Invasion of the United States

Professor Hart set down the report in his hand, a solemn look in his eyes behind the lenses, "Victor, your clinical frontline experience is undeniable.

Especially during this pandemic, you've demonstrated remarkable professional competence.

As an experienced foreign expert, I believe you should assume greater responsibilities and contribute more to our arduous battle."

At the desk, Zhou Qingfeng kept a stony face, unaffected by the platitudes, and lightly countered, "What offensive task do you need me to do now?"

Since this 'Living Hades' joined underground hospital's Sector B, thanks to his proactive interventions, most patients treated in Sector B now are under forty years old, and their conditions are relatively stable.

Many rely solely on IV drip and meticulous care, overcoming the virus through their own immunity, significantly reducing dependence on advanced life-support systems like "artificial lungs."

The workload for medical staff in the ward has noticeably decreased, allowing everyone to breathe a sigh of relief and gain opportunities for rotational rest.

However, the sudden visit from the Department of Homeland Security stirred uneasy ripples in Professor Hart's heart.

Zhou Qingfeng's identity cannot withstand scrutiny, and with so many people in the ward, if someone leaks information, it would be problematic.

Rather than wait for matters to worsen, better to send this 'Living Hades' away before everything spirals out of control—after all, things are chaotic everywhere, just don't get caught red-handed.

Zhou Qingfeng himself shared this sentiment. He's not a man of peace, and this sunless underground feels like a colossal cage; once an opportunity arises, he's sure to leave.

"Victor, I have a proposal." Professor Hart leaned forward, probing, "Would you be willing to take a position in the newly established 'Medical Efficiency Committee'?"

"What?" Zhou Qingfeng slightly started, puzzled, "I've only heard of the Ministry of Government Efficiency, Medical Efficiency Committee? What kind of department is this?"

"It's a new agency, specifically tasked with coordinating the transport and distribution of medical personnel and supplies."

Upon mentioning this, Professor Hart's expression turned somber, "Our current epidemic response… to be blunt, is very poor.

The army simply cannot effectively control the movement in Washington D.C., a large number of residents are traversing various neighborhoods, and the spread of the virus has almost slipped out of control.

To change this depressing situation, the upper ranks decided to form this 'Medical Efficiency Committee.'

Originally, they wanted me to take on this committee role, but I strongly recommended you to the Department of Health and Human Services."

Zhou Qingfeng grew more bewildered, "At such a critical time, managing personnel and material distribution isn't a job for the faint-hearted. Especially in Washington D.C., you're bound to offend many people."

Professor Hart quickly waved his hand, reassuringly, "No, no, this job is relatively easy, you just need to perform normally. Besides… would you worry about offending people?"

"But I'm ultimately a foreigner…" Zhou Qingfeng still found the proposal filled with uncertainties, the gap in identity made him feel a bit uneasy. First published on M|V|L!EMPYR.

"Victor, let's put aside those hypocritical pleasantries and be frank with each other." Professor Hart's tone suddenly became serious.

He leaned back slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Zhou Qingfeng, "Actually, I've long known your true identity, but I've never disclosed it to the Department of Homeland Security."

Zhou Qingfeng's heart froze, a sense of vigilance surged as if he were being watched.

Professor Hart continued, "Precisely because you're an outsider, unencumbered by constraints and vested interests, you can view and tackle thorny problems more neutrally and forward-thinking.

Take yesterday's incident as an example, you decisively shut down the 'artificial lung' of a deputy minister-level official.

Hundreds of elderly, frail patients transitioned into 'end-of-life care' because of you, and a similar number of young adults and children received treatment.

If it were me in that situation and pressure, I absolutely could not give such an order. Because I am a professor, an interim dean, and a public official.

If someone were to accuse me of 'intentional murder' afterward, those medical staff would become witnesses against me, and I'd face jail time."

The professor paused, his tone even heavier, "And the work of the 'Medical Efficiency Committee' is no different, affecting not hundreds but thousands of lives.

This seemingly harsh task today, and fraught with risks in the future, must be undertaken by someone unrestrained, willing to shoulder the responsibility."

Zhou Qingfeng remained silent, aware that Professor Hart's words hinted at something, surely concealing a crucial detail yet to be revealed.

And this detail undoubtedly requires his cooperation to accomplish.

Their gazes intertwined, an air of subtle tension permeated the room.

After a while, Professor Hart slowly opened the drawer of the desk, extracting a thick set of identification documents, and deliberately pushed it in front of Zhou Qingfeng.

The document cover bore the Federal Government's emblem, turning the first page revealed the ID photo of a middle-aged man.

The person in the photo appeared to be in his forties, Caucasian, with distinct facial features and an inherent authoritative presence.

"Oliver Harden, Deputy Director of the National Tax Administration of the Ministry of Finance, primarily responsible for tax audits and enforcement." Professor Hart's voice was deep and powerful.

Zhou Qingfeng looked at the photo on the document, then lifted his eyes to the professor, filled with confusion and bewilderment.