America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 254 Honest Official

At Jason's invitation, Zhang Ailun took a seat, and a waitress in a cheongsam immediately opened a bottle of liquor and poured him a glass of baijiu.

I tried it, and it tasted pretty good.

Next, they chatted about various topics, including their current situation and some trivial matters in life, but they generally kept their feelings to themselves when it came to sensitive topics.

James didn't ask Zhang Ailun, an Asian, why he would have a name like Humbert Juankin.

After a few rounds of drinks, Jason steered the conversation towards the main topic, asking, "I heard that Mr. Kim's Hamburger Foundation acquired the town's estate and invested in an underground resource engineering project, extracting oil worth hundreds of millions of dollars?"

"Just lucky," Zhang Ailun chuckled. "It's strange, really. I just struck oil today, how did you know, Mr. Congressman?"

"I already said, there are no councilors here, just ordinary friends," Jason immediately denied. "Does having a councilor status mean I can only be your friend?"

"Of course not, but I'm just an ordinary law-abiding citizen. The most I do is can recycling and I run a bar with other people. I don't have much contact with relevant departments or the Los Angeles government, so I'm quite sensitive about this area."

Zhang Ailun said.

Jason fell into deep thought.

You mean you have hundreds of homeless followers under your command, providing them with housing, jobs, and a vibrant mobilization organization. There's no drug use or disturbances, police-community cooperation, and order is maintained. Free shopping on the streets of the five districts is gradually decreasing.

There's also an armed nation that recently made a deal with a military base; who knows what kind of amazing treasure they might pull out of their arsenal.

He has people, money, guns, and even incriminating evidence against many people.

The people under his command were all hardened criminals, penniless beggars, and fearless naiveté who had nothing to lose.

Now we have several hundred million more in funds.

Is this what you call an ordinary citizen?

Is there any way for ordinary citizens to survive?

I'm really afraid of upsetting you. You might just send one of your underlings to draw lots and ambush me on my way home from get off work, trying to shoot me in the back!

Jason looked at Zhang Ailun meaningfully, "Okay, you are indeed an ordinary law-abiding citizen. I hope that everyone in Los Angeles will be a law-abiding ordinary citizen like you, because you have not broken the law. Even if you have, that is the responsibility of the court, and it has nothing to do with me."

"The first to know about your oil discovery were the relevant departments of the Department of Land and Resources, because they follow up on everyone who applies for a mining permit. I happened to learn from Cooper that you were still an employee of our Green Letter Asylum, and I also learned from some friends that you had discovered oil and participated in a private auction, so I thought I should meet you."

Jason stated that he had no other intentions; he simply wanted to take this opportunity to get to know you, even though he was the undisputed leader of District Five.

But you seem to be much better than me.

"I did participate in the auction and consigned an ordinary collectible. I also received a lot of inquiries from people at oil companies and refineries who wanted to discuss cooperation on development projects," Zhang Ailun said with a smile. "However, I find oil development too time-consuming and troublesome. I'm considering selling one or two oil fields if the price is right."

"Your idea is indeed very interesting."

Jason was lost in thought, completely bewildered. He seemed to be planning to run away at any moment.

Shouldn't a normal person spend twenty years developing their family business?

"Hamburg, do you enjoy playing badminton? I happen to have a membership card here; if you like fitness, you might want to take it."

Jason changed the subject again, took out a club card, placed it on the table, and pushed it to Zhang Ailun. "It doesn't have any special meaning. It's just that on weekends, you can sit down with a few friends, play badminton, take a walk, and have a few cups of coffee. Of course, milk tea is fine too."

"Of course I'd love to."

Zhang Ailun smiled and accepted the badminton club membership card. He probably wouldn't need it on a regular basis; it was just an ID card and an admission ticket.

If you don't have enough value and strength, you won't be able to get in no matter how hard you try. But if you have enough confidence, they will come to you and ask you to do their favors.

"Mr. Jackson, I heard that your wife's father is a director of the water company, but the recent storm caused a large-scale power outage in District 5 and a rupture in the underground water supply pipes, resulting in water pollution. He doesn't seem to be having a good time lately," Zhang Ailun said.

"That's right. It's not just him who's having a hard time; I'm having a hard time too. I'm going through a divorce with my wife, and she suspects I'm having an affair, which is complete nonsense."

Jason said helplessly, "The water supply problem in District 5 is still being resolved. Coupled with trivial family matters and other messy things, my public approval rating has been declining. If this continues, I may have to resign under pressure."

"I'm sorry, I can't help you with this," Zhang Ailun said.

"It's alright, I'm already looking for someone to handle it. I believe it can be resolved quickly. After all, this kind of problem occurs every year in Los Angeles. California's fiscal deficit is already out in the open, and Los Angeles can only look after itself."

Jason said, "Los Angeles has fifteen boroughs and fifteen council members: East, West, South, North, and Central. The South's council members have always lagged behind the West, after all, they're backed by Hollywood; they can solve anything with money. If I try to solve problems in the South by spending money, or even by putting on airs and oppressing those people, those street gang leaders will definitely have someone shoot me in the back!"

What's wrong with the councilor again?

Even the most powerful people in a district can be involved in car accidents, get shot in the head, or die by suicide after being shot 27 times in the back. How many councilors have been fired, gone bankrupt, or become homeless due to online harassment and public opinion issues?

Los Angeles has been very restrained. You haven't seen the congressmen in neighboring Mexico and the border cities; they change their representatives every few days.

It's all about whoever the financial backers think is doing well and then putting them in positions of power. But these backers also depend on whether the legislators will provide them with financial support, making their situation very delicate.

A dismissed legislator is worse off than a dog, but an incumbent legislator has a lot of power and should still be given some respect.

"My Hamburger Foundation is currently short of an advisor for District 5. I wonder if Mr. Jackson would be interested?" Zhang Ailun smiled slightly and extended an invitation to the other party. "Don't worry, this job is very easy. You only need to come and sit down in your spare time. There are no tedious things to deal with on weekdays."

After a moment's thought, Jason readily agreed. "If it's just a temporary assignment to handle some routine paperwork, I'd be happy to. Where is the work location? Perhaps I can come and work overtime when I'm on vacation or after get off work. Ideally, it would be legal or legal matters. You should know I've studied law on my own. If it's something I can't handle, perhaps other colleagues in the club would be willing to help you."

They didn't make any overly confident statements. What exactly can be accomplished depends on how much money the Grand Master is willing to spend.

"It's just a regular job. The workplace is in the XX Commercial Street Building," Zhang Ailun assured him.

The two parties happily completed the "friendship deal".

They chatted and laughed, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts. Cooper stood beside them, pouring drinks for the two of them, feeling like an ant, unable to get a word in edgewise.

After downing half a bottle of Moutai, the leader was already showing signs of being unable to hold his liquor. Jason was also flushed, looking like a fair-skinned, red-faced young man, and his speech began to become incoherent, with him groping and touching the female waitress next to him.

Seeing that the conversation was getting increasingly inappropriate, Cooper quickly suggested that the two of them go back to rest and talk again another day.

After the conversation, Zhang Ailun and Jason shook hands and said goodbye, while Cooper drove the leader back.

Before leaving, Jason said, "I heard from Cooper that you don't seem to have a permanent place to live in the city besides the manor and ranch. It just so happens that Cooper recently bought an apartment building from his friend in a prime neighborhood in District 5. If you don't mind, you can settle there first."

He took out the keys and handed them to Cooper, asking Cooper to drive Zhang Allen there.

Zhang Ailun waved goodbye to Jason, and Cooper drove the leader to the vicinity of the apartment.

Just as Jason said, this isn't a particularly good community; in fact, some areas are old and dilapidated.

After all, compared to the West and East, the South is a poorer region with less developed infrastructure and economy; otherwise, it wouldn't have been designated as a homeless concentration camp. This apartment complex is also quite basic, with prices around $200,000.

Zhang Ailun looked at the community and fell into deep thought, trying to figure out the councilor's intentions.

Cooper parked the car on the side of the road and was about to help the leader out of the car, but Zhang Ailun got out of the car by himself, as if nothing had happened.

"You're not drunk?" Cooper asked, somewhat surprised.

"Only half a bottle of Moutai? I have a high alcohol tolerance, but I don't really like drinking."

Zhang Ailun chuckled. "I don't really like the style of this apartment. The congressman knows I'm not short of money, yet he still had you bring me here. You're not hoping I'll give him an apartment, are you?"

“The congressman absolutely did not mean that,” Cooper said immediately.

"That's strange. A Los Angeles city councilor's annual salary is around 180,000, which is the income of a middle-class or upper-class family, but I heard he's still taking out a mortgage to buy a house?" Zhang Ailun asked, "What are the Green Letter Shelter's cash flow used for?"

Faced with this crucial question, Cooper hesitated for a moment, but still explained, "Actually, the funds on the books don't just belong to Mr. Congressman alone; there are also charitable investments from other friends, which circulate through the Green Letter Shelter. With a million dollars in turnover, Mr. Congressman only makes a profit of twenty or thirty thousand dollars. Los Angeles real estate is so expensive; even with several years' worth of extra income, it's difficult to buy a fully furnished apartment in a prime location, let alone two. The water company's board is currently facing difficulties and can't provide support to Mr. Congressman."

In order for lawmakers to pass a bill, in addition to voting in the Senate, they must also solicit public opinion and obtain public approval in everything they do.

Tickets are free?

Giving citizens eggs, milk, and welfare benefits—it doesn't cost any money, does it?

Where did the money come from?

It's not like the congressmen are running around looking for investors to invest in them.

"I manage most of the project funds for the congressman. I've calculated that the funds he has can only repay three installments of the mortgage at most."

Cooper leaned closer and whispered, "If he divorces his wife, he'll have to give up half of the two houses and two cars, half of the money in his account, and he'll also have to support her."

"Talking about your boss behind their back is not a wise choice," Zhang Ailun said immediately and seriously. "The congressman is such a dedicated and admirable leader who serves the citizens so diligently."

The Southern Branch can embezzle millions of dollars at a time. Which branch chief doesn't own two houses bought outright? The branch chief of Little Rock even has a villa in Palm Valley and keeps two 18-year-old white girls as mistresses.

Our councilor from District 5 started from scratch and is still taking out a loan to buy a house; it's truly touching.

What an honest official!

The leader decided that once he returned, he would find a way to provide the congressman with an entire apartment so that he wouldn't be unable to repay his loan after the divorce and would be homeless.

"Our Hamburger Foundation is currently short of an advisor. I wonder if you would be interested in doing a part-time job?" Zhang Ailun asked Cooper.

"I think my current job as the shelter supervisor is pretty good." Cooper hesitated, wanting to refuse.

"The work is easy, I earn $2 to $3 a month, I don't have to pay taxes, and I also get bonuses," Zhang Ailun said.

Cooper's expression changed swiftly, and he said enthusiastically, "Mr. Kim, what are you saying! Of course I'd be happy to come work here. If you need anything in the future, just let me know. If it's inconvenient for you, you can ask Rena to tell me, and I'll talk to the congressman and make sure it's taken care of!"

"Then it's settled." Zhang Ailun nodded in satisfaction, took out his phone and contacted Zorro. He had been quietly recuperating for the past two days, so he inquired about Zorro's physical condition and asked him to come and drive for him.

Zorro: You have a mission for me? Who are you going to kill?

Zhang Ailun: I'm not going to kill anyone, I just need you to come and help me drive. I've been drinking and can't drive. This is Los Angeles! Not Laredo! This is a society governed by law!

Zorro: Drinking isn't like smoking marijuana, does that mean I can't drive? Big cities have so many annoying habits, there's no freedom at all. Okay, I'll be there soon.

In Laredo, forget about drinking and driving; you could be smoking opium and masturbating at the same time and nobody would care, as long as you didn't cause an accident. Even if someone dies, it's a minor matter; who cares how you drive?

After waiting for more than ten minutes, Zorro arrived.

Wearing a black jacket, jeans, and Doc Martens, along with sunglasses and a mask, he looked like a mysterious figure, walking with a confident stride. The bandages on his body had been removed, and it seemed that his wounds were healing quite well.

After getting into the car and fastening their seatbelts, Zhang Ailun waved goodbye to Cooper. He took out his phone, set the navigation, and said, "First, we'll go to the camp to change to a delivery truck, then head to the warehouse in the suburbs."

"OK".

The leader didn't say much, so Zorro didn't ask any further questions, showing great professionalism.

After two days of learning, he had a pretty good understanding of the business the Grand Master was involved in.

However, he didn't really want to work for Armed Nation. Anyway, he had already made hundreds of thousands of dollars from the stock market, so he could just eat and drink all day, play poker in bars, and wait for the leader to assign him tasks.

Who can blame them when the Grand Master is so rich, transforming himself into a billionaire? He's exactly the kind of professional talent they need! Shrimp, he's a pro!

They should just go and help the leader solve his problems.

In a few tens of minutes, they drove to a warehouse in the suburbs. Zorro had just parked his car nearby and lit a cigarette when he saw a conspicuous military truck turn into the warehouse area.

Several ground crew soldiers in camouflage uniforms came down from above and began unloading and moving things. Large and small bags were stacked together, and the boxes were covered with black cloth, so it was impossible to tell what they were.

After unloading all the goods from the truck, the people got back on and drove away, leaving only an elderly man behind.

The other person took out their phone and dialed a number, but unexpectedly, the phone rang next to them.

The old man was stunned for a moment.

Zhang Ailun glanced at the caller ID, chuckled, and got out of the car. He greeted them, "No need to call, I've been waiting here for ages."

When Marushin saw the arrival of the Grand Master, he immediately became somewhat uneasy.

He asked疑惑地, "I haven't even contacted you yet, how did you know I'd finished loading the goods?"

"Of course I have my own sources of information, and I've been keeping an eye on things." Zhang Ailun smiled and led Zorro straight to the goods. He lifted the black cloth and took a look; there were some military labels on the boxes.

He pointed to the box. "May I open it and take a look?"

"Whatever you want, as long as the money is ready." Marushen thought for a moment and then decided not to worry about it.

Anyway, he's just trying to make money. After he gets the money, he'll have to share it with the staff at the airplane graveyard. It's not like he'll get it all by himself.

Those who try to eat alone will not have a good ending!

(End of this chapter)