Great Power Reclamation

If the initial desert transformation was a pilot project, then what Ye Mao is about to do next is a complete transformation.

However, this project cannot be completed overnight; it requires a long period of time and substantial financial support.

Although we raised some funds from our sister investment bank, it was far from enough, because the amount of funds needed for just one Taklamakan Desert is unimaginable.

After learning about this, the Jin sisters decided to do something for Ye Mao, not just for him, but also for their hometown, since they were also from Northern Xinjiang.

Having won consecutive Oscars for Best Actress, the Kim sisters have become superstars with incredibly high salaries.

That's the key point. There are so many film contracts that we simply can't film them all, so we have to put a lot of effort into selecting scripts.

After all, given their status and position, they can't just make any bad movie, right?

They now have enough money to last several lifetimes, and most of it is invested.

Making money in this circle in Beijing isn't really difficult, given the information asymmetry.

Seeing her elder sister Jin Wan frowning in thought, Jin Ping couldn't help but ask:
"Sis, still worried about that script? If you don't like it, then don't film it. So what if he's famous? If you don't give him face, what can he do to you?"

Jin Wan burst out laughing at her sister's words:
“It’s not about that. I was thinking we should help Ye Mao. Look at him over the past year, he’s become so dark and thin, he’s completely unrecognizable.”

Jin Ping sighed: "That guy is crazy. He gave up being the CEO of a perfectly good warrior group and insisted on becoming an official!"

"Other officials do whatever makes them comfortable, but he's the opposite, doing whatever he has to suffer. Is it really necessary?"

Jin Wan playfully patted her younger sister's head:
"You're just talking nonsense. Don't you understand who Ye Mao is? We've been playing together since we were kids. He's a man who's destined for great things and doesn't care about personal gains or losses."

Jin Ping pursed her lips: "How come I didn't know? But is it even meaningful? In the end, it's always others who benefit. What does he get out of it?"

Jin Wan's gaze deepened, and her face grew serious: "This is the real Ye Mao, the Ye Mao we've known since childhood. When he helped us, did he ever care about gains or losses?"

Jin Ping remained silent. How could she possibly forget anything that had happened along the way?

Their lives were completely changed after they met Ye Mao. Today, their parents' Warrior Fast Food business is thriving, with over a hundred branches already established.

The sisters also have more than nine figures in their hands. How could this be possible without Ye Mao?

Moreover, Ye Mao has helped them so much without asking for anything in return. Even their romantic relationship only started after the sisters knew he had a girlfriend in college.

Moreover, it was they who took the initiative; otherwise, Ye Mao would never have touched them.

Ye Mao is just like that. He never considers his own gains or losses when doing anything; he just does things for the sake of doing things.

Her eyes darted around: "Sister, why don't we hold a charity gala? We're famous enough now, so let's raise funds and hold an auction under the guise of desert transformation!"

Jin Wan's eyes lit up instantly; Jin Ping's suggestion was like a ray of light piercing through the clouds of worry that had enveloped her for days.

"That's a great idea! But a regular charity gala probably won't be enough; we need to put on an event that will be a national sensation."

She grabbed her phone and quickly brought up the notes app, her slender fingers swiping rapidly across the screen.

"First, we need to decide on a theme. How about 'Greening the Desert'?"

"What a grand name!" Jin Ping leaned closer to look, her hair brushing against her sister's shoulder.

In July, the sun blazed down on Beijing, and the Bird's Nest stadium was already packed with people.

A giant LED screen continuously plays stunning images of the Taklamakan Desert.

Golden sand dunes stretch endlessly under the scorching sun, with strong winds whipping up sand and gravel, creating a stark contrast with the lush greenery that has been restored through later restoration efforts, attracting passersby to stop and watch.

Inside the venue, the stage was decorated in a solemn and dignified manner, yet also grand and magnificent.

The background is a giant panoramic view of the desert, so realistic that it seems to make you feel the scorching sandstorm.

Half an hour before the charity gala was scheduled to begin, guests began to arrive one after another. Top domestic celebrities, business tycoons, and social elites gathered here, and flashes of light went off one after another, creating a lively and extraordinary atmosphere.

The Kim sisters, dressed in custom-made gowns, moved gracefully through the crowd, greeting the guests and occasionally explaining the program and significance of the gala.

Jin Wan wore a light blue dress, like a clear spring in the desert, fresh and refined.

Jin Ping, dressed in a dazzling golden gown, was like the shimmering sunlight in the desert.

As the melodious music slowly began to play, the lights in the entire venue gradually dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the center of the stage.

Ye Mao, dressed in a sharp suit, walked steadily onto the stage.

His skin was tanned dark by the desert sun, and the wrinkles around his eyes seemed to hold traces of wind and sand, but his gaze was incredibly firm and ardent.

"Distinguished guests, friends," Ye Mao's deep and powerful voice echoed throughout the vast venue.

"When you see that vast, desolate desert on the big screen, have you ever thought that every grain of sand there is telling a story of the hardships of survival?"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below the stage. "The Taklamakan Desert, this place known as the 'Sea of ​​Death,' is expanding, not only swallowing up the land, but also threatening the homes of countless people."

The large screen switched to a view of a village on the edge of the desert.

The dilapidated houses were eroded by wind and sand, the villagers looked worried, and the children's eyes were filled with confusion about the future.

“These are the victims of desertification.” Ye Mao’s voice choked with emotion.

"Our compatriots are struggling to survive amidst the ravages of sandstorms. But the desert is not invincible! Previous pilot projects have proven that with scientific methods, unwavering faith, and sufficient support, we can absolutely transform the desert into an oasis!"

The scene fell silent; everyone was deeply moved by Ye Mao's words.

"Transforming the desert is not only for that land, but also for our future generations."

"When the desert turns into an oasis, when the sandstorms become gentle breezes, when desolation gives birth to hope, then we will be worthy of this land and worthy of our mission!"

Ye Mao clenched his fist and said passionately, "Today, I stand here and earnestly ask everyone to lend a helping hand, for that land that yearns for greenery, for those who long for change!"

Thunderous applause resounded throughout the Bird's Nest and lasted for a long time.

Ye Mao's voice trembled slightly: "To show my sincerity, I've decided to donate all of my salary from the past two years!"

The applause from the audience was thunderous and prolonged.

After Ye Mao stepped off the stage, the Jin sisters walked onto the stage hand in hand.

Jin Wan smiled and said, "Thank you for Ye Mao's heartfelt words. As he said, transforming the desert is a great and arduous task that requires the strength of each and every one of us."

Today, we are holding this "Greening the Desert" charity gala in the hope of gathering everyone's love and support to contribute to the desert transformation project.

Following that, the evening's program moved into a wonderful cultural performance segment.

Popular singers took to the stage to perform, and their powerful and hopeful songs brought the atmosphere to one climax after another.

Renowned dancers used the themes of desert and oasis to showcase the tenacity of life and the yearning for greenery through their graceful dances, immersing the audience and bringing tears to their eyes.

In a lively atmosphere, the exciting auction finally began.

The first item up for auction was a painting titled "New Look of the Desert" by a top Chinese artist. In the painting, the golden desert is gradually being covered by green, full of vitality. As soon as the starting price of 50 yuan was announced, bidding paddles sprang up like mushrooms after rain.

"80 million!"

"100 million!"

"150 million!"

The price soared, and it was eventually acquired by an entrepreneur for a high price of 300 million.

Subsequently, a variety of precious auction items were presented, including rare jewelry, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and limited-edition collectibles.

Each item sparked fierce bidding, creating a tense and exciting atmosphere.

When the marshal's uniform, which was donated by Mr. Qin and had special significance, appeared, the atmosphere in the room was instantly ignited.

"This marshal's uniform bears witness to the glorious history of our army and embodies our love and loyalty to our motherland," Jin Ping said emotionally.

"500 million!"

"800 million!"

"1200 million!"

Bidding was fierce, and finally, a patriotic entrepreneur won the marshal's uniform for a sky-high price of 2000 million yuan, and announced on the spot that he would add another 1000 million yuan for desert transformation.

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience.

The most eye-catching item was the Oscar trophy donated by the Kim sisters.

As these two trophies, symbolizing the highest honors in the international film industry, were slowly pushed onto the stage, the entire audience fell silent, and all eyes were focused on the gleaming trophies.

Jin Wan picked up the microphone, her voice firm yet gentle:
"These two trophies are of great significance to us, but at this moment, they should shine for a greater cause: desert transformation, which is the greatest cause in our hearts!"

"3000 million!" A mysterious buyer made the first offer.

"5000 million!"

"8000 million!"

The bidding intensified, and prices continued to rise.

"1 billion!"

When this number was announced by a business tycoon, the entire room erupted in uproar.

However, the bidding did not stop. "120 million!"

Another wealthy individual raised their bidding paddle without hesitation.

Ultimately, the two Oscar trophies were sold for a record-breaking 150 million, causing the entire Bird's Nest stadium to erupt in excitement!
After the auction, the event moved into a free fundraising phase.

Celebrities took the lead in donating money, ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of yuan.

Business elites are not to be outdone, with huge donations constantly breaking records for fundraising amounts.

An ordinary citizen representative stepped onto the stage, tears welling in his eyes, and said:

"I'm just an ordinary worker, but I want to do my part."

"This is my savings. It's not much, but I hope it can contribute to turning the desert into an oasis!"

His actions inspired countless people, and more and more ordinary citizens participated in the fundraising through online and offline means.

As the gala drew to a close, the total amount raised, displayed in real time on the big screen, finally settled at 820 million!
The audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers once again.

The Jin sisters and Ye Mao stood in the center of the stage, their eyes filled with tears of emotion.

Ye Mao said, his voice choked with emotion, "Thank you to every kind-hearted person for your support! With you all, our desert transformation project will surely usher in a new dawn!"

"We will definitely use every penny of our donations to create a green miracle in that barren desert!"

Amidst dazzling lights and enthusiastic applause, the "Greening the Desert" charity gala came to a successful close.

But this power, which gathers the love and hope of countless people, will be transformed into a powerful force to change the desert, and move firmly toward the goal of turning the desert into an oasis.

Three days after the charity gala ended, the Kim sisters' studio was flooded with collaboration offers from all over the country.

The phone on the table rang incessantly, and the mailbox was overflowing with proposals for corporate sponsorships and public welfare collaborations, as well as transnational cooperation intentions from foreign environmental organizations.

Jin Wan rubbed her aching temples, looking out the window at the sudden downpour in Beijing, and suddenly remembered what Ye Mao had said backstage at the gala:

"This is just the beginning; the real battle is yet to come."

Yes, compared to Ye Mao's ambitious plan, this amount of money is just a drop in the bucket...

At this moment, Ye Mao was standing in his new camp on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, where torrential rain and sand were seeping in through the gaps in the tent.

He squatted in the mud, using his body to protect the newly cultivated saxaul seedlings.

The technician's anxious voice came through the walkie-talkie:

"Secretary Ye! We just received a weather warning; continuous heavy rain may trigger flash floods. Our sand-fixing grass checkerboard system and drip irrigation system..."

Before the words were finished, a muffled sound came from afar, and the newly erected sand barrier collapsed under the impact of the mudflow.

In the capital city, thousands of miles away, the Jin sisters held an emergency meeting overnight.

Jin Ping slammed the tablet computer onto the table; the screen displayed images of the disaster at the desert camp.
"These facilities were all purchased with funds raised from the charity gala, and now it's all gone! People online are already questioning where the money went, saying our gala was just a publicity stunt!"

Her eyes reddened with anger, and her nails dug deeply into her palms.

Jin Wan stared at the progress chart of the desertification control project on the wall, then suddenly grabbed her car keys:

"Let's go to Ye Mao's place."

At the airport late at night, they mingled among ordinary passengers, wearing no makeup and windbreakers, until they boarded their flight to Kashgar, at which point they dared to take off their large sunglasses.

As the plane flew through the storm clouds, Jin Ping gazed at the churning dark clouds outside the porthole and murmured:
"Sister, aren't we being too naive? Combating desertification isn't something that can be solved with just one party."

As dawn broke, the two sisters rushed into the camp through knee-deep mud.

Ye Mao arrived from the repair site soaking wet, mud still dripping from his hair.

"Why are you here? It's dangerous here!"

Jin Wan didn't say anything, but bent down and picked up the broken half of the drip irrigation pipe. The gold lettering on the pipe that read "Green Dyed Desert" was particularly eye-catching in the mud.

She suddenly turned to her assistant and shouted, "Contact the media, I want to do a live broadcast from here." (End of Chapter)