The unparalleled talent of the country started from Harbin Institute of Technology

Chapter 495 Clue: Seawater Rice (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
November 1996, Tokyo, Japan, Yukio Hatoyama's former villa.

Bang!
Prometheus, his face contorted with rage, slammed the documents in his hand to the ground.

"Fuck, fuck, who the hell is it?"

His roar was filled with intense resentment and anger, as well as feelings of helplessness and hatred.

He thought he had caught the counterfeit money ring after more than half a month.

It turns out that we've been deceived.

More than half a month ago, he came to Tokyo in person and, using the deaths of Ex and others, quickly identified the suspect.

The Hatoyama family and Thomas, the head of the South American drug lords' transportation team.

After a long period of arrests and interrogations, nothing has been caught so far.

Why do you say that?

Because the Hatoyama family and Thomas are not part of the counterfeit money ring at all.

Even if they were forced to confess, the addresses and names they casually mentioned would turn out to be nothing more than ordinary places, at most their drug manufacturing sites, nothing more.

By a stretch, this could be considered a contribution.

After all, they had already made nearly $500 million from the Hatoyama family and the drug lords behind Thomas, which was a lot.

However, this was not the outcome Prometheus desired at all.

Therefore, he was extremely angry and furious.

Thomas never revealed the location of the alleged counterfeit money ring until his death.

The same applies to other members of the Hatoyama family.

Even though several people had died, Yukio Hatoyama still did not reveal it.

He had already revealed many secrets, but none of them were the secrets Prometheus wanted.

In this light, he was still too naive; the cunning and ruthlessness of the counterfeit money ring far exceeded his imagination.

Just then, his phone suddenly rang.

The caller ID clearly showed it was Chief Tom McKinley.

"Prometheus, are you still in Tokyo? Have you found any clues? Where exactly is the counterfeit money ring's hideout?"

After the call was connected, Tom McKinley questioned him.

Prometheus was speechless in the face of such a question.

"Are you mute?"

"Boss, I'm sorry."

"Hmph, that's not what I want to hear. Didn't you say so confidently before that you could completely uproot the counterfeit money ring? What about now?"

Tom McKinley knew the counterfeit money ring was cunning, but he never imagined it to be this cunning, even more slippery than an eel.

The trail has gone cold, what should we do?
Prometheus's voice came through the telephone line clearly:
"Boss, I was indeed careless before. I didn't expect the other party to act this way, which led my investigation to go completely astray..."

“From now on, I will thoroughly review my actions and start my investigation from the fried chicken shop near Ginza in Tokyo last time. I believe this time, my investigation will definitely be on the right track…”

Washington, D.C., CIA North American Headquarters.

Inside the chief's office, Tom McKinley heard this but did not interrupt him.

There really isn't a better direction for investigation right now.

If we follow the clue about the fried chicken shop given by Prometheus and investigate further, we might actually make an unexpected discovery.

"Okay, I'll give you a week. If there are no results, then give up."

"There's still a lot of work waiting for you at the North American headquarters."

Prometheus was deeply moved upon hearing this.

The moment the call ended, Prometheus's smile vanished.

He certainly knew why Tom McKinley cared so much about him and was even willing to give him a week to investigate the fried chicken shop.

Because a significant portion of the money plundered from the Hatoyama family and the South American drug lords went to Tom McKinley.

Prometheus himself only received $15 million, nothing more.

Keep in mind, that's almost three hundred million US dollars.

After distributing the profits to other agents, there were also to be given to Tom McKinley and other superiors, as well as some officials behind them.

So naturally, the amount of money that ended up in Prometheus's hands was not that much.

Many of the frontline raiders may have received more money than Prometheus.

Field work is the most lucrative!
The money that ended up in Tom McKinley's pocket was at least $80 million, or even more.

Otherwise, why would this guy treat him so well?
"Meeting in half an hour!"

Prometheus gave the notification, and all the officials immediately nodded in unison, indicating that there was no problem.

Now that everyone is following him and can make a lot of money, they are naturally very eager to please him.

Half an hour later, all the people in charge in Tokyo appeared in the conference room.

This meeting room has absolutely no electronic devices.

There wasn't even an electric light.

However, outside the conference room, a signal jamming device was activated, and it was a high-power type.

"Gentlemen, I believe you are all very clear about the current situation, so I won't waste any more words."

Prometheus, seated in the main seat, said solemnly:
"Based on the information we have now, neither the Hatoyama family nor the South American drug lords have any connection to the counterfeit money group. Therefore, our next focus should be on the chicken shop assassination that we haven't paid attention to before..."

Upon hearing this, some people were puzzled, some nodded, and some sneered.

There were absolutely no clues about the assassination of the fried chicken shop owner.

Because so much time has passed, even though everyone has been keeping a close eye on the Hatoyama family and South American drug lords.

However, some people have conducted in-depth investigations into Zhang Zhongwei, the owner of this fried chicken shop.

There's absolutely nothing to doubt.

After Zhang Zhongwei's death, Wang Duoyu had arranged for Long Kui's organization to clean up all the loose ends.

Moreover, no one would notice anything amiss; they would simply regard Zhang Zhongwei as an ordinary fried chicken shop owner, nothing more.

After all, Zhang Zhongwei himself, as a cunning middleman, has always been very private, and very few people outside the industry know his true identity.

Therefore, after the cleanup, the CIA could not possibly find any clues that Zhang Zhongwei was a middleman just from Tokyo.

"Don't think I'm making a mountain out of a molehill. The assassination of the fried chicken shop owner is definitely not a simple matter."

Prometheus noticed the crowd's reaction, so he offered an explanation.

"I don't care what you're thinking, keep it all to yourselves. I'm giving you five days. You must give me an answer within five days."

"Now let's start arranging tasks..."

The crowd was in an uproar; no one had expected Prometheus to take such a tough stance.

The detective in charge who had previously investigated the fried chicken shop owner's case immediately changed his expression, realizing something was wrong.

Five days?

What can it do?

I'm too nervous, this is absolutely not going to do.

However, Prometheus was unusually resolute and rejected everyone's suggestion.

Now, everyone wore a bitter expression.

They knew that tough times were ahead.

However, no one was willing to leave Tokyo, because no one knew if they would make money again.

Who wouldn't want their wallet to be a little thicker?

Hidab, Somali Peninsula.

A large plane that flew in from the Far East slowly landed at the airport.

Hidab Airport is not busy; in fact, it is one of the quietest operating airports in the world.

"Welcome, Professor (Uncle, Ninth Uncle, Ninth Brother)."

As soon as Wang Duoyu stepped out of the cabin, Zheng Baoyin, Yabo Fein, Dylan Dario, Wang Jianchao, Wang Meili, and others were waiting beside him, greeting him.

"Alright, everyone's worked hard. Let's go home now. Don't cause me this kind of scene again next time."

The fact that he didn't reprimand these executives was already a sign of respect for them.

A group of people awkwardly smiled and followed behind Wang Duoyu. Only after he got into the car did they tell him to get in as well. Half an hour later, in the underground conference room of the Hideb headquarters, everyone sat together for a meeting.

The light comes from sunlight more than 100 meters above the ground.

This light-guiding lighting system consists of a light collector, a light guide channel, and a lighting device. The brightness of this light is very reasonable and natural, unlike the light from an electric lamp.

After everyone sat down, Wang Duoyu began to call on people to discuss their plans for the economic development of the Somali Peninsula.

Over the past few days, everyone has surely discussed this and already has a plan in mind.

Starting with Zheng Baoyin, and continuing with Bofei, each expressed their views.

Some have suggested developing the agricultural economy and further expanding the date palm plantations.

Some have also proposed expanding the economy of mineral development and further exploring various types of minerals.

The solutions proposed by everyone are basically focused on the Somali peninsula itself, at the cost of all local resources.

After listening, Wang Duoyu couldn't help but shake his head:

"Expanding date palm orchards is indeed a good idea, but do you know how much land is left that can be used for planting date palms?"

Since 1993, local warlords in the Somali Peninsula have been planting dates. In just over three years, the area of ​​local date palm plantations has reached its highest point ever.

At this time, it may not be feasible to continue expanding the planting area of ​​dates.

"Furthermore, have you considered what would happen if, during the peak harvest season, there were too many dates and they became unsaleable?"

Even though Want Want Group already has a very large transportation and sales channel, such as Target and Walmart, these places can be said to be the best sales channels for dates.

Having sales channels does not necessarily mean that you can sell dates quickly.

Consumers are extremely discerning when it comes to product selection.

In the Middle East, dates are indeed a very good product, and some local landowners and wealthy people even regard dates as a staple food.

However, outside the Middle East, there are many other foods that can replace dates.

Red dates and candied dates are both substitutes for dates, and in other parts of the world, red dates or candied dates sell better.

In summary, the date palm orchard economy can be developed, but there are limits. Don't assume that having a large date palm orchard means you can rest easy.

“Agricultural economy can be developed, but it is not advisable to limit it to dates.”

Wang Duoyu continued:

"The Somali Peninsula can promote the development of crops such as rice and wheat, as well as bananas, longan, and palm trees."

Oil palm trees can be grown in the Somali peninsula, and they can produce rubber, a valuable industrial product.

Bananas, longans, rice, wheat, and other crops can be tried to see if they can become the main source of income for the local agricultural economy.

"Ninth Brother, can rice be grown in this place? You must be dreaming."

Suddenly, Wang Meili's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but ask.

Her statement was met with unanimous agreement, because everyone was very clear about what the Somali Peninsula was like.

Especially in the Hideb area, which is a barren desert and Gobi desert, it is simply impossible to grow rice.

That is, the lower reaches of the Shabelle River in the southern part of the Somali Peninsula may be suitable for rice cultivation.

But it's simply impossible elsewhere.

"why not?"

Wang Duoyu countered with a question:

"There are so many places near the coast on the Somali peninsula that can be transformed to utilize seawater for irrigation."

"The Qinghai region in China began researching seawater rice ten years ago."

"Although we're seeing initial results, it hasn't been rolled out yet, so you're not entirely aware of it."

Seawater rice is a type of rice that grows commonly in coastal tidal flats and is tolerant of salinity and alkalinity, falling between wild rice and cultivated rice.

It has a stronger competitive ability to survive than other common rice varieties, and is resistant to waterlogging, salinity, lodging, and pests and diseases.

However, the rice from seawater rice has a very poor texture, with a gritty feel when you eat it, and nobody likes to eat it.

However, the importance of seawater rice is beyond doubt; it can even be considered a national strategic resource.

Because the roots of seawater rice secrete organic acids to absorb salt, the soil salinity can be reduced by about 3% after three or four years of planting.

It can also neutralize alkalinity and lower pH value, and its deep root system can increase soil permeability and alleviate soil compaction.

In this way, the saline-alkali land where seawater rice has been planted will gradually become fertile land, and it can also prevent wind and strengthen dikes.

What's even better is that the improved land can be rotated. First, seawater rice can be planted for two or three years, then soybeans and cotton for four or five years, and after seven to nine years, rice and wheat can be planted.

Therefore, seawater rice is the real secret weapon for improving the Somali peninsula.

This is also key to whether Somalia can turn its fortunes around.

Yabo Fein and the others looked at each other in bewilderment. No one had expected Wang Duoyu to propose such a solution; it was truly a clever angle.

Because the advantages and disadvantages of seawater rice are very obvious.

Even if seawater rice doesn't taste good, it's still a food, and it can be made into rice cakes, rice noodles, rice vermicelli, etc.

At the very least, this seawater rice can be cooked and used as feed for poultry.

In the years since Hideb was established, many pig farms have been set up in the surrounding areas.

After all, pig farming is one of the core technologies for desert greening in the Somali Peninsula.

There are four satellite towns around the Somali peninsula, and these satellite towns have many pig farms.

Previously, most of the grain for these pig farms came from several neighboring countries or was transported from the port of Perbera.

Now, if we follow Wang Duoyu's advice and start planting seawater rice, then the pig farm's food supply can be partially solved by the local area.

It can even solve most of the problems.

"Uncle Jiu, when will we start planting?"

Wang Jianchao immediately asked impatiently.

"Of course, the sooner the better." Wang Duoyu nodded slightly and said:

"The technology for cultivating seawater rice is already quite mature in China. However, purchasing this technology will cost some money, so you can't try to drive the price down too much when you're negotiating."

Zheng Baoyin spoke before Wang Jianchao could:

“Uncle, of course. We’re not short of money. If we can revitalize the economy of the Somali peninsula by using seawater rice, it would definitely be a great thing.”

The Somali peninsula is currently largely ignored by the outside world.

The area around Mogadishu in Somalia, as well as several other regions such as Puntland, is in complete chaos.

Today, it's either you attack me or I attack you; very few warlords are willing to seriously develop the local economy.

Therefore, the chaotic Somali peninsula has nothing that outsiders would covet.

"Secondly, regarding the exploitation of local mineral resources in the Somali peninsula, it can be promoted, but attention needs to be paid to the methods and approaches."

Wang Duoyu continued:

"We want to develop the economy of the Somali peninsula, but only within the territory we control. As for other places, let them fight it out however they want; we don't need to pay them any more attention."

"And even Damazin needs to fight those warlords from time to time to let the outside world know that the Somali peninsula is still very chaotic."

"But you all need to know one thing: the strategy for the Somali peninsula is limited to weapons with high power, such as howitzers. Missiles and similar equipment should be avoided if possible."

"In short, we can't act recklessly; we lest we really turn the Somali peninsula into a dark place."

The key is balance!
The goal is to let the outside world know that there is economic development in the Somali Peninsula, and to send a signal that the photovoltaic power plants in the Hideb region are a result of this economic development.

But at the same time, we must let the outside world know that the Somali peninsula is still in chaos, and fighting is happening every day.

How to handle these contradictions and how to measure them are all important issues.

After all, most of the Somali peninsula is planted with date palm groves, yet the people there are fighting each other, which is quite contradictory.

Of course, everyone agrees, or rather, this is an ironclad rule that arms dealer Randark gave to the warlords of the Somali peninsula: date palm groves must not be destroyed.

"Roger that!"

Zheng Baoyin and the others nodded repeatedly.

Wang Duoyu gave a soft "hmm," and then continued:

"Developing agriculture and mining are already two good paths; for the time being, we don't need any other directions."

"I remember there are uranium mines in the Somali peninsula. We can find someone to put in a word with those warlords, and we can trade them directly to the Americans or the Middle Easterners next door."

The Middle Eastern guy next door?

Upon hearing this, everyone was immediately puzzled. There are many powerful countries in the Middle East, so who is it?

(End of this chapter)