Empire of Shadows

The situation on Summuri Island was a bit complicated now. Because it was adjacent to the Tanfit continent, it could be considered a part of the continent.

Now, the military friction between several countries on the Tanfit continent was constantly escalating, and the clouds of war had begun to spread around.

In fact, looking at the development of the situation rationally, Summuri Island was very likely to be affected by the war, which also led to a divergence of opinions among the four major families on the island on this matter.

Two families believed that they should take a more active role in the war to seize the initiative, so that how to fight and what the outcome would be would all be decided by them.

But there were also people who opposed it, believing that war had no substantial relationship with their four major families. They could completely stay out of it. There was no need to send their relatives to the battlefield and then watch them die.

Even if they won the war, it would only be a victory for the politicians, not a victory for the four major families. They would not get any substantial benefits from it, and on the contrary, many people would die.

In addition to the firm war party and the anti-war party, there were also some small factions, for example, the most common fence-sitters. As long as there were benefits, they didn’t care whether there was a war or not.

“…Some people hope to use the opportunity of this war to transform from an ‘ordinary’ family into a political dynasty.”

“They have a deep influence in Summurian, but lack the power at a higher level. If they can enter the central government and sit in the prime minister’s position, it would definitely be a huge promotion for them.”

“This opposition also makes the four major families, for the sake of their own views, start to win over other people…” Alberto paused for a moment. He didn’t know how to describe what was happening; he couldn’t find the word.Lance helped him, “Unifying their stance.”

Alberto pointed at him, “Right, the same stance, wanting to gain the upper hand.”

“Paul is also having a headache, I’m also having a headache, everyone is having a headache. This damn war, why at this particular time!”

He complained about many things, was very dissatisfied with the despotism of the four major families on Summuri Island, believing that the four major families were the leaders leading the Summurian people to hell.

But fortunately, his family had all come to live in the Federation. Even if the four major families issued the strictest orders, he would not return to Summuri Island to participate in some bullsh—t war!

He complained about a lot of things until he finally finished his meal.

“I’m sorry I’ve been complaining all through lunch, but I really don’t know who to talk to about these things.”

“You know, I can’t talk to Paul, and I can’t talk to that bastard outside. It’s just right that you came.”

“Don’t leave tonight, I’ll take you out to have some fun!”

As he said this, he winked. The entertainment options in the Starlight District were top-notch in the entire Golden Port.

How to describe this gap?

It was like fast food versus a grand meal. The port side was all roadside stalls, all fast food. Although it cost less, you couldn’t get any good enjoyment or experience.

After all, roadside stalls needed to control costs. It was impossible for them to let you eat something worth tens of dollars for two dollars.

But in the Starlight District, where the stars gathered, it was all grand meals, more enjoyment, which made many rich people linger on everything here.

Every night, the Starlight District and the Port District were the most lively.

“Thanks, but I’m not interested in that,” Lance refused.

He knew what Alberto meant. If he agreed, he would definitely be eating a grand meal tonight.

But… not only had you eaten those grand meals, but others had also eaten them, and you would never know exactly how others had eaten them!

This couldn’t be considered mysophobia, just a kind of inability to adapt!

Alberto laughed heartily, but also with a hint of regret, “When there’s a good opportunity in the future, I’ll take you to see it.”

When Lance was leaving, Fordis happened to come back from outside. After the two had a brief conversation, he watched Lance leave and then went to Alberto’s office.

As soon as the door was closed, Alberto’s expression became fierce, “Check those people who were recently recruited.”

“Find out who among them has been to the bar, check their connections on the island. I want to find out all their information!”

Fordis immediately realized what Alberto meant, “Are you saying someone sold us out?”

Alberto nodded, “Very likely. Lance just came to tell me that the Bureau of Hazardous Materials has already planted a few undercover agents on his side, and they were also passing information to the outside, but he discovered them.”

“Perhaps someone has betrayed the glory of Summurian, Fordis. Find him, and let him know the consequences of doing so!”

“Also, I remember… the kid from the … family is with Luigi?”

“Yes, we’ve met.”

“Contact him, tell him that his dear brother has a new job for him!”

“Goldstar Glass” was a glass-making factory in Golden Port, but its business was not particularly good.

In fact, many people have a misunderstanding, which is that they think finding a small factory to produce goods will have a lower cost. This is actually wrong.

In fact, going to a large factory is more conducive to controlling production costs.

Small factories, for various reasons, have a slightly chaotic cost control. Only those orders that large factories don’t want, for example, if the quantity is too small, will fall to the small factories to compete for.

Goldstar Glass had been in Golden Port for more than ten years, and they had also had their glorious moments.

The manager at that time did not grasp the opportunity for development well and continue to expand the enterprise, but chose to maintain the scale and watch the industry develop.

The development of an enterprise is like a race. As long as you are not making progress, you are definitely falling behind, even if you are just staying in place.

Soon, some glass processing factories rose rapidly, leaving Goldstar Glass behind. Even if they wanted to take new steps, it was already too late.

At this time, Goldstar Glass was already on the verge of a difficult choice, not too far from closing down.

Looking at the few workers sitting on stools chatting idly, the manager looked at the phone that hadn’t rung for a long time and let out a heavy sigh.

If there were no more orders, the factory really couldn’t continue to operate.

Just as he thought today was another day with no harvest, someone suddenly ran upstairs, “Manager, someone’s here!”

“Great!” The manager stood up at once. He quickly tidied himself up, then rushed out the door and ran downstairs, seeing Lance who was looking around at a glance.

“Sir, is there anything I can do for you?” The manager’s nodding and bowing demeanor was exactly like a jester playing a villain in an opera.

He wanted to walk over but was stopped by Ethan, so he could only stand at some distance from Lance.

If it weren’t for him being too embarrassed, he would have knelt down to polish Lance’s leather shoes right now. As long as he could get an order in return, he felt there was no pressure at all in doing so.

The dozen or so workers in the factory also stood up one after another, looking over in this direction.

They also knew that the factory was about to go under, but if they had a choice, they would actually prefer the factory to continue.

Finding a job is not an easy thing. The manager here was easy to get along with, and they didn’t want to change places.

It could be said that this was a kind of selfishness, because other factories were very competitive, but this was also an instinct. Everyone hopes to live a more comfortable life.

Lance looked at the pile of broken glass in the corner of the factory, and some tattered glass products. Finally, his gaze fell on the manager’s face.

“Are you the operator here?” he asked.

The middle-aged man nodded repeatedly, “Yes, I am the operator. How should I address you?”

“White, call me Mr. White.” Lance only reported the nominal surname in his Federation file. He didn’t plan to let these people know who he was yet.

“Mr. White, don’t look at our place… it’s not much, but actually we’ve been in Golden Port for over a dozen years.”

“If our craftsmanship was not good, we would have been eliminated by the market long ago, and I wouldn’t have the honor of meeting you here today…”

Lance sized up the manager again and said with a chuckle, “You are very good with words.”

“Can you have your workers make a sample for me to see?”

The manager was overjoyed, his hands even trembling slightly, “Of course, it’s our honor. I wonder what you would like to make?”

“Do you have a design drawing or a mold?”

Lance casually pointed to the half-broken wine bottle in the corner of the yard and said, “Make a wine bottle for me to see, use the best materials.”

The manager vaguely realized something. He became a little nervous, but then thought of the current situation of the factory. He went back to the workshop, said a few simple words, and the workers immediately started to work.

The chimney puffed out smoke for a while, and you could feel the temperature in the workshop had obviously risen a little. The workers cooperated to fill the furnace with material, waiting for the material to soften and melt.

They had a special mold. The worker who made the glass attached a blob of glass to a blowpipe, then placed it in the mold, clamped it, and with a puff of air, a wine bottle was made.

When the mold was opened, the wine bottle still had a faint red glow and high temperature, but it quickly cooled down completely.

In fact, there is not much core technology in making glass. In terms of production process, there are only a few types.

The difference between a small workshop and a large factory is that large factories have begun to use mechanized production.

Three to five workers can operate a machine and produce this kind of small-mouthed bottle faster.

But Goldstar Glass was still using relatively traditional manual production.

If Lance needed better, more uniform glass bottles, then without a doubt, a large factory would be his choice. But what he needed now were wine bottles that were easy to burn, so the inferior wine bottles from a small workshop were the best choice.

Before long, a glass wine bottle appeared in Lance’s hand. The manager was a little embarrassed because this glass bottle had some rough edges.

“The mold is a bit old. If you could choose our factory, we will remake the molds, and there will also be subsequent corrections to ensure that there is not much difference from those large factories.”

Lance returned the glass bottle to the manager, “Let’s talk in your office.”

A smile of surprise immediately appeared on the manager’s face. He looked at the worker next to him, took out $5 from his pocket, and stuffed it into the worker’s hand, “Go get two cups of coffee!”

After speaking, he ran in front of Lance with a stooped back, leading him upstairs.

Just as he sat down, Lance said, “What’s the cost of this kind of wine bottle?”

The manager said cautiously, “About 3.5 to 5 cents each. It depends on the materials and quantity you need.”

Lance thought for a moment, “Five thousand, ordinary materials will do.”

Hearing this number, the manager was still a little disappointed, but he didn’t dare to lose this order now. He hesitated for a moment and quoted a price of eight cents per bottle.

This price could only be said to be the market price, not high, not low.

Five thousand wine bottles, the income on the books would only be $400. After deducting the cost of raw materials and workers’ fees, he actually wouldn’t make much money.

He still wanted to try harder, “Mr. White, if you can order ten thousand, I can lower the price to seven cents.”

“If you want twenty thousand, I think six and a half cents is a very reasonable price. For thirty thousand, six cents is very suitable.”

“If you can take more than fifty thousand, including fifty thousand, I can lower the price to six cents.”

He looked at Lance with some expectation, but Lance gave him another choice, “If I want to acquire your glass factory, how much would it cost?”

The manager was a little slow to react. He couldn’t quite keep up with Lance’s rhythm, “You said… you want to acquire our factory?”

His expression was very strange, with joy, composure, and also loss.

He had spent the best period of his life on this factory, but in the end, he was facing the problems that many start-up entrepreneurs have to face.

When their business philosophy can’t keep up with the pace of social development and they have to face bankruptcy, the gap and the emptiness in their hearts will make them feel uncomfortable, even painful!

Lance nodded, “I will continue to have a need to make wine bottles, but I’m not comfortable with this link being in the hands of outsiders.”

“So I will acquire your factory and your employees. You will continue to work here. The only thing that will change is that you are no longer the boss.”

The manager’s expression was very complex, as if he had a lot to say. Just then, a worker knocked on the door and walked in with two cups of coffee.

He thought one cup was for the manager, but the manager told him to give that one to Ethan.

Seeing the manager having difficulty making a decision, Lance didn’t rush him, “You can think about it. The production plan for these five thousand wine bottles will not change. How much deposit do I need to pay?”

The manager quickly focused his attention, “What specifications do you want, is there a design for the appearance…”

After confirming that this Mr. White only wanted to produce five thousand… pieces of trash, the manager was also a bit baffled, but he also knew that the customer is God!

After Lance paid $150, the workers all showed smiles, which meant they could last for another month!

Compared to the excited workers, the manager was caught in a struggle.

Lance didn’t care if the manager sold or not. If he didn’t sell, there would always be someone who couldn’t go on and would sell.

People are like this. Someone has to bow to reality. If you don’t bow, someone else will.

The wine produced by Nick’s side was temporarily still stored in wooden barrels, but as smuggled wine couldn’t get in, Lance also had to consider the issue of “shipping.”

At that time, not only could he sell wine in his own bar, but he could also sell it to other places.

The idea proposed by Gallio from Fides to buy a batch of wine made him realize that there was actually a faster and more reasonable way to make money.

Harvesting leeks is good, but you still have to bend down. But to harvest those who harvest the leeks, you don’t have to bend down!

It would not take a few days for five thousand wine bottles. These few days, various rumors were circulating in the underworld of Golden Port. For example, Alberto had executed two traitors.

Another example was that several bars were discovered and dealt with by the Bureau of Hazardous Materials.

The reporters got fresh news material again. Those who supported Prohibition clearly felt that they were one step closer to successfully banning alcohol!

A few days later, when a large batch of wine bottles had been made and placed at the location designated by Lance, Ponda received a call he had been looking forward to for a long time.

Lance hadn’t had any news these past few days. His heart was like a few cats living in it, scratching him so that he couldn’t even concentrate on his work.

When Lance’s call came to his desk, this time, he didn’t have such a big reaction, and a smile appeared on his face.

“I’ll give you an address, on the docks. I don’t know who this batch of liquor belongs to, but it’s worth at least several hundred thousand, at the current market price.”

Ponda’s palms were sweaty, and the hand holding the receiver was also trembling slightly, “I’m listening.”

Lance quickly gave him the warehouse number and hung up. Ponda stood up, holding onto the desk. His legs were also a little shaky now.

After taking several deep breaths, he came to the outside of Chief Dale’s office and knocked on the door.

Chief Dale’s voice came from inside, “Come in.”

He pushed open the door and walked in, stood by the door, and then closed it.

Chief Dale glanced at him, “Ponda, is something the matter?”

This was a small fry, with no particularly outstanding performance in the Bureau of Hazardous Materials, nor any special resume or background, just a lucky guy.

No one expected Congress to pay so much attention to the Bureau of Hazardous Materials and give them so many and such great special privileges.

So when they were selecting candidates at the beginning, they were all selected very casually.

Ponda nodded, “Chief Dale, just now an informant of mine told me that he discovered liquor worth hundreds of thousands…”

Chief Dale stood up abruptly, his eyes glowing!

He strode around the desk to Ponda’s side and grabbed his arm, “You said… worth how much?”

“Hundreds of thousands!” Ponda took a deep breath and confirmed the number again.

The expression on Chief Dale’s face suddenly became lively, “Ha!”

“Haha, good, good ah, Ponda. I knew you would definitely give us all a surprise. I knew you were different from others the first time I saw you!”

He paced back and forth a few steps, “How many other people know about this matter.”

Ponda himself couldn’t remember what the situation was when they first met, but he wouldn’t refute Chief Dale. Only a fool would do that.

“Only my informant, me, and you, sir.”

“Very good!” Chief Dale patted him on the shoulder, “Where is this location?”

“The docks!”