The night of April Fool's Day is destined to be a sleepless night.
Early the next morning, Zhang Hao got up before seven o'clock. He didn't bother to brush his teeth and wash his face. He first called Bernard.
"Bernard, can I still contact Professor Chen?"
"Alas..." Bernard lamented, "Director Zhang, from last night to now, I have made more than a hundred calls in total, and not one of them has been answered."
"In addition to the phone, are there any other contact channels?" Zhang Hao asked immediately.
"Director Zhang, all communications on Europa have been interrupted. There is currently no way to contact Professor Chen. However, you don't have to worry too much. Professor Chen is in a non-combatant zone and he is a well-known figure in the industry. There should be no major security issues.
"
Bernard tried to persuade.
Just a few days ago, Professor Chen was visiting Germany and had no intention of returning. It should be impossible for him to appear in the Middle East in just a few days.
Zhang Hao pursed his lips and directly ordered: "Bernard, please call the city later and ask Mayor Chen to help find a solution. Professor Chen is the absolute core of our company and cannot be compromised."
"Don't worry, I'll call you later."
Bernard said solemnly.
If it were an ordinary company, he and Professor Chen would definitely be in a competitive relationship. If Professor Chen could not come back, he would be the best successor.
But Shuguang Company is different. In a sense, it is a company with a public welfare nature. Everyone comes together for a common dream, and the utilitarianism is not as strong as imagined.
In addition, Professor Chen was kind to him, so he hoped from the bottom of his heart that he would return safely.
Zhang Hao then changed the topic: "Bernard, since the war has broken out, for the sake of safety, our talent introduction plan will probably come to an end here. I hope you can do a good job in the aftermath."
"Director Zhang, don't you think about it again? According to past practice, the more turbulent the era, the easier it is to recruit real talents."
Bernard couldn't help but object.
The most typical example is the North American continent. Because of Europa's two internal strife, it took the opportunity to attract a large number of top scientists. This created the reputation of the Federation's No. 1 Science and Technology Region, and it was far ahead of other regions. It can be said to be unique.
Zhang Hao shook his head decisively: "Don't think about it, controllable nuclear fusion is a long-term project, it won't happen overnight, we don't have to rush it.
Besides, recruiting talents should be the official job. The official’s fingers are more effective than us running around. The East and the West are two different social forms. Bernard, you must adapt as soon as possible."
"Okay, I'll look back and ask my colleagues in the company for advice." Bernard accepted humbly.
"Okay, let's do this for now! If there is any news from Professor Chen, remember to inform me as soon as possible."
"I will." Bernard responded quickly.
…
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Hao then called Yu Yuehai from the WFP.
Director Yu made the first move: "Director Zhang, I was just about to call you too?"
"Director Yu, what do you want from me?"
Zhang Hao took advantage of the situation and asked.
"Director Zhang, I believe you have seen the news last night. Our ocean-going fleet is currently in danger. I hope you can think of a way."
Yu Yuehai got straight to the point.
Zhang Hao suddenly felt helpless: "Director Yu, you think too highly of me. What good solution can I, a businessman, have? This matter should be brought to the Navy."
"The navy is in chaos now. Everyone is in danger and can't even care about the ocean-going fleet."
"Can't you care? Including Southeast Fisheries, there are tens of millions of tons of whale meat. Are you really willing to give up?"
Zhang Hao said in disbelief.
Yu Yuehai smiled bitterly: "So what if you don't want to give up? The navy's top priority now is to prevent betrayal, and at the same time ensure the safety of coastal cities, especially the capital Zhucheng. There is no room for failure."
You know, in order to frighten the Europeans, the military specially strengthened the strength of the Jibuti Naval Base, so that the defecting naval fleet accounted for almost one-third of the entire navy.
This is something that no one could have predicted, and the consequences are very serious.
"Are Europeans not so courageous?"
"If they were not courageous, they would not attack the Dubai military base. Don't underestimate them." Yu Yuehai said seriously.
"Director Yu, the only way I can think of now is to have the ocean-going fleet return as soon as possible. The ocean is so big, and it's the polar night, so the probability of collision is low.
In addition, we must be wary of Westerners in the fleet, especially Europeans. The Navy has learned from the past and we have to be on guard."
Zhang Hao came up with a solution that was not a solution. It was the result of thinking about it all night.
Yu Yuehai immediately praised: "Director Zhang is thoughtful and this is indeed a good plan, but we can't do nothing."
"Oh? Director Yu, what do you mean?"
"Ahem, Director Zhang, here's the thing. In order to deal with the severe situation, our WFP urgently hired a private armed fleet to prepare to go to the Southern Ocean to escort the ship."
Zhang Hao asked doubtfully: "Folks?"
"Actually, they are privateer fleets on the high seas. Since the Europeans are playing tricks, of course we must follow them to the end. Although these fleets are not large in size, they have rich combat experience..."
When Zhang Hao heard this, he interrupted directly:
"Director Yu, I have a doubt. Can these pirates be trusted? Let's not lead the wolf into the house?"
Yu Yuehai quickly comforted him and said, "Don't worry, Director Zhang. These privateer fleets are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Navy and are semi-official organizations. They are absolutely worthy of trust."
"If that's the case, then I have no objection."
Zhang Hao breathed a sigh of relief.
"Okay, Director Zhang, just agree. The only problem now is military expenses. Our WFP is tight on funds. I wonder if your Southeast Fisheries can share part of it?"
Yu Yuehai finally came to a conclusion.
Zhang Hao couldn't help but said in astonishment: "Director Yu, I don't understand. Shouldn't the military be responsible for military expenses?"
"Director Zhang, this is a privateer fleet. It is responsible for its own profits and losses. Not only does the military not need to pay for it, but it can also enjoy dividends. It is even harder for them to pay for it.
Besides, the war has broken out, and the military is short of money than ever. They can't afford the money at all, so we can only rely on us to find a way."
Yu Yuehai quickly explained.
After all, privateers are illegal and not suitable to be brought to the table.
"What about the higher ups? The higher ups can't shirk their responsibilities, right?" Zhang Hao frowned.
"The higher-ups are also short of money, and Archon Ji wants us to try to solve it internally."
"Internal solution? Well, how much military spending is needed?"
As soon as he heard that this was what Archon Ji meant, Zhang Hao immediately gave in. There was no harm in selling the other party a share of face.