CHAPTER 300: CHAPTER 2: FEARFUL CHARM (PART 3)

Wooden, simple-minded, and awkwardly out of place with the glittering world of fame and fortune—these characteristics made the admiral faintly uneasy. Such people often make unexpected moves.

The Admiral had handed "Harden" a gilded business card, assuming the other party would tactfully visit in the following days to show respect and align themselves.

A few days passed, and everything was like a stone sinking into the sea, without any response.

Admiral Alvin couldn’t help but speculate in his heart whether this "Harden" was pretending to be aloof or truly ignorant of worldly affairs, to the point of not proactively aligning with any faction?

Indeed, I haven’t heard of this rapidly ascending ’political newcomer’ actively approaching any faction in Washington D.C.

"This guy...does he naively think that by pledging allegiance to that precarious Vice President, he can carve out a world for himself in Washington D.C.?"

Admiral Alvin coldly chuckled to himself, recalling how his olive branch had been blindly ignored by the other party, and a sense of displeasure welled up within him.

He pondered for a moment and instructed his secretary: "Call Mr. Harden at the Ministry of Government Efficiency to formally congratulate him on his successful appointment.

In my name, sincerely invite him to attend the informal gathering at the Norfolk Naval Base this weekend."

Admiral Alvin deliberately emphasized the word "informal," aiming to lower his posture while hinting at the relaxed atmosphere of the gathering.

The secretary earnestly agreed and quickly dialed the Ministry of Government Efficiency located at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, conveying the Admiral’s invitation.

A few minutes later, the secretary reported: "Minister Harden’s assistant answered the call. After expressing thanks, they gladly accepted your invitation and are willing to attend this weekend’s gathering."

Upon hearing this response, Admiral Alvin’s tightly furrowed brow slightly relaxed, and he let out a somewhat satisfied "Hmm" from his nostrils, contemplating:

"I hope Harden understands his position and doesn’t try to disrupt the current political landscape or attempt to touch those untouchable interests. If needed, I’ll have to remind him."

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On the weekend, Zhou Qingfeng accepted the invitation and took a helicopter from Washington D.C. to the Norfolk Naval Base, more than two hundred kilometers to the south, landing on the deck of the ’Ford’ carrier.

"Harden." As Zhou Qingfeng stepped out of the cabin, avoiding the fierce wind of the rotors, he immediately heard someone calling him outside.

Admiral Alvin led a few subordinates over, laughing heartily while patting Zhou Qingfeng’s shoulder, much more friendly than last time, "Congratulations, you’re the most distinguished guest at tonight’s gathering."

"I should thank the Vice President for his trust; it is also my honor," Zhou Qingfeng replied with a perfunctory formulaic smile.

The enthusiastic Mr. Admiral was hugging Zhou Qingfeng’s shoulder, laughing endlessly, "Harden, I invited you to the navy club last time, why didn’t you come?"

Zhou Qingfeng cursed in his heart: "You only gave me a card without a number, I had no idea where your club was facing, how could I go?"

High society has its playstyle; Zhou Qingfeng still plays too little and truly doesn’t understand.

When asked, he straightforwardly said: "I thought it would be better to attend your gatherings after officially taking office."

The Admiral misunderstood, thinking Zhou Qingfeng was unwilling to be wronged—after all, the status of a Ministry of Health official is quite different from the position of the Minister of Efficiency, and the treatment received is worlds apart.

"Come on, let’s go to the hangar; many friends are eagerly waiting to meet you."

Zhou Qingfeng did not expect the gathering to be within the carrier; he instinctively asked, "Is the ’Ford’ not on duty at the moment?"

The Admiral personally answered: "Carrier operations have three cycles—training, maintenance, and duty. Currently, the ’Ford’ is in a short three-month maintenance period.

Come on, I’ll show you the United States’ most powerful military equipment. You will end up loving it."