The next day.
The nine-star flag fluttered in the sky above Pannu Islands. The people cheering for the new regime took to the streets as if celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve to celebrate the arrival of freedom and the rebirth of the country.
Noon.
Inside the cafeteria of the presidential palace, Jiang Chen and Zhang Yaping sat on both sides of the long table.
Lunch was lamb curry risotto, with a strange coconut aroma. It had a South Asian flavor. On Zhang Yaping's table, there was a steak and a cup of coconut juice. With the change of regime, the chef was the calmest in the entire presidential palace.
"The UA extended an olive branch to us and hoped that we would join their side. If we continue the pro-UA policy of the previous regime and release a statement favorable to their international position, they will increase the aid loan to us." Zhang Yaping used the knife and fork to slice the steak as he talked to Jiang Chen about today's national affairs.
Jiang Chen didn't even raise his head as he said without any hesitation, "Politely decline."
"But … that's ten million USD." Zhang Yaping's expression was reluctant as he said with difficulty.
Since it was ten million USD, even if it was divided into the hands of each citizen, it would be five hundred USD. All they needed to do was say a few words in front of the media since not many people would listen to them. It was only a palm-sized archipelago. The combined size of all the islands was not even the size of a province in neighboring Australia.
Jiang Chen raised his head and glared at Zhang Yaping. "Someone paid you to scold your mother, what are you going to do?"
Needless to say, the Americans were just trying to rope in a bunch of Southeast Asian hooligans and promote China's rise as a threat to the surrounding countries. Pannu Islands was located in the southeast of Country F. If they were shameless enough, they could be considered a "neighboring country".
Zhang Yaping shook his head, but he added in his mind, [It depends on how much …]
"It's only ten million USD. Future International's monthly profit is around two to three hundred million USD. If you lack the money, I can lend you some." Jiang Chen slowly took a bite of the fried rice as he said slowly.
[I'll just use the land to pay it back.]
"Ahem, can I understand that you are flaunting your wealth?" Zhang Yaping forced a smile.
Pannu Islands just enacted a tax cut to stimulate economic recovery, but the funding gap was still large. The mess that Edward had created now needed them, his successors, to fill in the gaps.
"I just want to give you some confidence. The reason why I chose this place is because I see a bright future here, "Jiang Chen said nonchalantly.
"Johnny Group has already declared bankruptcy, and the ten billion USD project is also gone. What future is there to speak of?" Zhang Yaping's expression was a little bitter.
At the beginning, he was full of passion, but now that he was elected president, he realized the hardships of governing a country.
"No, I'll do that project."
Zhang Yaping looked at Jiang Chen in shock.
"Ten billion USD, can you afford it?"
"I believe a lot of banks are willing to provide loans to Future International," Jiang Chen said confidently.
That was true. Even back in China, many banks went to Xia Shiyu and begged her for loans. Future International's current liquidity was 1.5 billion USD, which was the revenue from the past five months. Although ten billion USD was a bit daunting, if he used Future Technology's shares as collateral, it would be easy to obtain.
What's more, it didn't even cost ten billion USD.
"Are you really willing to borrow ten billion USD for this small island country?" Zhang Yaping looked at Jiang Chen in disbelief.
"Of course, I believe this can bring me at least a hundred billion USD in return."
Hearing this, Zhang Yaping gasped.
He couldn't imagine how a small island country with less than one hundred million USD in GDP and less than twenty thousand people could create a value of one hundred billion USD.
"Forgive me for being blunt, but I don't understand … Pannu Islands is vast, but there is no oil. Can you give me some pointers? Even if it's just a pie. "Zhang Yaping forced a smile.
"How should I put it? Mhmm … okay. First, Pannu Islands' territorial waters are close to the equator. "
"Close to the equator?" Zhang Yaping's eyes widened. "Are you talking about tourism? Even with tourism, it would be hard to recover ten billion USD in ten years. "
"It's hard to explain to you. Just remember what I said. "Jiang Chen put down the spoon in his hand and slowly stood up.
There were a lot of benefits to the equator. It was not as simple as tourism. Take the space elevator for example. For non-equatorial countries, it was something they didn't even think about. The technology that appeared in the 2050s, Jiang Chen was confident he could bring it to the modern world.
"Are you ready to leave?" Zhang Yaping also put down his fork and looked at Jiang Chen who was about to leave.
"I still have something to do, and I'm full."
"Also, if it's other countries —"
Jiang Chen stopped and turned around with a smile. "Adhere to neutrality and be friendly. You know what I mean. "
Zhang Yaping sighed helplessly. "I understand."
"Do your best and maintain your clean image. When your term ends, I'll give you a pension. "
"I don't need your pension. I just hope you will do as you promised and lead this country to prosperity."
When Jiang Chen heard this, he looked at Zhang Yaping with some surprise.
In this day and age, there weren't many people who could reject the temptation of money.
Jiang Chen paused for a moment before he said softly, "Of course, I promise."
If everything went smoothly, in less than five years, this place would become an island that people all over the world yearned for.
…
Under the shade of the trees outside the presidential palace, a blue Lamborghini was parked there. Ayesha sat in the driver's seat. She wore a gray sports tank top that outlined her beautiful curves. A pair of sunglasses was tucked into the collar of her shirt. She looked like a beautiful woman in a car, attracting the attention of passersby.
This Lamborghini used to be Johnny's car, but now it belonged to Jiang Chen.
Although he was dead, he couldn't escape his crimes. After the court found out seventeen charges against Johnny, all of his assets in Pannu Islands were confiscated to supplement the national treasury. His luxury car, mansion, and two yachts were all auctioned in Australia. It only took Jiang Chen two bids before he won.
Since it was a relic, and the rich were afraid of death, it would be bad luck to use the belongings of someone who died an unnatural death. But Jiang Chen didn't care about the materialistic things. He was a materialist through and through.
Opening the door, Jiang Chen sat in the passenger seat.
Ayesha put the sunglasses on her nose, put her hands on the steering wheel, and looked at Jiang Chen.
"Where are we going?"
"To Linhua Group's construction site."
Ayesha nodded gently as she started the car.
Leaning against the comfortable seat, Jiang Chen looked at the scenery flying by outside the window. He wanted to remember as much of the scenery as possible.
It was an indescribable feeling. A while ago, he was running around, but now he was the master of the entire island. This was his kingdom. Here, no schemes or tricks could plot against him, and no one could shamelessly reach out to his company.
Perhaps he was tired, Jiang Chen looked back into the car and at Ayesha who was focused on driving.
Sunglasses and a singlet, this cool style was also very pleasing to the eye. He always felt that all kinds of clothes would suit her well.
Ayesha seemed to have noticed Jiang Chen's gaze as her cheeks turned red and the corners of her mouth curved up.
She enjoyed this sight.
Although they were not married yet, she already recognized him as her husband in her heart. As a traditional Syrian bride, in her mind, her husband was everything to her …
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