novel bin Page 456
Page 456
Please start your performance.
"Arthur, thank you for finding Jamie for me. My God, I don't know how I'm going to live without him."
Before Arthur, this roughneck, could even speak, Jamie objected.
He jumped up from the sofa and said loudly, "I'm just here to visit you, sister. I have to go back to the monks' guild later. I won't give up that noble cause."
"My God, my poor Jamie, what evil has bewitched you to make you so obsessed that you're willing to abandon your family to pursue those illusory things?"
“Sister! Becoming a priest under the Black King and proclaiming His glory is not some unrealistic thing. I will not allow you to belittle the god I believe in like this.”
Mary Lington's face darkened further. "It seems the cult has seriously corrupted your mind, Jack. What did they do to you to make you so willing to work for free and even sacrifice your precious free will?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Bing not only looked up at the widow from the big city, but also noticed that she was indeed a member of the upper class and had a high level of education, even knowing about free will.
“They didn’t do anything, they just made me understand the greatness of the ‘Black King.’ Besides, the ‘Secret Order of Tranquility’ is not a cult, and I didn’t work for free. We receive a ‘holy stipend’ every month,” Jamie argued.
"Really?" Mary looked doubtful. "You're not just going to make up some excuse to fob me off, are you?"
Jamie pulled a thick stack of new bills from his pocket and slammed them onto the table in front of him.
These banknotes all have the most frequently circulated denomination of 10 yuan, and a thick stack of them probably contains one or two hundred yuan.
Unlike the US dollar, which comes in a variety of denominations and forms, the physical credit points currency issued by [Reverse Entropy] are affectionately called 'credit notes' by users.
These banknotes, made of soft plastic, are not only beautifully printed and have an excellent texture, but also have waterproof and mild fire-retardant properties.
More importantly, compared to the increasingly depreciating US dollar, these 'new banknotes' have maintained unwavering purchasing power thanks to the massive advanced productivity of [Anti-Entropy], and with the support of powerful ships, cannons, bullets, and weapons, they have spread to the whole world in sync with the ever-expanding scope of [Anti-Entropy].
Meanwhile, the life-saving medicines, powerful weapons, abundant handicrafts, food, drinks, clothing, and even novel cultural and entertainment products in the hands of [Anti-Entropy] have overwhelmingly dominated all commodities worldwide, becoming a reliable guarantee of the value of 'credit money'. Furthermore, as large quantities of goods circulate globally, and as [Anti-Entropy]'s invincible fleet gradually knocks on the customs doors of major countries around the world, many countries are either voluntarily or coerced into using 'credit money' and reluctantly merging into the economic system established by [Anti-Entropy].
The main problem is that not joining isn't an option either. We're still in a market economy with free competition. If we wait another two years, once the [Anti-Entropy] infrastructure work is finished, what awaits the world is a forced opening of free trade.
By then, you'll have to queue to surrender, and if you're late, you might not even get a hot bowl of shit.
As for how popular 'letter notes' are.
To put it simply, when the banknotes were first issued, the exchange rate between them and the US dollar was 1:1, but now the market rate has risen to 1:12.3. Furthermore, they can only be exchanged for US dollars in one direction, not the other way around. If you want to exchange them back, the price on the black market is several times higher.
In the few northern states of the United States that are still struggling, 'Xinbi' has already gained absolute dominance in the market.
This was all thanks to the printing presses in Pipe Hollow. The massive amount of counterfeit money successfully caused inflation in the United States. Coupled with the defeat in the war, the market lost confidence, prices soared, and money became worthless like gold yuan in a short period of time.
In times of war, real estate and antiques are obviously unreliable for preserving assets, and precious metals such as gold and silver have entry barriers and risks. At this time, the "Xin Coin" issued by "Anti-Entropy," which is like a god descending to earth and has crushed the whole world, becomes the best choice for everyone to protect their assets.
A person may have backbone, but they may not have capital.
When it comes to money, they're quicker to kneel down than anyone else.
Places like Cuba (US-controlled), Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Colombia, which are close to Saint Denis and have well-developed maritime transportation, have basically become "reverse entropy" shapes.
Using another country's currency is tantamount to losing the right to mint currency, and losing the right to mint currency is equivalent to losing most of a country's sovereignty.
The economic lifeline is thus entrusted to human hands.
Against this backdrop, Jamie pulled out several hundred 'credit coins' from his crotch, which naturally took Mary by surprise.
Firstly, the money proved that Jamie wasn't lying, and secondly, the amount of money was a bit too much.
It's important to know that around 1900, under normal circumstances, in bustling towns in California, Texas, or New Mexico, a parish priest's monthly allowance might have been between $20 and $40, while in remote and impoverished rural areas, that figure might have been less than half that.
Jamie had only been missing for three or four months, yet he had already received such a large sum of money, which naturally surprised Mary.
"The living allowance for trainee priests at the 'Silent Monastery' is 60 yuan a month in 'credit notes,' that's correct, Ms. Mary Lington." Although Jiang Bing was speechless about this monastery, he still patiently cleaned up their mess.
“This monk’s association emphasizes asceticism during training, and they even grow their own vegetables, so they don’t spend any money. Therefore, it’s normal for your brother to be able to come up with this amount of money.”
"Ah~?" Mary, the widow from the big city, was genuinely surprised.
Jiang Bing, who came with Arthur, was dressed in high-class clothes and had an elegant and composed demeanor. His statement was obviously very convincing.
“But I assure you, your brother will not return to this ‘monastic order’.”
Jiang Bing's eyes were filled with the information flow sent by the 'domain'.
"He got fired, I told you."
Chapter 926 An Era Has Ended
Jamie Gillis's slight resistance was easily suppressed by his sister. Knowing that he was not yet free from worldly ties, the young man eventually gave in obediently.
The situation quickly developed into a scenario that Jiang Bing was delighted to see.
The coffee steamed hot, and Arthur's old face was hidden in the mist as he stared intently at Mary's retreating figure.
"So, Arthur, how have you been lately?" Mary continued working by the stove without turning around.
“Great. You know how things change in Saint Denis. I’ve found a job teaching marksmanship, and the pay is pretty good.”
The widow's figure became ethereal in the steam, and at one moment it resembled a frozen old photograph, taking Arthur back to the age of 18.
"What about your gang?" Mary quickly served Jiang Bing a second cup of coffee, casually probing, "Has it disbanded?"
Arthur scratched his cheek with his rough, large hand. His freshly shaved stubble was tingling slightly, perhaps because he was being disturbed by some thoughts lurking in his mind.
“I don’t know either, Mary.”
Arthur spoke these words sincerely.
"Dutch and Hosea now have jobs, the women in the gang have either gone to work in new factories, become night school teachers for literacy, become cooks, or become clerks. Charles is running around with the animal protection department of [Anti-Entropy] all day long. Leopold Strauss has gone up north in a mysterious way and hasn't been back for half a year. Bill and Micah have joined the patrol police. John has taken Abigail and John Jr. to contract a farm and started dealing with cattle, sheep and corn."
Arthur picked up his coffee, took a small sip, and the addition of milk and sugar cubes gave the coffee a bittersweet flavor.
"Although Dutch has not announced the disbandment of the gang, we have indeed not gotten together for a long time. It seems that everyone has their own things to do."
"But it seems like everyone's doing pretty well." Arthur shrugged, feigning indifference.
“And you, Mary, it’s been more than two years since your last letter, hasn’t it?”
“I actually wrote you a letter a year ago, Arthur, and it reached Blackwater, but obviously you didn’t receive it,” Mary sighed.
Before radio communication technology matured, the movement of vehicles, horses, messages, and people was very slow, with intervals of ten days to half a month making the connections between people closer, but also more fragile.
A year ago, Dutch pulled off a big heist in Blackwater. Arthur was most likely on the run with the gang at that time, so how could he possibly have gone to retrieve the letter?
“You know, Mary, back then I was still running around,” Arthur said, putting it more delicately.
“Of course.” Mary finally added enough sugar to her coffee, and sat down next to Arthur with a satisfied cup in her hand.
The sensible Jiang Bing finished his coffee in one gulp, grabbed Jamie Gillis, and left the living room, leaving the space to those who needed it.
"What are you planning to do next, Arthur? Stay single?"
Completely unaware that "walls can be overheard," Mary gets straight to the point after Jiang Bing and her brother leave.
"Uh~"
“I should have told you before, Arthur, my husband has passed away.”
The widow didn't hesitate at all. "Back then, because of my father, my youth, and your damned gang, we didn't end up together. But so many years have passed, and now I think you shouldn't have any more concerns."
A pair of small, warm hands touched Arthur's large, calloused hands.
"Come with me, Arthur, let's go to the big city in the east. It's embarrassing to say, but I have some property now, enough for us to live on."
“Nothing is in our way now, Arthur. It’s time to get the wrong train back on track.”
As Arthur picked up his coffee, the rising steam seemed to conjure up images of 17-year-old Mary Gillies.
People will eventually be trapped by things they couldn't have in their youth, but fortunately, a small number of people will have the opportunity to break free.
"Or, you can stay here, Mary. You should be aware of the prosperity of Saint Denis. With the existence of [Anti-Entropy], it will only become more and more prosperous. We can also go to the 'New City' of Pipe Ridge. These places are more prosperous than any city in the East, both now and in the future."
"As for making a living, you don't need to worry, Mary. I work for [Anti-Entropy] now and I get 4700 'credits' every month. I think that's enough for our living expenses."
"How many?!"
Mary nearly dropped her coffee cup.
“4700 ‘notes’ dollars, Mary.”
"My God!" The widow was so shocked that she accidentally spilled her coffee.
It's not her fault. After all, if your ex-boyfriend with blond hair suddenly told you 20 years later that he now earns a million a month, you would feel the same way.
“You’re not kidding me, are you, Arthur? Do you know how much the monthly rent for this house is? Only 15 ‘cash’.”
However, Mary clearly did not understand the concept of 'the best marksman in the West'. Arthur's marksmanship, if used on the right platform, could be far more valuable than she imagined.
4700 'letters' isn't much wealth, but in the value judgment of [Reverse Entropy], Arthur is undoubtedly worth that price.
“You know that,” Arthur couldn’t help but touch the pistol at his waist.
“I’m a rough guy, all I know is fighting and killing, but luckily [Anti-Entropy] needs my talent, Mary. I hope you can consider my suggestion. Here, I can make my value.”
Money isn't everything, but you can't do without it; most disputes can be resolved with money.
When the timid Jamie Gillis finally mustered up the courage to ask Jiang Bing about his doubts about the 'Black King', Jiang Bing suddenly retreated back to the sidecar motorcycle.
The next moment, the door of the two-story building was pushed open from the inside, and Mary, with a smile on her face, saw Arthur out.
The two didn't say any farewell words, yet it was as if they had said everything.
On the way back, Arthur finally couldn't help but speak to Jiang Bing.
“Mr. Sabur, if I were to buy a house, would you prefer Saint Denis or the ‘New Town’ in Pipe Hollow?”
"What, is the wandering cowboy going home?" Jiang Bing replied, pretending to be completely unaware of everything.
Arthur Morgan was speechless for a moment.
A sidecar was driving on the road, passing a horse-drawn cart carrying vegetables, while several Morgan horses were galloping along the road.
"Dad, that carriage is amazing!" the child in the passenger seat of the freight carriage muttered to his father.
"Hold on tight, Pete. We'll work for a few more weeks and then switch to a steel carriage. I'll get my driver's license soon, and then you can sit in the front."
"Okay..."
The conversation between father and son gradually faded into the distance. Arthur adjusted his gambler's hat, and several deer leaped out of the woods by the roadside and then jumped back in.
“It just suddenly feels like our era has ended, Mr. Sabur. I think I should settle down and take a good rest.”
"Then go to the western part of Saint Denis to buy one. The supporting facilities there are more complete. There is a new residential area under construction, with detached houses, which are suitable as wedding homes."
“Anyway, your salary is enough,” Jiang Bing said, who had never owned a house in either his past or present life.
Chapter 927 The Promotion Assessment as Expected
The port remained as quiet as ever, and the starry sky above continued to turn, seemingly unchanging since time immemorial.
'Azure Vision' remains as unassuming as ever, strolling back and forth like an old gatekeeper.
Jiang Bing hadn't used the warehouse here for a long time; if it weren't for the magical properties of this place, it would probably be covered in cobwebs by now.
"Here we go again~" A giant eye descended from the sky, blinked, glanced at Jiang Bing a few times, and then its huge pupils narrowed.
How did you grow up so fast?
Time is meaningless in the port, but the marks that time has left on Jiang Bing are clearly visible in the eyes of 'Azure Vision'.
The faint traces of erosion were simply incomparable to the speed at which the opponent's strength was increasing.
"Fast?" Jiang was completely oblivious to his own limitations.
"You haven't even had time to take a nap yet, and you're already practically an expert. Hurry up!" Azure Vision floated in front of his head, muttering.
Before the colossal pillar reaching to the sky, the two stood facing each other once more.
"Alright, it's a promotion assessment, right? I'll open the door for you."
A quill pen appeared out of nowhere and began writing and drawing on that seemingly endless book.
The next moment, the craftsman training system sent out its daily notification.
System notification: This terminal has been connected to the seventh crystal wall host interface, number MSZ-7855141, and is transmitting verification information.
Currently undergoing qualification review.
Locating the [Cartography Room].
Login to candidate information and receive assessment qualification certificate.
Location found... Transmitting...