Chapter 904: Chapter 904: Even Future Citizens
Just as Yarman was arguing with the director of the port authority, the Weilante people standing on the deck were also paying attention to the situation onshore.
Especially Perry.
His ship carried 200 million dinars and 8 million silver coins, so he couldn’t help but be concerned about his fate.
Watching Yarman and the port authority staff seemingly start arguing, Perry’s wife’s face showed a trace of worry.
"...My dear, I always feel like they don’t really like us."
"Don’t like us? Haha... My dear, what joke are you making? Thanks to those blustering cowards, it’s a good thing if we can find someone who doesn’t hate us on the eastern side of the Central Continent."
After all, the Poluo people used to love them, but because of the foolishness of the Southern Legion, even the few bootlickers they had left were gone.
Perry cursed softly under his breath, his eyes fixed on the distant dock, contemplating his plans.
He didn’t come here to strike it rich; he came to escape hardship, having considered all possible scenarios before departure, including the current situation.
Over five thousand survivors...
It would be overwhelming for any settlement to accept so many people all at once.
Not to mention the "notorious" Weilante people.
That they were able to arrive here unimpeded was something he considered a miracle.
The expression of the head of the bodyguards standing nearby was also somewhat uneasy, and after hesitating for a moment, he lightly coughed and said.
"...Although it’s not my place to make suggestions, I think you could consider giving a gift to some local bigwig."
"It’s not as simple as you think. Should we just casually find someone and hand them a bag of gold coins?"
Having said this, Perry continued to focus on the situation at the dock.
Actually, compared to Yarman and that port authority director, his gaze lingered more on another Weilante person, who was dressed sharply in a suit, his hair slicked back and shining.
That guy came here earlier than they did and seemed to be doing quite well locally, standing beside him was a "local friend" who appeared to be quite influential.
Yarman seemed quite familiar with him.
Perry couldn’t help but think he must find an opportunity to have Yarman introduce him to that capable man.
At this moment, the situation on the dock changed again.
That local friend who came along with his compatriot suddenly intervened in the argument between Yarman and the port authority staff.
In just a few words, the previously aggressive director of the port authority suddenly softened his stance.
Perry’s eyes immediately lit up, and looking at Yarman’s old friend, his eyes seemed to be brimming with excitement.
The head of the bodyguards hadn’t yet figured out what was going on and was still speaking in a comforting tone.
"Actually, even if there’s no No.1 Settlement, there’s a No.2 or No.3..."
"If the problem can’t be solved and we just keep running, even a No.20 or No.30 won’t help..."
Lowering the binoculars, Perry patted the shoulder of the bodyguard leader, pulling him aside and pointed to the sharply dressed Weilante person on the distant dock.
"Go to the deck of the Salvation Nest and find out the name of that person for me."
Seeing the boss’s bright eyes, the bodyguard leader, though puzzled, eventually asked nothing.
"Yes, sir."
At this moment, Perry didn’t know that the man he was eager to meet had already set his eyes on him.
However, Hank did not directly ask Yarman to introduce that wealthy newcomer to him.
Because that would be openly telling the person that he had his eyes on the gold in his hands.
Once a preconceived wariness sets in, it would be difficult to further cooperate later.
Rather than using his warm face to meet the other’s cold shoulder, he preferred the opposite.
To be honest, Hank himself was quite anxious; all his composed smiles were just a facade.
After all, the local representative he brought in wasn’t actually his friend; they had only met that day.
The reason he could persuade him to come and help was actually quite simple.
He first promised the representative that the loyal and brave Weilante people would remember Mr. Gu’s favor today, and the latter only needed to help them once to win the support of all of them in the future.
Not only that, but he also offered the representative a proposal: on that ship was his partner, and he intended to build a new, prosperous city from scratch in the wilderness with that partner, to accept more Waste Land Wanderer survivors.
Votes and achievements, and the reputation of upholding the constitution... even if exaggerated, such a rich return was more than enough to tempt the representative.
Helping the Weilante people might offend some biased Poluo people, but compared to what he could gain, the loss of support was negligible.
Moreover, those biased folks were the hardest to win over.
Their demands were the hardest to satisfy, their expressions of approval the most intense, and even a hint of dissatisfaction could make them forget all past kindness, turning their extreme support into extreme opposition.
Pleasing them would have no benefit whatsoever, even requiring one to abandon an entire forest for a few difficult saplings.
Of course, Weilante people also had such stubborn folks, but they were not on these twelve ships.
Even the most cunning Weilante people of the New Continent were still more faithful, trustworthy, and professional compared to the Poluo people who believed in a thousand gods.
Although Hank sensed that Gu Ning did not fully believe his exaggerated claims, he still managed to persuade him to stop vacillating and decisively wade into these troubled waters.
He believed that the wealthy individual with thousands of tons of gold was definitely keeping an eye on the situation at the dock and would surely notice the "behind-the-scenes" him.
By then, without him having to say a word, the other party would naturally reach out to him.
And thus, he could proceed with delivering his next grand promise to Mr. Gu!
Following Yarman’s lead, the group boarded the deck of the Salvation Nest.
At the moment when Representative Gu was comforting and inquiring the survivors on the ship, Yarman excitedly grabbed Hank’s hand.
"Thank you! I really don’t know how to thank you. If it wasn’t for your representative friend..."
"It’s nothing, really. We have the same blood flowing through our veins, and helping each other when away from home is what we should do. No need to be so polite."
As he said this, Hank looked justified without a hint of embarrassment, as if the representative had indeed come here to help because of his influence.
Yarman didn’t doubt Hank at all, after all, they had helped him so much, he felt grateful instead.
He only felt relieved now, grateful that he insisted on rescuing them from the sea despite opposition.
Indeed, good deeds do get rewarded.
"Speaking of which, your friend helped us a lot, should we show some appreciation?"
Looking at the serious Yarman, Hank smiled and interrupted him.
"Please don’t say that. Speaking for the Alliance citizens is part of his job... You can think of him as a tribune."
Yarman was taken aback.
"Tribune?"
"I almost forgot you haven’t been to the New Continent," Hank patted his forehead, "In the Western Legion, if you have trouble with the military, you can ask that group for help. They remember every word the Marshal said, even if the Marshal himself has forgotten. Seeking their help may not be a cure-all, but it’s definitely more reliable than praying to the Marshal."
"...That’s something I’ve never heard before," Yarman scratched his head and said.
Western Legion in the New Continent.
By comparison, he even knew more about the Eastern Legion than that place.
But then again, he had always thought the systems of the Four Armies were just tweaks from Triumph City and only differed in inheritance levels, essentially unchanged.
However, he didn’t expect the compatriots in the west to add something new.
Apparently, what he thought was "complete understanding" was just his own wishful thinking.
Hank grinned, patting him on the shoulder.
"When you get to a new place, you must acquaint yourself with the rules of the game... This is a universal truth that I have found unfailingly effective."
While Hank was feeling smug about himself, a burly man came over from the gangway on the other side of the deck.
He was wearing a lightweight security exoskeleton, his robust appearance suggesting he was battle-hardened.
He stopped beside them and nodded respectfully, saying.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Hank?"
Hunter glanced at the person beside him, quickly assessing him, but he held back his impatience and replied politely with a smile.
"That’s me... and you are?"
The man continued politely.
"I am a bodyguard hired by Mr. Perry. My boss would like to have a chat with you. When would it be convenient for you?"
So his name was Perry!
Hank felt a surge of excitement, but he didn’t immediately agree. Instead, he looked towards Yarman on the side with a feigned look of unfamiliarity with that name.
Seeing the confusion in his eyes, Yarman indeed introduced politely.
"Perry is a well-known jewelry merchant in Evernight Harbor... Due to a number of recent events, he liquidated all his local assets and boarded my ship."
Hank feigned an enlightened look and then shot a sympathetic glance at the bodyguard.
"Leaving everything in Evernight Harbor to come here... It must have been a tough decision for your boss."
The bodyguard hesitated, then smiled wryly and said.
"I’m sorry... This is a personal matter of the guest, which I’m not privy to. Perhaps you can ask my boss directly."
"I would indeed like to talk to him, about the past, present, and future..." Hank nodded, appearing concerned, and said, "Then lead the way."
The bodyguard paused.
"Right now?"
Hank raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Is he not available now?"
"Not really..." the bodyguard hesitated, glanced at Yarman standing nearby, and then looked back at Hank, saying hesitantly, "But if you suddenly leave here... will it be alright?"
"Is it really a big deal?"
Yarman chuckled, looking at Representative Gu who was comforting the elders and children, and then at the still-concerned Yarman.
"Leave professional matters to professionals. With my friend here, it’s more than enough. Don’t worry... I’ve been here so long and have never seen any department dare violate the law in front of the local representative council, let alone the Constitution."
Settling Yarman, Hank immediately followed the bodyguard to another nearby ship and soon met the wealthy man holding a vast fortune on the deck.
When his feet stepped onto the deck, Hank could even hear his own wildly pounding heart.
After all, he was standing on top of 200 million pure gold dinars!
Even if he counted the two shiploads of arms he lost before, he had never possessed so much money!
But despite his excitement, Hank didn’t reveal his inner emotions, maintaining the same courteous smile.
And unlike his calm demeanor, the wealthy man who possessed the enormous fortune eagerly extended his right hand to greet him as soon as he saw him.
"Pleased to meet you! Mr. Hank! I was planning to visit you myself, but didn’t expect you’d come in person..."
"You’re too polite!" Hank laughed, shaking Perry’s right hand and replied.
Of course, he wouldn’t let this guy visit his home.
After all, even in an alliance that advocates equality, no boss would discuss multimillion-dollar deals with dock workers living in four-person dorms.
However, up to now, his "performance" has been relatively successful, at least he hasn’t slipped up in front of this financier.
Cheerfully shaking Hank’s right hand, Perry wore a beaming smile as he courteously chatted with him.
"I heard you come from the New Continent?"
Hank responded with a smile.
"That’s right, I am a resident of the Western Legion, although that was a long time ago... The sea wind blew me here many years ago."
Perry gazed at him in surprise and said.
"You have already obtained citizen identity in the Alliance?"
"Er... not yet, but that’s not a significant matter, not everyone living in the Alliance has citizen identity. Besides, my ID is already being processed and will be issued very soon." Hank coughed lightly, offering an ambiguous explanation.
He felt embarrassed to mention he worked at the dock, after all, it’s not particularly significant.
Perry knowingly nodded, not dwelling on the matter.
After all, in his view, Mr. Hank can make friends with local "big shots" and naturally wouldn’t fret over mere identity issues.
Not being troubled because of identity is undoubtedly good news for himself as well.
Seeing Perry still wanting to inquire further, Hank swiftly diverted the topic back to Perry himself.
His main interest was the gold on the ship; however, he wasn’t comfortable initiating this topic directly, as it would appear too intentional.
The best approach was to start a suitable conversation, letting the topic naturally shift to the gold.
If Mr. Perry could actively seek his help, that would be even better.
"I heard you abandoned everything in Evernight Harbor... I want to know what prompted you to make such a bold decision?"
As he heard these words, Perry’s gaze dulled, and the radiant smile of the lady standing beside him was replaced by a gloomy expression.
Unexpectedly, Hank put his foot in it immediately after opening his mouth, and he hurriedly added.
"Sorry, did I ask something inappropriate?"
"There is nothing inappropriate," Perry forced a smile onto his face, his expression complex as he continued, "My two kids were killed by those scoundrels... They opened fire in the streets, and they fired at their own people."
Goodness gracious...
Did the Southern Legion act so ruthlessly?
Hank looked at Perry in shock, while astonishment filled his hearts, he comforted him in a gentle tone.
"I’m so sorry for bringing up bad memories... It’s truly shocking; I can’t even properly describe it. These fallen individuals have shamelessly abandoned the honor and faith of the Vellante people! They fire upon their own people, which is a betrayal to the Vellante people, and a betrayal to his majesty the Marshal!"
Perry sarcastically curled his lips, his expression clouded as he said.
"Yes, I think the same. They even tried to cover it up, so I wanted to leave there immediately. I sold everything that could be converted to cash, took all my assets... even if they ended up buried at sea, I wouldn’t mind. I’d rather those gold coins sink into the ocean than leave a single gold coin to those murderers! They have no faith, but at least I still do."
He paused for a moment here, then cast a look toward Hank seeking assistance.
"However, my wife and I were fortunate, and Mr. Yarman is an honest man. Thanks to his help, my wife and I could bring these possessions safely across the sea to arrive here... speaking of which, I also have a favor to ask of you regarding this matter."
Hank displayed an earnest expression on his face, his inner urgency heightened.
"No need for such courtesy; should you have any troubles, please tell me. Even if I can’t help, I will try to think of a way."
Perry hesitated for a moment, then sighed before speaking.
"To be honest, the two hundred million dinars on the ship are my entire wealth, but they also pose a big problem... Even though I believe the Alliance to be a safe place, it doesn’t change this being a Wasteland. As long as we’re in the Wasteland, accidents are inevitable."
Hank nodded thoughtfully, showing a deep understanding.
"It’s true, that much cash will be conspicuous no matter where it’s placed. If I were you, I wouldn’t feel secure leaving them at a chaotic harbor."
A troubled expression appeared on Perry’s face as well.
"That is exactly what I want to talk about... Do you know any trustworthy banks?"
Hank replied with a smile.
"Trustworthy banks, the banks in the Alliance are very trustworthy, their risk control is top-notch, and they even buy insurance for depositors’ funds... However, since you have so much cash, why not consider starting your own bank?"
"Start... my own bank?" Perry stared at him in bewilderment, hesitantly asking, "Would that work?"
Although Sticky Community’s electronic settlement channel can exchange dinars for silver coins, it’s fundamentally just a currency exchange platform. In other words, someone must sell silver coins for dinars for him to dispose of his mass amount of dinars.
In peaceful times, it would be easier; just by spending some time, the dinars could be exchanged for silver coins. However, the problem is the two sides are currently at war.
If he wished to dispose of the dinars quickly, he’d need to sell them at a discount, and the discount must be enticing enough for buyers to find it profitable.
Seeing Perry’s confused expression, Hank chuckled and explained.
"Banks in the Alliance are of various types, not all are savings banks; there are ones like investment banks. If you have good investment targets and collateral to secure investments, starting an investment bank is quite easy."
Perry: "Sorry, I don’t quite understand what you’re saying..."
Hank: "Simply put, you use your dinars as collateral to loan some silver coins from the Alliance banks."
"Collateral? Loan?" Perry looked even more bewildered, staring at Hank as he said, "But I just want to find a bank to deposit my money."
Hank patiently continued.
"That’s exactly what I’m talking about, dear Mr. Perry, the banks in the Alliance, although they handle a broad range of businesses, if I may be straightforward, it would be difficult for any bank here to deposit that much foreign currency at once, especially metal currency like dinars with low circulation rate and large space requirement."
Perry was dumbfounded.
"Can’t deposit it?"
Hank shook his head.
"Of course, you can, but exceeding a thousand dinars will incur a ’counting fee,’ and this fee is charged as a percentage. As for two hundred million... no one has deposited that much, so I’m not really sure. Alternatively, you could rent a treasury and periodically pay its rental fee... But to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend either method."
Perry said with a laugh and cry.
"I just want to deposit some money, why is it so troublesome."
Looking at Perry who was laughing and crying, Hank said with a smile.
"That’s quite normal. From the bank’s perspective, what you deposit is not just money but also risk. No one will borrow dinars from a bank at No.1 Settlement. Even if they need dinars, they’d go to Jinjaron Harbor or Silver Moon Bay, which are closer to the legion’s market."
"And at No.1 Settlement, the bank here cannot earn interest from your gold and has to worry about your deposited gold getting moldy or you whimsically taking it out to play. If you were the bank manager, would you agree? Dinars are not the legal currency of the Alliance, so no matter who you ask for help, it won’t work."
Seeing Perry’s disappointed face, Hank slowly continued.
"Mr. Perry, I’m seriously considering your situation. If you don’t want to sell your dinars at a low price or rent a treasury for them, the best way is to open your own bank."
Perry said with a bitter smile.
"How is that different from buying a treasury?"
"Of course there’s a difference," Hank seriously looked at him. "The biggest difference is that you don’t have to sell your dinars at a discount but instead can use them as collateral to get a substantial loan of silver coins from the bank at market price."
"And then pay a hefty interest on that loan?" Perry couldn’t help but interject, "I might as well let them earn a counting fee."
Hank smiled and said.
"It’s just a four percent interest. If it’s for investing in the infrastructure of No.1 Settlement, the interest can be discounted further."
Hearing this interest rate, Perry held his breath for a moment.
Two percent interest!
That sounds...
Quite attractive!
And the key point is, by putting these dinars in the form of collateral in the bank, he wouldn’t have to worry about the security of the gold anymore.
The ones who should worry are the banks that keep them.
It’s much like depositing money in a bank but not exactly the same!
"Sounds interesting, but such a large loan would mean quite a bit of interest each year—"
"As long as the return rate is higher than two percent, it’s all profit! I can’t guarantee other places, but my friend, this is the No.1 Settlement of the Alliance, making an annual profit over two percent is way too easy." Hank said with a smile, "Don’t say anything else, I have a project at hand that promises a return of three to four percent. If you really can’t find anything worth investing in, you can invest in my project."
Perry felt a moment of caution, but knowing his fellow citizen’s ability locally, he instinctively believed him halfway.
"Your project? What project?"
Hank’s face showed a bit of concern for the country and the people, casting a deep gaze at the surge of the distant sea.
"In just one day, over five thousand compatriots have arrived at this port. If the war continues, who knows how many more will be displaced. I can’t just watch my compatriots sleep on the streets. I plan to build a new homeland for them here, a community suitable for the Weilante people to live in... Of course, they will also welcome other Waste Land Wanderers, if they like us."
"As for the name... let’s call it Vellante Street for now."
Perry looked at Hank in shock, not expecting him to have such grand vision and ideals.
But thinking it over carefully...
This project might indeed be profitable.
After all, the survivors who dislike the Weilante people surely outnumber those who like them; if it were him, he’d also prefer living with his compatriots than with the Poluo people as neighbors.
"But... does the Alliance allow it? A name like Vellante Street."
Hank couldn’t help but laugh at this question.
"Why would you ask such a question? Never mind Vellante Street; even if you called it Triumph City Street, I bet no one would care."
Just as Perry was tempted, on the deck of the Salvation Nest, after calming down the refugees, Gu Ning also returned to Yarman’s side, discussing with the owner of the "Salvation Nest."
"Over five thousand refugee survivors, and they arrived all at once; this isn’t an easy matter for any settlement."
Yarman said nervously.
"But you have a solution... right?"
Gu Ning nodded.
"Of course, there are ways, but we have to consult with you as well, as it might concern not just five thousand people but even more Weilante people."
Yarman looked at him earnestly.
"Please speak!"
Not beating around the bush like some others, Gu Ning directly proposed the "Vellante Street" project he talked about with Hank earlier.
"No.1 Settlement lacks the budget to build a separate community for you, and other representatives certainly wouldn’t allow it... After all, the resources given to us are limited with many people still sleeping in containers. If a green light is given to you, others will have to queue up at the red light. Over time, those who originally sympathized with you will start to resent you because of your unrestrained queue-cutting."
"I understand," Yarman nodded, "We don’t wish for your special treatment, just equal treatment."
Gu Ning looked at him approvingly.
"I’m glad to see that’s how you feel, as it shows you’re not here to exploit us but genuinely intend to join our cause."
"In fact, we’ve already figured out the solution, haven’t we? As long as it doesn’t take up limited local public resources, I’m sure most people will be willing to help you, and even those few who oppose won’t find a fault with you... Your friend Hank wisely found a solution and proposed a great idea."
"Based on his proposal, I plan to draft up a proposal to designate a new district next to No.1 Settlement, offering you support with low-interest loans, tax incentives, and other policies to help you build your new homeland."
Yarman looked at him in shock, with a surprise no less than Perry.
"This... is no problem?"
Gu Ning chuckled lightly and said gently.
"Solving problems for the citizens of the Alliance is precisely my job."
"Even if they are future citizens."