Invasion of America

Chapter 116 Disenchantment
After visiting the 'White House' twice, Zhou Qingfeng's initial curiosity and awe about the place were completely dispelled.

This place is hardly a symbol of power; it's clearly a noisy and chaotic "luxury market."

The 'White House' was teeming with people, a constant stream of all sorts of people coming and going, their voices creating a buzzing background noise.

Every five minutes, you can see a staff member from a certain department, closely following their immediate supervisor, nervously walking into that oval office.

They seemed to be offering sacrifices to a high and mighty deity, hoping that their issues would grab the president's attention in those brief few minutes.

How much real government information can be conveyed in just five minutes? At best, it's just enough to hear a carefully packaged statement.

Thus, either the bureaucrats do whatever they say, and the president becomes a puppet kept in the dark; or the president makes arbitrary decisions based on a superficial understanding or a whim.

As for the corridor outside the office, all sorts of rumors, true or false, drifted around like invisible ghosts, sometimes mentioned in whispers, and then quickly disappeared into the next hurried footsteps.

While waiting for his official inauguration, Zhou Qingfeng overheard several people from the U.S. Department of Commerce talking about the "real estate" president in a mocking tone.

They relished his enthusiasm for attending various groundbreaking ceremonies and enjoying the vain moment of posing for photos with a gilded shovel in his hand.

Whenever the president enthusiastically told a joke, everyone present would dutifully force a smile and echo it—which only highlighted how bold and provocative Zhou Qingfeng's words, "There's no hope, just wait to die," were.

"The vice president said that it was probably because of that sentence that I seemed too unconventional, which made him think that he could try to appoint me to the position and change the deadlock."

Inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Zhou Qingfeng sat in the minister's office, which bore the plaque "Government Efficiency Department," calmly recounting his absurd appointment process to the few people in front of him.

At this moment, the only people standing in this office besides Shani, Deborah, and Ernst, his former subordinates from the "Ministry of Health," are none other than them.

Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the dozen or so unfamiliar faces in front of his desk and said frankly, "Gentlemen, I hope you will make your final decision after understanding the true situation."

Shani and the others each held a thick stack of files from "Dias," revealing shocking crimes.

These paper documents were solemnly instructed to "burn them after reading and not to be circulated outside the office."

As civil servants who have worked their way up from the bottom of the bureaucracy for many years, they are not entirely unaware of the corruption and stench of the bureaucratic system.

These real, concrete cases are like bloody wounds that have been peeled open, or like foul-smelling boils.

Reading every word in the case felt like a stain on the soul, sending an uncontrollable shiver down one's spine or igniting a raging fire in one's chest.

“I’ve transferred you from the Ministry of Health, but you are free to refuse this appointment and leave at any time,”

Zhou Qingfeng solemnly said, "I don't expect everyone to have the courage to face the darkness, because most people in this world choose to live a life of compromise and ignominy."

The Department of Efficiency is not a government department established with the approval of the U.S. Congress, but rather a staff agency established by the president with an executive order.

My title as minister sounds prestigious, but in reality I have little real power. I have very few agents under my command, and they can only conduct investigations, not enforce the law.

Our fate depends entirely on how close I am to the president.

When the pandemic broke out, all bureaucrats faced enormous survival pressures and had to temporarily unite around our Vice President to deal with the crisis together.

Now that the pandemic has eased slightly, bureaucrats at all levels who hold real power are beginning to stir.

The vice president's position is precarious, so in desperation, he's grasping at me as a lifeline. It's foreseeable that our days ahead will be anything but easy.

Zhou Qingfeng pointed to the open door of his office. "I'll give you an hour to consider it."

"You can change your minds and leave at any time during this hour, and I won't stop you. But if you don't leave after an hour, you'll have to risk your lives to work."

An invisible pressure filled the air, and the dozen or so employees looked at each other, feeling very uneasy.

They not only saw the numerous difficulties they would face after joining the "Efficiency Department," but also felt the real danger.

The tragic murder of Thomas' family was prominently displayed on the first page of their onboarding training.

The photos of the couple's blood-stained, twisted bodies were exposed to everyone's eyes without any attempt to conceal them.

While others recruit fewer people without resorting to sweet talk, Zhou Qingfeng throws out a series of cold warnings, revealing the cruelty and darkness hidden within the power arena.

"Think it over carefully, the time to decide your fate has come."

In less than an hour, two-thirds of the people in the office had left, with only five or six people still willing to work for Zhou Qingfeng.

Ms. Deborah, who had always seemed timid, stayed behind and said through tears, "Mr. Harden, if I ever die, please don't let my death be meaningless."

Zhou Qingfeng nodded in agreement and said very seriously, "If you die from assassination, I will avenge you."
-
After the pandemic swept through, all departments of the federal government faced the dilemma of a large number of civil servants leaving, and the Department of Government Efficiency was no exception.

This department was never a large organization to begin with, and coupled with its low salaries, only about a hundred people are still holding down their posts.

After assigning the newly recruited personnel, the minister's office door was knocked on again.

Xiao Jinlang, wearing the carefully disguised face of an old white man, walked in with a serious expression.

The door clicked shut, and he immediately pulled out several sophisticated electronic devices from his pocket, carefully scanning the electromagnetic signals in the room.

After confirming that he was not being monitored, he activated the jamming device, as if an invisible barrier had been added to the air.

"There's no need to be so careful, this is my territory." Zhou Qingfeng leaned back in his large office chair, looking relaxed.

“Speak English!” Old Xiao said sternly in a low voice. “We must be prepared for the worst and cannot afford any oversights.”

"Worst-case scenario" refers to the fact that Lao Xiao has a specially treated poison fang hidden in his mouth, filled with a high dose of cyanide.

Once it's bitten into pieces, it can end its own life within seconds, ensuring it never falls into the hands of the enemy.

"Xiao Zhou, your position is extremely crucial right now. Every step must be flawlessly executed." Old Xiao's tone was heavy and serious.

Zhou Qingfeng remained nonchalant, "Those good-for-nothings from the 'White House' think they can do anything to me?"

Once all the filters and halos are removed, those politicians in high positions are nothing more than a bunch of vulnerable clowns in his eyes.

Old Xiao, however, interrupted Zhou Qingfeng's arrogance with a stern face, saying without any politeness, "Those politicians may be useless, but the people in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are not."

Those who are trying every means to get rid of 'Harden' are no saints either.

The domestic "high-level" leaders have fully recognized Zhou Qingfeng's importance and are racking their brains to ensure his safety. Originally, the safest approach was to have Zhou Qingfeng do nothing, like a deeply buried chess piece, avoiding any rash actions and, more importantly, not risking transmitting any intelligence.

A ten-year or even longer period of incubation is an acceptable option.

However... Zhou Qingfeng is an unconventional guy, and there are far more than just one or two people who know his true identity.

Shani and Professor Hart were definitely aware of the situation, as were Grey Shark and Kelly.

Even his Mexican-American subordinates had a vague feeling that their young boss was doing very well in Washington, D.C.

Normal methods of infiltration were clearly no longer suitable for Zhou Qingfeng. After repeated deliberations, the domestic leadership ultimately decided to take the risk and send the experienced Lao Xiao over.

Not long ago, quite a few bureaucrats died mysteriously during the pandemic, some even with their entire families.

Old Xiao had taken over one of their identities and infiltrated the "Efficiency Department." Nominally, he was Zhou Qingfeng's subordinate, but in reality, he was there to protect and assist him.

"However, your current position is quite tricky," Old Xiao sighed, his voice tinged with worry.

"The vice president who promoted you is eager for you to achieve results as soon as possible to consolidate his position, while the bureaucrats who are hostile to you wish you would disappear immediately."

The current situation is like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you'll fall behind!

This is also an important reason why China sent him here, to help Zhou Qingfeng gain a foothold in Washington as soon as possible. "Xiao Zhou, what are your own plans?"

Zhou Qingfeng shrugged nonchalantly, "It's simple, just find a few of the most energetic guys and make an example of them."

“That’s what I think too. We definitely need to establish our authority.” Old Xiao nodded in agreement. “An offensive and defensive strategy will deter enemies in the shadows from easily turning against you, saving you a lot of unnecessary trouble.”

I'll pick a few suitable cases from 'Diaz's' shady files. You can expose their crimes to the public and give them a good shock to deter potential adversaries.

Zhou Qingfeng shook his head, "I don't want to follow the old path of the former 'Efficiency Department' minister. Relying solely on online exposure will have limited effect."

Old Xiao asked in surprise, "So what do you plan to do?"

“It’s simple. The Vice President is eager to see results and has given me permission to use any means necessary,” Zhou Qingfeng said coldly. “I plan to take out a few real troublemakers directly.”

Old Xiao was even more shocked, "How exactly do you 'take them down'?"

"It's about eliminating them in a physical sense!" Zhou Qingfeng didn't care much about formalities. "Start with the biggest troublemaker."

Before I took office, the Vice President hinted that his current situation was very bad and that he was unable to command any officials or departments.

The military, in particular, doesn't take him seriously at all, especially the navy, which already has its own ideas.

Those military leaders are trying to create friction in the Asia-Pacific region and forcibly provoke conflict in order to coerce Congress into increasing military spending.

Navy Chief of Staff Alvin even openly demanded that the president be declared incapable of governing, the vice president be removed from office immediately, and a new presidential election be held.

The vice president comes from the countryside and has quite a temper. He personally said he didn't care about any friction or conflict, and demanded that I take down that bastard Alvin as soon as possible, at all costs!

"Ah..." Old Xiao was dumbfounded, a chill ran down his spine and straight to his head—it's over, this kid is starting to use his brain, and... he came up with a 'genius' idea!
"You want to assassinate a four-star general in the U.S. Army?"
-
The last meeting at the White House was very rushed, but Harden left a deep impression on General Alvin.

His dullness, simple-mindedness, and awkwardness, which made the general feel uneasy, were traits that often led him to make unexpected moves.

The general handed Harden a gold-embossed business card, expecting the latter to be sensible and visit him in the following days as a sign of respect and to get closer to him.

Several days have passed, and everything seems to have sunk without a trace, with no response whatsoever.

General Alvin couldn't help but wonder whether this "Harden" was just pretending to be aloof or was truly naive, failing to actively court any faction.
I have never heard of this rapidly rising 'power star' actively approaching any faction in Washington, D.C.

"This guy... could he really be so naive as to think that by siding with that crumbling vice president, he can make a name for himself in Washington, D.C."

General Alvin sneered inwardly, a sense of displeasure rising within him as he recalled how his olive branch had been ignored.

He pondered for a moment, then instructed his secretary: "Call Mr. Harden of the 'Government Efficiency Department' and formally congratulate him on his successful inauguration."

On my behalf, I cordially invite him to an informal gathering this weekend at Naval Station Norfolk.

General Alvin emphasized the word "informal" to downplay the occasion and also to suggest the relaxed atmosphere of the gathering.

The secretary readily agreed and quickly dialed the phone number of the "Government Efficiency Department" located in the Eisenhower Executive Building to relay the general's invitation.

A few minutes later, the secretary reported, "Secretary Harden's assistant answered the phone. After expressing his gratitude, he gladly accepted your invitation to the gathering this weekend."

Upon hearing this reply, General Alvin's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and he let out a slightly satisfied "hmm" through his nose, thinking to himself:

"Hopefully, Harden understands his place and doesn't try to disrupt the current political landscape or touch upon interests he shouldn't. If necessary, he needs to be given a warning."
-
Over the weekend, Zhou Qingfeng, who accepted the invitation, took a helicopter from Washington, D.C., to Norfolk Naval Base, more than 200 kilometers to the south, and landed on the deck of the USS Ford aircraft carrier.

"Harden." As Zhou Qingfeng stepped off the plane, dodging the fierce wind from the rotor blades, he immediately heard someone calling him from outside.

General Alvin led several subordinates over, laughed heartily, and patted Zhou Qingfeng on the shoulder, much more affectionately than last time, "Congratulations, you are the most distinguished guest at tonight's gathering."

"I am grateful for the Vice President's trust, and it is also my honor," Zhou Qingfeng replied with a formulaic, insincere smile.

The enthusiastic general had his arm around Zhou Qingfeng's shoulder, laughing heartily. "Harden, why didn't you come to the Navy Club last time I invited you?"

Zhou Qingfeng cursed inwardly: "You just gave me a business card without a number. I have no idea which way your club's door faces. How am I supposed to get there?"

The upper class has its own way of doing things, and Zhou Qingfeng hasn't experienced enough of that; he really doesn't understand.

When asked, he frankly replied, "I think it would be better for me to attend your gathering after I take office."

The general misunderstood, thinking that Zhou Qingfeng was unwilling to be wronged—after all, the status of a Ministry of Health official was quite different from that of a minister of the 'Efficiency Department,' and the treatment they received was worlds apart.

"Come on, let's go to the hangar. Lots of friends are eagerly waiting to meet you."

Zhou Qingfeng hadn't expected the gathering to take place on an aircraft carrier, and he subconsciously asked, "Isn't the USS Ford currently on duty?"

The admiral personally explained: "Aircraft carrier operations have three cycles: training, maintenance, and duty. Currently, the USS Ford is undergoing a short maintenance period of three months."

Come on, let me show you America's most powerful military equipment. You'll love it.

(End of this chapter)