Chapter 541: The Roar of the Gods

Su Hao simply smiled noncommittally upon hearing this.
He himself had heard these bizarre conspiracy theories—that he was an alien lurking on Earth, or that Fang Huan Investment was a dark organization manipulating timelines.
However, those were ultimately just baseless ramblings, best taken with a grain of salt.
With fame comes trouble, and the same goes for businesses. Once you're in the spotlight, those who love you and those who want you dead will swarm in like a tide.
He believed that time would prove everything, and one day, those who misunderstood him would understand his good intentions.
"By the way, Chairman Su, there's something else," Li Huilin suddenly remembered.
"Didn't we build a lot of grain warehouses in the Middle East and Africa?
If the Middle East and Europe want to buy grain from us, the fastest route is through Libya. But the problem is..."
"Libya isn't cooperating, is it?" Su Hao's gaze fell on that crucial point on the map.
"Yes. Western Libya is relatively friendly to us, but those people in the east...
they're like rocks in a latrine, stinking and stubborn.
Unfortunately, control of the most important ports is in their hands.
Moreover, they have a long-standing grudge against our 'Fanghuan Shipping,' with constant friction."
Libya, a country located in the center of North Africa, guards the throat of the Mediterranean Sea, a golden gateway connecting Europe and the Middle East, its strategic location is extremely important.
The trouble lies in the fact that since the fall of the Gaddafi regime in 2011, the country has been plunged into endless chaos, later splitting into two governments, East and West, a daily drama of "Game of Thrones."
Before, they kept to themselves, and things were relatively peaceful.
But since a new strongman leader came to power in the east, he has become increasingly ambitious, clamoring for unification by force, and consequently, relations with Fanghuan have deteriorated sharply.
Their condition was simple: Fang Huan had to sever all ties with the West; otherwise, none of Fang Huan's ships would be allowed to pass through any of the eastern ports.
This was utterly absurd.
The personnel Fang Huan sent to the West were purely charitable employees of the foundation, there to aid the local population, and had absolutely nothing to do with politics.
"But in the eyes of those warlords in the East, this is 'unofficial aid,' it's about taking sides.
After all, the West is backed by the bald eagle, and the East by the polar bear."
International politics, frankly, is a disgusting game of choosing sides, always about factionalism, black and white.
A flicker of disgust crossed Su Hao's eyes.
They're all humans from the same planet, breathing the same air, yet they're always so keen on drawing lines between themselves, then fighting to the death.
“What if we bypass the eastern ports?”
“The time cost is too high.
A significantly longer transportation cycle means more people will starve to death while waiting.
That's why Fanghuan Shipping is so determined to open up this route through Libya.”
“…”
Su Hao fell silent. He instinctively wanted to consult his “intuition,” but immediately dismissed the thought.
This matter had nothing to do with intuition; it concerned lives.
“Contact the group and have the strategy department send their top negotiation experts to talk to those people in eastern Libya.”
"Tell them this road must be opened, by any means necessary!"
"Yes, Chairman Su!"
The most urgent task is to minimize the loss of life.
That's the fundamental purpose behind his stockpiling so much grain.
***
Eastern Libya.
"Negotiation? That's utterly a pipe dream!
Does he think I'm a three-year-old who can't see through Fang Huan's shady schemes hidden in his crotch?"
General Harta, who controlled the eastern government, let out a disdainful sneer, slamming the documents on the table, dismissing Fang Huan's request for negotiations with contempt.
"This greedy beast, Fang Huan, is devouring Africa step by step."
"Now, this greedy claw has finally reached into Libya!"
The adjutant, standing nearby, worriedly advised:
"But General, even a tycoon like Saudi Arabia eventually bowed to Fang Huan, didn't they?
And in this famine, Fang Huan has the world's food supply in his hands."
Indeed, the Saudi royal family, initially so arrogant, ultimately swallowed their pride and obediently accepted all the terms of the ESG Association, spearheaded by Fang Huan, in the face of this unprecedented famine.
"There are even rumors that this year's famine was orchestrated by Fang Huan himself!"
Another aide lowered his voice,
"This year's natural disaster is severe, but without Fang Huan's sweeping, almost frenzied hoarding of food over the past two years, the situation would never have deteriorated to this point!"
"You mean, Fang Huan is the instigator of this disaster?" General Harta narrowed his eyes.
"Yes. They not only went on a buying spree, but also built numerous hidden grain warehouses throughout Africa."
Think about it, why was Africa chosen?
"Because the situation there is chaotic, far from the spheres of influence of those developed countries, others can't even reach it to plunder!"
General Hatta waved his hand dismissively:
"We don't need to worry like Saudi Arabia!
Although we also rely on food imports, as long as we control the Mediterranean Sea, this vital waterway, food will flow to our doorstep continuously!"
Eastern Libya's confidence stems from its port.
This is the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with countless merchant ships passing through daily, most carrying grain.
The huge granaries in the port are their greatest guarantee.
In his view, even if grain prices rise, it's just a matter of money.
As long as there's food, no one will starve, and his rule will be as solid as a rock.
"But...but there are rumors outside that this year's famine was orchestrated by Fang Huan!
Even...Fang Huan can even create earthquakes..."
"Fools!" Hatta roared,
"You believe such absurd rumors?"
Nature belongs to Allah; how dare mortals trespass upon it?
Instead of worrying about this baseless nonsense, you should go and offer a prayer…”
Before he finished speaking—
BOOM—!!!
A bolt of lightning ripped through the sky, like the roar of a god!
The entire command post trembled!
General Hatar shuddered in fright.
“…Is a typhoon coming?” he asked, forcing himself to remain calm.
“Yes, General. But the weather forecast says the typhoon will just miss us; it won't make landfall. There shouldn't be any major problems. Please rest assured.”
“What's the name of this typhoon…?”
“Daniel.”
“Hmm, let's pray God will make it disappear quickly.” General Harta nodded, trying to remain calm.
“Allah is with us; Libya will be safe!”
However, from the heavens above, a cold laugh seemed to echo.
Rumble—!!!