Chapter 373
Chapter 373
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 373 – Lan Qi’s Speech on the Talk Show
Helrom Broadcasting Company Tower, 23rd floor — the set of the Helrom Late-Night Show.
As the cameras slowly panned across the studio, the lights over the audience gradually brightened, marking the start of another episode of the Helrom Late-Night Show.
The atmosphere began to spread like a wave. The applause was almost nonstop, the audience brimming with excitement, expectation, and even a hint of nervousness. The massive studio was soon completely filled with their energy.
The stage itself had been arranged to look like a stylish, cozy living room. Behind it, a wide floor-to-ceiling glass window offered a panoramic view of Helrom’s dazzling nighttime skyline, setting the mood with a sense of intimacy and professionalism.
On stage, the armchairs were positioned neatly, awaiting the arrival of the host and guest.
Behind them, the show’s iconic Helrom Late-Night Show backdrop stood clearly visible, while a huge screen occasionally displayed the topics to be discussed or photos of the upcoming guest.
Then, the upbeat opening music began to play, and the host walked onto the stage.
Leora Franklin, the current national-level TV host of the Protos Empire, entered with her trademark warmth and energy. She was beloved by audiences for her sincere, approachable style and her ability to guide guests and viewers into heartfelt, thought-provoking conversations.
Leora’s entrance drew loud cheers and applause. She was dressed simply yet tastefully, radiating energy and confidence as she raised her hand to greet the audience. Her voice, rich and full, carried easily through the studio:
“Tonight, you’re going to witness some very special stories—”
As the live band’s jazzy, dramatic notes filled the room, every spotlight seemed to roll out an invisible red carpet leading to the center of the stage.
“We have a very special guest with us tonight.”
After her brief introduction, the camera zoomed through the crowd, finally capturing the figure of Rocky McCarthy.
He was wearing a sharp, tailored purple suit that accentuated his elite bearing. His well-groomed brown hair gleamed under the studio lights as he walked with a quiet confidence, each step calm yet firmer than the last, as though he were climbing toward something greater.
In the moment he stepped past the curtain, the world seemed to blur — light, sound, and color all converged on the single spotlight where he was about to stand.
“Please welcome, the recognized leader of Protos Royal Academy of Magic, Governor of Snowfield Province, Mr. Rocky McCarthy!”
With Leora’s enthusiastic introduction, every eye in the room turned toward the man stepping onto the stage.
Rocky raised his right hand in acknowledgment of the audience, then turned to Leora. The two of them exchanged polite smiles as they took their seats on the sofas.
Tonight, this man — who had always carried an air of mystery — had stepped onto one of the most prestigious stages in the Helrom Empire. His dialogue with Leora, the face of Helrom Broadcasting Company, would be a meeting between two worlds — the media titan and the king of education.
“Mr. Rocky McCarthy, it’s an honor to have this opportunity to speak with you today.”
Leora turned to the audience, her gaze sharp, almost like a herald,
“Let’s dive deep into the mind of this legendary figure in the education world, and hear his thoughts on education, life, and even politics.”
Her words carried a motivational force that hushed the entire studio into a moment of eager silence.
“Of course — I’m very happy to share my perspective with everyone.”
Lan Qi’s eyes were steady, shimmering with confidence and bold ambition. When his gaze swept across the audience, it was as though he silently communicated something — an untamed will to achieve, and a dazzling promise of success.
As the interview progressed, the bright purple suit on Lan Qi’s shoulders became more than just clothing — it was a statement, a declaration of style and vision in this era. It represented prosperity, elegance, and fearless ambition.
When asked about his educational reforms at Protos Royal Academy and his artistic philosophy, Lan Qi answered sometimes with casual ease, other times with deep seriousness.
Soon, the interview transitioned naturally from education into political vision, connecting his personal story to the fate of the nation.
Lan Qi did not hide his dissatisfaction with the current state of the Protos Empire, especially regarding its trade policies and foreign relations. He believed the empire was at a disadvantage in its dealings with other nations.
“In the coming years, this country will go through many changes — no one can predict them all. But one thing is certain: as a debtor nation, we cannot keep losing hundreds of billions every year. We’ve given our allies everything — including free access to our markets to dump their goods. But that’s not ‘free trade.’ Try selling something over there — you can forget about it. They might not have laws banning Protos goods, but they make it practically impossible in reality. We aren’t competing as well as they are, and so our companies are being crushed. And listen, when someone defeats you that completely, you may even respect them — but if this continues, they will defeat this country completely too.”
Lan Qi’s voice carried conviction and a subtle, challenging edge, weaving together with Leora’s insightful questions to create a feast of ideas for the audience.
At that moment, the stage seemed to transform into a miniature world forum. The two of them debated like equals on a global stage, while the audience — completely silent — bore witness to the exchange of vision and will.
The lights focused on the two of them, dimming everything else into the background. Every word hung in the air, pulling the audience deeper, searching for sparks of wisdom.
“So, Mr. Rocky McCarthy, how do you think we should change the current situation you’re so concerned about?”
Leora leaned forward slightly, her question direct yet gracefully phrased.
“The first thing we need is peace. After that, we must make our allies — let’s not talk about our enemies yet, negotiating with them is far harder — pay their fair share. Think about it: we are the ones giving them access to our markets, letting them sell their natural resources and premium products here for profit. Why shouldn’t they give us twenty percent in return?”
Lan Qi wasn’t just answering a question — he was telling a larger story, one about the future, about ambition, ideals, and the Protos Dream. To him, the empire simply wasn’t earning enough.
As the conversation deepened, the atmosphere in the room became more and more intense.
Truth be told, compared to war, it was Lan Qi’s words — his vision, his reforms, his challenge to the status quo — that made the audience’s hearts beat faster.
But these topics went beyond his role as a headmaster and even beyond his current position as a provincial governor. They led people to wonder:
Was this man thinking of climbing even higher?
If he truly had that ambition…
Then with his intellect, his charisma, his eloquence, and his ability to connect emotionally with people — there might really come a day when Rocky McCarthy reached the very peak of the Protos Empire!