Chapter 23 The Herlom Evening Show

The twenty-third floor of Herlom Broadcasting Corporation, the studio of "The Herlom Evening Show."

As the lens of the recording equipment slowly moved, the lights in the audience gradually brightened, revealing the prelude to an episode of "The Herlom Evening Show."

An atmosphere permeated the air, with the audience applauding almost non-stop, their faces filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nervousness. The enthusiasm of the audience gradually filled the huge studio.

The studio was decorated with a comfortable and fashionable feel, reminiscent of a home living room. The large floor-to-ceiling windows in the background offered a clear wide-angle view of the Herlom cityscape from above, creating a friendly yet professional atmosphere for the show.

On the stage, sofas were neatly arranged, awaiting the host and guests.

The iconic words "The Herlom Evening Show" on the backdrop were clearly visible, while the large screen occasionally displayed the topics to be discussed and photos of the guests.

Next, the opening music, designed to stir up the atmosphere, began to play as the host stepped onto the stage.

Leola Franklin, the current national-level program host in Protos, was beloved by audiences for her approachable and sincere style. She often guided guests and viewers into deep and soulful conversations, offering inspiring insights.

Leola's appearance triggered enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience. Dressed in simple and elegant attire, full of vibrancy, she smiled and raised her hand to greet the audience, starting the show with her signature warm and resonant voice: "Today, you will witness some very special stories—"

Accompanied by the band's upbeat and theatrical jazz music, each spotlight seemed to pave a red carpet towards the center of the stage.

"We have a highly anticipated guest."

She announced after a brief opening.

The camera zoomed in quickly, passing through a sea of people in the audience, capturing the figure of Lodge McCarthy.

He was wearing a sharply tailored purple suit, perfectly pressed, showcasing his elite aura. His smooth brown hair shone under the spotlight, and he walked confidently and calmly onto the stage amidst everyone's expectant gaze.

Each of his steps seemed to follow a light rhythm, yet each was more steady than the last.

The world beyond the stage seemed to blur the moment he stepped through the curtains, all the light, sound, and color focusing on the patch of light he was about to step onto.

"Let's welcome the acknowledged leader of the Protos Royal Magic Academy, the Governor of the Snowfield Province of the Protos Empire, Mr. Lodge McCarthy."

As Leola enthusiastically introduced Lodge McCarthy again, the eyes of the entire audience converged on the figure entering the stage.

He raised his right hand to acknowledge their expectation, then turned to meet Leola's gaze. The two sat down on the sofas, exchanging simple greetings with smiles.

Today, this slightly mysterious man finally ascended the stage that symbolized a great achievement in the Herlom Empire, and his conversation with Leola, representing Herlom Broadcasting Corporation, would be a meeting of two worlds – one a media giant, the other an educational emperor.

"Mr. Lodge McCarthy, it's a great pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with you today."

Leola turned to the audience, her gaze sharp with the desire to reveal,

"Let's explore this legendary figure in education and hear his views on education, life, and politics."

Leola's words carried an inspiring power, plunging the entire venue into a silence of anticipation.

"Of course, I'm happy to share my insights with everyone."

Lodge's eyes were firm, sparkling with confidence and courage. As he scanned each member of the audience, he seemed to be silently conveying a message – an unrestrained ambition and glittering success.

As the conversation unfolded, Lodge's striking purple suit was not merely an educator's choice, but a stylistic declaration in this era, representing prosperity, flair, and a bold vision.

Lodge was asked about his educational system reforms and artistic philosophy at the Protos Royal Academy, and Lodge responded, sometimes casually and sometimes with a steady seriousness.

Soon, the interview content quickly and methodically transitioned from the reality of education to the vision of politics, delving from personal stories into the fate of the nation.

Lodge expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Protos Empire, especially regarding Protos' cooperative and trade policies and relations with neighboring countries, believing that Protos was at a disadvantage in its interactions with other countries.

"Many things may happen in this country in the next few years. No one can see clearly, but no matter what, we, as a debtor nation, cannot continue to lose tens of billions a year. We previously gave our allies all rights, including access to our markets and dumping of their goods, but that is not 'free trade.' If you go over there to try to sell something, forget it, it's almost impossible. They haven't legislated restrictions on our Protos goods, but they simply make it impossible in reality. We didn't do as well as them, so they beat our companies. I want to say that you might really respect someone who can completely defeat you, but if they continue like this, they will completely defeat this country."

Lodge's voice, mixed with conviction and a hint of imperceptible challenge, intertwined with Leola's steady and insightful questions, presenting the audience with a feast of thought and opinion.

At that moment, the stage seemed to become a miniature world stage, where the two protagonists clashed, and the attentive audience became witnesses to this speech.

The lights slowly converged on the two, as if all the other details on the stage receded into the background, focusing only on Leola and Lodge. Sitting there, the audience hung on every word, firmly drawn in by the gravity of the conversation, searching for sparks of wisdom.

"So Mr. Lodge McCarthy, how do you think we should change the current situation that you're worried about?"

Leola leaned forward slightly, her question direct yet skillful in her interviewing technique.

"What we need first is peace, and then, let the Protos Empire's allies—let's not worry about enemies, it's more difficult to negotiate with enemies—I'll find a way to get our allies to pay their fair share. Hey, think about it, we give them the opportunity to enter our market and sell their natural resources and quality products to earn more money, why can't they give us twenty percent?"

Lodge was not just answering a question, but telling a larger story about the future, career, ideals, and the Protos dream. He felt that the Protos Empire was not earning enough money.

As the program's conversation deepened, the atmosphere gradually became more intense.

To be honest, compared to war, every topic and idea Lodge McCarthy put forward was more concerning and exciting to the audience.

But these topics, besides spanning from principal to governor, had even exceeded the scope of his current responsibilities in the Protos Empire, causing people to wonder if this man wanted to take another step up.

If he really had this intention.

With his unique intelligence, leadership charisma, excellent eloquence, and talent for emotional connection, perhaps one day he could truly reach the highest point of the Protos Empire!

(End of this chapter)