Empire of Shadows

Lance knew how to deal with "small characters" like Arthur; all you had to do was give them a little respect.

Lance gave him respect, and Arthur also felt respected, so he naturally agreed to the matter.

He would give Jack a time, and then they would sit down together and chat, and some things could be determined.

Jack left with a face full of joy, and the others began to gather around, regardless of whether they could engage in some "business" with Lance now, at least to get acquainted.

Soon, Jack's parents also took the initiative to come over, exchanged simple greetings with Lance, and thanked him for his efforts for Jack.

They were very clear that, perhaps for Lance, settling this matter was just making a phone call to James and Arthur.

But the real difficulty of this matter lies in these two phone calls!

People who are not qualified do not know the phone number, and people who do not have enough weight cannot make the call even if they know the number. It looks like a very simple little thing, but it is actually not simple.

Favor, relationship, maybe next time they will also call Lance and ask Lance to do something.

These things are difficult to directly estimate with value. In addition to thanking and assuring Lance that they can call them at any time if he needs them, they did not mention anything more.

That's enough.

Luca, who had chatted with Lance before, also took the initiative to come over. He was holding an empty wine glass in his hand, "You are too popular. I waited there for twenty minutes, and only got this chance after drinking two glasses of wine!"

Lance reached out and shook his hand, "Maybe it's because everyone is still very unfamiliar with me and wants to know more about me."

Luca put the wine glass on the table next to him, "You are eloquent…"

He paused, "Actually… I don't know how to start."

He put his hands on his buttocks, which made his upper body look a little forward, even hunching his back a little, looking a little timid.

Lance tilted his head slightly, signaling him to continue.

He took his hands out from behind him, spread them out, and then lowered them again, looking very dejected, "Okay, it's a bit difficult to say, they actually want me to come over and ask if there is any job suitable for me."

"You're here to apply for a job?" Lance said with a smile, "You are the first job seeker today. What do you want to do?"

Luca's father runs a small supermarket. Of course, the supermarket's agricultural products all come from their farm. The business is okay, but just okay.

It's the kind of situation that is not as good as the top, but better than the bottom.

Compared with those at the bottom of society who work themselves to death every month and can only get thirty or forty dollars, they can earn one or two thousand a month, sometimes even a little more. This is indeed not a small amount.

But compared with those real big companies and the upper class, they still have a big gap.

They can't even see the ceiling of the middle class!

And Luca's father believes that this job is "without a future", because opening a supermarket is still opening a supermarket, and they have no real competitiveness in front of those super chain supermarkets.

Perhaps there is some competitiveness in agricultural products, but many people in the family also rely on this part of their livelihood, so the part they can get is not enough to support them to become a super chain supermarket.

They hope that Luca can change to a promising job, instead of following the routine to accept their supermarket, that kind of life can be seen at a glance, boring and dull.

When asked what he wants to do, Luca is also a little confused, "I don't know, I don't seem to know how to do anything…"

Lance considered for a moment, "Are you very familiar with the operation of the supermarket, including purchasing?"

Luca nodded, "If you say this aspect, I am indeed very familiar with it. Although from my point of view, I don't really like this job, but yes, I am very familiar with it."

Lance showed some smiles, "I've already thought of it. There is a job that must be very suitable for you."

"When the time comes, you come to my company, we will talk about this matter slowly, you will definitely like it."

"It's a bit exciting, can make a lot of money, and it's a just thing!"

Luca's face was already full of smiles when he heard this, "You spoke to my heart, I will definitely find you as agreed!"

After Luca left, Lance chatted with many people, including Barbara.

"About the last time… I still have to thank you, Lance. If it weren't for you, I don't know what my future would have become!"

According to social etiquette, Barbara is not yet married, and Lance cannot shake hands with her casually unless she takes the initiative.

When a lady extends her hand to you and you refuse to shake hands, it must be a terrible scene, but Lance didn't expect that he couldn't let go once he held her hand.

The look in her eyes looking at Lance was obviously a little strange. Lance could only explain, "No one can watch you being hurt, and you are Patricia's sister, so you can be considered my sister too."

The smile on her face looked even more rosy in the afterglow of the setting sun, "You are so good at talking, no wonder Patricia is so fascinated by you."

Lance put his other hand into his pocket and took out a pack of cigarettes, "Do you mind if I…"

Barbara then let go of her hand. It was impossible to smoke with only one hand. The way she looked at Lance was a bit sticky.

Handsome, rich, with social status, and most importantly, he saved her soul, which was about to fall into darkness, like an angel when she was desperate!

Every girl, no matter what she was like in the past or what she is like now, their inner world was once full of fantasy and romance!

Lance satisfied her imagination of all men, but unfortunately, he is Patricia's!

In these many years of "competing" with Patricia, she had never lost, whether it was appearance, figure, study, or the employment environment after graduation, she had always been at the center of people's pursuit, under the spotlight.

But now, she would rather use her life's victory to exchange for this one victory!

Lance lit a cigarette. Barbara was a little too enthusiastic, which made him feel a little funny.

"How is that case going?"

Speaking of the case, Barbara gritted her teeth with hatred, "The money can't be recovered. Those people and their money have all disappeared."

"The bank said that the money has been transferred overseas. As for how the overseas bank handled it, we are not clear, and no one is willing to run to many overseas countries to investigate these matters for this matter."

"It is very likely that it will be dragged on like this, until no one wants to mention it again, and it will be over."

A very common practice. In this era, if you want to handle a case across countries, and handle a case across multiple countries, it is indeed not that easy.

Not to mention that overseas is not very stable now, and the flames of war are raging on the Tanfite continent. If it involves that side, should the investigators go, or not?

So from the beginning, they didn't plan to continue the investigation. Although it looks like they are investigating, everyone knows that they are just muddling through.

"What are you going to do next?" Lance asked.

Barbara also took out a pack of women's cigarettes. Working in a financial company will always be inseparable from the stimulation of these things.

She drinks and smokes, but that doesn't prevent her from being a good girl.

"I don't know. I have to consider changing jobs now, but I don't know what to do. I'm a little confused."

"They asked me to be a civil servant. I'm not saying that such a job and life are not good, but…"

She put one hand across her chest, and the other hand was holding a cigarette, and shook her head slightly, "I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to adapt."

Accustomed to the exciting money-making model of financial companies, and then going to the government to do the lifeless civil servant work, she definitely can't stand it.

Her past life and experience do not allow her to do this either.

Lance looked her up and down. She was indeed very beautiful, in line with all the aesthetics of the people of the Federation in this era.

People have not yet pursued a bigger butt than shoulders, so her figure is very symmetrical, and her face is also very good-looking.

"Are you peeking at me?" She blushed a little.

Lance rolled his eyes, "I have a production company. Are you interested in being an actor, being a big star?"

"My God, I didn't know you had a production company. Pat has never told me."

"You have good conditions!" Lance first affirmed her appearance, "And the acting job is also very interesting. You can play different lives, and you will go to different places and come into contact with many stories and endings."

"You will appear on the big screen, and many supporters will scream for you, and you can also make a lot of money!"

Hearing these descriptions, Barbara's smoking speed also accelerated, "It sounds like a very good job, I can try it!"

Lance nodded, "I don't have time for the next few days. I will take you to the production company in a few days, and then let you be the lead actress…"

Perhaps seeing that her sister had been pestering Lance, Patricia was still a little wary and vigilant. She walked over from her family and took Lance's arm, "What are you chatting about?"

"Barbara wants to change jobs. I recommended her to act in movies, a fashionable and desirable job."

Patricia showed a surprised expression, "My God, you are going to be a star, Barbara!"

"I will tell my colleagues that you are my sister, and then take them to the cinema to watch your movie, and then sell your autographed posters to them!"

Saying that, Patricia laughed, "Five dollars for each one I sell them!"

Barbara looked at Patricia's appearance, and wondered if Lance just liked this type?

She tossed her long hair, "Alright, I'll sign a whole bunch for you!" She said, looking at Lance, "Then, see you in a few days?"

Lance nodded, "See you later."

Watching her walk away, Patricia said with some annoyance, "You need to stay away from her!"

Lance teased, "Don't you have confidence in yourself?"

Patricia's face flushed slightly, "It's not that I don't have confidence in myself, it's just… don't you think everyone likes Barbara?"

They had discussed this issue before. Barbara had an outstanding appearance and a family background that, while not prominent, was also not ordinary.

Well-educated, beautiful, with a good personality, and very charming, she fit the Federation's aesthetic. Who could refuse such a girl?

Looking at Patricia's serious expression, Lance said with a smile, "But I only like you."

Patricia's face, which had been somewhat serious and earnest, was instantly filled with surprise and shyness. She originally didn't want to smile, but after holding back for a while, she couldn't help it.

"You're so sweet, like honey!"

Before long, dinner was ready, and everyone sat at the table. Lance still sat at the head table.

This time, Barbara's father intended to have William sit in the main seat, but William refused.

It had always been arranged this way. If he were to sit in the main seat just because he was running for city councilor, it would deviate from the realm of family affection.

This was a family gathering, not a gathering of government officials.

Although he refused, it could be seen that he was in a good mood, after all, everyone was saying flattering words instead of bickering and mocking each other.

Dinner was very rich, with most of the food ingredients coming from the farm, self-produced and self-sold, green and healthy.

However, at this time, there was no concept of green, environmental protection, or health. Society had not yet developed to this stage, and people were still pursuing relatively low-level pleasures.

Being able to eat enough, dress warmly, and release some pressure at night.

Only when society as a whole enters the next stage, when people are no longer limited by these most basic living conditions, will they consider whether their food is exquisite and healthy.

At the dinner table, everyone was talking about the recent changes in Goldport City, and also speculating about the councilor election that would begin and end next month.

And what kind of changes these councilor elections would bring to the city.

Lance was also often asked questions or consulted for his opinion. The growth of the Lance family made people have to respect his attitude.

Men, especially civil servant men, often talked very divergently when chatting, without any particularly core content.

They talked about some future developments from the recent changes in Goldport City.

"Recently, there have been reports that the domestic economic development has been in a slow growth environment. Is it possible that the outbreak of the Tanfite War will bring some impetus to the somewhat stagnant Federation?"

While chatting, someone mentioned this topic.

Slow economic growth was a particularly obvious problem in recent years. Obviously, everyone has become richer, and science and technology are more advanced, but for some reason, it always gives people a very reluctant feeling.

Some people believe that this is the Federation ushering in a "plateau period" after a period of rapid development.

"Workers' wages have not increased much, and the market's consumption capacity cannot be activated. The prices of goods are still so expensive, who can afford them?"

"I heard that the dock strike was because wages hadn't been raised for two years. One can imagine how many economic problems exist behind the seemingly prosperous Federation!"

"If the Presidential Palace doesn't solve these problems, even if he continues to issue orders, he will definitely be very embarrassed!"

Others also began to express their opinions. Lance, watching this scene from the sidelines, found it very interesting. It seemed that people everywhere loved to discuss these things.

In the past, when he was bored in the small room, he would also discuss international affairs with everyone, and even argue.

It seems that no matter where, what era, or what cultural background, people always maintain a high degree of concern for power!

After going around in a circle, William suddenly asked, "Lance, what's your opinion?"

Lance was playing with the beef cubes in his plate. The beef cubes from the farm's veal were very tender, and the fat content was not low.

Taking a bite really made the juice overflow, filling the mouth with a mellow aroma.

"Domestic consumption capacity is constantly downgrading, but prices are constantly rising due to some things that have nothing to do with our lives, especially the outbreak of war."

"After the outbreak of the war, the world's supplies will usher in a round of growth. After all, most or even all of the countries on the Tanfite continent will be affected."

"Production will fall into a slow semi-stagnant state, the consumption of materials will be greater than output, entering a seller's market, and prices will skyrocket."

"But our income will not increase due to the outbreak of the war, which will lead to more and more people being unable to afford the basic necessities of life."

"It is impossible for all companies to do import and export business, and eventually this will enter a vicious cycle."

"The majority of the income of the people at the bottom is used to purchase essential supplies for survival, and they have no extra consumption capacity."

"The goods produced by so many factories in the country will not be bought, and the more accumulated goods, the faster the market will collapse."

He picked up a knife and fork, chose a piece of the fattest beef, forked it up, and put it in his mouth. Even juice splashed out when he chewed.

He quickly reached out and covered it, "Sorry!"

"The quality of this beef is amazing!"

Someone couldn't help but ask, "If it develops as you said, won't the economy collapse?"

Lance asked back, "Why can't it collapse?"

He picked up a napkin and wiped the grease from his lips, "The Labor Federation just wants to stage a massive strike, which has attracted the attention of many industry unions, which shows that the contradiction does exist and is still under pressure."

"We don't have that much foreign trade, the domestic consumption capacity can't go up, the funds can't circulate, and the economic collapse is only a matter of time."

Listening to what Lance said, thinking about some of the things that happened in the Federation, everyone was worried, but not yet desperate.

Because the situation has not yet reached the point he said, but Lance believes it is not far away.

The recent rise in food prices is the most obvious example. Don't look at the fact that a pound of bread has only increased by two cents, but in fact, this is already close to an increase of more than 50%!

In other words, the expenses that people put into maintaining the basic expenses of survival, in terms of food, have increased by 50%.

Then what about in the future?

What about other aspects?

Now about 20% of a family's income is used on food, then soon it will account for 30%, 40%, or even half!

The less money people have in their hands, the less they dare to spend casually, and the less the money will flow.

If funds do not flow, they cannot create value and will eventually become a pool of stagnant water!