An aide quickly responded, “Mr. President, this man is acting so brazenly, which doesn’t align with a businessman’s nature. I sense something suspicious. He’s already taken the moral high ground. If we rashly launch a media war against him, we might end up shooting ourselves in the foot. Given that we’re already in the wrong on this matter, it’s better to keep a low profile. If necessary, impose some minor penalties on Blackwater to appease public anger.”
Fuming, the President said, “I didn’t want to stoop to his level, but this man has gone too far! I can accept him donating two hundred million dollars for publicity. Spend money, and you’re a king; I’d welcome him with open arms. But why exclude America? Isn’t that a direct accusation, a deliberate slap in my face?”
Pausing briefly, he continued, “I’m not trying to protect Blackwater, but their nature is too unique. Their members are almost all our supporters, and we rely on them for the dirty work around the world. Only they can do it. If we don’t back Blackwater now and their reputation is completely ruined, we won’t be able to use them for those tasks anymore. The public will reject them! So, no matter what, we need to support Blackwater at this moment.”
Frustrated, he gritted his teeth, “If only Bernard Arnault would stop harping on this, the issue’s impact would surely be fading by now!”
The chief aide, somewhat helpless, said, “I didn’t expect Bernard Arnault to dare confront us so boldly.”
With a stern expression, the President said, “So, no hesitation. Follow my orders and hit back at him in the media. He’s on the moral high ground, isn’t he? We may not be able to climb up there, but we can drag him down! Once he’s in the same moral swamp as us, it’s just a dogfight, with no right or wrong.”
He then solemnly lectured his aides, “Remember this: sometimes, winning doesn’t mean we profit. In business, it’s fine if I don’t make money, as long as I can make my competitor lose money. That’s still a win.”
Seeing their thoughtful expressions, the President added lightly, “Think of it this way, gentlemen. If you’re covered in filth and can’t wash it off, just smear it on everyone else. When everyone’s filthy, no one will single you out for smelling bad.”
This metaphor instantly enlightened his aides.
They suddenly felt a sense of clarity, their eyes gleaming with understanding.
Before, they had worried about Bernard Arnault’s relentless attacks. Now, reflecting on the President’s words, what was there to fear? The White Horse Island incident had already left them tarnished. If they couldn’t clean it off, they’d stop trying and just tarnish Bernard Arnault too. Once he was equally disgraced, the public would no longer favour him.
Without hesitation, the highest-ranking, round-faced aide said, “Mr. President, I’ll contact the media immediately to dig up all of Bernard Arnault’s dirt. His hostile attitude toward America today has already offended American media. They’ll have every reason to take him on! Let’s seize this chance to ruin him!”
The President nodded with a look of approval, smiling, “As President, I may lack the experience of career politicians, but in business, all the past presidents combined might not match me. Bernard Arnault is a businessman, so we’ll compete with him on business terms!”
