Chapter 256: Pilot Project for Eastern European Grain Cooperation

Moss plants usually prefer damp environments and typically grow on rocks, tree trunks, soil surfaces, or in humid forests and swamps. Some moss species can even survive in deserts or even on beaches and uninhabited islands, as long as there is a certain amount of freshwater supply.

However, the moss that has been modified by Oaks's Oak Environmental Technology Company can clearly do more than that.

Hydroponics, even children have heard of it.

By using media such as peat, forest leaf mold, vermiculite, etc., to fix plant roots, along with nutrient solutions, plants can grow normally as if they were in soil.

Deserts, beaches, uninhabited islands... as long as there is a certain amount of freshwater supply, it can be done.

And the "Foundation" series moss developed by Oaks is based on this planting method.

Moss secretes gelatinous substances, firmly adhering to the surface of rocks. It also grows a powerful "pseudo-root" system that deeply penetrates into the soil and connects to form a continuous patch.

As long as a small portion of excessively large rocks are cleared, the mountainous areas can be transformed into fertile fields by these mosses.

However, the Foundation series mosses themselves have an extraordinary thickness that goes beyond just serving as a substrate for fixing crop roots.

They internally secrete nutrient-rich fluids that supply the necessary growth requirements for crops rooted on them, which means there is no need for additional nutrient solutions.

Only fertilization and watering at fixed points for the mosses are needed, and the interconnected moss substrate itself serves as the best irrigation channel.

This is a groundbreaking innovation that subverts the traditional cultivation system.

Moreover, when Oaks gets involved, the grain crops are certainly not ordinary varieties.

"Abundance No. 3 and No. 4" are high-yield wheat varieties specially developed to suit the characteristics of mountainous regions. They are planted on shady slopes and sunny slopes, making full use of the different temperature and moisture environments.

Of course, you can grow more than just wheat; vegetables are also possible, and I have no objection to growing grass for grazing. The moss has a bitter taste, so livestock probably won't like to eat it, but if you want to develop animal husbandry, you can do that too."

Zemo was too shocked to say anything. But he lived up to his title as Baron Zemo and managed to control his emotions after a while:

"Isn't your Benevolence Society known for not interfering in the food industry?

Although, with your abilities, I have no doubt that you would eventually do so. But why us?"

"On the one hand, it's a small compensation for this operation—Hydra was secretly researching dangerous extraterrestrial technology, and these are not things that a turbulent small country should get involved in.

Unless you want to see neighboring countries tearing you apart in advance."

Seeing that Zemo did not voice any objections, Oaks nodded slightly.

"You also thought of that, so the other reason is somewhat related to this—the food industry is the lifeline of a nation.

It wasn't until I moved the headquarters of Benevolence Society to international waters that I started preparing for these things.

Sokovia is small enough and poor enough... I apologize for being a bit offensive, but that's the reality."

"I don't mind..."

Zemo sighed and shook his head.

"I think I understand what you mean. My country is not very noticeable. So if you cooperate with us, it won't attract the attention of major powers."

"That's right, the research achievements of my company are for the benefit of all mankind... but they are indeed somewhat sensitive. I dare not gamble on the determination of the US government."

Both of them coldly chuckled, understanding each other without words. Then Zemo spoke up first.

"I can make this happen. With the credit of capturing the Hydra heads, I can have more say.

And once this succeeds, although Sokovia is small, it will be your staunchest friend!"

"I have no doubt. With your intelligence, as long as you want to do it, it will surely succeed."

Oaks extended his hand.

"So, shall we have a pleasant cooperation?"

"Wait a moment."

Zemo did not shake hands with Oaks. He looked at the tablet in his hand again and shook his head slightly.

"You've given too much, and it makes me uneasy."

"...Is that so?"

Oaks raised an eyebrow. If you include the information that Hati gave him about Hydra...

It was indeed quite a lot.

"Perhaps it seems too much to you, but in my opinion, it's not too exaggerated."

Of course, Oaks couldn't say that it was intentional.

"In fact, I have also chosen another country to conduct experiments with the numbered moss and grain, but negotiations haven't started yet."

"Also, I plan to establish the European branch of the Benevolence Society in London. Perhaps you can also support my branch here in Eastern Europe."

"A branch? No problem."

Zemo's expression finally relaxed a bit.

"A global public welfare organization, I believe it's also a good thing for the people of our country who have just experienced turmoil…

But it's not enough. This isn't your ultimate goal."

"...Are you so sure?"

Oaks genuinely admired Zemo's intelligence.

"Alright, alright... In fact, I encountered an interesting pair of twins before..."

After telling Zemo about Wanda and Pietro, he finally smiled.

"Now I feel like you're being open and honest."

"These two young people with special abilities are Sokovians, so I think they won't pose any harm to you, which is why I didn't mention them."

Oaks rubbed his chin and didn't try to hide it.

"Now that we've come this far in our conversation, I have the audacity to ask Colonel Zemo to persuade those two young people for me."

"...I remember the bombing you mentioned."

Zemo looked at Oaks's young face with a strange expression.

"So, if I calculate their age based on that, they should be around twenty-five or twenty-six. And you're not even thirty yet?"

"...I have an old mindset."

Oaks coughed lightly, quickly bypassing this topic, and extended his hand again.

"So, a pleasant cooperation?"

"Pleasant cooperation."

This time, Zemo didn't hesitate and shook his hand.

...

With Zemo's matters settled, the tense relationship between the Sokovian army and the Howling Commandos naturally eased.

They put in a lot of effort to bring the Hydra members back to prison, awaiting not only interrogation by the United Nations but also the anger of the Sokovian people.

They had learned what this base had done to their country over the years.

Their country had been in turmoil, and they lived in constant uncertainty, with half of the blame falling on Hydra.

After all, the more chaotic it was here, the better they could hide.

After the handover was completed, Zemo and Oaks confirmed the cooperation time and contact information once again. Then Zemo led his army back to their city.

The next morning, just as the sun rose, Oaks wasn't surprised to see Pietro and Wanda coming here.

"We've found out... You didn't deceive us."

Upon seeing Oaks, Pietro got straight to the point with a deep voice.

"We'll go back with you to settle the score with Tony Stark... Rest assured, we won't use violence."

"...That's for the best."

Oaks glanced at Pietro and then looked deeply into Wanda's eyes, which seemed to flash with a red light.

"Then let's go."

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