Due to the booming sales of the special type bicycles, Lasov's factory finally resumed production.
Although the promised cafeteria was gone, every young man by the Lavanka River felt he was a good person and praised Mr. Lasov's generosity without holding grudges.
After all, this generous tycoon from Jinjaron Harbor sold bicycles to these employees at an 80% discount, and even allowed them to park their treasures in the spare warehouse, secured against theft by other tribes, and by the end of the workday, the bikes were returned with oil applied.
Whether or not oil was applied, they didn't know, but at least there was a repairman sitting at the warehouse door watching.
Of course, if these young men knew that the wholesale price of the bicycles originally priced at 200 silver coins was just 30 silver coins, it might not be the Weilante people trapped in the factory next time, but the Poluo people.
However, they will never know.
After all, Lasov and the others from the Industrial and Commercial Alliance had already agreed to establish a guiding price for several specified categories of commodities.
Everyone earns money together, Poluo people don't cheat Poluo people, and there will definitely be no price wars.
Selling bicycles was just a minor episode.
Lasov did not linger on the quick money-making, after sending off the bicycle repairmen who earned a hefty bonus, he focused all his energy on his old profession.
The first order quickly arrived, and the client was a merchant from Evernight Harbor, named Marta.
This person was generous, placing a 5-million order at 10% above market price.
At the dining table, Lasov pondered over this person, feeling he was more like a broker for a military faction rather than a merchant.
Sure enough, after three cups of vodka, the young man named Marta inadvertently revealed his Family Meeting affiliation.
Lasov offered a slew of compliments, respectfully expressed his admiration for the Family Meeting, uttered some beautiful words without charge, though he didn't really take it seriously.
Among his clients were General Jieha of Tiger State and heads of the Black Panther Army, compared to whom, a henchman of Absek's "subordinate's subordinate" barely deserved to be treated as a hero.
Merchants wander between various forces, as long as the courtesy is up to par, and businesses are conducted well, that's all that matters.
Whoever takes charge as the Leader, he really doesn't care, as they are all equally foolish, and the real hope for salvaging the Poluo people lies with the industrialists like them.
At least that's how he saw it.
While Lasov observed this blue family member, Marta too observed him from across the table.
Unlike the former's abundant mental activities, the latter's evaluation was more harsh and insightful.
This gentleman is a pure man.
Or rather, a simple man.
Knowing he found the right person, Marta set down his wine glass, exuding a friendly smile, as if facing a relative.
"Our Family Meeting and Federation are one family, the front line is winning continuously, the war is about to end, entrepreneurs like you are what we need the most, also what family members need the most. We want to invite you to set up a factory in Snake State, what's your opinion on that?"
This inadvertent flattery was much more effective than lavish praises and didn't appear abrupt.
To be honest, Lasov truly appreciated it, though he wasn't blindsided by vanity.
Setting up a factory in Snake State...
That would require a surplus of money with nowhere to spend.
Comparatively, he'd rather donate money and materials as a win-win method for everyone.
"Setting up a factory isn't so easy, requirements on local infrastructure and industrial support need to be met, it's not like moving equipment over means the factory can start up."
Seeing Marta wanted to persuade more, he smiled and said.
"But rest assured, even though my factory is overseas, when Poluo Province needs me, I won't hesitate to help!"
He worded it so wisely, it could be interpreted either way, causing the man across from him to look troubled but indeed not broach the topic of setting up a factory again.
Yet he remains unaware that he had unknowingly fallen into a scheme.
What kind of conditions Snake State has, how could Marta not know?
He never intended to genuinely invite this big boss over, but merely threw some bait on the tree in passing.
His true aim was to advance by retreating, having this warm-hearted entrepreneur do another task for him.
"We understand your difficulty, I was too abrupt on the factory matter, pretend I didn't mention it."
Marta toasted him with a drink, then finished it in one go.
Having declined such a gracious invitation, Lasov felt somewhat apologetic, replying in a gentle tone.
"It's not that I don't want to develop my hometown, just even the best cook can't make porridge from stones; I alone am beyond capability. Although it's not entirely without opportunity, such as Lion State seemingly possessing good industrial foundation, I definitely plan to visit when circumstances are suitable."
Marta smiled and said.
"No problem! We will warmly welcome you then!"
Lasov smiled but didn't speak, obviously doubting Family Meeting's qualification, though didn't wear it on his face.
Marta paused and continued.
"Let's not discuss the factory matter for now... Oh, I heard Lavanka Industrial Zone has an armor production line for the Southern Legion, can you help us get the blueprints for Conqueror No.10?"
Lasov was slightly stunned, hesitating for a moment and said.
"Well... that might be quite difficult."
He did consider it, though only fantasized in his mind.
Even though it's not top secret, the Lavanka Industrial Zone Autonomous Committee didn't mean it could be free-ridden at all.
His business is going well now, and he's not about to take such a big risk.
Whether it's a legal risk or a trust one.
This time, Marta didn't retreat, gazing sincerely and spoke.
"Please, this is very important to us! We know you're a businessman who loves his hometown. We just hope you can help us accomplish this matter. We'll definitely treat you well. If there's anything difficult, just tell us and we'll solve it for you!"
The words have reached this point, besides, he had refused them once before.
Lasov hesitated for a moment, sighed, and said.
"Let me think... The blueprint might be a bit difficult. The Industrial Commercial Union has some weight in the autonomous committee, but our business has just started, and the weight is ultimately not very sufficient."
"Please allow me some time on the blueprint issue. However, there is a batch of tanks almost completed on the production line. If you're interested, you can buy them back. I've looked into this, and it's recognized by the Autonomous Committee and Development Foundation as permitted assets for sale."
Marta's eyes lit up, rejoicing.
"Could you help introduce the person in charge of this matter to me?"
Lasov laughed and said.
"No problem, this small matter is not troublesome. I can settle it directly for you."
Marta raised his glass, drank heartily once more, then looked at him solemnly and said.
"We will definitely remember the favor you did for us today... By the way, please keep an eye on the blueprint issue. Whether it's hosting guests or other expenses, whatever amount is needed, we'll cover it."
Lasov quickly said.
"You're too polite. Let me also contribute my part to the Poluo people's cause!"
Marta shook his head and said.
"This is a matter of principle. Mr. Zayed said we are here to benefit our family and we absolutely can't let the family spend a penny more."
Looking at this ambitious man, Lasov couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
It's true that comparisons kill people's spirit, and goods make goods worth discarding.
If the respected Leader also had this poise, perhaps the Tiandu Federation wouldn't be so mocked as a "wife cake without a wife"...
...
Meanwhile, after obtaining approval from the Alliance representative, Hope immediately began bold reforms, urging the Autonomous Committee to release planning schemes while injecting 700 million to establish the Lavanka Industrial Area Development Bank to cooperate with the Autonomous Committee in bidding.
In some matters, people who control money do have more motivation than those who control power.
Antoine is someone who only acts when the Alliance representative nods. Hope not only has active thoughts but also execution power, completing a week's worth of work in just three days. At the second meeting, he presented a development blueprint that no one could refute.
In his blueprint, tall buildings would be constructed along the Lavanka River, extending along the highway from the industrial zone to the Great Desert, using visible achievements to attract all those who envy their prosperity to join them.
The railway network on those 2.7 million square kilometers of land would also become their confidence to realize their grand aspirations, with a continuous flow of resources supporting their endeavor to end the Wasteland Era.
Although it was an economic work meeting, Hope cleverly devised an action plan and integrated it with the Alliance's initiatives.
Fang Chang didn't mind what fantasies this guy drew up, only watching what he accomplished.
At least for now, his ability is still worth recognition.
Even though completing the entire blueprint by relying solely on 700 million silver coins is far from enough, money has a snowball effect.
As long as this money isn't wasted, but rather used to buy something or turned into something, it can all be used as collateral to continue borrowing from the Alliance's banks.
This is very basic operation.
After all, the Alliance's banks need to pay interest to depositors, release interest for investment products, and repay bank interest; they need to find a place for the money they hold.
If Lavanka Industrial Zone has good investment targets, they certainly wouldn't mind lending money, allowing their own snowball to roll along.
Hope has planned everything well, except on one issue where his deputy raised objections.
"This is a grand plan, but it will also bring enormous wealth disparity... You and I know what the locals are like, they may start running because of your plan, but when they come to their senses, they might already be several laps behind the Vellante people. And then, what will happen if the Workers' Association arrives?"
No matter the model, the Autonomous Committee has a common understanding on one issue.
If you don't want the "wild animals" here to become prey for outsiders, you have to get them running.
"...You don't need to worry about such distant matters now; those are my concerns."
Hope patted Nash's shoulder, stuffing a document into his hand.
"There are a hundred Conqueror tanks here, if not for the Alliance's planes, they would almost be heading to the front lines... According to the Alliance engineers, selling them as tanks is better than dismantling them for iron. Any offer over 30 million silver coins is reasonable."
"The war in Poluo Province isn't over yet, General Giulion is still in a fight for his life. The Alliance has only one requirement: don't sell to the Southern Legion, meaning we can sell to any client other than the Southern Legion. Find a buyer before the war ends, let me see your skills."
Would anyone want tanks from the defeated?
Thinking this over, Nash nodded seriously.
"I'll try my best to sell them."
...
The most pressing tasks for Lavanka Industrial Zone are industrial transition and dealing with accumulated inventory.
Regarding how to divide the 2.7 million square kilometers of land, and whether Lavanka Industrial Zone and Evernight Harbor should merge, these can be studied slowly after the war is over.
Nash took the list given by Hope to the warehouse, looking at the unwanted junk and couldn't help but worry about where to find a fool who would pay thirty million silver coins for these things.
He had met representatives from Poluo Country and Mammoth Nation, but they weren't fools, unlike Hope's expectations. Both agreed, seemingly in collusion, that they wouldn't continue purchasing military equipment, but were interested in those outdated production lines instead.
Lavanka Industrial Zone indeed had an interest in transferring those outdated capacities, but this wasn't Nash's business, so he reluctantly introduced these representatives to the person in charge of these matters.
However, while he was worrying, the Poluo people from the Industrial and Commercial Alliance approached him and introduced a mysterious buyer.
This person not only took all the equipment at face value but also offered an astounding condition—
They were willing to buy all these tanks at 10% above market price.
As long as the Lavanka Autonomous Committee could provide the technology related to producing the Conqueror No.10 Tank.
Nash agreed without even thinking.
It's a joke.
The entire army went to hell, he has no obligation to carry secrets to the grave for the previous ones.
Not to mention these people are General Giulion's enemies!
Without any hesitation, he stamped the documents and personally went to the factory to receive this generous buyer.
While Nash was happily introducing the "doomsday weapon" of the Southern Legion to Meta, the engineers from Vellante nearby in the factory were curiously watching the spectacle.
"Who is that guy, quite a formidable presence."
The entrepreneurs from the Industrial Federation all went to support him, and Nash looked like he was about to lay out a red carpet at the factory entrance.
The engineer under Lasov, smoking and squinting his eyes, said.
"The guy's name is Meta, heard he's from the Family Meeting."
The tank assembly factory engineer looked confused toward him.
"Family Committee? What is that?"
The engineer under Lasov explained.
"It's the Family Meeting, a branch of a branch from Absek's subordinate. It's quite complicated to explain... Just understand it this way."
The aluminum factory engineer frowned and asked.
"What's he here for?"
The engineer under Lasov explained.
"They want to package and buy back the finished Conqueror No.10s, to use against Giulion."
He wasn't concerned about those tanks being used against whom, anyway, he was no longer making armored steel, but has switched to producing gas cylinders.
The reason why he knows so much about Family Meeting, mainly because Meta often visits their factory, and after getting acquainted with their boss, he would connect with them, implying that Family Meeting is great, and wanting them to move to Snake State.
But he's not foolish, how could he be led by the nose by a few words from a Poluo person?
As a Vellante person, he was quite aware of what his fellow men had done in Poluo Province.
He had every reason to believe what happened once in Lavanka Industrial Zone could happen again at West Sail Port, and by then, there might be no Alliance people to save them.
Not only did he think this way, his boss privately scared them like this too, hinting that Poluo Province was full of hungry wolves wanting to eat their flesh.
He could see that his boss wanted to get close to Meta, but this didn't mean his boss was generous enough to empty his wallet.
This steel plant was his boss's wallet, and was now visibly turning into a cash cow.
After hearing his explanation, the group of engineers laughed unanimously.
"Is this guy crazy."
"Does it really take that to deal with Giulion?"
"By the time these tanks are transported there, they probably wouldn't even have learned how to operate them before the war ends."
The engineer under Lasov also laughed and said.
"Whatever they think, as long as the price is high enough, one sells for 1.1 million, 10,000 higher than market value, and they agree to pay in silver coins. Anyway, if we keep them, we'd just convert them to tractors, why not sell them to them, and the money can buy three tractors."
In fact, more than three.
The Alliance has cheap tractors, priced under 50,000 silver coins, the kind that burns wood early on, and is the best-selling model on the Wasteland.
A Conqueror No.10 could sell for 1.1 million silver coins...
A hundred... wouldn't that be over a billion silver coins?!
How could such a small local force have so much money?!
Everyone was stunned after calculating the account.
The aluminum factory engineer swallowed his saliva and said in disbelief.
"Where did they get so much money?!"
Lasov's engineering was shaking his head, looking unconcerned.
"Who knows, who cares, maybe they've saved up from doing business, or maybe other Poluo people donated. Anyway, they are determined to get this batch of Conqueror No.10. Perhaps there are other deals behind it."
Looking at the straight-backed Poluo person gesturing in front of Vice-President Nash, a group of Vellante engineers shook their heads, sighed, and marveled.
This world has truly changed.
The engineer at the aluminum factory was envious to the point of reddened eyes, suddenly motivated to make money.
"Damn it, too damn rich..."
While people were discussing, the Blue family member Marta and Vice-President Nash had already completed the transaction simultaneously.
The parties had moved from the factory to the dining table, where the former was demonstrating their good drinking capacity to the latter.
Those invited to the banquet included not only the Lavanka Industrial Area Development Foundation officials involved in the military sales contract but also those alien workers and engineers who usually don't get a seat at the table.
Most of these workers who have mastered core technology are not local natives but have come with Vellante people to the Batoya Province survivors along the Lavanka River.
However, as Marta said, everyone was a part of the United Human 200 years ago, all one family.
This statement indeed had no issue.
Although the Vellante people have not seen the Prosperity Epoch, their bloodline is similarly a crystallization of the Human Alliance Era technology, and it is also their most proud heritage.
Unlike the proud Vellante people, those alien workers were moved to tears.
Being oppressed by Vellante people all along, when have they ever felt such emphasis?
Never felt it, and even the ordinary Vellante from the Southern Legion themselves couldn't feel it.
Because of this, after a few shots of vodka, one after another, they promised enthusiastically to teach the technical personnel sent by Family Meeting with all their knowledge, transferring the production and maintenance skills of the Conqueror No.10 without reservation.
After all, this stuff is useless to them, it might be better for the Poluo people to take it to defeat General Giulion, also to atone for being the accomplice of invaders before.
In truth, a great technology is never merely a few thin blueprints, but rather the people who have mastered the core technologies.
These things can't be passed on by a few words or with a hard drive, unless a group of people sincerely teach another group without reservation.
Seeing those generous workers, Marta was moved to tears at the wine table, drank the vodka in one go.
No matter if the deal is upheld later, he ultimately got what he wanted, and the Lavanka Autonomy Committee also got the money they needed most.
The deal was concluded, both sides conversing pleasantly, Marta even considered the Shallow Water Heavy Artillery Boat.
But curry must be eaten bite by bite, eat too much at once, and it burns the mouth, also easily arouses some people's vigilance...
At this moment, the capacity transformation and grand infrastructure tide of the Lavanka Industrial Zone are in full swing, while the war on the front lines continues.
After a month of fierce battle, the company's 100th and 101st divisions finally heavily defeated the Southern Legion's troops sent to the front lines, and after three days of siege, completely annihilated the Southern Legion's 177th ten thousand troops.
This troop seems to have been newly formed, with an average age from officers to basic soldiers of only eighteen, some even eleven or twelve kids.
Vellante people are born warriors, a twelve-year-old kid can already carry a rifle, and their combat power is no less than that of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old Waste Land Wanderer.
Looking at those dusty faces, crouched in the corner hugging their heads, Tang Feng, with a Rick 5 in his mouth, had a complex mood.
Nowadays, he is already a battalion commander, long past being the inexperienced and show-loving novice of the past.
Seeing these young guys, he couldn't help but recall himself on Ten Peaks Mountain.
The deputy battalion commander came to him, squinting toward the prisoners squatting against the wall.
"Their Julius turned them into people, and they turned themselves back."
Tang Feng shook his head and said.
"I don't think it's their fault, the fault lies with those who brainwashed the kids."
Without arguing on this issue, the deputy battalion commander went straight to the point.
"How to deal with them?"
Tang Feng thought for a moment and said.
"Send them by train to the Lavanka Industrial Zone, our allies there seem to be doing well."
This was also the suggestion from the command.
This 2.7 million square kilometer colony is vast and sparsely populated, building a POW camp on the spot equals letting them fend for themselves.
The deputy battalion commander laughed and said.
"Indeed, leaving it to the Alliance people is easier, they're best at this."
At this point, half of the Southern Legion's 2.7 million square kilometers colony has been liberated by them, and the allied forces have been pushed to the equator, soon to enter the northern hemisphere.
This is a narrow territory along the coastlines, with support from the South Sea Alliance Fleet, fighters screaming in the sky, they are almost invincible.
But seeing those young, naive faces, Tang Feng didn't have any emotion related to joy.
He only wanted to quickly reach the Southern Legion's homeland, ending this insane war...
Time day by day passed, soon it was the end of December.
At this transition between the Wasteland Era 214 and 215, a meeting deciding Wasteland's future fate unfolded in the Grand Canyon.
Participants included not only the Academy's Chief Technical Officer, representatives appointed by the council, Alliance's Managers, but also Triumph City's Leader and heads of various Survivor Forces.
The Grand Canyon promised to guarantee the safety of all attending parties, and provide shuttle services for some Survivor Forces leaders or foreign ministers inconvenient to travel to the Grand Canyon themselves.
This meeting really should have been convened three months ago but was delayed for various reasons far too long.
Now it's finally not postponed again...