Power

Miss Camille, of course, didn't know the purpose of the workers gathered outside the bank, nor did she know that Van der Linde Bank didn't charge management fees.

Not only did it not charge management fees, it even offered a certain amount of interest.

However, these people didn't deposit money for this small interest or the lack of management fees.

Lenny, grinning widely, happily ran back and forth in front of the door. As Kieran cut the ribbon in his hand, Van der Linde Bank officially opened.

As the bank doors opened, a large group of workers surrounding the bank swarmed in, scrambling to rush inside.

"I was first! Let me go first! I want to give all my money to Mr. Van der Linde!" a gentleman shouted, holding up his money, scrambling to be at the front, rushing towards the bank counter.

Sh*t!, Mr. Van der Linde has such good benefits, what if he goes bankrupt!

Anyway, his family's money has nowhere to be spent right now, so it's better to deposit it in Mr. Van der Linde's bank. If Mr. Van der Linde's cash flow gets stuck, his money can help alleviate it.

"Damn Senke, isn't it all the same who's first? Miss, I also want to deposit money, and I don't want interest, just deposit it. Oh, and can you tell Mr. Van der Linde that if he runs out of money, he can use mine freely!" Another man followed closely behind Senke, handing the one hundred and twenty dollars he clutched in his hand into the window.

This was his family's savings; he, a transport worker, earned fifty a month, and his wife earned twenty-five a month. All their savings, after deducting recent purchases, were deposited here.

He had no other thoughts; Mr. Van der Linde covered all their food, lodging, and clothing. He simply felt that money was useless.

He was definitely not afraid of Mr. Van der Linde going bankrupt!

"I'm sorry, sir, Mr. Van der Linde said that you must be given the interest you deserve. Mr. Van der Linde said that since he is investing with your money, he cannot embezzle your interest. Please keep your personal savings card and fill in the relevant information."

The girl at the counter smiled and waved her hand in refusal.

Her words, however, sparked dissatisfaction among the workers who had rushed in.

"Oh, please, Miss, I don't need money at all right now! It's useless to me whether you give me interest or not! So don't give it, can't you save Mr. Van der Linde a little?"

"Exactly, Miss, I'm sure you don't want Mr. Van der Linde to go bankrupt, do you? Don't give interest, let Mr. Van der Linde earn a bit more!"

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, some wanting Mr. Van der Linde to earn more, others wanting him to lose less. They were afraid Mr. Van der Linde wouldn't make money.

To the public's requests, the bank's female workers helplessly refused one by one: "No, gentlemen, Mr. Van der Linde said that not a single cent you deserve can be less! However, you can purchase the insurance launched by Mr. Van der Linde."

"Currently, Mr. Van der Linde has launched two insurance policies: one is pension insurance, and the other is medical insurance. The pension insurance requires an annual payment of fifty dollars, and after you retire at sixty-five, Mr. Van der Linde will cover your subsequent daily living expenses. That is, when you can no longer work at sixty-five, Mr. Van der Linde will support you, still following the factory's food, drink, and accommodation, with plenty of tobacco and alcohol.

Medical insurance, on the other hand, requires an annual payment of fifty dollars. After payment, you can go to various Van der Linde Hospitals for free medical treatment and free medicine as long as you are sick.

Oh, by the way, Mr. Van der Linde hopes I can warn everyone: if you can pay for medical insurance, do so, because it can be used as soon as it's paid, and everyone's life will have more adequate protection.

As for pension insurance, if you can avoid paying it, don't, because no one can predict what will happen in the future. Mr. Van der Linde is afraid that if he goes bankrupt, he won't be able to redeem the insurance with everyone."

The bank's female worker, with a helpless expression, introduced Mr. Van der Linde's new system and delivered Mr. Van der Linde's serious warning.

However, it would have been better if she hadn't issued the warning; once she did, everything went into chaos.

A group of people pushed forward, scrambling to shove money into the bank's counter.

"Oh no, this won't do, Mr. Van der Linde can't go bankrupt! What will I do if he goes bankrupt? What will my family do? Oh, this absolutely won't do!"

"Sh*t! I order you to take my money immediately, this isn't a deposit, this is my donation to Mr. Van der Linde!"

"Oh, sh*t! Mr. Van der Linde can't go bankrupt! Where will my son find such a good job if he goes bankrupt! Damn it, the continuation of our Green family depends entirely on Mr. Van der Linde! Take the money quickly!"

"Everyone pay insurance! Pay quickly, pay quickly! Damn it, are you stupid! We just need to pay for pension insurance, and when we're sixty-five, we can just go to other cities with that money and not let Mr. Van der Linde support us! Wouldn't that just become a donation!"

"Hey, you're quite clever, kid!"

A group of people, bickering and bustling, came up with a brilliant idea.

They just needed to pay for insurance and not let Mr. Van der Linde support them! That way, Mr. Van der Linde wouldn't go bankrupt, and their children, their grandchildren, and their families would have a way to survive!

The bank's cashier, caught between laughter and tears, watched the noisy crowd. Those behind were anxious to get in, while those in front were anxious not to receive interest, wanting to donate money.

The female workers rushed back and forth, but simply couldn't push past the male workers.

This incredibly surreal scene unfolded in America, specifically in a small town in the American West, which was simply unbelievable!

Ultimately, it was the result of Mr. Van der Linde's ideological education combined with generous incentives; this group of people had been completely molded into Mr. Van der Linde's shape! Their sole backbone had become Mr. Van der Linde!

And this scene was precisely seen clearly by Miss Camille, who was sitting in the coffee shop across from the bank.

"Sh*t!" Miss Camille's red lips parted slightly, and she even let out a soft curse.

However, her attention was then interrupted by the girl next to her who was answering her questions.

"Yes, Miss Camille. Mr. Van der Linde is the heaven of our Valentine! With Mr. Van der Linde, our lives can be so beautiful, and they will become even more beautiful!"

Miss Camille listened to these words, which sounded like those of a devout follower, and her already wide eyes, widened even further in shock.

She turned her head in disbelief to look at the coffee shop maid beside her.

The maid's face was filled with respect and admiration, her eyes looking upwards, as if recalling the incredibly revered Mr. Van der Linde in her heart!

Oh, sh*t! What in the world is Dutch Van der Linde?

Why are the people here so strange?

Damn it, to prevent Mr. Van der Linde from going bankrupt, they are even willing to contribute their wealth!

Are these things that a human can say?

Camille Morgan, having trained in the Morgan Group since childhood, has never, in her twenty-plus years of corporate life, encountered anyone who would utter such damned, terrifying, unimaginable words!

What kind of sorcery did Dutch Van der Linde cast on them? Why would these people be so eager to lose everything to support him?

"Oh my god! These people are simply insane! This must be a script created by Mr. Van der Linde, right? Damn it, this absolutely cannot be real!" Before Miss Camille could exclaim, Mr. Brown, who was beside her, already cried out.

He watched everything happening in the bank across the street with disbelief, feeling that this world was abnormal again!

Oh? Why again?

Right, the last time the world felt abnormal was at Mr. Van der Linde's Shady Belle Factory!

Oh, f*ck! Van der Linde, it's Van der Linde again!

"No! This is normal, sir! You must be from somewhere else, right? It's normal that you don't understand our situation here.

Do you see the ladies and gentlemen in the bank scrambling to hand over money? In fact, five months ago, they had nothing—no houses, no savings, not even food. They had to work desperately every day just to ensure their families had food for the day. Their children were malnourished, couldn't go to school, and even suffered from diseases due to lack of nutrition. Some even had to borrow from loan sharks to survive. They had no future and no hope.

And now, Mr. Van der Linde has given them free housing, free food, an unlimited supply of cigarettes and alcohol daily, and even a minimum monthly salary of twenty-five dollars. One could say that everything they have now was given to them by Mr. Van der Linde. If you were them, would you not dedicate yourself to Mr. Van der Linde?"

The maid's eyes were full of respect and longing, even somewhat lost in memories of Mr. Van der Linde.

She was one of the people saved by Mr. Van der Linde. If it weren't for Mr. Van der Linde's existence, she might have had to sell herself in a tavern to make a living. How could she be living such a peaceful and happy life now?

Listening to the maid's narration, Miss Camille and Mr. Brown were utterly shocked.

Damn it, if they were in the position of these workers, they couldn't be sure if they could dedicate themselves to Van der Linde like these workers, but they knew they would certainly be afraid of Mr. Van der Linde going bankrupt!

Therefore, the scene in the bank could naturally occur.

"Oh, Mr. Dutch Van der Linde, what a strange man!" Miss Camille's beautiful eyes were filled with admiration; she was impressed.

This was her first time witnessing such a person and such methods in America.

Dutch Van der Linde recruits these destitute people, using kindness and good treatment to bind and influence them, which allows him to gather such popular support in Valentine. This is truly astonishing.

He not only understands human nature but can also sacrifice profit, and he is extremely talented.

If he failed in any of these three points, he could not have developed to this extent!

Miss Camille usually saw capitalists who would rather squeeze workers to death, selfish people who would rather wipe their butts with dollars than hand them out. Compared to them, Mr. Dutch Van der Linde naturally shone like the sun, leaving a deep impression.

Miss Camille's beautiful eyes sparkled as she pondered whether Mr. Van der Linde's methods could be used within their group.

However, she thought it was probably impossible.

The Morgan Consortium's scale is too vast; increasing per capita wages would significantly burden the consortium. Furthermore, the capitalists in the East would never allow them to do so, as it would disrupt the market.

At this thought, Miss Camille's eyes slightly narrowed.

Disrupting the market? Mr. Dutch Van der Linde is indeed disrupting the market. It's only because he is currently in the West; if he were in the East, he would probably already be provoking hostility from other capital.

Moreover, the opening of his bank would undoubtedly have a certain impact on the Morgan Bank in Saint Denis.

Looking at these two outsiders who were clearly very interested in Mr. Van der Linde, and remembering the one-dollar tip they gave her, the girl thought for a moment and whispered, "Madam, would you like to see the Hope Ranch Newspaper? This is a newspaper published by Mr. Van der Linde."

"Sure, madam." Miss Camille took out another dollar and handed it to the maid, feeling a slight surprise inside.

A newspaper personally published by Mr. Van der Linde? Damn, what exactly is he doing? Is his industry involvement that broad?

Miss Camille sat quietly in her seat, and in less than two minutes, the maid brought over the latest issue of the newspaper for sale today.

Miss Camille quickly took it and immediately looked at the newspaper.

"Hope Happiness Factory Newspaper, Issue 13.

Section 1: Latest Construction and Subsidy Policies for New Hanover.

Effective immediately, the Cornwall Tar and Coal Factory and the Annesburg Mine are incorporated into the New Hanover State Government's public industries. Two hundred workers are now being recruited; applicants may go to the 'VDL' Service Hall to register.

Effective immediately, New Hanover will implement a food subsidy policy, strictly controlling all food prices. The New Hanover State Government will allocate funds from the New Hanover State Treasury for special food subsidies. Mr. Van der Linde has actively responded to the call of the New Hanover State Government; effective immediately, Mr. Van der Linde will vigorously develop agriculture and has reached a corresponding cooperation with the New Hanover State Government. Simultaneously, to facilitate the successful implementation of food subsidies, the New Hanover State Government will temporarily suspend agricultural tax collection..."

Just two short sentences in the first section made Miss Camille frown deeply.

The Cornwall Tar and Coal Factory and the Annesburg Mine incorporated into the New Hanover State Government?

Damn it, what does this mean? The United States Government doesn't operate like this at all!

Moreover, she knew Mr. Cornwall; such a selfish capitalist would never generously incorporate his industries into the New Hanover State Government!

This is simply impossible!

And the subsequent agricultural subsidies made it even harder for her to comprehend! The United States Government collects agricultural taxes, but the New Hanover State Government not only doesn't collect agricultural taxes but also provides food subsidies? What's wrong with that?

These few sentences simply cannot be connected; these terms don't seem like they should be linked together!

Damn it, what kind of operation is this?

Miss Camille felt a sense of unease in her heart.

If one were to carefully analyze what was published in this newspaper, there is only one way for such damned words to be achieved.

That is, the New Hanover State Government, Mr. Cornwall, and Mr. Van der Linde are all controlled by the same force; only then could this matter be accomplished.

Miss Camille dared not think further; she suddenly felt a chill run through her body.

She felt that New Hanover, this undeveloped region in the West, was not as simple as she had imagined.

Miss Camille continued to read downwards.

"Section Two. Saint Denis undergoes deep reform. The major families of Saint Denis have decided to merge their industries, including but not limited to power stations, railways, trams, and the Saint Denis Bank, into the Saint Denis Government, making them Saint Denis public enterprises.

Under the decision of Mayor Henry Lemieux, Saint Denis City has decided to undergo deep reform. Significantly cut upper-level income for public enterprises, greatly expand worker recruitment, increase treatment for lower-level workers, and implement food subsidies…

Mr. Van der Linde actively responded to the call of the Saint Denis Government, extensively purchasing land near Rhodes to develop agriculture…

Regarding this, Mr. Van der Linde commented: 'Mayor Henry Lemieux is a truly good mayor who genuinely cares for the people. The Lemieux Family, Heidi Family, Wicklow Family, and other Saint Denis families are glorious families! Their actions have brought a better living environment to the workers of Saint Denis, and I believe that under the leadership of the Saint Denis Government, Saint Denis City will move towards greatness!'"

Alright, after reading the second section, Miss Camille was no longer just feeling a slight chill; she was now thoroughly chilled.

Damn it, if she looked at the first section alone, she couldn't understand the connection. If she looked at the second section alone, she also couldn't understand the connection, but when these two sections were put together, the connection became obvious!

It was all about food subsidies, all about wealth confiscation, and all about Mr. Van der Linde actively responding.

Even a dog could understand this sh*t!

Miss Camille's heart was greatly shaken, and her pupils narrowed due to the shock and tension within her.

She was wrong, she had been wrong from the very beginning!

Dutch Van der Linde's power was not developed to a scale of a thousand people and a disregard for a million dollars within half a year; rather, he had already integrated the resources of two states and truly become the decision-maker within these two states!

Oh, sh*t!

Miss Camille's pupils constricted, but she still kept her gaze fixed on the newspaper, unwilling to move it.

She analyzed every paragraph word by word, and finally, she completely solidified her inner conjecture.

Damn it, in just half a year, he became the decision-maker for two states in the American West. She now found it hard to imagine what kind of thing Mr. Van der Linde really was!

Miss Camille still vividly remembered when she first met Mr. Van der Linde half a year ago. This man, dressed elegantly and sporting a Little Mustache, though his voice was gentle and his demeanor gentlemanly, his wolf-like gaze left a deep impression on her.

However, even so, she was only slightly interested at the time, because Mr. Van der Linde then even had to cautiously deal with Signor Bronte, the Saint Denis mafia boss.

Who would have thought that in just half a year, he would control two major states in the West! And his development was particularly rapid!

Even an entire road between these two states was covered with bunkers! (She only saw those by the roadside, not those in the wilderness).

sh*t!

Miss Camille felt her mind go blank.

However, even as shrewd as Miss Camille was, she still believed Mr. Van der Linde was merely an emerging capitalist. Even if he integrated other industries into local public enterprises, in her view, this was merely a transitional means, and she couldn't conceive of it as a fundamental change.

Even when Mr. Van der Linde responded to the call of these two major state governments to develop agriculture, she still saw it as a means for Mr. Van der Linde to accumulate money.

There was no way around it; after all, the relevant concepts hadn't yet emerged in this era, and these American capitalists simply didn't understand the so-called foundational concept of a nation. If it were some old European countries, perhaps they might have already seen some early signs. But unfortunately, Lenin hadn't said that phrase yet!

Miss Camille trembled all over in shock. Mr. Brown, sitting opposite her, had no idea what was happening. His gaze was still fixed on the scene of Valentine outside the window.

And just then, he suddenly heard Miss Camille's words, filled with anger and murderous intent, from across the table.

"Mr. Brown, I didn't expect you to have time to look now."

"Huh? I don't understand what you mean, Miss Camille!" Brown turned back blankly, only to see Miss Camille, her face full of murderous intent, suddenly stand up.

"You don't need to understand, Mr. Brown, because you are about to be dismissed."

Miss Camille coldly slammed the newspaper she was holding down, then walked out of the cafe.

She had to rush back to Saint Denis quickly. Damn it, the time she had spent traveling this far was too long! So long that Saint Denis might have already changed, and she didn't even know it!

Damn Dutch, why is he always so fast?

---

Dutch didn't know why his actions were always so swift, perhaps it had something to do with blitzkrieg.

After all, it was the West Sea, so how could it lack blitzkrieg? Whether attacking Saint Denis or Annesburg, he played all the tricks of blitzkrieg.

Before the enemy could react, they were completely occupied.

Damn it, Little Mustache truly didn't deceive me!

But now, Mr. Dutch Van der Linde could no longer play blitzkrieg.

At this moment, Henry Mansion in Saint Denis.

This place had become the Van der Linde Gang's Saint Denis stronghold; they usually stayed here when they came over.

"Ah!" With the gush of bubbles, the beer bottle cap was twisted open by Arthur.

"Dutch, Hosea said that arms production on Guarma has begun." Arthur took a sip of beer, then comfortably sat on the sofa.

"Alright, Arthur. No rush, kid. We've bitten off too much, and we need a little time to ease up. Most importantly, we need to find an opportunity to reclaim the military power of New Hanover and Lemoyne. Only then will we truly have the strength to stand up and speak with the United States Government!"

Dutch exhaled a puff of white smoke from his cigar. He placed the newspaper in his hand on the table, then removed the monocle he had bought to appear refined.

"Oh, sh*t! You look ridiculous with those glasses, Dutch, just like the northern pike I caught by the river in Shady Belle last time! Hahaha." Arthur burst out laughing.

"sh*t, Arthur!" Dutch roared.