Invasion of the United States

The reason Professor Hart arranged for Shanni to come over was largely to have someone keep an eye on the unpredictable Mr. Harden.

However, given Shanni's abilities, if Zhou Qingfeng was determined to leave, she had no means of stopping him.

For a moment, the two were silent.

Just then, a gentle knock sounded outside the office.

Deborah, who was 'entrusted with a heavy responsibility' by Zhou Qingfeng yesterday, stood nervously outside the door and cautiously asked, "Mr. Harden, may I occupy a few minutes of your precious time?"

"Of course you can. No matter how busy I am, Lady Deborah, you can always enter my office."

Seeing it was Deborah, Zhou Qingfeng immediately adjusted his posture, donned a gentle yet authoritative smile, and his tone became steady and filled with the demeanor of a superior.

Beside him, Shanni couldn't help but roll her eyes and inwardly curse, "Busy my ass! If I hadn't come in early, you'd be taking your pants off."

Lady Deborah clutched a folder tightly in her hand, stepped forward a few paces, took several deep breaths, and then plucked up the courage to say:

"Mr. Harden, you inspired and encouraged me greatly yesterday. In response to the severe challenges facing the 'Ministry of Health,' I've worked overnight to draft an incentive proposal. Would you like to have a look?"

This was probably the first time in her decade-plus career that Lady Deborah had so deliberately flattered a superior.

Her tone came off as both stiff and somewhat contrived, like an unskilled actor reciting lines.

Although she had already been authorized to serve as Assistant Minister, theoretically possessing a certain degree of decision-making power and not entirely needing to consult Zhou Qingfeng on everything, TextacquiredfromM|V|LEMP&YR.

she lacked sufficient confidence when facing this parachuted superior, desperately hoping her ideas would receive his approval to feel at ease.

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Lady Deborah carefully placed the folder on the table, aligning the edges with the corners of the desk neatly.

Zhou Qingfeng casually picked up the folder, glancing through its contents without much interest.

The core of the document was a scheme aiming to apply for special bonuses for healthcare workers who remained at their posts during the pandemic,

clearly stating: Three hundred US Dollars per person per day—parenthesis, if it could be increased to five hundred US Dollars per day, the incentivizing effect would definitely be better!

Deborah had written extensively in the plan, listing reasons ranging from boosting morale to recalling those who resigned, to attracting healthcare forces from other regions, elaborating at length.

But in summary, it boiled down to one core idea—money! Great rewards beget bravery, using tangible gold to solve the problem.

After browsing through, Zhou Qingfeng slightly frowned and asked doubtfully, "Can this proposal... be approved by me?"

In her mind, Deborah had rehearsed countless times, prepared to explain the necessity and feasibility of the proposal with detailed data and earnest words, yet Zhou Qingfeng's counter-question disrupted her thoughts.

She hesitated momentarily, quickly adjusting her tone, "Yes, Mr. Harden. You are now the vice-chairman and acting chairman of the 'Medical Efficiency Committee.'

Minister Robert, unfortunately, is hospitalized due to illness, unable to manage affairs temporarily, and he has signed authorization documents entrusting you to manage all 'Ministry of Health' matters.

I know there'll be some disputes and potential risks in implementing this proposal, but theoretically, you have full authority to approve this resolution.

It just requires assuming some responsibility."

Isn't it just taking the blame? That's no big deal.

Zhou Qingfeng pursued, "If I approve this bonus, does the 'Ministry of Health' have enough funds now to pay all healthcare workers on duty during the pandemic?

I mean, first, does the 'Ministry of Health's bank account have such a huge reserve?

Second, can we accurately compile the exact list and number of healthcare workers currently still on duty?

Lastly, do the department's financial personnel have sufficient capability and efficiency to disburse these funds accurately in a short time?"

To Zhou Qingfeng's surprise, Lady Deborah showed excitement instead of any tension upon hearing these three questions.

"Mr. Harden, those are such professional questions! You are indeed an elite from the Internal Revenue Service, considering issues thoroughly and in detail! Let me now provide a detailed interpretation and report..."

"No, I don't need a detailed interpretation." Zhou Qingfeng hurriedly waved his hand; he had no interest in hearing those lengthy reports and data analyses,

"I just need a simple answer—'can' or 'cannot'?"

Lady Deborah nodded firmly and confidently stated, "Absolutely, Mr. Harden!

The 'Ministry of Health's account is very well-funded, and this year's budget has a significant surplus.

Especially at the pandemic's onset, Congress specially approved up to fifteen billion US Dollars in emergency funding.

Due to various earlier reasons, this fund hasn't been utilized on a large scale at all.

Secondly, our department's financial personnel have always been in place, and we have a comprehensive clock-in system continuously operating, allowing real-time recording of employee attendance.

Compiling the current list and number of healthcare workers on duty is not difficult; at least, we can quickly produce such data.

Finally, we must demonstrate an attitude of reward..."

"'Attitude'?" Zhou Qingfeng was sensitive to this word, "Approved! I'll immediately approve this proposal! This bonus must be distributed quickly!"