Invasion of America

Chapter 35
The plan to visit the Apocalypse Biotechnology laboratory was abruptly terminated, and the acquisition process suffered a major setback.

Not only was Zhou Qingfeng surprised, but even the usually calm Kelly couldn't hide her anger.

Before even stepping out of the laboratory door, Kelly quickly made several phone calls, eager to find out the real reason behind this "rejection".

As a "business elite" who has worked in large investment banks for many years, she does not believe in the so-called "Ministry of Commerce ban" at all, and believes that someone is secretly manipulating it behind the scenes.

As for Zhou Qingfeng, his reaction was to laugh out of anger.

After the outbreak of the apocalypse, humans have been puzzled by one question: which bastard created the X virus that can continuously mutate and evolve?

At the beginning of the apocalypse, social order had not yet completely collapsed, governments and international organizations were still operating normally, and they had conducted investigations into the origin of the virus.

The final clues pointed to the 'apocalyptic creature' in Baitan Town.

However, the investigation stopped there.

Zhou Qingfeng is just an ordinary person struggling to survive in the apocalypse. Every day he thinks about how to get food and water to maintain basic survival, rather than how to save the world.

Most of his knowledge of the X virus came from unverified rumors and rumours. After struggling in the apocalypse for so long, who would have the time to delve into the origins of the virus?
Zhou Qingfeng had no idea what the X virus actually looked like. Even if the virus was placed in front of him, he wouldn't be able to recognize it.

After his rebirth, his only goal was to raise funds to prepare for the possible outbreak of the apocalypse.

Of course, he hopes that the virus will not break out so that he can live a peaceful and happy life for decades.

This time he came to "Apocalypse Biology" in person, originally intending to acquire this company, completely shut down the laboratory, and destroy all pathogens. Perhaps this would prevent the end of the world.

However, the acquisition route is now blocked... so I might as well use some drastic measures, at least I can save some money.
-
By the time Kelly returned to her apartment in Genting Highlands, she had gathered some preliminary information.

First of all, the U.S. Department of Commerce has indeed issued a "Sensitive Technology Export and Investment Restriction List", including aerospace, medicine and biology, semiconductors and AI.

These powerful industries in the United States are subject to restrictions with the aim of "preventing harm to national security."

But whether "Apocalypse Creatures" can be included in the "restricted list" is a matter of debate.

After all, the company is currently plagued by negative public opinion and has not produced any world-class technologies or products.

Its laboratory has not even obtained full FDA certification, and its so-called "biomedical potential" is nothing more than some inflated papers with little influence.

But when Zhou Qingfeng was still thinking about what happened behind the scenes, his cell phone rang.

Kelly's father, Jeff Connolly, the chairman of Pioneer Holdings, called and announced in a very serious tone:
"Victor, I believe you already know something. Don't focus on the 'Apocalypse Creature'. That's not a game you can play.

I previously agreed to sell my shares in Apocalypse Biotech, but I've changed my mind. I remind you that as a foreigner, your roots are too shallow.

You're only 18 or 19, don't act like a Boy Scout with a toy gun. Your life is just beginning, go have some fun like a normal teenager.

For example, date my youngest daughter Jennifer, who can introduce you to the people of Miami's high society.

Or get my oldest daughter, Kelly, pregnant so she can take maternity leave and have more grandchildren.

In short, stay away from the 'Apocalypse Creatures'; it will do you good."

When the call was disconnected, Zhou Qingfeng didn't even have the chance to ask "why?" But his rebellious nature was fully aroused.

Kelly also received "advice" from her father and was very worried that Zhou Qingfeng would feel humiliated and do something extreme.

Whether it is 'acting recklessly' or 'bearing resentment', it is not a good thing.

"Victor, my father actually means well. He probably hopes you won't do it openly." Kelly wanted to ease the atmosphere and give an explanation.

Zhou Qingfeng took a few deep breaths and waved his hand lazily, "I see. It's just a reminder to me that 'Apocalypse Biology' is a mess, don't just dive right in.

I really don't understand biochemical technology, nor do I understand the American capital circle. I am really incapable of organizing such a large-scale event right from the start.

How about we change our focus and develop low-altitude aircraft, electric ones, to partially replace helicopters in flying over cities?"

Zhou Qingfeng was being too easy to talk to at the moment, and even a fool could see that this was not his intention.

After all, when this guy gets angry, he can spend money to mobilize the National Guard and wipe out all the local gangs.

Kelly couldn't keep up with this jumping thought for a moment, and thought that it would be a good thing to persuade him slowly as long as this kid didn't get obsessed with the "apocalyptic creatures".

"Okay, I'll go find out about this."

After fooling Kelly, Zhou Qingfeng's view on the 'Apocalypse Creature' became much simpler - no matter what, no matter who was behind this, just find that person and kill him.

The team that developed the virus would also be disbanded or even eliminated, the pathogen would be destroyed, and naturally everything would be fine.

His first reaction was to call Gray Shark and the unknown friend in the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the background of Apocalypse Creatures from both the black and white sides.

For example, the company's funding sources, backers, and the core of the R&D team. As for financial statements and the like, Kelly had already taken care of them.

But the trembling old man Hammer came over first.——
"Victor." Old man Hammer was a little embarrassed, "I have remembered that I forgot something important. Some of my former colleagues are in trouble.

They are friends I have known for many years, friends I have shared adventures with, life and death with, and served our country with. But they are old now and need some help.

The old man spoke hesitantly and hesitantly.

Zhou Qingfeng reacted, "You need money, right?"

Hammer nodded, "Yes, we have a 'Patriot Foundation' that specializes in taking care of our elderly friends.

For various reasons, many people have very meager pensions or even no pension at all.

Some people live in trailers and are on welfare; some have PTSD and their health insurance has been cut off. I left the nursing home hoping to make some money.”

"How much do you need?" Zhou Qingfeng asked directly.

The old man pursed his lips and asked cautiously, "One million dollars, I know it's a bit much, but there are a lot of people who need help."

Zhou Qingfeng was very happy, "Hammer, you have helped me a lot.

Without the advice and connections you provided at the critical moment, I would not have been able to successfully rescue Julia and her daughter, let alone easily deal with the Chris family.

I got over $60 million from the Chris family, not including the real estate including the apartment. I can split half with you, $30 million.

The only problem is how to get the money legally into the 'Patriot Fund' you mentioned."

Hearing the number "30 million," Hammer felt a sense of relief. He was no longer the elite agent he once was, no longer possessing the agility and unwavering conviction he once possessed.

He is now just an old man who is confused, forgetful, and should be living in a nursing home and being despised by the caregivers.

He laughed heartily at Zhou Qingfeng's approval and said, "That's great, Victor. You're such a generous person. Thirty million dollars can solve all the problems my friends and I have. The legality issue is too simple. What's difficult for others is not a problem for us at all."

The old man happily gave Zhou Qingfeng a hug and patted his shoulders repeatedly, "Victor, you are such a good man. I didn't expect that the one who saved us would be our former opponent."

What?
Zhou Qingfeng felt that there was something else behind these words.

The old man smiled, revealing a hint of his former pride. "The relationship between China and the US is very complicated. I've worked in the CIA for decades, and I've had many encounters with my counterparts across the ocean."

This was true. Zhou Qingfeng didn't take it too seriously and decided to transfer a charitable amount from the 'Holy Light Foundation' to the so-called 'Patriot Foundation'.

Anyway, the foundation's money is used for 'socializing and giving gifts', so it would be a waste if it's not spent.
-
For a big client like Zhou Qingfeng, account transfer is a very simple matter.

He gave an order and Kelly made a phone call to have Old Baker's lawyer confirm and go through the electronic certification process.

After confirming the money had arrived, Hammer trembled slightly with excitement, but said he would leave temporarily. "Victor, I need to meet up with some old friends. I won't be back for a while."

"Let the nanny accompany you." Zhou Qingfeng was worried about the old man's amnesia.

"No, my friends will come to pick me up and take care of me." Hammer said a few words of thanks, took some simple luggage, and insisted on leaving alone.

He didn't stop Hammer, and saw the old man out of the apartment, watching him stagger into an old Ford F150.

The driver in the driver's seat was about fifty years old, with a shaved head and sharp eyes. He looked over Zhou Qingfeng, evaluating something.

The old man got on the passenger seat, waved goodbye to Zhou Qingfeng, and said something to the driver.
The driver was moved on the spot and saluted Zhou Qingfeng with a standard American military salute before starting to leave.

Zhou Qingfeng was stunned for a moment, and then he came to his senses - 'Patriot Foundation', why does this name exude an air of unpatriotism?
Not long after, the 'friend' at the Department of Homeland Security called, "Victor, my name is Diego.

Thank you very much for taking care of Hammer and supporting our foundation.

I never thought that you would donate 30 million US dollars to the foundation, which will completely solve our funding problems.

Although friendship is not important in our line of work and we are even more averse to acting on sentimentality, we will still take care of our big clients.

From now on, I will not charge for any consultation you have, unless it involves special confidentiality or is too complicated.

We will also put you on the whitelist, and we will pay attention to your situation in the future and provide reminders and assistance when necessary."

This is exactly the effect Zhou Qingfeng wants. What he buys with 30 million US dollars is a "relationship", which is more reliable than empty talk of "friendship".

He took the opportunity to recount the 'trouble' he was currently facing, and also deliberately emphasized that someone must have warned him through Jeff Connolly.

"I want to know who that person is?" Zhou Qingfeng was very averse to the idea of ​​someone plotting against him. He could choose not to acquire Apocalypse Biology, but he couldn't avoid knowing who was plotting against him.

"I'll help you check." The 'friend' readily accepted the task. "Jeff Connolly? He's just a watchdog in the capital circle. He's nothing in front of the Department of Homeland Security.

Someone who needs to rely on him to pass messages to intimidate you is not that strong.

I'll apply for permission to monitor his phone calls and scan his call logs. I'll give you a result within 24 hours.

By the way, I have prepared a gift for you. It will be delivered in two or three days. I believe you will like it. "

Zhou Qingfeng was happy to pay, and his 'friend' was happy to work, and even seemed to be trying to show it off, wanting Zhou Qingfeng to see that the money was not wasted.
-
After hanging up the phone with his "friend", Zhou Qingfeng dialed the number of "Gray Shark" and made the same request, to check the background of "Apocalypse Biology".

After the exchange, he specifically said to Gray Shark, "Porter, you can move now. I won't have anyone watching you anymore."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line. After a while, Potter asked with a somewhat uncertain tone, "You are no longer threatening me?"

"I'm sorry, Potter, for threatening you with your address and your mother. I was too weak at the time and had no reliable friends, so I had to rely on this method to protect myself.

But now.” Zhou Qingfeng chuckled, “There’s no need. I know you lack a sense of security. You can find a new place to hide.”

Gray Shark breathed a sigh of relief, but then asked anxiously, "Can you tell me how you knew all those secrets of mine?"

"Sorry, I can't tell you yet."

"I have a ridiculous guess," Gray Shark said in the basement, facing the flashes of the server and the computer screen, his voice suddenly becoming disembodied.

"Did I tell you those secrets from the future? You don't belong to this time and space?"

Zhou Qingfeng laughed heartily. "Have you gone crazy from watching 'Time Traveler'?"

"Yes! That's it!" Potter suddenly became excited. "No one knows I have read this book, and no one can trace it.

I didn't see that book online, nor did I buy it. My mother picked it up from a pile of unwanted books at a neighbor's house at a Saturday charity sale.

My mother hopes that I won’t be in front of the computer every day, but even she herself doesn’t know what’s in the pile of books. If I hadn’t told you myself.”

Zhou Qingfeng was speechless and quickly changed the subject, "Porter, you should go out for a walk. There are modified cars designed specifically for people with disabilities that can take your mother for a ride. She will definitely be very happy."

"Also, change your living place and find a self-sufficient independent courtyard. Don't put all your assets in virtual currency, allocate some gold and cash appropriately.

Hire a nanny for your mother. Don't always let her take care of you. She is old.

Also, the old widower she knew was a good man. Let them keep each other company and take care of each other in their old age."

"Victor!" Potter interrupted. "You're from the future, aren't you?"

"Don't think too much."

"What are you implying?"

"I'm going to hang up."

"Is there something you can't say?"

"Remember to help me find out who is behind this."

When the busy phone sounded, Potter sat in his wheelchair.

The LED lights in the basement cast mottled shadows on the server racks, but his eyes penetrated them, as if he saw a distant time and space.

There were footsteps on the stairs, and his mother's worried voice rang out: "Potter, I heard you shouting, what happened?"

He turned his head, looked at his mother's wrinkled face, and suddenly smiled: "A friend gave me some advice and told me to go out for a walk."

The old lady was stunned, then her eyes became moist: "You have friends? My God, you have been in the basement for more than ten years." Her voice trembled, "This is really great."

(End of this chapter)