Chapter 277: Benevolence Society Asian Branch
"Chairman Oaks, the miracle you have brought has resolved our urgent needs both now and for a considerable time to come!"
In the conference room of the Hybrid Rice Research Center, Academician Yuan, Director Xu, Oaks, and the official representative who rushed from the capital, Director Zheng, were all seated.
Although it was unknown which official department Director Zheng represented, his words carried weight and he had the authority to report directly to the central government. This was enough to illustrate the official's level of concern regarding Oaks' matters.
"We have conducted a thorough analysis of the samples brought by Secretary Antonio, and the Abundance series of super wheat is considered the greatest wheat variety since the advent of semi-dwarf wheat!"
Academician Yuan praised Oaks without reservation.
Oaks had been communicating with everyone in standard Mandarin, which made them feel an uncommon sense of familiarity with him.
"The Father of the Green Revolution," Norman Borlaug, the renowned American agricultural scientist, plant pathologist, and geneticist who created the "shuttle breeding method."
In the 1950s, he bred high-yielding and rust-resistant wheat varieties, successfully developing disease-resistant, nutrient-efficient, high-yielding semi-dwarf wheat with wide adaptability, greatly increasing wheat production.
His achievements are estimated to have fed a billion people and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.
Even at the age of 71, he was still devoted to increasing food production in African countries.
Moreover, Mr. Borlaug was also a foreign academician of China's Hunan Rice Research Institute..
"Unfortunately, Mr. Borlaug passed away in 2009, but the success of the 'Abundance' series is indeed built upon his foundation."
Oaks nodded with emotion. The official authorities had already conducted rigorous testing and the Abundance series had passed all aspects with very high efficiency.
"As for the ingenious ideas of the 'Foundation' series, it is a remarkable achievement that we could not have imagined."
Director Xu smiled with satisfaction. This extraordinary cultivation method essentially expanded the limited area of high-quality arable land several times over!
What kind of concept was this?
Even using the existing domestic grain varieties, it would be possible to achieve a several-fold increase in yield!
Moreover, the burden of infrastructure construction such as irrigation was almost negligible!
Domestic scientists could even make adjustments according to local conditions to adapt to more specific topographical environments!
Oaks raised an eyebrow and then patted Antonio's shoulder:
"To be honest with everyone, I initially focused on the environmental management type of moss, specifically the 'Erosion' series of organic matter-degrading mosses.
But Antonio discovered new possibilities for this 'lowest form of higher plant' and proposed using it to transform the environment.
That's how the 'Foundation' series came about, and Antonio personally named it."
"Oh? Hahaha! Excellent!"
Everyone clearly just learned this news, and Academician Yuan burst into laughter:
"Secretary Antonio... Well done!"
"You're too kind, Academician Yuan!"
Antonio quickly stood up. This gathering consisted of bigwigs, and he had the lowest status, even though he held the position of Secretary-General of the Benevolence Society. No matter how you looked at it, he was still a graduate student.
"Hehe... Please sit down, Antonio... Your achievements are enough to serve as a model for countless young people."
Academician Yuan, like many others, first heard about Antonio's achievements after learning about the earth-shattering feat of the Benevolence Society in New York.
When he discovered that this international student's hometown was actually near his own experimental field, he realized that the authorities were already paying attention to this overseas student.
It was rare for a compatriot to be favored by a powerful Avenger, and the authorities were well aware of this.
"In fact, due to Antonio's outstanding performance in the Benevolence Society and his excellent academic achievements, Columbia University has already allowed him to conduct research in our own laboratory."
Oaks' words left everyone in astonishment. Before they could react, Oaks spoke seriously:
"Ladies and gentlemen, especially Director Zheng, should be well aware that the Benevolence Society has established four continental branches:
The Americas Branch, located in New York, which was our original headquarters;
The European Branch, located in London, completed its construction half a year ago;
The African Branch, located in Wakanda, officially began construction a month ago;
The Oceania Branch, located in Melbourne, finalized the venue location a week ago."
Director Zheng's expression also became serious. He had not expressed much opinion until now, but in fact, he attached great importance to what Oaks was about to say.
"So, according to my plan, the Asian Branch is the top priority for my visit this time."
He glanced at Academician Yuan and Director Xu, and softly uttered a number that left the faces of the people pale:
"526 million people, two-thirds of the world's hungry population, are in Asia.
The severity of Asia's environmental and vegetation issues far surpasses that of other continents.
Our vision has been global from the beginning, so I want to ensure that the countries where I establish the Asian branch can support my ideals.
The continental branches focus on corresponding continents, rather than specific countries. I need the countries where the branches are established to understand this."
"...Let's excuse ourselves for a moment."
Academician Yuan let out a sigh and slowly stood up, signaling to his assistant.
"Xu, let's step out first... This number truly makes our achievements seem insignificant..."
"Academician Yuan, without you, this number would be even more terrifying."
Director Xu solemnly nodded and gave a slight gesture to Director Zheng, Oaks, and Antonio. He accompanied Academician Yuan as they left.
The matters that followed required sensitive discussions to reach a conclusion before they could proceed.
"May I inquire?"
Director Zheng nodded slightly. After the two left, he pondered for a moment and asked his first question:
"Have you received commitments from the corresponding countries in other continents, Chairman Oaks?"
"In Africa, Wakanda has already made a commitment.
In Europe, the British royal family has made a commitment and awarded me an honorary knighthood... Perhaps they were afraid I would run off to neighboring Ireland."
Director Zheng smiled with understanding. Oaks tapped the table with a finger.
"In Australia, I sent a branch president with considerable backing to negotiate. Our security chief, Captain America, and Agent Carter personally 'escorted' their niece, so they agreed as well... After all, they hold the United States in high regard."
"..."
Director Zheng shook his head with a wry smile, and Oaks spread his hands.
"As for the United States, I am a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Benevolence Society has a significant reputation there...
If they try to confine the Benevolence Society within the country, I believe the freedom-loving Americans will oust their president."
"Excellent strategy!"
Director Zheng sighed.
"Now, what are your plans for the Asian branch?"
"If everything goes as planned, Secretary-General Antonio will be the branch president of the Asian branch. As for the location, I lean toward this country, this city."
Oaks' words surprised Director Zheng.
"I thought you would choose the capital since its influence is the greatest."
"It would be troublesome."
Oaks shook his finger.
"I am not entirely unaware of the situation in this country…
Our headquarters, the Nature Guardian, is located above the Pacific high seas, rather than the Atlantic, which is closer to the Americas branch."
"...I thought you chose it for the convenience of going on vacation in Hawaii."
Director Zheng made a serious joke, leaving Oaks and Antonio momentarily stunned.
No, in reality, it was to avoid the Atlanteans feeling annoyed and jumping out one day. Oaks couldn't say that!
"In fact, we have that perk."
He could only cough lightly and, under Antonio's peculiar expression of "How did I not know that?", continued to present the "Earth Biogenome Project."
"This is the determination of our Benevolence Society, as well as my determination. Director Zheng, can you make a commitment?"
"...I greatly admire your determination."
Director Zheng was momentarily stunned, quickly skimmed through the paper materials handed over by Antonio.
After thinking for a moment, Director Zheng took a deep breath and nodded heavily.
"In that case, I make a commitment on behalf of the authorities. As long as it doesn't involve national secrets or harm national security and interests, we promise not to interfere with the overall arrangements of the Benevolence Society in other Asian countries and regions."
"Very well, let's cooperate."
Oaks smiled and stood up, shaking hands with Director Zheng, who also wore a smile.
"Chairman Oaks, the country welcomes intellectuals like you."
This was a good thing.
"There are still many things waiting for me to do... but my most outstanding assistant is now in your hands."
Oaks patted the blushing Antonio, then thought for a moment and rubbed his fingers together with a smile.
"So, may I ask for your convenience regarding the location of the Asian branch of the Benevolence Society?
I will personally oversee the construction of the venue... Have you heard of the Little Rainforest in New York?"
"Oh?"
Director Zheng became interested. After all, the Little Rainforest had now become a landmark in New York, and it was even an essential stop for Chinese tourists visiting the city.
If Oaks was willing to personally take action...
"I know of it.
There is an independent island in Xiangjiang Central, Fu Family Island, currently without any development plans!"
Director Zheng had obviously done a lot of research and was familiar with the details of the city.
"It is adjacent to Orange Island, a prime location... Secretary Antonio, uh, President Antonio should be familiar with that place!"
"Uh... I went there to play when I was studying at Hunan University. It hasn't been developed yet?"
Antonio widened his eyes.
"Archaeological sites from the Neolithic era have been discovered there!"
"Oh? It sounds like a good place. But regarding development..."
"I can represent the central government's opinion. You can even acquire it."
Director Zheng waved his hand confidently.
"I only require it to be at least on par with the Little Rainforest!"
"Don't worry...it might surpass it."
Oaks shook hands with Director Zheng again with a smile.
"After all, times have changed... and I am no longer the same as before!"
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