656 The Gloom to the North (1/2)

In early September, because of the dumping event, Jiang Chen's return was delayed by a month. But following the conclusion of the Federation election, everything returned to peace.

With the leadership of Ji Yucheng, Federation and NAC signed a more cooperative alliance agreement, officially marking the complete control of Hucheng by NAC.

Jiang Chen personally visited Zhonghe City and witnessed the commercial hub of Jiangyou Province highly praised by people.

To be frank, after seeing the actual city, it fell short of his expectations. The city known for its freedom and prosperity was indeed much prosperous than Qianshan Town, but compared to the Sixth Street in Wanghai, it was lackluster.

But after observing the local industries, Jiang Chen noticed a few interesting things.

The membrane filtration technology of Zhonghe City was more advanced than Wanghai's technology. It was no surprise that the price of nutrient supply there was lower compared to other places.

Their genetically modified Carm trees not only produced tree sap of similar quality compared to Shenxiang, but the production was also 20% higher per tree. They also possessed artificial intelligence for AI, improved graphene production technology and an array of technology…

Following Federation joining NAC's jurisdiction, their secretly-guarded technology flowed into NAC territory through trade routes.

From this point of view, the cost of merging Federation was negligible.

Wu Qian, from Gear Chamber of Commerce, accompanied Jiang Chen on the tour.

Just as the people of Federation witnessed, Wu Qian utilized her exemplary diplomatic tactics to mediate the conflict between Federation merchants and NAC and facilitated a partnership between both parties. The fact that both leaders could walk side by side together successfully proved the point.

Of course, their relationship wasn't as simple as what the public saw.

During the multi-day visit to Zhonghe City, Jiang Chen walked out of Wu Qian's private mansion feeling refreshed.

And during the same period of time, Wu Qian went to work with dark circles around her eyes and her mind constantly slipped when she was working and in meetings, clearly overworked. The employees of the chamber of commerce didn't notice the abnormal behavior of their female boss. Instead, they thought she was working too diligently for the company, which caused her to be sleep-deprived…

If the people who envied her figure knew she was being ”trained” every night by a man, would their worldview collapse?

Jiang Chen occasionally entertained that thought.

...

But whenever he mentioned that to her, Wu Qian would ”beg” him not to do that or her image would be completely destroyed.

Jiang Chen definitely wouldn't do that since he needed Wu Qian to act as his representative to maintain the stable operation of Gear Chamber of Commerce. He did purchase the company with half a million credit points; it would be wasteful if he just allowed it to erode.

But that didn't stop him from mentioning it.

Jiang Chen's inner sadist pleasure was completely pleassed by Wu Qian's desperate pleas.

Of course, it might've had something to do with Wu Qian being a sadist herself.

…

Their pleasure aside.

On the last day of the tour, Jiang Chen went to see Ji Yucheng at the Presidential Palace in Zhonghe City.

After seeing Ji Yucheng again, it appeared he no longer had a defeated spirit. In a clean and fitted suit, his hair was styled and he was accompanied by an advisor.

The former president Jiang Ming left Zhonghe City at the end of the election for another city. He knew that once he lost, Ji Yucheng, who was the victim of his deceitful tactics, would not let him go easily.

But his previous advisor Xu Chengwei wasn't so lucky.

Because he was late by a few steps, evidence of unlawful transactions was presented against him and former owner of Gears Chamber of Commerce, Liu Hong, was then arrested to await trial. The judge already hinted to Ji Yucheng that Xu Chengwei could get a sentence of at least ten years.

With a taste of power, Ji Yucheng was naturally loyal to Jiang Chen because he knew everything he enjoyed was due to that man. If Jiang Cheng wanted him to lose everything, it would only take a sentence from him.

Jiang Ming, who fled, and Xu Chengwei, in prison, were all perfect examples.

”Currently, we're discussing the proposal to join NAC's economic zone. We already explained to the public that it doesn't mean we're surrendering to NAC, and it doesn't mean we're being controlled by NAC. It's only a method to facilitate cooperation between the two parties. NAC's merchants can have easier access to investments in Federation, and we will no longer need to pay for our defense budget; the budget can go to more meaningful things.”

”Is there anyone who objects?” Jiang Chen asked casually.

”Of course, but only a small number.” Ji Yucheng's eyes shifted. His fingers crossed on the table and in an assuring voice, he said, ”We'll convince them.”

”No need to be so anxious,” Jiang Chen took a sip of his tea and leaned on the sofa. ”I said I'd make you the president and it became reality. I also said that as long as you listened to me, you would continue to sit on the throne.”

”Of course I trust you. I'm just not used to it yet.” President Ji let out a long breath. His tense shoulders loosened slightly.

”Try to get used to it.”

”I will.”

Jiang Chen nodded. After a brief pause, he continued.