[Chapter 583: Sky-High Compensation, Eradication of Three Families]
After the Washington High-Level Crisis Task Force reached a consensus, they faced a crucial problem: who would negotiate with Linton?
Everyone was terrified and reluctant to take on this task. No one knew whether the negotiation would go smoothly. If it went badly, and they angered Linton enough to get decapitated, how could anyone argue their case afterward? No way -- none of them would risk it.
In the end, they all pushed the responsibility onto President Clinton, after all, he was the Commander-in-Chief. In a situation like this, if he didn't step up, who would?
In truth, Bill Clinton was the least worried and the least intimidated by Linton. Because of the slave mark implanted in him, he was unshakably loyal to Linton. If Linton ordered him to die, he would commit suicide without hesitation. It was just like reporting work to his master. If Linton was displeased, Bill could always come back later to amend the terms according to his wishes.
Feigning reluctance, Bill Clinton ultimately accepted the mission to please everyone. He asked the others to wait for a moment, then returned to his office to call Linton.
...
At that moment, Linton and Li Xiaoran had just finished dinner in the hotel restaurant and returned to their room. When Li Xiaoran answered the phone and heard it was Commander Clinton, she quietly handed it to Linton out of respect.
"Dear, it's President Clinton," Li Xiaoran said softly.
"Mr. President, is there something you need?" Linton asked.
"Linton, due to our management's negligence, Washington has caused you some trouble these past few days. I hereby offer you my apologies. When would you be free? I'd like to apologize in person and discuss compensation for your losses."
"Compensation for my losses?"
"Yes. I hope you can clear up this misunderstanding with us as soon as possible."
"Alright then, it's late today. Tomorrow works."
"Good. I'll come to your hotel at 9 a.m., if that's okay?"
"Don't. You're the Commander-in-Chief; you need to maintain your image. You shouldn't come to my hotel for such matters. I'll come to the White House to see you instead."
"Thank you, I really appreciate your support and understanding. Tomorrow at 9, I'll send a car to pick you up at your hotel."
...
After hanging up, Bill Clinton sat for a few moments before returning to the conference room, his tone serious.
"After some effort on the phone, Linton agreed to come to the White House tomorrow morning for detailed talks. Leon Panetta, you're to pick him up promptly at 9 a.m. at the Willard InterContinental Hotel. Now, let's discuss who from our side will attend the negotiation."
The announcement stunned everyone. On one hand, they were surprised Linton was so agreeable and daring enough to come to the White House without fear of ambush. But on the other hand, they remembered that Linton could monitor everything and had that uncanny ability to sever someone's head from afar.
Whether it was Linton himself or those behind him possessing such power, no one dared provoke him. They quickly dismissed any reckless thoughts.
Still, no one wanted to join the negotiation team. After all, how could they be sure Linton's anger was truly cooled? If the talks broke down, those at the table would be the first victims.
Of course, if the negotiations went well, they'd certainly attend the celebratory festivities afterward. Either way, getting close to someone as extraordinary as Linton was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.
So they unanimously pushed all negotiation responsibilities onto the President Bill Clinton. Yet they vowed to arrive at the White House before 9 and wait in a separate room for the outcome.
...
Linton, however, cared little about the politicians' schemes and maneuverings. Cradling the fragrant Li Xiaoran in his arms, the two happily played games, completely losing track of time. Their sweet, joyous laughter filled the room late into the night.
...
The next morning, Leon Panetta arrived early with his ceremonial sedan at the Willard InterContinental Hotel.
He waited patiently in the lobby until 8:55 a.m., then called Linton to say he was ready.
When Linton saw Leon Panetta downstairs, the man's earlier composure and casual joking demeanor completely vanished. His every move now was cautious and deferential.
Seeing this, Linton sighed to himself, realizing he'd lost yet another companion he could comfortably banter with.
...
At the White House, Leon Panetta carefully escorted Linton into the roundtable conference room.
"Linton, please come in. The Commander is inside. You talk; if you need me, just call," he said before gently shutting the door and leaving.
Inside, the room was set with coffee and fruit, but only the President was present. No other aides or staff were around.
"My master, your humble servant Bill Clinton greets you," Bill said with deep respect as he kneeled before Linton.
"Rise. Tell me, how exactly do you plan to compensate me?"
Bill Clinton hurriedly outlined the three compensation terms agreed upon the previous day.
"Honor, financial benefits, and political status -- you've really considered this thoroughly."
Linton hadn't expected that after his ruthless killings, he would rack up such additional rewards. Moreover, these involved honor, finances, and politics, all at the highest level.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom -- the highest personal honor in America -- would bring him more admirers, accelerating his cultivation progress.
Especially the financial benefits: the federal government was bleeding billions. His health company generated at least $30 billion in pre-tax profits annually. At a 30% federal tax rate, that amounted to around $9 billion a year.
Better yet, this tax exemption wasn't a short-term presidential pardon but a bill passed by both houses of Congress, lasting his entire lifetime.
Linton, currently at Celestial Presence stage, with a lifespan of about 800 years, knew that if he resolved the wild suma root raw material shortage, the health company could keep operating indefinitely. The tax savings alone would total trillions.
By these calculations, this compensation was incredibly generous.
As for becoming the chief honorary advisor to the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives -- the three top power centers in America -- this was a significant political position. It meant he could directly influence national affairs. Yet, ironically, it was the least important to him.
Since planting the slave mark in Bill Clinton, Linton already indirectly controlled many American political matters. He had also resolved to implant the slave mark in every future Commander-in-Chief to ensure their obedience.
So these honorary advisory titles weren't hugely meaningful for him. But publicly announced, they would boost his influence and popularity further, hastening his cultivation.
Thinking this over, Linton nodded at Bill Clinton . "Not bad. I'm quite satisfied with these compensation terms. In light of your sincerity, as long as no one else provokes me, let's consider this matter settled."
Bill Clinton was ecstatic. "Master, I'm glad you're pleased. Any other requests?"
"Actually, there is one."
"Please, go ahead."
"It's about Roger, Carol, Cody, Eric, and Maslow. Although I wiped out their entire families, it's still not enough."
Even the ruthlessly cold Bill Clinton trembled inwardly at Linton's murderous tone. He had to ask, "Did they offend you again?"
"They initially formed an alliance of nine with Kester, Hoffman, Robert, and Gittens, plotting to seize my health company in secret. I discovered this and struck back with lightning speed, killing the entire families of Kester, Hoffman, Robert, and Gittens. When those five learned of this, they not only refused to beg for mercy but arranged three sniper teams to assassinate me in New York. I killed every sniper and yet, they still schemed in Washington, pushing for congressional hearings against me. After all their moves, do you think wiping out them and their families is enough?"
"Master, what should I do?"
"For these five, killing their families isn't enough. Let's do a thorough investigation tracing their lineage back three generations -- from their grandfathers down. Find every family member's location and occupation. Since they're so bold, we have to be ruthless. They and their entire families must be completely eradicated to cleanse their sins. I intended to wait until the Washington matter was settled before dealing with them, but now I'm handing this all to you. Do you accept?"
"Master, are you saying you want their entire families wiped out?"
"Yes. Can you do it?"
"Master, isn't that too harsh? America doesn't have such a practice of collective punishment."
"You lecture me on morality? Don't forget how our ancestors ruled this land. How countless Native Americans disappeared in waves. Without their ruthless conquest, would we enjoy the good life we have now? Take today for example: If I weren't ruthless, would you all fear me so much and offer me such generous compensations? I want to send the clearest warning to the world: Those who offend me will suffer the worst. Go ahead. This isn't a suggestion -- it's an order."
"Understood, Master. I guarantee the mission's completion."
"Also, these five families likely have amassed considerable wealth. How much you squeeze out depends on your skills. I won't take a dime this time; consider it your reward for a job well done."
Linton knew that to truly motivate his subordinates, threats alone weren't enough. A balanced approach with rewards was necessary -- that was leadership.
"Thank you for your generosity, Master. I promise to complete the mission within two months."
Though marked by the slave brand, Bill Clinton's heart soared at such an opportunity. After all, America was a country that ostensibly obeyed rules and laws, unwilling to seize others' wealth without cause.
But this case was different. These five families had offended the gods and bore the full brunt of divine wrath, having most of their key members brutally exterminated -- only marginal lackeys remained.
He could easily organize law enforcement to hunt down the survivors with various charges, seize their wealth, and cultivate loyal subordinates.
Looking at it this way, this job wasn't a burden but a lucrative opportunity.
After concluding the discussion, Linton and Bill Clinton chatted leisurely for half an hour. Later, Bill Clinton informed Leon Panetta that the negotiations had succeeded magnificently.
...
Soon, the other 14 members of the High-Level Crisis Task Force flooded the conference room to pay respects to the enigmatic, mighty Linton.
Especially Secretary of State Warren Christopher and House Speaker Newt Gingrich showed extra respect and enthusiasm toward him.
Linton noticed that all of Washington's power brokers had gathered -- and judging by their demeanor, they had become his devoted followers.
Calling them "followers" might be inaccurate, as the youngest was over forty, but there's an old saying: "Might makes right."
By these standards, it seemed natural for Linton to be their leader.
Surrounded by older, subordinate men, Linton dropped any airs. His recent demonstrations of power had been enough; now showing some goodwill worked far better.
And indeed it did. Witnessing his friendly side lowered their already elevated nervousness but deepened their respect.
All silently agreed that Linton must be kept close and never offended.
Especially the House Speaker, who realized that after the Elephant Party's losses, the Donkey Party would surely intensify its pressure, squeezing their survival space.
With 32 senators and 9 House members recently killed by Linton, upcoming special elections would spark fierce battles for those seats. The Donkey Party wouldn't allow the Elephant Party an easy succession.
As party leader, he had to find a way to preserve and revive his party's influence.
Given the current situation, it was difficult. But with Linton's backing, the outlook was much better.
He even started considering which impressive girl from his family to send to Linton, hoping to get closer to his favor...
...
After reestablishing their close cooperation, Linton didn't linger. He quickly returned to his hotel.
The High-Level Crisis Task Force had to swiftly manage Washington's ongoing crises to restore political stability and daily order nationwide.
As for the three agreed-upon conditions, they couldn't be immediately fulfilled; formal procedures had to follow. But one thing was clear: no one would dare tamper with them.
That afternoon, Linton and the reluctant yet devoted Li Xiaoran flew back to their Montana farm.
Before leaving, Linton presented her with an intricately carved quartz pendant of an Eastern Azure Dragon, tailored to her zodiac sign and tastes -- a clear, formal acknowledgment of her status among his harem.
When Linton asked if she wanted a different job, Li Xiaoran surprised him by saying she preferred to stay as his assistant, content with no other ambitions.
Even when he asked if she wanted to become a star, she hesitated briefly but ultimately confessed, "But I don't want to leave you."
Linton hadn't expected her to be such a hopeless romantic. Still, considering he'd just taken her virginity, he found himself even more indulgent toward her.
"All right, then stay as my assistant. When you want to start acting, just let me know."
*****
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