America: Starting with Daily Intelligence

Chapter 378 Money Power Fails

Zhang Ailun browsed through other related news articles and then put his phone away. Just then, Pele finished his breakfast and called over the waitress to clear the table.

The two exchanged flirtatious glances during this time, but the Grand Master simply ignored it.

Not long after, Madison arrived, leaning on his cane and accompanied by his granddaughter. Seeing the two in the hall, he laughed and waved, "Good morning, Mr. Kim. How did you sleep last night?"

"Not bad, how about you?" Zhang Ailun nodded in acknowledgment and replied, "You went to bed so late last night, it's rare to see you up so early."

"Late? This is just my normal routine." Madison didn't mind the leader's teasing. With his granddaughter's help, he sat down on the sofa. "I just got up and had a check-up with my private doctor. The diagnosis showed that I'm in good health. I also followed his advice. You were all having a good time last night, but I didn't, and I didn't take any medication."

"Then should I say a few more words of praise to you?" Zhang Ailun teased.

"No need for that, you just need to prepare in advance to celebrate my 70th, 80th, or even 90th birthday," Madison laughed heartily.

"Before you say these things, I suggest you watch the news first," Zhang Ailun said, gesturing for the other person to watch TV.

Madison glanced at the news on TV, somewhat puzzled. After understanding the situation, he immediately said with disdain, "What the hell? Modern piracy is rampant in South America and the Caribbean again? These media outlets just love to sensationalize."

"I don't think so," Zhang Ailun said with a smile. "Pulling out a radish brings out the mud. The downfall of Haitian General Assad has exposed some of the inner workings of the wealthy, as well as the drug smuggling trade, indirectly drawing the attention of several high-ranking South American politicians to Soro Island. Some people are now having trouble sleeping at night."

Zhang Ailun joked, "Haven't you been paying attention to the hottest topics on the internet right now? Even my Jehovah Island and your Collection Island are being criticized because of this. Those poor people at the bottom of society are even shouting that they will spontaneously form an armed force to fight against and rob you!"

"Is that so?" Madison was startled upon hearing this. He quickly asked his granddaughter to get his phone, put on his reading glasses, and studied it carefully for a while. After reading it, he was speechless.

"I thought someone was really going to cause me trouble, but it turns out it was just some people talking nonsense online..."

"Don't worry, these people can't accomplish anything great. They're just selfish ostriches. If something really happens, they'll just bury their heads in the ground, trying to bury their heads in the sand and escape unscathed, refusing to admit it and wanting others to save them. The reason the poor are poor is because they lack independent thinking and are easily instigated and manipulated, especially online. But similarly, those who consider themselves normal people never dare to easily break the law."

Madison waved his hand with a smile, "After all, without the protection of the law, they really become just a lump of meat on the dinner table."

Zhang Ailun was speechless looking at the old man's slave owner's face and aristocratic demeanor. He nodded and said, "I hope it's really as you say. However, in order to be able to celebrate your birthday for the next few decades, I still suggest that you don't show your face outside recently, and don't participate in any auctions. Keep a low profile, and strengthen the security measures on the island as much as possible."

Collection Island is not like Jehovah Island; it's much closer to California in the continental United States. You can get there in the blink of an eye by speedboat or plane. If some madman were to be lying in wait with a bomb, wanting to take Madison with him, there would be no stopping him.

Unlike Jehovah's Island, which is far from the American mainland and has dangerous shipping routes, you might encounter smugglers before you even find Jehovah's Island.

Those guys are no pushovers. The most dangerous place is also the safest place, at least you won't be easily dragged into this media storm and you'll avoid being harassed by some trash.

Madison carefully considered the Grand Master's suggestion and nodded. "We'll do as you say. I was originally planning to attend an auction in Las Vegas. There's an antique vase I've got my eye on there, but given the recent unsettling situation, I'd better keep a low profile."

He turned to his granddaughter and said, "Contact Twitter and other online platforms and ask them to minimize the risk of negative publicity, shift the focus, and block all hashtags related to me. I don't care how much it costs, just don't bother me. I'm too old to take any more trouble."

"Okay, Grandfather," the granddaughter said, then got up and left. Zhang Ailun was somewhat surprised. "You're willing to spend money. What does your granddaughter do?"

Madison smiled. "She's currently working at a newspaper as an intern reporter, frequently traveling around Hollywood. I contacted their boss yesterday to discuss investing in the newspaper's media company. She'll be a full-time employee soon."

Zhang Ailun wholeheartedly agreed, saying that this is how money works, and that's something to understand.

The two chatted for a while longer, and before they knew it, it was noon. Zhang Ailun suddenly received a message from Old Jack. He opened his phone and glanced at it; it was their action plan.

Sure enough, it was related to the truck accident news Blitz had sent earlier. It detailed how they committed the crime and what methods they used to exploit the truck, traffic lights, and damaged cameras to cause the target's accidental death.

Zhang Ailun: You did a good job. Did no one notice during the process?

Old Jack: Does the presence of a dog count?

Zhang Ailun: If that dog could speak human language, then even so, it would need to be eliminated.

Old Jack: Good heavens, buddy, you're really cruel. Watch out, the animal protection association might come knocking on your door.

Zhang Ailun: Old Deng, you can take care of people quietly, but you can't take care of a dog?

Old Jack: Who said that? Of course I could handle it. Using poison or other methods would be easy, but there's no need. Killing a dog is actually much harder than killing a person because dogs are too sensitive. When cornered, they'll fight back and jump over walls, but people just run away, their legs going weak with fear.

Zhang Ailun: Where are you now? How many targets do you have left?

Old Jack: We should be able to wrap things up by the afternoon. We chose to split up, since we already knew their operational plan and daily routine. All we needed to do was plant explosives on their aircraft beforehand and have people lying in wait nearby, watching them die, like in Final Destination—all coincidences. It would take two or three days at the shortest, and no more than a week at the longest!

Zhang Ailun: Okay, you guys did a great job.

Old Jack: I've taken care of what I had on hand. Violet and Zorro will handle the rest. I'm ready to head back. You'd better get your bonus ready too!

Zhang Ailun: We met at the villa.

After chatting with Old Jack for a few more minutes, he put away his phone. Looking at Madison, who was talking eloquently, the leader of the gang couldn't sit still any longer and decided to leave.

He got up, called out to Bailey, and greeted Madison.

"You're leaving already? Not staying a little longer?" Madison stopped talking, sounding a little regretful.

"There's not much to do here. My family is very large and I'm always busy, unlike you, who's already semi-retired." Zhang Ailun smiled and said, "When I choose to retire someday, I'll have plenty of time to enjoy myself."

"Okay, I'll have someone send it to you," Madison nodded.

"No need, we can drive there ourselves. We can also pick up the two black panther cubs from the zoo on the way." Zhang Ailun waved his hand and led Bailey out of the villa's lobby.

"Don't worry, I've already arranged for someone to handle the paperwork for you. Even if we get caught at the airport, it won't matter." Madison saw them off and watched them get into a bulletproof car.

"Thank you so much." Zhang Ailun smiled, waved at him, and then closed the car door.

Fasten your seatbelt, turn to Pelé and tease, "Aren't you going to chat with your new lover?"

"We'll communicate on the phone. If it really doesn't work out, then forget it." Bailey shrugged, looking completely indifferent, clearly awakened by the Grand Master's earnest teachings.

"Let's drive," Zhang Ailun said, then leaned back in his leather seat and said no more.

Bailey started the vehicle and took a detour to the zoo area. He quickly arrived at his destination and parked on the roadside. Nearby staff, having received instructions from Madison, handed over the cage with two black panther cubs to Bailey, repeatedly instructing him on the details of their care.

"Since taking care of them is such a hassle, why don't you just come with our boss? Anyway, there are so many zookeepers here, how much can Madison pay you? Our boss will definitely pay you more!" Bailey joked.

The zookeeper glanced in astonishment at the helmsman in the back seat of the car.

Zhang Ailun also thought the suggestion was good, and immediately asked with a smile, "I happen to have the same idea of ​​building a zoo on the island. Although the investment wouldn't be too large, it would still require professionals in this field. Sir, what's your name?"

"Spencer." The zookeeper seemed a little flustered. He hadn't expected to get the job so suddenly.

"How much does Madison pay you?" Zhang Ailun asked.

"According to the salary level of senior zookeepers in California, the hourly wage is $18.5-$22.5, averaging $20. But Mr. Madison pays us much higher than the average. My hourly wage is $25-$30. My main responsibility is to take care of the daily life of large carnivores, including training them in interaction and commands, and being able to provide emergency treatment when necessary, handling some minor anorexia and inflammation issues. That's all, sir," Spencer said nervously.

"Are the salaries of senior zookeepers really that high?" Zhang Ailun was somewhat surprised; it was comparable to hiring an excellent mercenary.

After thinking it over, he immediately extended an invitation to him, "Spencer, would you like to work on my island? I'll pay you $35 an hour. All you need to do is take care of these two black panthers and help them grow up healthy. Oh, and there might also be an experimental pig with human organs inside it. It seems to be doing quite well so far, and it's very resilient. I might also bring in other animals that I'm interested in later."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Kim, but I have to refuse. It's not about money; some things can't be measured by money. My relationship with Sherry is so good, and I can't bear to leave her."

The Grand Master was confident of success, but Spencer turned out to be a middle-aged man of conviction. Even though he had lost all his hair, after considering it for a fraction of a second, he resolutely refused the Grand Master's invitation.

"Sherry is your wife? Then let's go together," Bailey said.

"Is Sherry the big black panther?" Zhang Ailun asked.

"That's right. I've loved living in harmony with all kinds of animals since I was a child. I even took a special course to learn about this. I even thought about living with animals on the African savanna. I've been working in this field for over eighteen years now and have been in contact with many animals. Sherry is also a very obedient and sensible girl. I've invested a lot of affection in her, and I can't leave her for now."

Spencer said earnestly, "I also hope you can take good care of Sydney's babies. To be honest, they've only been born a few days and they'll have to leave their mother. If they're not cared for properly, they risk dying. But I'm not their real owner, and I can't disobey Mr. Madison."

Zhang Ailun pondered, "You're someone who truly understands animals. I respect your opinion."

He glanced at the two little black panthers in the passenger seat and immediately said, "Then you should take them back first. They're so small, they're really easy to die. It was my oversight. In two weeks, when they're a bit bigger, I'll contact Madison to airlift them over."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Kim, you are such a kind animal lover!" Spencer said gratefully.

"Hehe." Zhang Ailun chuckled. These days, is being a good person just because you love animals? That makes being a good person too easy.

But he didn't say much, because Spencer was clearly a rare and rather pure person in society.

After Bailey handed the black panther cub back to him, he waved goodbye to Spencer.

"If you ever lose your job and want to do the same work again, you can come to me. I guarantee I can give you a satisfactory salary and benefits," Zhang Ailun said.

"Thank you, Mr. Kim, have a safe journey." Spencer said gratefully, carrying the cage, and watched the car turn around and drive away until its taillights disappeared at the intersection. Only then did he turn back into the zoo.

Madison, on the other hand, was also quite surprised when he learned of this news. He suddenly felt that he might not know enough about his employees.

After careful consideration, I immediately made a new decision.

"Promote Spencer and give him a raise, let him take over the position of the original director and be responsible for taking good care of my animals. With someone like him on the island, he's definitely reliable."

"Huh? But the previous headmaster did a pretty good job too." The son, Smith, was somewhat surprised.

"He did a good job? Well, then he must have been unlucky." Madison chuckled and said nonchalantly, "I didn't see whether he did a good job or not. Luck is part of ability, after all. Besides, I only demoted him, I didn't fire him."

"..." Smith was speechless. You might as well just fire him. But in the end, he obediently did as his father said.

On the other side of the island's airport, the vehicle arrived at the runway, and the leader had already boarded the return flight, unaware of what had happened on the island.

But the little black panther received better care, Spencer got a promotion and a raise, and both were happy, with a brighter future for everyone. Only the headmaster had to bear the burden.

Where is the headmaster?

The kindergarten director fainted in the bathroom after learning the devastating news.

(End of this chapter)