At One Police Plaza in New York City, the medal ceremony and press conference were held simultaneously.
Simply put, once the medal ceremony was over, the reporters would ask whatever they wanted, Russell would answer whatever he wanted, and both sides would get what they wanted. Everyone would go home happy.
The scene was much like when Russell had first entered this world, except the stars of the show had changed from the bald brothers to him.
"Please allow me, on behalf of the New York City government and the police department, to award this 'Medal of Honor' to Inspector Russell, who fought bravely for the citizens of New York, remained loyal to his duty, and risked his life without hesitation."
Click! Click! Cli—
The two councilmen spoke in turn. The more camera-friendly one pinned the medal onto Russell, after which the two faced the reporters with smiles, posing for the flashes.
Having learned from the bald brothers' experience, Russell had prepared sunglasses in advance and remained utterly unfazed by the nonstop flashes.
As for the two councilmen beside him, he did not take them seriously and had no intention of holding them accountable.
Of course, he did not regard them highly either, merely defining them as tools for handing out medals.
Although the two councilmen had delayed his medal ceremony, he knew perfectly well that they were inevitable products of capital. If they were gone, there would be others.
They were like chives in a vegetable patch—cut one crop and another grew back. They were even tougher than Hydra, which grew two heads for every one cut off. Arguing with them would only make himself miserable.
"Inspector Russell, say a few words!"
"Of course."
Russell nodded and turned toward the reporters with a modest smile.
The commissioner had said