134: Chapter 134 Mission Settlement: Tier 1

Zhao Yang watched the Xinwen Lianbo, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.

Dragon Country is still the same Dragon Country; no matter the time and space, its style of doing things remains the same. This time, it actually joined forces with the five big—ahem, the other three of the five major powers to pressure America together.

Dragon Country said, "We have just contributed a new medicine to the people of the world, becoming a boon for liver disease patients globally."

France said, "We have always been committed to improving the health conditions of the world's impoverished countries."

Yingdeli said, "We have just donated money to the WHO."

Russia said, "Our exports of high-quality, low-priced wheat have improved the health levels of people in food-scarce regions."

The four countries then shifted their tone, pointing their spears directly at America—"You, who do nothing decent, actually collect dangerous microbial samples all over the world and even use illegal smuggling methods, putting human society under the constant threat of a plague."

The four nations used stern wording, demanding that America disclose relevant research, accept third-party on-site inspections, and simultaneously redraft a binding global biosafety treaty.

America flatly denied it. The Dragon Country representative threw the evidence directly in their face—it was all the data from the smuggling ring busted in Jinghai.

Only then did Zhao Yang realize that Jinghai had indeed uncovered a massive smuggling ring. During the raid, they found two gang members with persistent high fevers. Fortunately, law enforcement had taken full protective measures in advance, preventing any transmission.

One of the two eventually recovered, while the other died of extensive lung infection. Extremely dangerous virus samples were extracted from them, and the source was indeed that batch of smuggled wildlife.

The relevant reports continued until nearly eight o'clock. Although the final agreement reached by the major powers wasn't broadcast, this event had never happened in the original timeline. Zhao Yang, this little butterfly, had indeed stirred up an international storm.

However, the System notification had not yet arrived, and Zhao Yang's heart remained suspended. It was currently summer, and high temperatures and UV rays were enough to easily kill the virus. Whether a health incident would occur would not be known until the end of the year.

As the news ended, Meng Dehai's call came through: "Did you watch it?"

"I did. Our country is very tough."

"This matter ends here. Don't take any further action; trust the country in everything!"

Zhao Yang smiled slightly: "Mhm, I know what's important."

"By the way, I'm about to move up. There are two choices now: one is the provincial Discipline Inspection department, and the other is to move up within Jinghai. I come from a public security background, so Discipline Inspection might be more suitable. I want to hear your opinion."

Zhao Yang gave a light laugh: "Uncle Meng, you just want to be the top leader in Jinghai for once, but you're also eyeing the provincial position, right?"

"You kid, you really speak the blunt truth!"

Zhao Yang rolled his eyes: "Uncle Meng, it's not like you lack connections above, nor are you about to retire, and it's certainly not like you have no hope for promotion. Why are you in such a hurry to go to the province? Looking long-term, having the experience of being a top leader is quite important."

"A single word wakes the dreamer! I was also getting a bit confused by your Aunt Cui's nagging. Whether or not one has been a top leader is indeed quite important. Alright, I know how to choose now."

Hanging up the phone, Zhao Yang couldn't help but smile. Old Meng's career path was becoming smoother and smoother. Would he go to Handong Province in the future? Would Secretary Gao Yuliang feel like he was seeing a brother when they met? Thinking of such a scene, the corners of his mouth curled higher and higher.

This summer, the national football team was trounced by nine goals in the World Cup, but this didn't stop Qilan Investment from earning nearly a hundred million US dollars through various means in the global betting market. Most of this money was invested into Tomorrow Culture's 'Animation Dream Factory' project. Zhao Yang told Meimei not to be afraid of spending money and to produce 'Blade Cage' as quickly as possible.

In addition, brotherhood of blades, starring Huang Yimei, became an instant hit upon release. Relying on the realistic and intense combat, Huang Yimei's ethereal beauty, the shocking shot of a large willow tree being cut down with one blade, and the cross-era marketing planned by Zhao Yang, the film's box office led all imported blockbusters after its mid-August premiere. It ran from summer until the end of the National Day holiday, finally clinching 210 million in box office receipts.

The entire entertainment industry went crazy. No one expected a domestic Wuxia film could create such a high box office.

In on-site interviews, most of the audience came specifically for 'Ding Baiying taking on sixteen riders alone' and 'Ding Baiying cutting down the willow tree with one blade'—a supporting character making a movie popular was simply unheard of.

Huang Yimei became completely famous, successfully establishing her image as an entertainment goddess, except the word 'War' was now prefixed to 'Goddess.'

This made Huang Yimei very depressed. She called Zhao Yang at night to complain, and Zhao Yang could imagine how high her pout was even through the phone. He comforted her: "It's fine. Once the demi-gods and semi-devils you're filming now airs, everyone will be calling you 'Fairy Sister.'"

"I hope so... Actually, Teacher Qi scolded me after watching brotherhood of blades."

Zhao Yang asked knowingly: "Ah? Why?"

"She's still unhappy with my poor acting. Teacher Qi said half the box office was for my blade, and the other half was for my face; not a single cent was for my acting. She told me I'm not allowed to take martial arts films for two years unless it's a role like Wang Yuyan."

Zhao Yang laughed: "I think your acting is quite good."

"You think everything about me is good, don't you?"

"Oh, how did you know?" Zhao Yang laughed out loud. "I thought you didn't know."

"You just know how to make me happy... No more, I have to sleep. I have to wake up early for filming tomorrow."

"Okay, goodnight. See you in my dreams."

The closer it got to the end of the year, the more nervous Zhao Yang felt. Even his colleagues at the Third Institute noticed. Lu Yike and Lu Xiaofei privately advised him to take some annual leave and not to overwork himself, saying they would help with anything he needed. Zhao Yang knew they meant well, but he absolutely couldn't tell them about that matter, so he could only brush them off.

November passed.

On December 30th, the blockbuster Hero was released. Zhao Yang was in no mood to watch the National Director's work, even though this film's box office eventually reached 250 million, surpassing brotherhood of blades.

Starting from January 2003, reports of an increasing number of people with colds appeared in the news.

However, it was all common flu, and it passed after a month or so. Following that, the Spring Festival passed smoothly.

March passed.

April also passed.

The weather grew hotter and hotter, and Zhao Yang's suspended heart slowly settled down.

On the day of Lixia, Zhao Yang had just woken up when his heart suddenly skipped—it was here.

[Sorrow of a Lifetime Mission Completed]

[The host's efforts prevented the occurrence of Health Incident 1 at the source and exerted a certain influence on the course of Health Incident 2]

[Reward Settlement: First Tier]

[Host receives Targeted Skill Lottery ×1]

[General Skill Points ×2]

Zhao Yang pumped his fist excitedly.

A Targeted Skill Lottery! This thing was too rare!

"System, which category of targeted lottery is the most expensive? Deduct the query fee yourself."

[Military and Police Skills]

"That's the one! Let's draw!"

The System notification rang in his consciousness, and Zhao Yang's expression immediately went blank.