A good life starts with blind date

Chapter 299 Of course I also want a promotion

Winters in Europe are also cold. Although Brussels enjoys the warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean and rarely snows in winter, it is still cold. In the past, gasoline and gas were cheap, so people could burn them freely in winter, but this has not been the case in the last two years.

The two leaders worked for three years, making things difficult for the Europeans as well.

Poor people have already started burning firewood.

It's the weekend, and it's raining outside.

Several people living in the dormitory didn't want to go out to eat, so they cooked for themselves.

While cutting fruit, Zhang Yulong asked Jiang Yixue, "What are we doing tomorrow?"

Jiang Yixue said, "I have nothing to do, so I'll just stay in the dorm!"

"Aren't you going out to play?"

"I don't want to go, it's too cold."

Zhang Yulong then asked Antali, "Antali, what about you?"

Antalia said, "I plan to do some laundry and then read some books this weekend."

"Is not you going home?"

"I'm not going home, it's too cold there."

"It's time to turn on the heating."

"Natural gas is too expensive, so I don't plan to go home in the winter. I want to save money to buy a car."

What kind of car do you want to buy?

"Buying a used BMW would cost about six thousand euros, and it would take me six months to save up enough."

Jiang Yixue listened to the two talking while she was frying the steak.

He suppressed a laugh.

She realized that her boss's cousin had feelings for Antalis.

After listening for a while, I felt a little confused again.

Being in a foreign land, where does one's future lie?

The past may fade away with the wind, but those unbearable experiences remain like a thorn stuck in my heart.

I want to completely let go, but I can't forget it.

Just as I was lost in thought, a Mercedes drove into the yard.

I craned my neck to take a look, and saw the car parked downstairs.

Boss Jiang and Seville got out of the car.

Jiang Yixue immediately called out, "Zhang Yulong, your cousin is here."

Zhang Yulong paused for a moment, then said nonchalantly, "Come on then."

Jiang Yixue asked, "Aren't you going down to meet them?"

Zhang Yulong said, "I'm not going. He didn't come here specifically to see me."

Jiang Yixue clicked her tongue twice, finding it interesting.

Soon, Jiang Ning and Seville went up to the second floor.

I strolled over and was quite surprised to see the three of them cooking.

"Young Master..."

"elder brother!"

Jiang Yixue greeted Zhang Yulong.

Jiang Ning glanced at the three of them: "Are you cooking?"

Zhang Yulong didn't really want to talk.

Jiang Yixue then added, "It's raining and I don't want to go out, so I made it myself."

"Should I treat you?"

"The food is almost ready."

"All right……"

Jiang Ning didn't insist and glanced at the stove.

He went down with Seville.

It happened to be the weekend, and the small building was quiet and peaceful.

Apart from the three who cooked, everyone else went home.

Jiang Ning didn't stay there long and went to the hotel with Seville.

After dinner, Zhang Yulong was called in for questioning.

"How are you doing? Are you getting used to it?"

"I can adapt."

How's your French learning going?

"It's alright. It feels similar to English. Many words are the same. The only differences are in grammar and pronunciation. It's not difficult to learn. Just memorize more words."

"What about your major?"

"That takes time to learn."

Should we talk about having a boyfriend/girlfriend?

"Let's talk if we find someone suitable!"

What do you think of Jiang Yixue?

"Uh!"

Zhang Yulong scratched his head: "I don't have any feelings for her."

"What?"

Jiang Ning said, "She's never been married before, and you, a second-hand woman, are complaining about her?"

Zhang Yulong seemed to have something on his mind: "It's not that I dislike it."

Jiang Ning said, "Then why don't you like her? Jiang Yixue is not bad looking, and her personality is not that of a mediocre person."

Zhang Yulong finally came up with an excuse: "She's several generations younger than you, yet she calls you 'Grandpa,' that won't do."

Jiang Ning said, "We're more than five degrees of kinship and have no blood relation. We can each handle our own affairs, why can't we?"

"It just won't work."

Zhang Yulong shook his head vigorously.

Jiang Ning didn't force the matchmaking any further; he was just testing the waters.

Let's see if it's possible; if not, then forget it.

After a night's rest, I held a meeting with management the next day.

After lunch, I took the train to Germany.

I went to Hanover to visit the farms I had just bought.

As a result, German farmers raised their flags, blocking several roads. In recent years, the conflict between Russia and Russia has also greatly affected European farmers. Energy prices are one factor, and the government's financial difficulties and its desire to cancel agricultural subsidies have naturally made farmers unhappy.

As a result, various protests ensued.

European farmers are quite different from those back home. Back home, farmers are mostly smallholders, while European farmers are all landowners. They block roads with semi-trailers and tractors, and some even drive all the way to Berlin to protest. French farmers are even more extreme, spraying excrement directly at government buildings.

Tell me if it's powerful or not.

Jiang Ning watched with great interest; this was what a democratic society should look like.

If you're not satisfied, then make a scene; the government can't just act recklessly.

He was also a farmer, so he was very empathetic.

Since we weren't in a hurry, we even got out of the car and chatted with the farmers who were blocking the road at the rally.

He turned to Seville and asked, "Did any of our people participate?"

Seville said, "No, it's all the farmers protesting; the employees won't join in this kind of commotion."

Jiang Ning said, "Let's organize the people. How can we miss out on such a good thing? We are also farmers, and we share common interests with these protesting farmers. We can't be detached from the masses."

Seville said helplessly, "Boss, attending the rally will interfere with normal work. If it's on the weekend, no one wants to work overtime."

Jiang Ning said, "It's okay if work is delayed a little. Overtime is even easier to handle. Just give more overtime pay, and there will always be people willing to work overtime. I don't believe that everyone in Germany turns down money."

Seville could only nod in agreement: "Then I'll arrange it later."

I spent three days in Germany and am now preparing to return home.

Metses called: "Boss, people from the White House want to see you."

Jiang Ning was quite surprised: "Why do you want to see me?"

Metses said, "It's related to Socotra Island."

"Elaborate."

"The White House has concerns about the owner's acquisition of Socotra Island."

Jiang Ning understood immediately and thought for a moment: "I'm in Germany, I'll go there tomorrow."

"Good boss."

Metses didn't say anything more; this couldn't be explained over the phone. She flew to New York the following day.

After getting off the plane, I took a car to Manhattan.

There were huge photos of Trump everywhere along the way; the election is over.

If his opponent declares defeat, it means Trump has won the election.

It had a festive atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Metses was waiting in the guest room.

They chased away the bystanders and closed the door to discuss the matter.

Jiang Ning asked, "What's the situation now?"

Metses said, "The time has been set for the morning of the day after tomorrow. According to the information we have so far, some people are worried that the boss's acquisition of Solomon Island will threaten US national security, after all, the island's strategic location is quite special."

Jiang Ning frowned: "What nonsense! How could my buying an island threaten America's national security?"

Metses shrugged: "The boss should understand the tricks of the trade."

Jiang Ning nodded: "I have no connection with the government. Even if I eventually take over Socotra Island, that island won't be involved in this kind of issue."

Metses said, "Of course I believe the boss, but the White House doesn't."

Jiang Ning instantly realized: "Is this special seedling trying to extort money?"

Metses said helplessly, "The boss can understand it that way."

Jiang Ning wasn't surprised and asked, "Are there any other questions?"

Metses said, "None of our transactions touched any of America's sensitive nerves, and the gold transactions also took into account the interests of certain groups. No one will cause trouble for the boss in this regard."

"That's good!"

Jiang Ning had a plan in mind and they discussed it in secret.

The following day, they flew to Washington.

On the morning of the third day, I met with a representative of the White House.

A guy named Sullivan, the security consultant for the owner of the White House.

Good morning!

Good morning!

They shook hands and sat down.

Jiang Ning cut to the chase and asked, "What advice does the White House have for my acquisition of Socotra Island?"

Sullivan asked, "I'd like to know why you wanted to buy that island?"

Jiang Ning spoke frankly: "I have more money than I can spend. Buying an island wouldn't be a problem for me, would it?"

Sullivan: "..."

This answer was clearly unexpected.

However, the White House had already noticed and investigated this guy's large-scale purchase of farms and ranches in the United States, and for the time being, there were no problems. So they asked, "Why Socotra Island?"

Jiang Ning said, "There are two reasons. First, the island is big enough. Second, there is the issue of sovereignty. There are not many islands in the world that sell their sovereignty along with their islands. In fact, there are very few. So I plan to buy the island as my private property."

"Private property?"

"Correct."

"Unrelated to the Chinese government?"

"Of course, you can investigate."

Sullivan nodded: "I understand. I will report to the President truthfully."

Jiang Ning said, "That would be best, but I have a suggestion."

Sullivan asked, "What proposal?"

Jiang Ning said, "The Middle East is too chaotic. If I buy that island from Yemen, I plan to spend $500 million a year on its security and defense. If America is interested, we can talk."

Sullivan was quite surprised: "Are you sure it's five hundred million US dollars a year?"

Jiang Ning confirmed: "Of course, you heard right, it's five hundred million US dollars every year."

Sullivan nodded: "Okay, I understand."

Jiang Ning said, "However, I don't think there's any need to talk. The election is over, and it might be better to talk next year."

Sullivan replied without changing his expression, "Perhaps. I will report the results of this meeting to the President as they are."

"Ok!"

Jiang Ning got up to say goodbye, and the first meeting ended.

It went quite smoothly.

Back at the hotel, I discussed it with Metsis.

Metses suggested, "Boss, Trump will be in office in a little over a month. The White House is ready to be handed over, and negotiations on Solomon Islands are still ongoing. I think we should contact Trump's people in advance."

Jiang Ning asked, "Do you think Trump will cause us trouble?"

Metses said, "I don't think so. That lunatic wants to push for the return of manufacturing. Judging from the publicly available information, industrial investors like the boss would be natural allies of the White House. If the boss really intends to spend $500 million a year on the island's security, I believe the Department of Defense would be very happy and would become the boss's friend."

Jiang Ning thought for a moment and said, "Then let's arrange a meeting with Trump's people."

"Ok!"

Medesi agreed.

After waiting for three days, I finally met Trump's people.

We met privately and discussed the issue of Solomon Island.

Trump's people were not surprised and had obviously taken note of it.

The issue of protection fees was discussed.

After waiting for two days, Trump's people responded, expressing Trump's goodwill.

The matter of Solo Island has come to an end.

Jiang Ning and Metses flew to Wyoming.

There's a huge farm for sale, and negotiations are underway. I'll go take a look.

Winter has arrived, and the Arctic cold currents are moving south along the North American continent. Texas in the south is doing a little better, but the north-central regions like Wyoming are freezing cold, just like my hometown of Northern Ann, with a desolate landscape everywhere.

The farm is not a single farm, but thirteen farms.

Most of them are grouped together, and those that aren't together aren't too far apart.

The main purpose is to sell the items as a package, as the owner plans to retire in Europe.

The total area is over 200,000 acres, which is quite large.

I took a helicopter ride and looked around, but there was nothing there in the dead of winter.

There are thirteen farms: five grow wheat, two grow corn, and three grow oats and hay. The remaining three ranches raise a total of less than eight thousand cattle, which is a bit small, as many were sold off earlier.

After visiting the ranch, we flew to Texas.

I sent my regards to the workers in advance; Christmas won't be coming.

It's highly unlikely they'll come back before the Spring Festival.

Wagner Ranch has completed the transaction procedures and is currently receiving the goods.

The employees can stay, but the ranch manager has to be replaced.

After much thought, I came up with a suitable candidate.

Jiang Ning went to the nearby ranch, which was the first ranch she bought in America.

It's right next to Wagner Ranch; you just need to cross the ranch to get there.

Jiang Ning had a sheep slaughtered and had a get-together with a few old friends.

"Dude, I have a decision to announce."

Jiang Ning said to Qiao An and Gabriel while eating mutton.

Joanne asked, "What decision is the boss going to announce?"

Jiang Ning said, "I plan to buy several small ranches and farms nearby and merge them with Wagner Ranch. This will make management much easier. Then I'll have you as the manager of Wagner Ranch. What do you think?"

Joanne perked up: "If there's a chance for a promotion, I don't think I have any reason to refuse."

Jiang Ning said, "But you have no experience managing a large ranch, and I am very worried about your abilities."

Joan patted her chest and said, "Don't worry, boss, I will definitely become a qualified ranch manager."

"It's good that you have confidence!"

Jiang Ning clapped his hands: "I can let you give it a try, but let me make it clear in advance that if you are not capable enough, I will still find someone else. You need to be prepared, buddy."

Joanne was full of confidence: "I can definitely do a good job. Although this ranch is not big, the owner has not had to worry about it in the past few years. Gabriel and I have been managing everything, and we have accumulated a lot of experience."

"That's good!"

Jiang Ning then looked at Gabriel: "Buddy, what are your thoughts?"

Gabriel shrugged: "Of course I want a promotion too."

Jiang Ning laughed and said, "Then you will be Qiao An's deputy and manage Wagner Ranch well for me. In your spare time, learn more about agriculture. The Lake family in Wyoming is preparing to sell thirteen farms, and I plan to take them on. If we reach an agreement, I plan to send you to Wyoming. Be prepared."

Gabriel was overjoyed and said, "Don't worry, boss, I will study hard."

(End of this chapter)