Chapter 767: Chapter 727: Christmas Gift
Looking at the small card in his hand, especially the signature, Alex was profoundly shocked.
Even though he had been continually partaking in protests, calling for the government to relax their unreasonable restrictions on Cloud Dream, he hadn’t really shared much concrete connections with Cloud Dream.
The last time he had direct communication with Cloud Dream was when he was arrested, and Cloud Dream had internationally rescued him along with seventeen others.
After that, Alex became more cautious to prevent his mother from worrying, and he had not been detained since.
Consequently, he hadn’t had any more dealings with Cloud Dream.
—In fact, he knew that even if he were to be arrested again, he wouldn’t need Cloud Dream’s help.
Now when they organize events, launch protests, they’re all assisted by the foundation [Freedom Life and Democratic Activity].
Of course, many people speculate about this foundation in private, assuming that it might be affiliated with Cloud Dream, or even founded by Cloud Dream.
But these are only private conjectures, for no one has the evidence.
Lincoln definitely wouldn’t register a foundation directly under Cloud Dream’s name.
And between Lincoln and the foundation, there are four layers, with two set in small countries where shareholders’ identities need not be disclosed.
Whether or not this could fool the American government remains unknown, but ordinary people certainly couldn’t figure it out.
But lack of evidence doesn’t prevent netizens from speculating because, after all, some things don’t require evidence.
*
Many individuals or organizations support Alex and his fellows in their protests.
All around America, numerous celebrities, entrepreneurs, and tycoons have expressed that wholly rejecting Cloud Dream might not be a wise move, the policy is worth discussing, and such remarks that accentuate societal unrest and loss of votes.
Not merely verbal support, but substantial support also abounds.
One might even say that apart from politicians and vested interest parties, there exist only two types of voices:
One yearns for entry into the virtual world and thinks the government’s actions were somewhat inappropriate.
The other kind stays silent usually, confessing neutrality only when asked by a reporter or forced to express an opinion, claiming to lack interest in the issue.
Therefore, when Alex and his peers organize protests, advocating for removing restrictions on the virtual world, they never feel isolated or helpless.
Despite the circumstances, the foundation [Freedom Life and Democratic Activity] never misses any protest and doesn’t abandon any arrested protester, which is absolutely unique.
Because protests are not always legal and orderly. Even if they start that way, once the young people become overly excited, losses of control can occur.
Not to mention numerous people who wave the “protest” banner only to incite chaos and robbery.
Yet once significantly adverse social impacts occur, public figures and various organizations always steer clear.
The foundation alone doesn’t care, as long as anyone who genuinely defends the virtual world gets arrested, they will always send legal aid to rescue them.
They’ve even set a record of providing material and legal support to 26 protest marches across 14 states in a single month.
Such actions led numerous people to believe, even without substantial evidence, the relationship between the foundation and Cloud Dream must be profound.
“So… have they given up hiding?” Alex subconsciously wondered.
But he soon realized: this still didn’t qualify as decisive evidence.
Celebrities can gift their fans, and it’s logical for Lincoln to contact the foundation and gift them.
Let alone that the greeting printed on the card…
If posted online, people might suspect it to be counterfeited…
“Moreover… Isn’t Mirage a contraband? Can it be mailed??”
This slightly touched upon Alex’s blind spot in knowledge, so he took out his phone and asked the group that usually organizes the protest activities:
“Can Mirage be mailed domestically?”
At this question, many people popped up:
“Can it? Isn’t this stuff contraband?”
“Sure! I’ve tried it.”
“I wonder too, I just woke up and received a console.”
“@Alex, I can’t make it to the Christmas parade, something came up.”
“You ain’t got shit to do, thinking of staying at home playing games, huh?”
“Is it wrong for me to want to get a weapon storage box belt? Our internet speed is terrible. As soon as I start playing [Assassin Bloodline], I feel dizzy and nauseous. This event is limited time, I have no choice!”
“Indeed, this is so unfair for us! I want to protest!”
“Unless you’re planning to protest at the front gate of Cloud Dream Company, it’s probably useless.”
“Can’t we request Cloud Dream to make this game mode permanent? Even if the mode cannot be permanent, can we at least have the rewards permanently?”
“Indeed, if such practical items become discontinued, later players would be so upset, it wouldn’t be fair!”
…
Asking questions in online communities often results in this: the topic veers off in a completely different direction within a few sentences.
Fortunately, a member of the group who works in the logistics industry provides Alex with a clear answer:
“This wasn’t possible before, especially just after the ban was announced, but now it’s not an issue, anyone can send.”
“The customs is still very strict, not letting a single console pass, but domestic trans-state logistics have virtually no restrictions.”
Afterwards, he scoffs: “Even guns can be bought online, let alone a gaming console.”
Alex is left speechless.
Indeed, compared to this, gaming consoles are simply too safe.
Although the government, the media, and some conspiracy theorists have been preaching that using the Mirage Console could lead to user privacy leakage.
But the thought from Alex and many players is:
“Whether it’s true or bullcrap, it’s my privacy, and I’ll give it to whoever I want, it’s none of your business!”
Alex doesn’t hesitate, picking up the Mirage and knocking on his younger brother’s door.
His little brother has been wanting a Mirage console for a long time. Seeing this Christmas gift, he would be ecstatic.
*
Not just Alex, the first released “18 Warriors” would all receive this Christmas gift.
Not only these players, all outstanding employees of the [Foundation for a Free Life and Democratic Activities] will also receive this gift.
They are not all gifted, not because Lincoln is stingy, but because it’s simply not possible to do so.
After all, the American customs is still very strict on the surface, Cloud Dream cannot smuggle consoles in, nor would they do such a thing.
The consoles that were sent out are all funded directly by Lincoln for the foundation employees to purchase in border cities in Texas.
Today, in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, in cities near the border, if you know the right places, it’s not hard to buy Mirage.
The prices would just be many times higher.
Of course, in theory, America also prohibits the sale of consoles.
So in the mouths of both parties involved in the transaction, these are all “gifts”.
If you get along well, you become friends, and give you a game console as a token of our friendship.
The upcoming Christmas is naturally an excellent occasion for giving gifts.
Not only Epic’s employees are giving gifts like crazy, anyone who can find a supply source is taking this opportunity to “giving gifts” like crazy.
Endless Mirage consoles are entering North America through underground channels from Mexico, and entering thousands of bedrooms through North America’s grey trades.
The number of North American players logging in is no longer a kitten’s handful, but has started to grow explosively!