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

Chapter 566: The Top Leader of Government Affairs

Huo Yishen wasn’t very familiar with romance. Across two lifetimes, Jiang Ning was the only person he had ever liked. He had no plans to confess and intended to keep his feelings hidden forever. After all, the apocalypse wasn’t the right time for love. 

But unexpectedly, Jiang Ning asked him first—did he like her? 

At that moment, he didn’t know how to respond. If he said no, he might never get another chance. 

Before he knew it, the words slipped out— “A little.” 

But what he got in return was rejection. 

Later on, it was instinct that drove them together, but it still took a lot of adjustments before they truly became a couple. 

Love was indeed wonderful, but looking back, he didn’t want his sister to follow the same path. 

Because if he hadn’t loved Jiang Ning, he wouldn’t have risked his life to protect her. 

Human nature in the apocalypse was unpredictable. He had found the right person—but what if he hadn’t? 

Everyone had selfish desires. Even if two people truly loved each other, he didn’t want his sister to make foolish choices. 

Falling in love was fine, but at the very least, she should wait until the apocalypse ended, when humanity’s moral boundaries returned. 

Seeing that he didn’t believe her, Doudou grew anxious. “Brother, I really don’t like anyone!” 

Twelve years into the apocalypse, she admired the love between her brother and sister-in-law, but she had also seen the darkest sides of human nature—husbands and wives turning against each other, parents eating their own children, siblings betraying one another, fathers killing their sons… 

After reaching the Fengcheng Base, every man who tried to win her favor—was there even one without an ulterior motive? 

“Mhm, as long as you don’t, that’s good.” Huo Yishen believed her. “Doudou, you’re not even an adult yet. Even if you want to fall in love or get married, you should wait a few more years.” 

Doudou spoke firmly. “Brother, I have no interest in men.” 

Huo Yishen frowned and hesitated for a moment before asking, “What do you think of Rong Sanshao?” 

Her sister-in-law had asked her yesterday, and now her brother was asking today. Even someone as naive as Doudou could see what was going on. 

So annoying! 

But she understood that her brother and sister-in-law had their own plans, and Rong Sanshao had ambitions of his own. Their interests were tied together, and the Rong family was indeed useful. 

Doudou quickly calmed down and referred to him as Rong Tingting did. “Third Uncle Rong is useful, but he’s as slippery as an eel. I don’t like dealing with him too much.” 

In comparison, she preferred the honest and dependable Uncle Rong. He was straightforward, responsible, and didn’t have so many tricks up his sleeve. 

Seeing her expression, Huo Yishen felt relieved. “Doudou, people’s hearts are unpredictable in the apocalypse. No one stays the same forever. Even if you get along well with someone now, always be cautious.” 

After twelve years of experience and constant exposure to reality, Doudou’s personality was already set. “I understand, Brother.” 

*** 

Jiang Ning woke up just before noon.  

Huo Yishen had already gone to the dock to handle the inventory and handovers, while Doudou was busy at the farm. 

After grabbing a quick bite, she took her dog out for a walk, leaving Bai Xue at home to look after the pups. 

A beautiful woman and a handsome dog—wherever they went, they turned heads. 

Jiang Ning was already used to the attention. Coke, on the other hand, acted arrogantly in her presence. It could sense people’s true natures and growled the whole time until they reached the farm. 

If it weren’t for the muzzle, it would have torn quite a few people apart. 

The Rong family had hired twelve people, including their uncles and nephews, to handle the farm’s daily operations. 

These workers earned their meals by working. Having a job at the farm meant securing food, which was far better than struggling on their own, so they were all diligent, afraid of being fired. 

In the middle of the farm stood an ordinary greenhouse made of glass. To protect it from sandstorms and hail, Eldest Rong had hired workers to build a wooden lattice barrier around it. 

The lattice covered the top layer of glass, making the sunlight scatter in patches, but it was still suitable for growing crops like asparagus, chives, and medicinal herbs. 

Doudou had also installed multiple shelves inside, utilizing vertical space to expand the planting area as much as possible. 

The farm used natural fertilizer, and both the crops and herbs were growing well. 

Jiang Ning felt the trip was worthwhile—Doudou had really grown up. 

Just as she was about to leave, she spotted He Tianming approaching from a distance with a group of people. 

Doudou explained, “Sister-in-law, Grandpa He is now the head of the base’s administrative affairs. He came today with a team for an inspection.” 

It was unclear how Gu Tinglin negotiated, but in the end, He Tianming agreed. 

He was already in his fifties, with a noticeable amount of white hair. The natural disaster had left their mark on him—his back was no longer as straight as when they first met. However, his refined and approachable demeanor remained, though time had etched its traces on his forehead. 

Jiang Ning had always respected him, and at this moment, she was even more moved. 

With his addition, she believed Fengcheng would only continue to improve. 

Due to He Tianming’s involvement, the base’s structure underwent changes. 

Gu Tinglin remained the top leader, with five deputy commanders in the military. Now, He Tianming joined as an additional key figure. 

The military and administrative branches were officially separated, with He Tianming taking full charge of administrative affairs. 

Though he was brought in from the outside and had an extensive background, power in such a setting was both rigid and delicate. Every deputy commander in the military had fought their way to their position through bloodshed and merit. 

As a result, He Tianming’s position was not seen as legitimate. 

Even with Gu Tinglin backing him up, the people below still had their opinions. They just didn’t openly voice strong opposition. 

Gu Tinglin had anticipated the risks of reform. When the relevant departments initially sought out He Tianming and were rejected, he did not press the matter further. Instead, he let the second-in-command take over the administrative duties. 

It’s only after hitting a wall that they realize every field has its own expertise. 

When the timing was right, Gu Tinglin personally approached He Tianming. 

The two talked for an entire day and developed a deep mutual appreciation. In the end, they agreed on a one-year trial period. 

If He Tianming failed to deliver results within the year, he would step down voluntarily, regardless of whether Gu Tinglin wished to keep him. 

With such a structured plan in place, opposition became difficult—after all, the base needed to progress and develop. 

In just one year, He Tianming not only had to assemble his own team but also rapidly advance civilian welfare. Though the position seemed prestigious, the reality was that he had been dealt a difficult hand. 

Without a strong ability to withstand pressure and exceptional determination, few could handle such a role. 

As the new leader, his first priority was ensuring the survivors had enough food. Thus, the farm became the first stop of his inspection. 

When He Tianming saw Jiang Ning, he noticed that her appearance hadn’t changed much from ten years ago. 

However, her expression was no longer as cold and indifferent as when they first met. Instead, there was a firm and powerful presence about her. 

A decade had passed—they had both changed, yet in some ways, they hadn’t. 

He Tianming stepped forward with a smile and extended his hand. “Jiang Ning.” 

Jiang Ning returned the handshake with a smile. “Mayor He.” 

Among the group were Director Xiao, who oversaw land management, agricultural officials, and experienced specialists. 

Jiang Ning assigned Doudou and Rong Sanshao to receive them, while she personally took He Tianming to the farm’s resting area. 

As old acquaintances with no outsiders present, they spoke candidly. 

He Tianming hoped the glass greenhouses could be used to their fullest potential—not only to ensure food security for the survivors but also to contribute to reforestation efforts. 

Improving the environment would stabilize the climate, ultimately helping Earth restore its ecosystem. 

Jiang Ning was confident. “Mayor He, don’t worry. I’ll fully cooperate.” 

Today, they would be unpacking and inspecting the seawater desalination equipment, which would solve the base’s water supply issue and be a major benefit for reforestation efforts. 

As long as there is a sufficient water supply, even a desert can be transformed into an oasis. 

Jiang Ning also mentioned the 26 containers of fabric. “Once this cotton harvest is complete, I hope to receive scientific guidance from your team.” 

The 26 shipping containers of fabric would help alleviate the base’s needs. In return, the farm would fully support any of He Tianming’s requirements. 

Hearing this, He Tianming finally felt some relief—one of his urgent problems had been resolved. 

However, Jiang Ning had prepared a gift for him as well. “Doudou wants to establish a livestock farm. Mayor He, do you have any suggestions?”