At 8:30 a.m. the next day, Minister Li arrived at the Consul's Mansion as scheduled. He was the head of the Ministry of Transportation and worked in the capital. The distance was very close, so he was the first to come.
"Your Majesty the Consul, Minister Li has arrived."
The assistant knocked on the door and reminded.
"Lao Li, you're here, come in quickly!"
Ji Zhangqiu took the initiative to come over and greet him.
Minister Li was a little cautious: "Consul, do you have something to do with me?"
"Let's sit down and talk!"
Ji Zhangqiu greeted quickly.
After some courtesy, the assistant brought me a cup of tea.
Minister Li picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and then praised it: "Good tea!"
"This is last year's Dahongpao. If you like it, you can take one or two back later. There aren't many. Last year, I only produced less than a pound."
Ji Zhangqiu introduced casually.
"Did it come from those mother trees?"
Minister Li was a little curious.
Ji Zhangqiu shook his head: "No, although those mother trees have been transplanted into the greenhouse, only two of them have survived so far. It's too late to protect them. How can they be harvested arbitrarily?"
"It would be great to have two plants alive. During a previous meeting, I had a few words with Mr. Xing from the Ministry of Environment, and this is what he told me.
Since the eruption of the Yellowstone volcano, as of last year, at least more than two million species have become extinct across the Blue Star, which is simply shocking."
Minister Li couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"Alas, manpower will eventually be exhausted. No matter how much financial investment the federal government invests, it will not be able to save all species."
Ji Zhangqiu's face was full of helplessness.
In fact, when faced with extreme environmental and ecological crises, biological diversity is often the first to face severe challenges, and its numbers are usually reduced by more than half.
Next, this process will continue for thousands of years, or even tens of thousands of years, until the ecosystem completely collapses.
In this regard, maintaining biodiversity as much as possible plays an indispensable role in restoring the Blue Star ecology.
In a sense, saving species is equivalent to saving humans themselves.
Minister Li quickly comforted him: "Consul, we have done all we can, and we can pat our chests and say that we have a clear conscience. You'd better be more open-minded!"
"Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore." Ji Zhangqiu waved his hand and then started to get down to the topic: "Old Li, I came to you today mainly because I want to ask you about someone."
"Who?" Minister Li asked subconsciously.
"Chairman of Haotian Group, Zhang Hao, are you still in contact?"
Minister Li nodded: "In the past few years, we have contacted each other more frequently, but since I came to Zhucheng, we have not contacted each other very much. Basically, I only make phone calls to say hello during holidays."
"It's okay, let's chat casually."
"Consul, is there something wrong with Zhang Hao?"
Minister Li carefully probed.
He quickly recalled in his mind that there should be no political or business collusion between the two. The only criticism might be that he helped arrange work for Zhang Jiayi.
But having said that, this matter went through formal procedures, and it can only be regarded as an interference at best. Moreover, he did not profit from it. It can fully withstand investigation and is far from breaking the law and discipline.
Thinking of this, he felt a little at ease.
Ji Zhangqiu saw this and quickly comforted him: "Lao Li, don't misunderstand. It's not what you think. Zhang Hao has not broken the law. On the contrary, this time may be a huge opportunity for him."
"Oh? Can I ask him what kind of opportunity this is?"
Minister Li couldn't help but show a hint of curiosity.
Ji Zhangqiu did not hide anything and solemnly explained: "I intend for him to take my place."
"What?" Minister Li was shocked.
Although Zhang Hao was very successful in business, that was all, and the other party had no political experience at all.
Isn't this a joke?
"What? Don't believe it?"
Minister Li quickly shook his head: "It's just a bit unexpected. To be honest with you, I have guessed many candidates in private, but I just didn't expect you to choose him."
"It hasn't been finalized yet. I can only say that he has a good chance." Ji Zhangqiu corrected casually.
"What's the reason? I'm a little confused. Why do you think so highly of him?"
To be honest, Minister Li was a little jealous.
Ji Zhangqiu simply said: "The problem mainly lies on the Europa side. On our side, no matter who comes to power, the Europa people will strongly oppose it. After much deliberation, we can only find a political amateur to serve for one term."
"Consul, the Europeans are the big fat on the chopping block now, why are you afraid of them?"
Minister Li frowned.
"You underestimate the Europeans too much. Although they are unable to resist the Federation, they are not powerless to fight back. They still have the ability to be troublemakers.
If they lose their minds and light up all the oil and natural gas wells in the Middle East, it will be terrible, and we cannot take the risk."
Ji Zhangqiu didn't explain much.
"How dare they?" Minister Li immediately glared at him.
Ji Zhangqiu shook his head helplessly: "No matter whether they dare or not, we can't gamble, and we can't afford it."
"Then it's so cheap for them?"
"The sky is brighter when we take a step back. Moreover, it is true that we did not keep our promise this time. It is normal for others to have grievances. Let both parties understand each other!"
"Oh, I think they are deliberately making us sick." Minister Li said angrily.
"Okay, let's get down to business. You have dealt with Zhang Hao for several years. What do you think of him?"
Ji Zhangqiu got straight to the point.
Minister Li did not answer immediately. He lowered his head and thought for a few minutes before considering:
"In general, Zhang Hao needs to be capable, courageous, and not bad at luck. Apart from being younger, I really can't find any major shortcomings."
"What is his personality like?"
"His character, to be honest... is a bit contradictory. Sometimes he is very impulsive, he dares to fight hard, and he is very confident, just like ordinary young people;
Sometimes he is too conservative, like a cunning old fox, timid in doing things, and throws away many of the benefits he has gained without hesitation."
"You're talking about Southeast Fisheries Company, right?"
Ji Zhangqiu interrupted.
"In addition to the fishing company, several other companies have more or less similar situations." Minister Li paused and then described: "His behavior gives people the illusion that he is very afraid of taking advantage of the government.
.”
"Huh? Is this really a strange thing? Others are eager to make more money from the government. There is a rare exception."
Ji Zhangqiu said thoughtfully.
Minister Li continued: "I also asked him this question..."
"Then how did he answer?"
Ji Zhangqiu asked impatiently.
"He said he was timid, and also said that suffering a loss is a blessing. I don't know if he was sincere?"
"Courageous? I don't think so." Ji Zhangqiu shook his head subconsciously, "I have seen his entrepreneurial experience. His several miraculous investments were all without exception taking huge risks. This should not be the case here.
Simple."
Minister Li nodded immediately: "I also think it is unlikely. After thinking about it, it is probably the handiwork of his father Zhang Chongxin. This old man experienced the first civil war, so he must have been too cautious."
"Well, that makes sense."
Ji Zhangqiu nodded in agreement.
No one wants to deal with an old fox, because one day he might become the guest.
"Consul, if you don't have any other more suitable candidate, I suggest you let Zhang Hao come on!"
Minister Li gritted his teeth and suggested.
Ji Zhangqiu looked at the other party with an intriguing look.
Minister Li quickly explained: "Consul, I really don't recommend him because of our relationship. The main reason is that he is a bit... how should I say, somewhat evil."
"What's wrong?"
Ji Zhangqiu couldn't help but wonder.
"To be honest, Zhang Hao is a bit too lucky. He basically succeeds in whatever he does, otherwise he wouldn't be able to accumulate his current wealth."
Minister Li explained.
"Good luck? But I heard that he seemed to have suffered a lot of losses in United Energy. He sold his shares too early and lost at least 20 to 30 billion."
Ji Zhangqiu retorted.
Minister Li shook his head: "I don't think he suffered a loss. The energy industry is very strictly controlled. Judging from his usual behavior, he probably wants to get out of it a long time ago.
Besides, after he sold his shares, he turned around and took control of Minde Times. I have to say that this was a brilliant move."
"Oh? What's so wonderful about it?"
"The beauty lies in Shuguang New Energy Company."
"Why are you related to Shuguang Company again?"
Ji Zhangqiu's face was full of doubts.
Minister Li did not dare to sell out and quickly explained:
"As far as I know, there is a cooperation project between Mindera and Sugon. The goal is to conquer graphene batteries. Once they succeed in developing it, the battery industry will usher in a major reshuffle in an instant."
"I didn't expect there to be such a hidden secret here. It seems Zhang Hao has a big plan!"
Ji Zhangqiu couldn't help but sigh.
He had read the information and found that Zhang Hao spent 100 billion on Minde Era in the past few years. Even at the federal level, it was an astonishing investment.
Minister Li was immediately full of confidence and said: "Consul, how about we make a bet? Let's see if the Minde era can make a comeback, or even acquire BYD in turn?"
"Okay! What do you want to bet on?"
Ji Zhangqiu agreed.
Minister Li casually pointed to the tea cup on the coffee table: "How about I bet half a catty of Dahongpao tea? If I lose, I still have a bottle of Maotai wine that I have treasured for forty years, and it will be yours."
"Okay, then let's make it a deal." Ji Zhangqiu smiled, and then changed the subject: "I will carefully consider your suggestion. After all, luck is also a part of strength, and sometimes I have to admit it."
Next, the two chatted for more than three hours, until lunch time.
Before leaving, Minister Li asked casually: "Consul, does this matter need to be kept secret?"
"It needs to be kept secret for the time being, but you can secretly tell Zhang Hao the news and see how he reacts." Ji Zhangqiu thought for a while and replied.
"I see!"
Minister Li nodded.
…
After lunch, Ji Zhangqiu met with He Yong, the governor of Guangdong Province. Compared with Minister Li, he was obviously more familiar with Zhang Hao, and the two had a close friendship.
"Consul, are you looking for me?"
"Old He, come and try the tea here, the new Dahongpao tea from last autumn."
He Yong pretended to be surprised: "It's actually Dahongpao, so I have to taste it."
Immediately afterwards, the two chatted for a few more words.
Then we went directly to the topic.
"Old He, do you have any suggestions for the candidates for the next consul?"
"Consul, can I nominate myself?"
He Yong deliberately interrupted.
How could he, a governor, say anything about this kind of thing? If word spread, it would easily offend his colleagues.
Ji Zhangqiu immediately laughed and scolded: "You are so beautiful, you have only been the governor for one term, and you want to rise to the top in one step? Besides, this time is a special situation. It is necessary to choose a political amateur to succeed me, so don't have such wishful thinking."
"Is it the European side?"
He Yong's mind was spinning very quickly.
And it is obvious that he has better information than Minister Li, and he is worthy of being a high-ranking official.
"You're right. I have no choice but to do this. After all, we are in the wrong and we have to be merciful in everything. It's really pushing people into a hurry. It won't be nice if everything comes to a close."
Ji Zhangqiu's words are serious and meaningful.
He Yong nodded immediately: "This is indeed the truth. Isn't the so-called politics about making many friends and making few enemies?"
"As long as you understand."
"Consul, no matter who you choose in the end, I support it with both hands." He Yong took the opportunity to express his stance.
Ji Zhangqiu smiled and waved his hand: "The specific candidate...I have one here. The reason why I came to you this time is to hear your opinion..."
"Consul, I..."
"Don't refuse in a hurry. You know this man, and he's very familiar with him. I want to hear your opinion of him."
Ji Zhangqiu interrupted.
He Yong was stunned: "You are familiar with me? Who is it?"
"Zhang Hao."
"That Zhang Hao from Haotian Group?"
He Yong's eyes widened instantly.
He couldn't even imagine that it was this person.
Ji Zhangqiu nodded: "Yes, that's him. I want to hear your impression of him."
"But how old is he?"
He Yong hesitated.
You know, since the establishment of the Federation, the youngest consul is forty-six years old. Forty is really too young.
"Age is not a problem. The Federal Constitution stipulates that as long as you are over 35 years old and have no criminal record, you can register to participate in the general election. Zhang Hao meets these two provisions.
Moreover, the current situation is grim, and the work of the consul is extremely heavy. Even at my age, I am somewhat incapable of doing what I want. Changing to a younger consul will not only improve work efficiency, but also inspire people."
Ji Zhangqiu explained in detail.
"Okay, then let me tell you my own opinion." He Yong paused for a moment and organized his words: "Zhang Hao is excellent in all aspects. If I let him practice in my position for a few years, I will
I believe he is absolutely qualified for the job of consul."
"There's no time." Ji Zhangqiu shook his head.
Just kidding, what they need is an obedient mascot, not a shrewd and capable political strongman.
He Yong immediately said calmly: "Actually, there are no solutions. For example, helping him choose an experienced partner should be able to make up for this shortcoming."