New York, Heixinggen Bank North America branch.

"Mr. Jonathan! This is an important letter from headquarters, please take a look."

"Hmm, give it to me!"

Jonathan took the letter and looked at the envelope.

"Leave first, and from now on, no one is allowed to enter without my orders."

"Yes, Manager."

Once his subordinate left, Jonathan carefully opened the envelope and began to read.

Shortly after, Jonathan's expression showed some surprise, and even disbelief—this is headquarters' decision? They are crazy! If they proceed this way, how much money will be lost?

Regarding headquarters' risk assessment, Jonathan was somewhat skeptical. Given America's current situation, Jonathan felt its economy was only just beginning. Although American public security is somewhat chaotic, chaos can also stimulate economic vitality; at least it shows local policies are very relaxed. Just like those Italians engaging in black industry in America, it can still create value for American society.

For instance, the market generated by drug users in past America at least supported millions of Mexicans and made great contributions to balancing US-Mexico trade. Although drugs have enormous harm, that doesn't hinder it as an industry; the grey industry is still an industry and likewise has value—this is an inevitable phenomenon under the capitalist market value system.

Although most of the wealth is taken by a minority, as long as it stays in America, it belongs to America. They're not stupid; in America, money can solve ninety-nine percent of problems and symbolizes social status. It's more comfortable than staying on the old continent full of aristocrats.

However, despite not understanding, Jonathan prepared to follow suit; after all, he was just an employee.

After destroying the letter, Jonathan started to convene a meeting.

Jonathan: "From now on, further relax restrictions; we are preparing to undertake major endeavors in America and contribute to the prosperity of American society!"

The situation in America is extremely favorable; everything makes money, but Heixinggen Bank's audit mechanism is not friendly to some traditional industries.

Now, according to instructions from headquarters, Jonathan is to relax restrictions in these areas, meaning that a large influx of new capital will soon be injected into the American market.

"As long as it's confirmed that we can make big money, slightly higher risk is acceptable. By the end of this year, our operations should proceed with this aim!"

The North America branch's largest investment in America is in the technology sector, mainly the electricity industry. Now, however, it will expand into all industries.

Like all American banks, it doesn't matter what it is—if it makes money, I'll invest in that project!

However, this investment will only last for half a year. Starting next year, the branch's objective is to sell these temporarily hyped projects at high prices. When exactly is the high price point? That question is difficult to figure out. But when the time given by headquarters arrives, just sell.

Jonathan didn't disclose this matter to his subordinates, which was also what he least understood. What if these assets' prices continue to rise after selling? Wouldn't that be a great loss!

...

It's not just America; in the Far East, the Heixinggen Consortium is also increasing its investment focus. However, targeted industries are mainly domestic, not export-oriented. Far East civilians have significant demand, and the Heixinggen Consortium is collaborating with Jin Merchants and Huishi to jointly develop the Northeastern Far East market.

Undeniably, the consortium's investment would lead to the bankruptcy of many traditional handicraft industries, and Jin Merchants leader, Qiao Zhiyong, intends to learn the Western banking model to reform Jin Merchants' banknotes, which would accelerate this situation.

While learning this Western banking model, they inevitably encounter new international developments, which is precisely what Jin Merchants lack. Their transition from prosperity to sudden decline fundamentally roots in the lack of international perspective.

Historically, during Jin Merchants' peak development, Western capitalism was also flourishing, but Jin Merchants showed no interest in Russia's large-scale machine production, nor were they engaged with European ships during trade, dismissing other goods besides their needs as if they couldn't penetrate Jin Merchants' vision. They sought quick success and were complacent, not realizing their disconnection from the global environment. They were lazy about learning new technology and reluctant to invest hard-earned money in new machinery equipment and technology, focusing on immediate benefits like real estate.

But with Heixinggen Bank's appearance as a competitor, Jin Merchants' territory in Northern China was quickly seized, so Qiao Zhiyong saw the enormous crisis Jin Merchants faced.

Even ordinary business practices couldn't compete with Westerners. If Jin Merchants continued to be complacent, the northern market would eventually be swallowed by Heixinggen Bank.

As for the Qing Government, closely related to Jin Merchants, it couldn't save them either. Facing Westerners, the Qing Government tried sealing borders to protect the domestic market, but obviously, it failed under Westerners' firm ships and cannons.

The rapid expansion of the Heixinggen Consortium in the north proves this; behind the consortium are the world's strong powers and an unrecognized "big nation." Just the German power is enough to instill fear in the Qing Government, as it defeated France singlehandedly.

With the Heixinggen Consortium's drive, German merchants in Northeastern Far East truly formed potential competition with British, French, and Americans.

Currently, other countries in the Far East are still limited to coastal and convenient transportation areas, whereas the Heixinggen Consortium forcibly overcame inland transportation difficulties to enter its hinterland.

The reason the Heixinggen Consortium can accomplish this is simple. One is the inconvenient transportation of the Yimeng Mountain Area in Southern Shandong, historically with poor economic conditions. While Northern Jiangsu is flat, it also suffered from Yellow River flooding until Xianfeng's major Yellow River rerouting ended Northern Su's centuries-long flood problems.

But when Xianfeng Yellow River rerouting occurred, it coincided with the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom movement and Nian Army uprising; military affairs were tense, leaving no time to manage the Yellow River. Governor Yang Yizeng proposed to the Qing Court to "temporarily delay the repair."

Essentially it was ignored, resulting in more frequent and severe Yellow River floods in Shandong, causing towns along the Ji River in Shandong to decline, represented by Qidong County.

The source of East Africa's rich immigrant origins was also found, indicating that Heixinggen Consortium's sphere of influence in Northern China was originally an economic depression of Man Qing.

Even in the 21st century, Northern Jiangsu remains a rift in the eastern coastal areas, developing less compared to north and south, with only one major port—Lianyungang—which hasn't developed well (in comparison to Southern Jiangsu and Ludong).

Currently, the best of Heixinggen Consortium's economic territories is Kaifeng, the only provincial city. But east of Kaifeng to the coast, it is mainly a region of devastation, plagued by natural and man-made disasters. Such places naturally cannot attract Western forces other than the Heixinggen Consortium, as others far surpass in conditions.

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