Chapter 762 - 477: Appointment 2

Chapter 762: Chapter 477: Appointment 2

The person who took this photo was definitely a pro.

The camera cleverly captured the contours of Feng Shan’s face, making his features look sharp and distinct. It exuded an air of virility; he was practically bursting with masculinity.

Beneath the photo, a caption was clearly marked.

"Far North Tundra, Feng Shan, Crown Territory, Indian."

The next moment, the entire conference hall erupted, like a lake that had just had a giant boulder dropped into it.

This was especially true in the section where the Inuit Tribe was seated.

The chiefs’ cheers grew louder and louder, threatening to blow the roof off the building.

Feng Shan sat in his chair on pins and needles, caught in a dilemma.

’If I go on stage, this whole business about being the head of the Territorial Guard will be set in stone. Then I’ll have to face endless trouble and responsibility. But if I don’t go up... in front of so many people, everyone will be put in an awkward position with no way to back down gracefully.’

"Go on, Feng. Trust me, this is good for you and for the Crown Territory."

Chief Welta urged him in a low voice from the side.

The chief’s normally confident and self-assured expression now showed a hint of anxiety.

’You old bastard, you’re really throwing me to the wolves!’

Completely exasperated, Feng Shan muttered under his breath.

However, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, there was no more room for hesitation.

He took a deep breath and slowly stood up.

Then, with somewhat heavy steps, he began walking toward the stage.

Seeing this, Governor Walker immediately showed great enthusiasm, quickly striding to the edge of the stage to personally guide Feng Shan.

This was a level of treatment that none of the previous leaders had enjoyed.

"Master Khilla, congratulations on becoming the FAGT head for the Far North Region." Governor Walker’s voice was warm as he tightly gripped Feng Shan’s hand in sincere congratulations.

In the face of Governor Walker’s deliberate show of goodwill, Feng Shan didn’t understand the reason for it, but he simply gave a lukewarm nod.

He didn’t offer much of a response, as he was still holding in his frustration over this baffling appointment.

He then followed Governor Walker to the front of the line of FAGT leaders.

Just then, Jeff and the Aleut man named Ivan, with a tacit understanding, simultaneously made space for him.

Feng Shan couldn’t help but be taken aback.

’It’s understandable that Jeff would make way for me. After all, we’re old acquaintances. But this Ivan guy... this seems to be our first meeting. Why is he also making room?’

Just as Feng Shan was feeling puzzled, Ivan, whose face showed a hint of Russian heritage, bowed his head slightly.

He spoke very quickly, "Sir, Her Highness the Princess sends her regards."

Hearing this, Feng Shan instantly understood what was going on.

’It seems that Princess Natasha also had a hand in digging this pit for me.’

He didn’t dwell on it and stepped forward to stand between the two men.

As time went on, the twelve FAGT leaders stood in a neat line on the stage.

Behind them, the flag of the United States and the flag of Alaska were slowly raised.

Governor Walker held the microphone, his voice solemn and dignified as he led the twelve leaders in an oath to the flags.

The solemn words of the oath echoed through the conference hall via the sound system.

But as for Feng Shan, he didn’t know English and couldn’t understand a single word of the oath.

’I can just substitute the lyrics to "Ode to the Motherland,"’ he thought. ’These foreigners won’t understand it anyway.’

He glanced around and saw that the other Indigenous leaders seemed to be in the same boat as him.

They didn’t have much interest in this oath. Everyone was just going through the motions.

For the final step, a beautiful blonde staff member brought a tray to the stage.

Governor Walker stepped forward and picked up a metal badge from the tray.

He turned, walked to the leader at the front of the line, and solemnly pinned the badge to their clothes.

The badge was shield-shaped.

A ribbon was entwined around an iceberg, a glacier, mountains, and the ocean, capturing the magnificent natural scenery of Alaska on the small badge.

And on the ribbon, the words "FAGT Territorial Guard" were engraved, highlighting the special meaning and mission of this badge.

Soon, it was Feng Shan’s turn.

Governor Walker, still wearing a friendly smile, gently pinned the FAGT badge onto Feng Shan’s animal skin coat.

Then, he leaned in slightly and said softly to Feng Shan,

"Master Khilla, I hope we can have a drink and a chat at the reception after the meeting."

Hearing this, Feng Shan inwardly groaned.

’Dealing with these government types always brings a mountain of trouble. This so-called reception probably won’t be that simple.’

He wanted to refuse outright, but Governor Walker’s eager gaze made it difficult.

He could only give a slight nod, a noncommittal response.

Amidst a round of thunderous applause, the establishment ceremony for the Alaska Indigenous FAGT concluded.

The applause washed over the venue like a tide, filling the entire hall and announcing the successful conclusion of this important moment.

Everyone rose to their feet, and the hall instantly became lively as people began to talk amongst themselves, offering congratulations or discussing what was to come.

However, Feng Shan’s feelings were complicated as he stood in place.

Watching the lively scene around him, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind.

Next, it was time for the much-anticipated reception.

The reception was held in a hotel next to the Parliament Building, convenient for the attendees.

The large group of people streamed out of the conference hall and headed towards the hotel.

Arriving at the hotel, they found the staff had already set up the venue.

The venue’s decor was simple yet stylish, exuding an atmosphere completely different from receptions back home.

However, unlike the lively and extravagant receptions common in his home country, this Western-style reception seemed rather shabby, set up as a buffet.

The food on the tables was nothing more than some small pastries, fruits, and cookies.

The drinks were mostly low-alcohol champagne.

Everyone picked up a plate, chose the food they liked, and began chatting in small groups.

The social gathering began in a relaxed atmosphere.

Feng Shan casually took a glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray.

He was planning to find Chief Welta to discuss matters regarding his new role as the FAGT head for the Far North Region.

But before he could even take a step, he saw several men in crisp suits walking toward him.

One of them, a man with brown hair, was all smiles as he took the initiative to speak.

"Hello, Master Khilla. I’ve heard so much about you. I’m Mark Begich. It’s a true honor to meet you here."

"Hello," Feng Shan replied politely, but his eyes were full of confusion. He looked at the stranger who had suddenly approached him and asked, "Is there something I can help you with?"

Mark Begich maintained his polite smile and, with a natural gesture, pointed to a quieter seating area at the edge of the venue.

"It’s like this, Master Khilla. I’ve always been very concerned about the Indigenous communities. I also have some of my own ideas about the difficulties they currently face. I was wondering if I might have the honor of discussing them with you?"

’You have ideas about the Indigenous People, so why are you talking to me?’

Feng Shan’s brow furrowed slightly.

He subconsciously took a small step back.

Then he pointed to a cluster of Indigenous chieftains not far away.

"Sorry, I don’t know much about Indigenous People. You can go talk to them. Goodbye."

With that, he turned and walked away.

The men were left standing there, the smiles on their faces frozen instantly, looking rather awkward.

They looked at each other, unsure of what to do.

Governor Walker, who was chatting with Chief Welta, caught sight of his rival, Mark Begich, getting the cold shoulder from Feng Shan.

He couldn’t help but feel a secret delight.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, revealing a trace of imperceptible smugness.

From what he had learned recently, Governor Walker could already tell that this Master Khilla had zero interest in politics.

Every time a related topic was mentioned, Master Khilla would always act extremely cold, his eyes revealing a sense of detachment.

Even becoming the FAGT head for the Far North Region was met with obvious resistance.

His reluctant attitude made it seem like he was being forced to accept something he very much didn’t want.

’For Mark Begich to go up and talk to him at a time like this is just asking to annoy Master Khilla. The man is already unenthusiastic about all this, and yet you insist on talking about your ideas for the Indigenous People’s plight right now. It’s just asking for rejection.’

Thinking of this, Governor Walker turned his head.

A meaningful smile on his face, he looked at Chief Welta.

He teased, half-joking and half-probing,

"Chief Welta, it seems Master Khilla isn’t too fond of this kind of occasion?"

...