The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies

Chapter 549: Did You Make Preparations For A Proper Transition of Power?”

Gu Tinglin had already considered this and even started putting it into action, but the results were less than impressive. 

There was no denying that they were father and daughter, but Jiang Ning didn’t hold back. “You divided the responsibilities, but they’re not really split.” 

On the surface, the tasks were divided, but the management still rested in the hands of the military. 

People’s thinking and personalities tend to become fixed over time, and it’s not something that can change overnight. 

Every profession has its own set of skills. A capable and efficient military commander might not perform as well in a completely different field. 

Gu Tinglin understood her point. “We’ve selected from the survivors, but we haven’t found anyone particularly suited for administrative roles.” 

Jiang Ning raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure there’s really no one?” 

Gu Tinglin caught on quickly. “You’re talking about He Tianming?” 

They had already approached him—more than once, actually. But He Tianming had turned them down every time. 

Refused? Jiang Ning was surprised but quickly understood. 

“Before you asked him, did you make preparations for a proper transition of power?” 

That question made Gu Tinglin pause. 

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to, but this involved power and trust, with many aspects to consider. 

He pondered for a moment. “Do you trust him that much?” 

Jiang Ning recounted He Tianming’s experiences in Fengcheng. “He’s an exceptional talent in governance, but the military and government operate under completely different systems. He knows that if he doesn’t have real authority, he won’t be able to accomplish anything. Instead, he’d just end up in a difficult position, which is probably why he kept refusing you.” 

Gu Tinglin thought for a moment and said, “Anning, military and political reform is something that can affect everything. Especially large-scale reforms—there will be huge obstacles, but Fengcheng needs rapid development, and reform is inevitable.” 

Deep down, he knew Jiang Ning was bringing this up because she was worried about his health. 

Reform had always been his goal. But early on, the base had too few people, the climate was harsh, and they were struggling just to survive. On top of that, his team was made up entirely of military leaders—excellent in battle but completely unprepared for government work. 

Gu Tinglin looked at Jiang Ning with softened eyes. “It’ll take time, but I’ll make arrangements.” 

Some things didn’t need to be said aloud. A single glance was enough to understand each other. 

After finishing his IV, Jiang Ning left him a bag of premium rice and flour, Cantonese-style cured sausages, and two pounds of meatballs. “I’ll have Ah Shen come over later to install a range hood for you.” 

Gu Tinglin opened his mouth to refuse but didn’t say anything in the end. 

Even though they lived next door, constantly going back and forth was too noticeable. Jiang Ning thought for a moment. “How about we open a small door in the yard wall?” 

Gu Tinglin was more than happy with that idea. “Alright.” 

So, Huo Yishen went ahead and made a doorway in the yard wall, making it easier for both families to visit each other. 

Then, he installed the range hood for his father-in-law. 

Jiang Ning kept track of time, but he didn’t return until later in the afternoon. 

When he finally came back, something about him seemed different. 

Jiang Ning was a bit surprised. It looked like his posture was even straighter, yet his expression was more composed and relaxed, as if they had returned to the time when they first met on the 18th floor. 

Curious, she asked, “What happened?” 

Huo Yishen poured her a glass of water and replied calmly, “Anning, Father wants me to join the military, and I’ve agreed.” 

Jiang Ning was stunned and took a moment before speaking. “But you…” 

In his previous life, he had missed the chance to go home and save his sister because he had been helping with disaster relief. By the time he got back, all that was left of Doudou was a pile of bones. 

Consumed by grief, he had spent ten years in rescue missions, only to meet a tragic end. 

Yet, given the chance to start over, he still chose the same path. 

The father-in-law and son-in-law had a sincere conversation, and their words were direct and to the point. When Huo Yishen first arrived in Fengcheng, he had already expected this day to come, so he agreed without hesitation. 

He spoke calmly, “Anning, whether it was escaping Huacheng or what we went through in the Arctic, I don’t want you to experience that again.” 

“I’m your husband. It’s my responsibility to protect you, not to run away when things get exposed or risk my life to confront the situation.” 

As long as he was strong enough, even surrounded by wolves, nothing could harm her. 

Huo Yishen wanted to give Jiang Ning a home, a place where she could live in peace, not an endless life of wandering. 

Though they hadn’t discussed the god-making plan, could they really hide it from Gu Tinglin? 

He was already setting things in motion to help Jiang Ning. 

The reason he first approached Huo Yishen was to test the waters between the two of them. 

Every father-in-law is the same, hoping his son-in-law will be strong enough to shield his daughter from the storm and be her lifelong refuge. 

This was just the first step. As long as Huo Yishen agreed, Gu Tinglin would no longer have any trouble speaking openly with his daughter. 

Jiang Ning didn’t object. “What department does he plan to assign you to?” 

“He hasn’t said yet.” But rising through the ranks is never simple. 

Jiang Ning was well aware that Gu Tinglin was paving the way for them. 

In the evening, just as dinner was being served, the “freeloader king” arrived on time. “Sister, brother-in-law.” 

He brought over some medicine he had found on the cargo ship. “I just finished my shift.” 

What could Doudou say? She silently added another bowl and pair of chopsticks. 

Rong Sanshao’s eyes curved into a smile. Doudou was really smart and clever. 

The freeloader king didn’t hold back. “Sister, your cooking is amazing. I feel like I could live three more years with just one bite.” 

Jiang Ning didn’t hold back either. “It’s your brother-in-law who made it.” 

“Ah, sister, you and brother-in-law are really in love. You’re becoming more and more like a married couple; even your cooking is indistinguishable now.” 

Jiang Ning: “…” 

Huo Yishen: “…” 

After the flattery, Rong Sanshao got to the point. “Sister, the glass has already started being transported to the southern district’s plantation. My older brother found a few carpenters, but we’re short on some materials for the glass greenhouse. However, many survivors at the base are out scavenging, so some things can be exchanged. We can trade food or medicine for them.” 

“Also, the steel bars and plates found on the ship can be used to build the greenhouse.” 

“The master carpenter estimated that the glass brought back will cover about 20 acres.” 

Jiang Ning had no objections. “Hmm, just handle it. You don’t need to report everything; I’ll just look at the results.” 

“Don’t worry, sister, it’ll be beautiful.” 

After dinner, Doudou went to wash the dishes in the kitchen, while Rong Sanshao made no move to leave. 

Seeing Jiang Ning raise an eyebrow, he quickly came over. “Sister, I ran into an old acquaintance at the dock today. Guess who?” 

His mysterious tone suggested it had something to do with her. Jiang Ning casually replied, “Who?” 

“Xu Kaitai.” 

Jiang Ning thought for a moment and realized it was Instructor Xu. 

He’d been with the Huacheng Base for a long time. Why would he come to the Fengcheng Base? Could he be looking for Gu Tinglin? 

Jiang Ning frowned. “What was he doing here?” 

Rong Sanshao had met Xu Kaitai at the Huacheng Base. Even though the leader of the southern military hadn’t arrived, the base was doing well overall, but regional alliances were still quite common. 

Birds of a feather flock together; even dogs travel in packs, let alone humans. 

But what was strange was that Xu Kaitai hadn’t returned after a mission less than two months after Jiang Ning disappeared. 

There were no secrets in their circle. Rong Sanshao found out quickly that Xu Kaitai had been tasked with going to sea to find the southern military leaders. 

But since then, he disappeared without a trace…