Chapter 254 Honest Official
At Johnson's invitation, Zhang Ailun sat down at the table, and the waitress in cheongsam next to him immediately opened the bottle and poured a glass of white wine.
I tasted it and it tasted pretty good.
Next, they chatted about some topics, including the current situation and some trivial matters in life, but basically they kept the sensitive topics to themselves.
Johnson also did not ask Zhang Allen, an Asian, why he was called Hamburg Juanjin.
After three rounds of drinks, Johnson began to get to the point and asked, "I heard that Mr. King's Hamburger Foundation acquired a small town estate, invested in an underground resource project, and mined hundreds of millions of dollars worth of oil?"
"It's just luck." Zhang Ailun smiled. "It's strange. I just mined oil today. How did the congressman know about it?"
"I've already said that there are no MPs here, only ordinary friends." Johnson immediately denied it and said, "Does it mean that I can only be friends with you if I am an MP?"
"Of course not, but I am just an ordinary law-abiding citizen. The most business I do is just can recycling work. I cooperate with others to open a bar. I have basically no intersection with the relevant departments and the Los Angeles government. I am quite sensitive to this area."
Zhang Allen said.
Johnson fell into deep thought.
You mean that you have hundreds of homeless people under your command, and you provide them with a place to live, jobs, and a vibrant mobilization organization. There is no drug use or trouble, and there is cooperation between the police and the public, and order is in place. The number of street purchases for zero dollars in the five districts is gradually decreasing.
There is also an armed nation that reached a deal with a military base a while ago. God knows what kind of treasure it can pull out of its arsenal.
He has people, money, guns, and even the leverage over many people.
The people under his command have all suffered from the harsh treatment of society. They are beggars with little assets, and the barefoot are not afraid of the young men who wear shoes.
Now we have several hundred million in funding.
Is this still an ordinary citizen?
Is there any way out for ordinary citizens?
I'm really afraid of making you unhappy, so you can just find a little brother to draw a life-or-death lottery and come to block me on my way home from get off work and shoot me in the back! !
Johnson looked at Zhang Ailun meaningfully, "Well, you are indeed an ordinary law-abiding citizen. I hope that all the people in Los Angeles will be ordinary law-abiding citizens like you, because you have not violated the law. Even if you have, it is the responsibility of the court, and it has nothing to do with me."
"The first people to know about your oil extraction were the relevant departments of the Land and Resources Bureau, because they would keep an eye on everyone who applied for an oil extraction license. I happened to know from Cooper that you were an employee of our Green Letter Shelter, and from some friends I learned that you had extracted oil and participated in a private auction, so I wanted to meet you."
Johnson said he had no other ideas, he just wanted to take this opportunity to get to know you. Even though I am the boss of District 5.
But you seem to be much better than me.
"I did attend the auction and consigned an ordinary collection. Many people from oil companies and refineries also contacted me and wanted to discuss cooperation in development projects with me." Zhang Ailun smiled and said, "But I think oil development takes too long and is too troublesome. I am considering selling one or two oil fields if the price is right."
"Your idea is indeed interesting."
Johnson fell into deep thought, puzzled as to why he looked like he was planning to run away at any moment.
Shouldn't a normal person spend twenty years developing a family business?
"Hamburg, do you like playing badminton? I happen to have a membership card here. If you like fitness, maybe you can take it."
Johnson changed the subject again, took out a club card and put it on the table, pushing it to Zhang Ailun, "It doesn't have any special meaning. It's just that on Saturdays and Sundays, I can sit together with a few friends, play badminton, take a walk, and drink a few cups of coffee. Of course, milk tea is also fine."
"Of course I would."
Zhang Ailun accepted the membership card of the Badminton and Tennis Club with a smile. He probably wouldn't need it on a daily basis, it was just an ID card and an admission ticket.
If you don't have enough value and strength, you won't be able to squeeze in even if you break your head. If you have enough confidence, they will come to you and beg you to do things for them.
"Mr. Jackson, I heard that your wife's father is a director of the water supply company, but the storm a while ago caused a large-scale power outage in District 5 and the underground water supply pipes also ruptured, causing water pollution. It seems that he has not been having a good time recently." Zhang Ailun said.
"That's right. Not only is his life difficult, but mine is also difficult. Because I am divorcing my wife, and she suspects that I have someone else outside, which is completely nonsense."
Johnson said helplessly: "The water supply problem in District 5 is still being solved, plus trivial household affairs and all sorts of messy things, which have caused my public support rate to drop all the way. If this continues, I may have to resign under pressure."
"I'm sorry, I can't help you with this," said Zhang Ailun.
"It's okay. I've already found someone to solve it. I believe this matter can be resolved soon. After all, this kind of problem occurs every year in Los Angeles. California's fiscal deficit problem is already exposed, and Los Angeles can only take care of itself."
Johnson said: "There are 15 districts and 15 council members in Los Angeles, including the East, West, South, North and Central districts. The performance of council members in the South district has never been as good as that in the West district. After all, that district is backed by Hollywood, and everything can be solved with money. If I try to spend money to solve problems in the South district, or even put on airs to oppress those people, the bosses of those street gangs will definitely find someone to shoot me!"
What happened to the congressman?
Even if they are the leaders of a district, there are not many legislators who have been in car accidents, shot in the head, shot in the back with 27 bullets, or committed suicide, or were fired and went bankrupt and homeless because of online public opinion issues.
Los Angeles has been very restrained. Haven't you seen that the congressmen from neighboring Mexico and the border cities are replaced every few days?
It is because the financial backers behind the scenes think that someone is doing a good job and then let him take the position. But the financial backers have to see whether the legislators give them food, so the living environment is very delicate.
The laid-off MPs are worse than dogs, but the incumbent MPs have great power, so they still have to be given some face.
"My Hamburg Foundation is currently lacking a consultant for District 5. I wonder if Mr. Jackson is interested?" Zhang Allen smiled and extended an invitation to the other party. "Don't worry, this job is easy. You just need to clock in and sit down in your free time. There is no tedious matter to deal with on weekdays."
Johnson thought about it for a while, then readily agreed. "If it's just to help you process some ordinary documents, of course I'd be happy to do that. Where is the office? Maybe when I'm off work, I'll have time to go over and work overtime. It would be best if it's something related to legal affairs. You should know that I've taught myself law. If it's something I can't solve, maybe other colleagues in the club would be willing to help you solve it."
I didn't say anything too promising. What can be accomplished depends on how much money the leader can pay.
"It's just an ordinary job. The workplace is in the xx Commercial Street Building." Zhang Ailun assured.
The two parties happily reached a py deal.
They chatted and laughed, clinked glasses, and Cooper poured wine for them, standing beside them like an ant, unable to get a word in.
After drinking half a bottle of Moutai, the chief leader showed that he was not able to handle the alcohol. Johnson's face was also red, like a white-skinned and red-hot boy. He started to talk nonsense and hugged the waitress next to him and made moves.
Seeing that the content of the conversation was becoming increasingly inappropriate, Cooper quickly suggested that the two go back and rest and continue the conversation another day.
After the conversation, Zhang Allen and Johnson shook hands and said goodbye, and Cooper was responsible for driving the chief back.
Before leaving, Johnson also said, "I heard from Cooper that you don't seem to have a permanent place to live in the city except for the manor ranch. Cooper happened to buy an apartment building from his friend a while ago. It's in a prosperous community in District 5. If you don't mind, you can settle there first."
He took out the key and gave it to Cooper, asking Cooper to drive Zhang Ailan there.
Zhang Allen waved and said goodbye to Johnson, and Cooper drove the leader to the vicinity of the apartment.
This place is really just as Johnson said, it is not a particularly good community, and some of the houses are even old and rundown.
After all, compared with the western and eastern regions, the southern region is a poor area with relatively backward construction and economic development, otherwise it would not be classified as a homeless concentration camp. The apartments in this community are also relatively ordinary, with a house price of about $200,000.
Zhang Ailun looked at the community in deep thought, trying to figure out the councilman's intentions.
Cooper parked the car on the side of the road and was about to help the leader out of the car, but he didn't expect Zhang Ailun to get out of the car by himself as if nothing had happened.
"You're not drunk?" Cooper was a little surprised.
"It's only half a bottle of Moutai. I can drink a lot, but I don't like drinking."
Zhang Ailun smiled and said, "I don't like the style of this apartment. Mr. Congressman knows that I'm not short of money, but he still wants you to send me here. Don't you want me to give him a house?"
"That's absolutely not what you meant, Congressman," Cooper said immediately.
"It's really strange. The annual salary of a Los Angeles city council member is around $180,000, which is at least the income of a middle-class upper-class family. But why did I hear that he is still taking out a loan to buy a house?" Zhang Ailun asked, "What is the cash flow of the Green Letter Shelter used for?"
Cooper hesitated for a moment in the face of this fatal question, but still explained, "In fact, the funds on the books are not just Mr. Congressman's, but also the charitable investments of other friends, which will be circulated through the Green Letter Shelter. With a turnover of one million US dollars, Mr. Congressman only made a profit of twenty to thirty thousand US dollars. The housing prices in Los Angeles are so expensive that even with several years of extra income, it is difficult to buy a fully furnished apartment in a prosperous area, let alone two houses. The directors of the water supply company are now in trouble and cannot provide support to Mr. Congressman."
If a congressman wants to pass a bill, in addition to voting within the Senate, he or she must also seek public opinion and obtain public approval before doing anything.
It’s free to buy tickets?
Giving eggs, milk and welfare to citizens doesn’t cost any money, right?
Where does the money come from?
It’s still the congressmen who are running around looking for sponsors to invest in them.
"I am the one who manages most of the councillor's project funds. I calculated that the funds he has can only pay off three installments of his property loan at most."
Cooper leaned over and whispered, "If I divorce his wife, I'll have to give half of the two houses and two cars to her, half of the money in the account will be deducted, and I'll also have to bear the obligation of alimony."
"It's not a wise choice to discuss your boss behind his back." Zhang Ailun immediately said seriously: "Mr. Congressman serves the citizens so diligently. He is a good leader worthy of admiration."
The Southern Division can embezzle millions of dollars in bribes at once. Which director doesn't have two fully paid-for houses? The director of Little Rock even has a villa in Palmdale and keeps two 18-year-old white girls.
Our councillor from District 5 started from scratch and is still taking out a loan to buy a house. It is really touching.
Honest official! !
The leader decided to find a way to get the congressman an entire apartment to live in after he returned, so that he wouldn't be unable to repay the loan after the divorce and would have no place to live and end up wandering the streets.
"Our Hamberg Foundation is currently lacking an advisor. Are you interested in working here as a part-time consultant?" Zhang Ailun asked Cooper again.
"I think my current job as a shelter director is pretty good." Cooper hesitated and wanted to refuse.
"The work is easy, with a salary of 2 to 3 US dollars per month, no tax, and dividends and bonuses," said Zhang Ailun.
Cooper's expression changed quickly, and he said enthusiastically: "Mr. Jin, what are you talking about! Of course I am happy to come to work. If you have anything to do in the future, just tell me. If it is inconvenient for you, you can ask Reina to tell me, and I will go and say hello to the congressman and I promise to get it done for you!"
"It's settled then." Zhang Ailun nodded with satisfaction, took out his cell phone and contacted Zorro. He had been quietly recuperating for the past two days. He asked about his physical condition and asked him to come over and drive for him.
Zorro: You have a mission for me? Who are you going to kill?
Zhang Ailun: I don't want to kill anyone, I just want you to come over and help drive. I can't drive a vehicle after drinking. This is Los Angeles! Not Laredo! This is a society ruled by law!
Zorro: Drinking is not smoking, so why can't I drive? There are so many bad problems in big cities, and there is no freedom at all. Okay, I'll be there soon.
In Laredo, let alone drinking and driving, no one would care if you smoked weed and masturbated at the same time, as long as you didn't get into an accident. If someone died, it was a small matter, so who would care how you drove?
After waiting there for more than ten minutes, Zorro came over.
He was wearing a black jacket, jeans, Martin boots, sunglasses and a mask, looking like a mysterious man. He walked with a breeze. The bandages on his body had been removed and it seemed that his wounds had recovered well.
After getting in the car and fastening their seat belts, Zhang Allen and Cooper waved goodbye. He took out his phone, set the navigation position, and said, "Let's go to the camp first to change a truck, and then go to the storage warehouse in the suburbs."
"Ok."
The chief leader didn't say much, so Zorro didn't ask any more questions. He was very professional.
After two days of understanding, he almost understood the business done by the chief leader.
However, he did not really want to go to work in the Armed Nation. He had earned hundreds of thousands of dollars from the stock market anyway. He could just eat and drink for free every day, play poker in the bar, and wait for the chief to assign him tasks.
Who made the chief helm so rich? He became a billionaire overnight, and he needed professionals like him! Xia Ren, he is a professional!
Just go and help the chief to solve the problem.
After dozens of minutes, they drove to a storage warehouse in the suburbs. Zorro had just parked the car nearby and lit a cigarette when he saw a conspicuous military truck turning a corner and coming to the warehouse area.
Several ground crew soldiers in camouflage uniforms came down from above and started unloading and moving things. Big and small packages were stacked together. The boxes were covered with black cloth, so it was impossible to tell what was inside.
After unloading all the goods from the truck, those people got back on the truck and left in a flash, leaving only an elderly man there.
The other party took out his cell phone and dialed a number, but unexpectedly the ringtone rang next to him.
The old man was stunned for a moment.
Zhang Ailun looked at the caller ID, opened the door and got out of the car with a smile, saying hello, "No need to call, I've been waiting here for a long time."
Malushin looked at the leader who appeared and suddenly became a little uneasy.
Puzzled, "I haven't even contacted you yet, how do you know I've loaded the goods?"
"Of course I have my own information channels, and I've been paying attention to it all the time." Zhang Ailun smiled and brought Zorro straight to the cargo. He lifted the black cloth and took a look. There were some military labels on the box.
Pointing to the box, "Would it be convenient for me to open it and take a look?"
"It's up to you, as long as the money is ready." Malushin thought about it and didn't care.
Anyway, he is just trying to make money. When the time comes, he will have to distribute the money to the people on duty at the aircraft graveyard. It is impossible for him to get just one share.
Those who try to eat alone will never have a good ending!
(End of this chapter)
