Chapter 59: Hypnosis

[Chapter 59: Hypnosis]

It worked!

Ian immediately understood that after his left eye upgraded, it likely enhanced his persuasion skills -- something akin to hypnosis? No wonder he hadn't seen any effect while working at the newspaper; after all, the people there were his subordinates who didn't need convincing -- the instructions he gave were followed without question.

This ability was promising. It meant he could play a significant role in future business negotiations.

However, just as Ian was about to take charge, Bill suddenly pointed the gun back at his own temple. "No! Everything you say makes no sense! It's pointless! I don't want to go to prison!"

Ian felt a wave of disappointment wash over him. Was it only a fleeting effect? Damn, that wouldn't bode well for business negotiations!

Wait! Perhaps it was also based on effective persuasion? The different pain thresholds suggested varying levels of resistance, meaning that his ability to hypnotize required good rhetoric as a supportive tool.

How could he persuade him?

At that moment, he noticed Bill's gaze lingering on Scarlett.

Ah! Of course, no one could resist Scarlett's beauty. Especially not a young, hot-blooded guy. This realization made Ian's spirits lift. Watching the boy's starry-eyed admiration, Ian chuckled. He turned to Scarlett in his arms and whispered, "You comfort him."

Scarlett was clever.

She suddenly had a bright idea and exclaimed, "Bill, don't worry. Everyone makes mistakes; we all face low points in life. I promise you, everything Ian just said is true. He was once in a bad place, but now he's one of the best reporters in the country, loved by everyone!"

Bill looked at Scarlett, clearly stunned by her beauty.

He muttered, "You too?"

Scarlett paused, then nodded quickly, "Yes, I like him too."

Bill appeared dejected. "But no one likes me."

This time, Ian didn't need to teach; Scarlett quickly chimed in, "I like you! You're a great young man!"

She glanced at Ian, who gave her an encouraging look.

Thus, Scarlett bravely stepped forward, saying, "Give me the gun, okay?"

Ian didn't use hypnosis, so the boy's hand still trembled. Seizing the moment, Ian remarked, "Here's the deal. I can't solve your prison problem, but I can make your time there more valuable. You hand me the gun, and I'll give you ten thousand dollars. How does that sound? Isn't getting good grades all about making money? Congrats on becoming a top student making ten grand before graduation!"

The onlookers were dumbfounded. What kind of persuasion was this?

Then, to everyone's surprise, Bill actually lowered the gun! He looked at Ian, then at Scarlett, and asked, "Can I trust you guys?"

Scarlett nodded vigorously. "Of course!"

Ian pointed at Scarlett, "She's Scarlett Johansson, a big star in Hollywood! She's personally here speaking to you. Don't you believe that? Give her the gun, and you'll get an autograph!"

With that, he activated the hypnosis once more.

Before long, Bill really did hand over the gun. He didn't take it back!

Just as he suspected! The hypnosis from his left eye was contingent on his articulation; the stronger his persuasion, the less the demand on his powers.

Moreover, it was clear that the allure of beauty and money was far more persuasive than logic.

Young people are truly something else! They could consider suicide over a failed exam, yet happily choose to serve time in exchange for a thousand bucks and a star's autograph?

He just loved these quirky young people.

At that point, Scarlett had taken the handgun, and all the police rushed in.

Ian immediately raised his arms to block the officers, shouting, "What are you doing? He's unarmed now; do you still want to kill him?"

The Los Angeles police failed to terminate Bill, diminishing the news value of the incident.

However, Ian could still spin it!

The Los Angeles cops had attempted to shoot a young man, but thanks to Ian Carr and Scarlett Johansson stepping up to save the suicidal boy, the public would rally behind them. They would paint a narrative of the LA police trying to finish the job on the poor kid...

Life needed contrasts for dramatic effect -- this juicy headline couldn't be missed, even if it didn't go as planned! The police could be charged with attempted murder!

Katherine had a good understanding of Ian; she instantly grasped his intent and snapped, "Don't say anything foolish, Ian Carr!"

Ian merely smiled, "The audience will decide for themselves!"

Tears welled up in his eyes.

Perfect! This could be perceived as compassion for the young man; he was just a sentimental guy who was emotional for a good reason.

Scarlett stared at Ian, shocked to see him crying. "Ian, what's wrong?"

Ian smiled back, "Nothing -- just happy for you, Scarlett. You became a heroine who saved an innocent boy, and I couldn't be prouder. The whole country will love you for it!"

He maintained a tender expression, refusing to waste the advantage of his tears.

Scarlett gaped at him, thinking,

So, you care about me that much?

Ian naturally embraced Scarlett, nodding, "Yes, you're about to become famous, even more than Kate!"

His excited tears were filled with admiration!

...

The young man was taken away by the police, holding Ian's ten-thousand-dollar check and Scarlett's signed photo. He left the scene satisfied.

As soon as he was gone, Officer Katherine approached, tall and blonde, standing with long legs before Ian and Scarlett, annoyed. "You got another chance for publicity, Ian Carr."

Ian smiled at Scarlett and said, "This is Katherine from the LAPD; she doesn't like me very much."

Scarlett naturally wrapped her arm around Ian's, cheerfully replying, "I can tell."

Katherine raised an eyebrow. "But this guy next to you invitated me to bed."

Scarlett turned to Ian, shocked.

Ian spread his hands casually, "A basic principle of business is that regardless of whether the deal goes through, we always extend offers. After all, it's no harm in failing, and success yields benefits."

He had no intention of denying his invitation.

Scarlett laughed, "Business?"

Ian smiled, "The logic of business can be applied to many relationships."

Scarlett lightly huffed, swaying her cute waist, "But that doesn't apply to us."

"Of course not," Ian playfully lifted Scarlett's chin, "You're different; I'll win you over with tenderness!"

Watching the couple ignore her, Katherine huffed angrily, "You're still such a bastard, Ian Carr."

Scarlett blurted out, "The girls who call him a bastard always end up in bed with him!"

Katherine stared at her, wide-eyed. "What did you just say?"

Scarlett smiled slightly, "I've said he's a bastard too."

With that, she took Ian's hand. "Let's go!"

They walked toward the car.

...

Once inside, Ian started the engine and said with a grin, "I think I should find a hotel nearby soon."

Scarlett flipped her hair, gazing at him with a flirtatious smile. "Alright, I admit I'm attracted to you, Ian. You're a charming man, but don't think you'll win me over tonight."

Was this her last line of defense?

Ian grinned mischievously, "Then let's see? Let's just talk in the room. You can leave whenever you want; I won't stop you... Want to challenge your own resolve?"

Scarlett chuckled softly, not responding further.

*****

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