even carrying a hint of choking. "And what about Shimazu Yoshihiro? He's just someone who makes movies and television. What does he know about the economy? What does he know about governing a city? His policies will only lead Tokyo City to decline and make everyone's lives worse and worse!"
But it was already very difficult for his speeches to touch the voters anymore.
The listeners on the streets became fewer and fewer, and even if someone stopped, their faces were full of indifference.
Although the television ratings were not low, at this time, even the comments on the newly emerged internet forums were overwhelmingly supporting Shimazu Yoshihiro.
"Mr. Tanaka, stop speculating on real estate. What we want is a stable job!"
"Mr. Shimazu's affordable housing policy is excellent. I hope I can apply for one!"
"Mr. Tanaka, look at the young people today, who isn't worrying about a house? Can you do something practical?"
These comments pierced Tanaka Mikami's heart like needles.
He watched the scrolling negative comments on the screen, burning with anger yet powerless.
In the lounge of Tokyo City TV, he once again yelled hysterically at the team members: "Why? Why won't everyone just believe me?! Shimazu Yoshihiro's policies are all fake! They are all lies! Think of a way! Delete these negative comments! Get the internet water army to post online, support me! Attack Shimazu Yoshihiro!"
Takahashi Kazuo nodded quickly: "Yes! Mr. Tanaka, we have already arranged for the water army, but... but there are too many negative comments, we can't delete them all, and many netizens are spontaneously supporting Shimazu Yoshihiro. Our water army simply can't hold them off."
"Trash! You're all trash!"
Tanaka Mikami kicked over the chair beside him. The chair hit the wall with a piercing crash. "I raised you all for so many years, and at the crucial moment, you're useless! I tell you, if I lose, don't even think you'll have it easy! Takahashi Kazuo, don't even think about being the Deputy Station Chief of the television station anymore! Sato Tokugawa, don't even think your real estate projects will advance smoothly! And all of you, everyone will have to suffer misfortune right along with me!"
Everyone was terrified by his words, shivering. They all lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
Only Tanaka Mikami's heavy breathing and the occasional sound of objects smashing to the floor remained in the lounge.
Sato Tokugawa looked at the hysterical Tanaka Mikami, his heart full of regret.
He truly shouldn't have tied himself so tightly to Tanaka Mikami back then. Look what happened now. Tanaka Mikami's momentum was gone, his own real estate projects were affected, and he didn't know how to walk the path ahead.
"Mr. Tanaka,"
He spoke up carefully. "Perhaps... perhaps we should accept reality. Shimazu Yoshihiro's approval rating is already leading by too much;
even if we try any harder, it will be very difficult to turn the tables. Why don't we... why don't we talk to Shimazu Yoshihiro, strive for a decent exit, and leave a way out for ourselves."
"Talk? Talk to that old thing?!"
Tanaka Mikami laughed out loud as if he had heard a tremendous joke. His laughter was full of madness and unwillingness. "When have I, Tanaka Mikami, ever needed to bow to anyone?! Even if I lose, I will lose with a bang! I want everyone to know that Shimazu Yoshihiro won the election by deceiving the voters!"
His words completely severed everyone's last shred of hope.
Everyone understood that Tanaka Mikami had gone mad. He would rather die trying than accept the outcome of defeat.
On the eve of the election, inside the lounge of Tokyo City TV, there was dead silence.
Tanaka Mikami sat on the sofa, staring blankly ahead. On his face, the previous explosive rage was gone, leaving only deep exhaustion and despair. His hair was messy, his suit crumpled, and the high-spirited energy of the past had long evaporated.
Takahashi Kazuo, Sato Tokugawa, and the others sat in the corner, their heads lowered without uttering a word.
Everyone knew in their hearts that the results of the election were already determined, and Tanaka Mikami's era was coming to an end.
"Tomorrow... is election day."
Tanaka Mikami suddenly spoke, his voice so hoarse it sounded like sandpaper grinding. "I've been mayor for a few years, enjoyed countless wealth and honor, and also created many enemies. If I lose, those people will definitely take the opportunity to retaliate against me. My later years probably won't be easy to pass."
His words carried a trace of desolation, making the atmosphere in the lounge even more oppressive.
Sato Tokugawa sighed: "Mr. Tanaka, since matters have reached this point, we can only leave it to fate. Perhaps... perhaps Shimazu Yoshihiro will not make things difficult for you."
"Won't make things difficult for me?"
Tanaka Mikami sneered, "Politics is just this cruel. You either win or you lose. The loser can only be at the mercy of others. I only hate myself for being so stubborn back then, only thinking about real estate and not paying attention to people's livelihood. If I had pushed employment and housing policies earlier, perhaps... perhaps the outcome today would be different."
This was the first time he admitted his mistake, but it was already all too late.
The night grew dark, and the lights of Tokyo City were still brilliant, but for Tanaka Mikami and his team, this was a long and despairing night.
They knew that what waited for them tomorrow would be destined failure. And the real estate empire they once took pride in would also face unprecedented crises along with Tanaka's downfall.
Everyone in the lounge was preoccupied with heavy thoughts. No one spoke. Only the clock on the wall ticked, as if counting down the era of Tanaka Mikami.
(Chapter Ends)