American success master

"I've heard from the Navy folks that there indeed are silver mines on the Japanese Islands, but the reserves aren't particularly high."

"Add to that their domestic protection, it's somewhat difficult to want to develop their mining resources."

"Once the government interferes, I'm certain that countries like England and France will forcibly intervene."

"Our navy is far too weak, simply incapable of clashing with theirs," Fiorella felt rather helpless.

America adheres to isolationism, hence the navy and the army are on a budget—spending as little as possible, certainly not a penny more than necessary.

This indirectly led to the navy having very few ships fit for warfare, keeping costs to an absolute minimum.

It wasn't until after the civil war ended that the Industrial Faction took control of the country and GDP increased, which is when they started to develop the navy.

In this period, America's focus was on the army, which, though somewhat lackluster, at least fulfilled the important task of territorial expansion.

Zhu Wencong didn't care about these exterior factors, "As long as you provide official support, I can achieve all of your targets."

"I firmly believe the Northern Faction will prevail, so the bonds will definitely be redeemed, and I can take them all on."

"You can give me half a year, or one year; with this silver mine, I can achieve the initial capital accumulation."

"By then, you must reserve enough bonds for me to issue. I'm not joking, I'm serious about this."

Ibair realized Zhu Wencong was brimming with confidence from start to finish and wondered, is this a characteristic of a royal descendent?

In the face of worldly changes, Zhu Wencong possessed a confidence that everything was under control.

Fiorella kept on drinking Lafite, increasingly feeling drunk and finding Zhu Wencong more and more incomprehensible.

Whether the silver mine was real or not was debatable, yet Zhu Wencong intended to use the government's endorsement for his private affairs.

"I like the phrase you used just now, firmly believing in the Northern Faction—that means we're on the same side!"

"Let me introduce ourselves. I'm a mid-level federal official, and he's the bank manager of Westwood Bank in California."

"Westwood Bank is our federal bank, responsible for issuing the bonds. You should communicate with him more in the future."

"My next stop is a trip to Los Angeles to see if anyone will support us," Fiorella said candidly.

Zhu Wencong was slightly surprised but quickly regained his calm composure; he now had a backer of sorts.

The San Francisco market was ultimately too small, with most of the population coming from Asia, where people don't have much money.

As the second largest city in America (in the 20th century) and the largest city in the West, Los Angeles held a tremendous resource advantage.

In 1850, Los Angeles was designated a city with a population of 1,600, and in the 12 years since, the population hadn't grown much.

A small population doesn't mean poverty; after all, a small number of people holding a vast amount of natural resources is a form of wealth spread among the populace.

Without the environment of population oversupply, everyone lived quite comfortably, and any business could make a small profit.

"Am I now a member of the federation?" Zhu Wencong looked at Fiorella with a knowing smile.

If there's no trouble, he's part of the big family; if there is, relationships are disavowed, completely nonexistent.

Fiorella would never take responsibility for Zhu Wencong, only thinking about making a tidy profit from nothing, fulfilling the heavy responsibilities he carried.

Zhu Wencong didn't care about the temporary status; at least now he could bluff and swagger, doing some things he wanted to do.

"Our Westwood Bank will also provide you with the corresponding help, as long as it's reasonable and within regulations," Ibair declared.

"Thank you! I'm really grateful! With your support, I believe my friend's silver mine extraction plan will succeed!

"Wouldn't you express that somehow? I can assure you, a 50% profit return in half a year!

"And the stocks you hold were purchased at the lowest price; within one month, two months, they definitely won't be at this price.

"The number of capitalists participating will keep increasing, and I will let you cash out at the peak," Zhu Wencong extended his hand.

"Oh! Sheet! We're here to borrow money, not to invest it!" Fiola said with an expression of headache.

"50% profit return, are you sure you're not joking?

If there really is such a high profit return, I can trust you with the bank's funds for half a year.

Ha ha ha! Just kidding! I can personally support it, how about ten thousand British Pounds?

I will need to observe for a while, but if it's as you say, adding a few zeros to my amount would not be a problem," Ibair was very tempted.

Zhu Wencong smiled even more brilliantly, thinking that those American bankers really were wealthy, each one dripping with riches.

No wonder they want to eliminate the Southern farm owners, their goal being to usher in the industrial age and open up the financing market.

"I don't have that much money, a thousand British Pounds to show my support!" Fiola wrote out a cheque.

Zhu Wencong received two large cheques, finally getting a good start, making the subsequent work much easier.

With federal officials and local bankers as endorsers, penetrating the channels of high society wouldn't be a problem.

"Zhu, what are you all talking about that you're laughing so happily?

But I have some bad news for you, my boss is still firmly with the Southern Faction.

Although I highly regard your opinion, the masses have chosen the South, and I am already swayed.

Fiola, Ibair, sorry, I couldn't convince my boss," James said with a look of disappointment.

Ibair handed over a letter: "No worries! This is the compensation you deserve!

You've brought us a good friend, and I believe with his help we can accomplish the mission."

James was puzzled, looking at the retreating figures of Ibair and Fiola, unable to understand the meaning behind their words.

Zhu Wencong realized that James was playing both sides, working for his boss as his duty required, but recommending the Northern Faction was a misuse of public resources for private purposes.

"They couldn't be talking about you, could they?" James inquired.

"It should be me! I just pointed out to them a silver mine on the Japanese Islands for their navy to check out.

Look, they even gave me two cheques, saying they want to partner with friends of mine.

It's just a silver mine! In the past, when my ancestors owned the world, all the gold mines, silver mines were ours.

It's a pity that wealth does not last long to inherit, it's really frustrating," Zhu Wencong feigned ignorance.

James became unsettled, realizing the relationship between the East and the Japanese Islands was as clear as the father-son relationship between England and America; the silver mine on the Japanese Islands must be well-documented.

Looking at the signatures on the cheques, it was impossible for anyone to remain calm—this was a real silver mine!

"Oh! They just entrusted me not to tell anyone, I didn't say anything just now, did I?

The silver mine is not officially in production yet, and the preparation work will take several months," Zhu Wencong quickly denied.

"I'm your best friend, and I brought you into this circle; shouldn't you be more sincere?

How high is the profit return? I can support you!" James said directly.

"50% profit return in half a year! If you invest early, it needs to be locked in for half a year to enjoy the profit dividends.

The stock is still tradable during the lock-in period, do you even have money to invest?" Zhu Wencong asked uncertainly.

James smiled brilliantly, indeed he didn't have much money, but he could mortgage and sell some assets.

If federal officials and bankers are getting involved, then this deal is surely a sure win, and using a bit of leverage is not excessive!