Chapter 489: "Poisoning" the Sea

The Rockefeller family, the former creators of an oil empire, intends to make a comeback and reclaim their throne.
Su Hao vaguely remembered these reports.
Their foresight was undeniable; they understood the changing global landscape and, instead of clinging to oil, adapted to the times, casting a wide net and investing in various new energy sources.
This grand plan sounded promising, but such a willingness to burn money for the future depended on the stability of their core business.
"Their chairman, Jonathan Rockefeller, is probably kicking himself now.
He never dreamed that his oil wells would be targeted with bombs.
He probably thought that even if Venezuela invaded Guyana, they wouldn't dare touch a hair on his Rockefeller family's assets."
However, times have changed.
The world is hurtling headlong in a direction no one can predict.
Think about it, who could have predicted that a virus could bring the entire planet to a standstill?
Who could have imagined that in the 21st century, with nuclear warheads as numerous as cattle, two countries would actually engage in a protracted, seemingly endless war?
On this planet, bizarre and unpredictable "low-probability events" occur frequently, making them impossible to guard against.
It can only be said that the writers of Earth Online must have recently taken some kind of stimulant, as the plot is becoming increasingly outrageous.
"In short, this incident became the final straw.
Jackson Mobil's shareholders are brewing a storm, preparing to oust the current chairman, Jonathan, and replace him with a new king.
In their view, Jonathan is no longer creating value for shareholders, but rather using the company's money to realize his own insane ambitions."
The pent-up resentment, at this moment, erupted like a volcano, unstoppable.
However, on the surface, this matter seems to have nothing to do with Fang Huan's investment.
"Are our own 'wildfire' security and mining operations alright?" Su Hao asked.
"Don't worry. The moment the US military moved, Venezuela immediately backed down.
I heard that upon seeing the US military's reinforcement fleet approaching, they were so scared that they withdrew all their troops deployed on the border overnight, fearing they'd be used as scapegoats.
We're perfectly safe over there."
Alright, that's good. A weight was lifted from Su Hao's heart.
Although he deeply sympathized with Jackson Mobil's plight, as long as his own gold mines weren't affected, he was grateful; it was none of his business.
"The next topic, Chairman Su, is about Japan."
"Oh? Is it about that nuclear wastewater issue?"
"Yes, it's been making headlines these past few days."
Ever since the devastating accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, how to deal with the contaminated cooling water has been a Damocles' sword hanging over Japan's head.
In the past, due to immense pressure from the international community, they dared not act rashly.
But now, Japan claims that the water storage tanks are "overburdened" and has officially announced its intention to "poison" the ocean!
"Country M, the European Union, and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have all issued reports saying 'no problem.'
But who can guarantee with absolute certainty whether this thing actually has a problem?"
From a scientific perspective, treated nuclear wastewater theoretically shouldn't cause immediate harm to humans.
However, theory is still theory. No short-term impact doesn't guarantee long-term safety.
Who can guarantee that decades or centuries from now, this stuff won't evolve into something like Godzilla in the food chain?
“However, Japan has adopted a ‘I'm wronged’ stance.
They say that France, Canada, and many other countries are also discharging nuclear power plant wastewater into the sea.
Of course, the difference is that Fukushima was a mess caused by an accident, while other countries have normally operating nuclear power plants, and the treatment standards are completely different.”
Naturally operating nuclear power plants discharge wastewater that undergoes rigorous filtration and IAEA standard review, much like a city's sewage treatment system, with a mature filtration process.
The problem with Fukushima is that it was a bunch of meltdown reactors; who knows how reliable their so-called "purification" is?
Moreover, Japan has a history of falsifying data and illegally discharging wastewater, and its credibility is already ruined.
“So, they’ve been stalling with water tanks, but now they can’t hold out any longer, so they’ve decided to go all in.”
No wonder the people in neighboring countries are so panicked and anxious.
Even Su Hao himself finds this quite unsettling.
“If Japan is determined to do this, it seems we don’t have a good solution?”
“Yes, Chairman Su. After all, it’s a diplomatic issue.
However, we can challenge the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and question the accuracy of their investigation results.
Or, we could simply… donate some money and ‘demand’ that they conduct a more thorough and transparent investigation into Japan.”
As he finished speaking, a barely perceptible current seemed to run through Su Hao’s fingertips.
Liu Bo continued, "Right now, isn't nuclear power generation making a comeback?
Especially the new generation of nuclear energy concepts, touted as 'environmentally friendly' and 'safe,' are generating a lot of buzz.
We can easily use the guise of 'supporting the IAEA's development of clean nuclear energy' to send them a 'research and development sponsorship fund.' That reason sounds perfectly legitimate."
That current of inspiration flashed through Su Hao's mind again, this time even clearer!
A strange intuition rose within Su Hao.
"That's a good idea," Su Hao decided immediately,
"Let's do it. Again, in the name of Fang Huan Investment, let's raise our 'concerns' with the IAEA.
We'll demand they re-examine the matter, and not let Japan treat the Pacific Ocean like its own sewers without any scruples.
After all, this concerns the vital interests of each and every one of us."
Some say the world is balanced; there are gains and losses.
But Su Hao firmly believes that the ultimate goal of so-called technological progress is nothing more than breaking this bullshit rule and achieving "I want it all."
***
At the same time, at a top-tier private club.
"Oh my, all of you CEOs are incredibly busy. I am deeply grateful that you could grace us with your presence today!"
Qin Han, Chairman of Jiangjin Group, was beaming as he weaved through the group of CEOs, offering them toasts.
Today, he was hosting a banquet for the partners in the Guyana project, each a powerful figure in their industry.
Being involved in this project meant they would not only be able to mine rare earth elements, said to be more precious than gold, but also have the opportunity to explore Guyana's vast, mountainous mineral deposits.
At this moment, these business leaders beamed with genuine smiles, brighter than blooming chrysanthemums.
"Chairman Qin, you're too kind! If it weren't for your and Fang Huan Investment's connections, we wouldn't have this opportunity!
Come, come, let me toast Chairman Qin!"
After a few rounds of drinks, one of the business leaders changed the subject, tentatively asking:
"But Chairman Qin, I heard there's been some unexpected trouble in Guyana recently…"
"Ah, that matter? Don't worry, everyone!"
Qin Han waved his hand dismissively, laughing nonchalantly.
"The US fleet has already gone there. Even if Venezuela had ten times the courage, they wouldn't dare to move an inch."
"It's a minor matter, nothing to worry about!"
"Haha, since Chairman Qin has said so, of course we're not worried.
But to be honest, Chairman Qin, you should know the ins and outs of this better than we do, right?"
Another executive smiled meaningfully.
"Oh? What do you mean?" Qin Han feigned surprise.
"Oh dear, don't try to fool us.
In this industry, nothing stays secret forever.
Even we outsiders have heard that everyone's saying this 'accident' at Jackson Mobil was orchestrated by Fang Huan Investment!"