Invasion of the United States

The police had not previously disclosed the details of the terrorist attack, so it was quickly confirmed that the suspect was definitely involved and an investigation was immediately launched."

The host's tone shifted, and he spoke incredulously, "What's shocking is that the suspect is actually a student.

He was recruited through the internet by the 'Tree of Justice' and learned to control a robotic dog equipped with a flamethrower in just two weeks."

The host sighed, "He never had direct contact with the core members of the 'Tree of Justice.' All operational instructions were given over the internet."

When the TV transitioned to the commentary session, an expert sternly said, "With the proliferation of smart devices, the mode of operation for terrorist organizations is undergoing fundamental changes.

They no longer need large organizational structures, just a few core members and sufficient funds to cause significant destruction through remote control.

To be precise, funding is most important. To completely eliminate such terrorist organizations, one must cut off their sources of funding.

Whoever provides the money is the leader of the terrorist organization."

Marco leaned back on the sofa, a hint of amusement on his face, "The United States… how did it end up like this? A high-ranking governor got killed by a remotely controlled robotic dog.

In the past, the United States spent money to disrupt the lives of people in other countries. Now, who knows what kind of idiot spent money to stage such a farce in the United States?"

-----------------

As the 'idiot' spending money behind the scenes, Zhou Qingfeng was currently staring at his account balance with worry—he hadn't spent enough ruthlessly.

The doomsday countdown hung over him like the sword of Damocles, and mountains of gold and silver were worth less than a compressed biscuit in the wasteland. He needed to convert his assets into tangible survival materials before civilization collapsed.

Just as he was pondering what to buy next, a mysterious phone call interrupted his thoughts.

A stranger's voice, calling himself Lula, crackled on the other end, proposing to 'cooperate again,' which puzzled Zhou Qingfeng. He didn't know anyone named 'Lula.'

When the meeting time arrived, pushing open the oak office door revealed a familiar face—it was the rookie lieutenant from the National Guard during the siege of the Chris Clan.

Out of uniform, Lula looked like a fish out of water, struggling as if oxygen-deprived. His crisp suit couldn't hide his innate awkwardness.

Zhou Qingfeng invited him to sit on the sofa, had the maid at home make coffee, and smilingly asked how he had been.

The lieutenant, however, gave no response, pulling out a military-grade encrypted tablet from his briefcase, tapping crisply on the anti-spy screen with his fingers.

"Victor, I have a friend who wants to establish a long-term cooperation with you." A line of cold gleaming text displayed on the screen.

Two people who could talk normally were acting as if they were mute.

Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the message, thinking the lieutenant was being overly cautious and pointless, but he could only type back, "What kind of cooperation? The kind that can't see the light of day? I'm a law-abiding businessman."

Lieutenant Lula was both anxious and amused by Zhou Qingfeng's words—you? Law-abiding? A daily lawbreaker saying that? Do you think I'm a fool?

His expression darkened as he continued to type, "Don't worry, I'm not testing you, nor am I here to entrap you. My superior…."

He backspaced two words.

"I have a friend who is about to conduct military exercises in Southeast Asia. The fleet will dock in Bangkok next month, and we have ample cargo space.

If you have any goods, we can transport them for you. You can specify the delivery location and recipient. We will only charge a reasonable fee."

After Zhou Qingfeng read the text, Lula deleted it, leaving no trace, akin to burning after reading.

Looking at the auto-vanishing text, Zhou Qingfeng suddenly let out a chuckle, "Oh my, you're actually engaging in military smuggling. This is a serious crime!

Why would you approach me with such a business?"

The two of them stared at each other for a while.

The lieutenant remained silent, his face soon turning red, sweat beading on his neck. Unable to leave due to his orders, he could only continue the stare-off with Zhou Qingfeng.

This was clearly a puppet acting by orders, pretending to be an experienced broker.

"I currently don't have any goods that need to be transported to Southeast Asia." Zhou Qingfeng spread his hands regretfully.

The lieutenant thought for a moment before typing again on the tablet, "We can also transport your goods to Hong Kong. We have channels to get them there, but it will be a bit more expensive.

As for the specific goods, think carefully. The US has a long list of embargoed items. What you can't procure, your friends backing you can."

Good grief, are you trying to teach me how to smuggle step by step?

-----------------

Zhou Qingfeng couldn't gauge the other party, so he tactfully mentioned needing time to consider.

Lieutenant Lula visibly breathed a sigh of relief; he was just a messenger, and his task was complete once he delivered the message.

As soon as the lieutenant left, the office door was suddenly kicked open with a loud "bang."

Monica barged in, her high heels clattering against the floor. She strode up to Zhou Qingfeng with her arms crossed, arrogantly asking,

"What was that idiot here for?" Help. us out by rea-d&ing on M|V%|L*EM-5^PYR#.+

Zhou Qingfeng glanced at the shoe marks on the door, his brow slightly furrowed, and then coldly turned to his secretary, Jennifer, who was organizing files:

"Find someone to replace the door and deduct the cost from Monica's salary. Also, dock her five thousand dollars in wages."

Monica's eyes widened in fury, her face flushing red, as she spat out, "Fuck you, Victor! You're humiliating me!"

Zhou Qingfeng looked up expressionlessly, "I'm the boss. I pay your salary. I'm teaching you some manners."

His tone was icy, showing no sign of backing down, "Now, get out and knock before coming back in."

Monica seethed with rage, turning to look at Lux and Yeager standing outside the door.

The black and white bodyguards watched coldly, showing no intention of intervening, even slightly gloating. It was then she realized she was isolated among these people.

Helplessly, she could only glare fiercely at Zhou Qingfeng, turn around, and forcefully close the door as she left.

Standing outside, she took a deep breath, tried to suppress her anger, and raised her hand to knock on the door.

"Knock, knock, knock——"

The office was silent.

She knocked again several times, her knuckles starting to ache, before Zhou Qingfeng's cold voice came from inside, "Come in."

Monica walked back to Zhou Qingfeng's desk, pressing her hands on the tabletop, leaning forward slightly, and asked, suppressing her anger, "That guy was from the military, wasn't he?"

"Yes." Zhou Qingfeng replied without looking up, casually flipping through the documents.

Monica sneered, "Recently, the Ministry of Government Efficiency has raided quite a bit of the military's slush funds. They're now searching for new channels to make money, which is why they found you."

Zhou Qingfeng was a bit puzzled, "If they really want money, they have the power and means. Why come to me?"

Monica shook her head, mocking Zhou Qingfeng's naivety, "Because you don't understand. Nowadays, both within the government and the military, there are many factions, and the situation is far more complicated than outsiders can imagine.

Factions? No, there are no real factions, just groups of people with conflicting interests, each trying to eliminate their rivals.

The current contest is not about who has more power but who has more money, who can provide more benefits, buying off more people.

Even the yellow-haired one in the White House is desperately trying to accumulate money and buy people's loyalty. If you don't make money now, you won't even have the right to survive in the future."

Zhou Qingfeng frowned slightly, continuing to ask, "So what?"

Monica's tone grew urgent, "So we also need to make money. Your ten billion dollars aren't enough. We need hundreds of billions, even a trillion US dollars.

With the Prohibition in effect, brewing has become profitable. Under the trade ban, smuggling is also extremely lucrative.

You put up the money, I will find the supply, and the lieutenant's backer will handle the transport. If we find the right buyer, a single deal can net us hundreds of millions, enough for everyone to share."

Zhou Qingfeng finally looked up, asking in surprise, "You've transformed from 'dragon slayers' into 'evil dragons' so quickly?"

Monica paused, then loudly retorted, "Dragon slayers? Who is going to slay the dragon? We have always been the evil dragons lurking deep within this country.

Now, a few self-important fools think they are heroes trying to overthrow us. But they are too weak, unable to even scratch our scales."

Zhou Qingfeng fell silent.

Monica continued, "After years of conflict and struggle, the political arena in the United States has been stripped of all rules, turning into a naked jungle society.

In this world, it has always been the law of the jungle. You're either a predator or a prey. You have no choice."