Chapter 18: Launching number 18
Zhu Wencong was invited by Ibair to a private high-society dinner.
Those seated were city and state level officials, sharks drawn to the scent of blood.
In America, it was legal for government officials and businesses to cooperate, even the taking of money was legal; they were the Qing Dynasty's 'red-topped merchants.'
Of course! Their power was not as extensive as in the East, with many constraints in place.
"That Japanese wants to turn private fundraising into public, but under my persuasion, it's still private.
The number of participants might increase, I don't know how the news got out; it hasn't even started selling yet ...
That silver mine has the official Japanese guarantee, I think I need to increase my investment; you can't refuse.
At the same time, I brought along my good friends who could be a huge help to your development," Ibair introduced the people around him.
A group of middle to high-level local officials, they were seventy percent as arrogant as the English.
The governor named Dustin, was an old man in his fifties or sixties, plump with a large belly.
Otto, he was the God of Wealth in the eyes of countless merchants, holding the tax revenue of an entire state in his hands.
The mayor, Ferdinand, was a robust man in his forties, who appeared to have served as a soldier.
The tax bureau of America was established in 1862, currently the first and only one in the capital Washington, other states have yet to establish their own.
"You are indeed young!" Dustin exclaimed; youth was the greatest asset.
"I will need to rely on you all quite a bit in the future!" Zhu Wencong said politely.
After shaking hands with them one by one, Zhu Wencong gave Ibair a grateful look.
It had to be said that the friends of a banker were indeed of high quality, casually meeting a few could lead to wealth and fortune.
"Now that Japan has become officially involved, this really shouldn't have happened, but that's just how the Japanese are.
You'll need to negotiate with the Japanese if you want to join, after all, the silver mine is theirs; it hasn't reached our hands yet.
I will do my best to secure a spot for you, but I can't guarantee any success right now.
The initiative will definitely be on America's side, it's just going to take some time," Zhu Wencong hesitated slightly.
The crowd nodded silently, Japan's sudden intervention indeed caught many by surprise.
They had thought that the Japanese man was weak, but it turned out he was quite energetic and had some real ability.
Zhu Wencong couldn't be bothered to quarrel with Nakata Kouichi at the early stage; once his and his government's capital were fully invested, he could simply double down on the debt.
If you want a man to fall, first let him swell with pride, Zhu Wencong very much agreed with this statement.
Dustin looked at Zhu Wencong intently, "If you need any help, you can speak directly with my secretary.
I have come here in the hopes that you will buy some of our state bonds, mainly for infrastructure projects.
Whether the North or South wins, it's none of our state's concern; it is an internal conflict of the thirteen states of North America.
As the state's population keeps growing, and the capital market expands, our moment of glory is imminent!"
"I will buy them!" Zhu Wencong felt somewhat overwhelmed, it seemed they all saw him as a naive benefactor, using him to solve their bond issues.
Not only did he have to subscribe to national bonds, but also state bonds; however, this wasn't a problem, as it was a no-lose deal!
The potential of California was enormous, especially the two cities of San Francisco and Los Angeles.
What Dustin hadn't expected was that Zhu Wencong agreed so readily; young people were really young at heart, such audacity was not common among ordinary people.
Ferdinand covertly watched Zhu Wencong, seeing his generosity; local bonds might also be something he could take on.
"Actually, you could entrust your money to me for investment, and I guarantee the returns would definitely not be lower than 10%,"
"Of course! I am young! You can make small investments, just like Ibair does, with supportive trust."
Mr. Ibair told me that as long as high profits are guaranteed, he would entrust the bank's money to my management."
"In the East, we have a saying: 'A gentleman's word is as good as his bond, and a true gentleman always keeps his word.'" Zhu Wencong gestured toward Ibair.
Ibair nodded in confirmation of Zhu Wencong's words, mainly assessing the extent of Zhu Wencong's capabilities.
Deep down, he was very expectant of Zhu Wencong, after all, he was so young and possessed boundless potential.
Dustin and others wore incredulous expressions, each not expecting Ibair to trust Zhu Wencong to such a degree.
If Zhu Wencong were White, everything would make sense, unfortunately, he was a person with yellow skin.
"Money is only currency when it circulates in the market, and a large influx of capital into the stock market won't cause any ripples."
"I hope everyone believes in the market because the Northern Faction is bound to win, and finance is the main melody of the future."
What the Governor just said is absolutely correct, what does the civil war within the thirteen states of North America have to do with us!"
"So! How should we develop during our upcoming Golden Age? Infrastructure! Infrastructure! Still, infrastructure!" Zhu Wencong spoke passionately.
"Applause!" Dustin and Ferdinand clapped in welcome.
As local officials, naturally, they hoped for a major accomplishment, not necessarily advancing to the federal level but at least securing local fame.
The attendees were not lacking in money, but reputation was not something the average person could obtain.
Only with good local development could more investors be attracted, which was a mutually beneficial situation.
"Do you have any interest in becoming a factory owner? I can allocate land to you!" Ferdinand inquired.
"No, no, no! I'm not cut out for industry; I'm only suited for finance," Zhu Wencong shook his head.
Dustin, sipping his red wine, said, "Industrial profits are at least stable, whereas financial fluctuations are not within your control."
"I hope to see more and more factory owners in our Honshu, as industry can bring greater tax revenue."
"Don't you really consider becoming a factory owner? We have ample resources, population, and capital here.
"In the future, Honshu will heavily develop infrastructure, ensuring our own conditions continue to improve."
Zhu Wencong remained silent; indeed, industry was profitable, but the speed of making money was far too slow.
With foresight, why not move money in the stock market? No costs involved!
"Since the Governor invites so cordially, naturally, I cannot refuse. I will support the industry of our state.
"Right now... I am too weak, my funds are not particularly abundant, everything requires time to develop.
"Once the Silver Mine project concludes, I will have ample funds, and incidentally support the industry," Zhu Wencong did not reject the offer.
In the Golden Age of America, no matter what business you did, big money could be made, unless it was an economic depression.
Since America stepped into the industrial era, financial crises have arrived periodically, like a woman's cycle.
The main reason is that financial bubbles have grown bigger and bigger; if not pricked, they will affect future economic development.
Moreover, during the Golden Age, a significant number of American banks went bankrupt, but this was the greatest opportunity.
"As long as you invest in industry, our city will definitely give you key support!" Ferdinand made a promise.
Ibair looked around, thinking they were very optimistic about Zhu Wencong's future prospects, probably because of his unbeatable confidence.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone