Invasion of the United States

Harden was originally responsible for distributing supplies to citizens, came into contact with the source of infection, and unfortunately succumbed, passing away quietly.

After this group of the bravest fell, what remained were naturally even more terrified, more cautious, even selfish cowards and timid individuals.

When they learned that taking the vaccine did not guarantee immunity, they were like startled birds, instinctively hiding away, seeking a slim chance to prolong their lives under the shadow of the pandemic.

Deborah's ability to stay at the Ministry of Health in such a high-pressure atmosphere indeed required immense courage.

She cried for about ten minutes, and Zhou Qingfeng's comforting and praising words greatly boosted her morale.

When she emerged from the office with reddened eyes, wiping her tears, her entire spirit seemed renewed, replaced by a tear-streaked determination.

Zhou Qingfeng escorted her out of the office, gently placing an arm around her shoulder, affirming and trusting as he said, "Deborah, go ahead and do what you must.

No matter what responsibility arises, I will take it upon myself.

I need you now, the entire Ministry of Health needs you, and all the hundreds of thousands of residents in Washington D.C. besieged by the virus are hoping for us to make a difference."

Shanni, knowing Zhou Qingfeng's true identity, got goosebumps from these pretentious words, feeling awkward enough to dig her feet.

Yet Deborah was deeply moved by this, her eyes brimming with tears, shedding all the timidity and trembling she had when she entered.

Zhou Qingfeng slightly softened his tone, adding with concern, "Of course, you must also take care of your health, make sure to rest when needed, don't exhaust yourself.

Find ways to recruit a few reliable assistants, delegate and empower, with everyone's joint effort, we can definitely get through this crisis."

"Mr. Harden, you truly are an amazing person. Actually, I have some ideas too, but no one has ever affirmed me before.

I've always doubted whether I could take on more advanced work. But now, with your encouragement…"

Lady Deborah could hardly express her feelings in words, so she hugged Zhou Qingfeng's neck and gave him a strong kiss on the cheek.

This sudden affection startled Zhou Qingfeng—he had a thin layer of latex on his face, used to mimic the skin of a middle-aged white man.

That thing had no visible flaws and wasn't easily torn, but kisses and touches could still detect something unusual.

Unable to push her away, Zhou Qingfeng simply gave the lady in his arms another hug and continued to promise:

"Anyone who dares to deny your efforts, let them come to me. Anyone who refuses to follow your lead, I will personally deal with them. I will be your strongest support."

After seeing Deborah off, who left in high spirits, Zhou Qingfeng turned his gaze to the black guy helping set up the computer system beside Shanni, asking, "Are you Zuke?"

The black guy was momentarily stunned, as if anticipating something, he nodded somewhat expectantly yet apprehensively, saying, "Yes, Mr. Harden." Check for the latest updates on My Virtual Library Empire (M-VL-EMP-YR).

"How many staff are left responsible for the Ministry of Health's supercomputing maintenance?" Zhou Qingfeng continued to ask.

"Uh…" Zuke hesitated a few times, awkwardly answering, "The internal information system of the Ministry of Health is very extensive, with several data centers distributed throughout the United States.

If you're asking about the number of operations personnel currently in this building... frankly, there are less than twenty still on duty."

Zhou Qingfeng was waiting for this response and immediately ordered, "Zuke, from now on, you are the Chief Technology Officer under the Ministry of Health's Management and Administration Office.

I need you to find every possible way to gather the necessary personnel.

Whatever resources you need, you can directly apply to Shanni, if she can't solve it, call me, I will try my best to meet your requirements.

Our only goal is to quickly restore the Ministry of Health's national information data system."

Zhou Qingfeng's tone was powerful and assertive, in essence, he directly awarded this critical position to Zuke, who was still steadfast at his post during such perilous times.

The young black man beamed with delight on hearing he had become the "Chief Technology Officer," unable to resist grinning broadly.

Zhou Qingfeng continued, "The pandemic isn't targeting just Washington D.C., I bet people are dying all over the United States, hospitals should be nearly overwhelmed.

The federal government must have medical reserves to deal with 'emergency situations', we need to mobilize all resources now.

As long as I am at the Ministry of Health, no one can interfere with your work. But you cannot let down my expectations."

Zuke nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Mr. Harden. I know what to do, the team is ready, but morale is a bit low.

As long as everyone's safety is assured, and with some financial incentive, everything can be solved."

-----------------

At the office entrance stood a guard with a tall and straight posture.

Zhou Qingfeng approached, warmly patting the other's shoulder, speaking steadily, "Ernst, you have a military background, so I won't say much.

Everyone can plainly see how severe the current situation is," he said, gazing sharply at him,

"From now on, you will be the director of the Ministry of Health's Security Office, responsible for unifying all police within the department.

I need a strong force to implement policies.

Otherwise, no matter how many plans I make in the office, if the people underneath don't comply, the entire Ministry of Health will be utterly doomed."