"In ten days, the winery in Black Street will be set up. I can consider selling the first batch of goods to you. After all, District Three is relatively close to us, and you are Elder Chen's man. Hehe... We are friends, and I won't make things difficult for you."
Chen Xiong nodded repeatedly, took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, and said, "Mr. Qin, you flatter me. From today onwards, we will no longer interfere with the security issues of Black Street and Districts 4 and 5. I will speak to the security teams of Districts 1 and 2 on your behalf to have Black Street establish a similar department. The higher-ups are quite supportive."
Qin Che smiled faintly, picked up his glass and clinked it against his; the sound of the glass was crisp and melodious.
"Those outposts along the border..."
Chen Xiong hurriedly said, "I'll withdraw the men right away, immediately!"
Qin Che crossed his legs, leaned back, and laughed, "Captain Chen, do you usually like to drink?"
"Hehe, who doesn't love alcohol?" Chen Xiong shook his head.
“I know your security team has a few good smuggling routes, but in exchange, this friendship can’t just be empty words. Once my winery is up and running, I’ll give you a share. My wine tastes much better than smuggled wine… By the way, you can also bring in the two security officers from Districts One and Two. Let’s do business together and make big money together.”
"May I ask you, Master Qin, how is this wine made?" A greedy glint flashed in Chen Xiong's small eyes.
Qin Che said, "The brewing process in Black Street has been around for many years. We will strictly control the saccharification and fermentation. The raw material is starch, of course. The finished product is about 35-40 degrees of enzyme sugar wine. The output is very large and there is a broad market. It is more than enough for domestic sales. You can even set up your own smuggling team. Of course, you have to tell us in advance."
With starch, there is an unlimited supply of alcohol.
Through the action of enzymes, sugars such as glucose, maltose, maltotriose, and tetrasaccharides are converted into sugars that yeast can absorb, and then fermented into alcohol.
"The first batch of goods is currently being processed, and the cycle is not long. Every ten days, tens of thousands of kilograms can be shipped out from the Black Street. I don't plan to only set up one winery. With more brewing craftsmen, the output will also increase."
Chen Xiong mentally counted on his fingers, and at this rate, it would be nearly 100,000 jin of wine every month, which is 100 tons!
"Production capacity is completely under control. We will produce according to the actual needs of Sandcastle, as much as we need. I have already spoken to Elder Chen. However, you will have to give your share of the proceeds from smuggling to the higher-ups. As for domestic sales, just do as I say."
Qin Che snapped his fingers, and someone behind him handed him a document. "If there are no objections, you can sign it now."
Chen Xiong held a stack of documents and fell into deep thought.
The Black Street has changed dramatically. The roles of offense and defense have shifted. From being bullied and arbitrarily punished by the inner city walls, it has risen to a point where even Elder Chen has to condescend to meet with Qin Che. In the Third District, he can see trucks carrying grain into the First District every day, several tons at a time, and this has been going on for the past few days.
I don't know if Black Street has some kind of good fortune, but it has produced such a powerful figure who has become so assertive.
Qin Che's goal was simple: to get the liquor sold by the police officers, they could make more money. They were part of the gray industry chain, playing the law and exploiting loopholes. Just for the position of Chen Xiong, every election or appointment required the newcomer to spend a lot of money to bribe officials.
Many high-ranking officials, including those in the cabinet and government, colluded with the corrupt officials who profited from their positions as sheriffs.
Chen Xiong is a member of the radical party. Qin Che doesn't care whether he is a loyal follower or not. Since he has been tied to his side, he is a friend. With common interests, the relationship will become stronger.
Moreover, with the security agencies secured, some businesses in the underworld became easier to run. For example, the prostitution business, which was prohibited within the inner city walls, could now be conducted openly without fear of being targeted.
In the past, it was common to see people delivering goods to the streets being arrested by the security team, and then having to pay money to bail them out.
— That is, the so-called protection fee.
Once or twice is fine, but who can stand it every now and then?
If he could win over the security agencies of the three districts within the inner city walls, the protection fees would be a small sum. He could even expand his business to the small garden and try to squeeze into the high-end flesh market of the crocodiles. Qin Che didn't plan to rob much money in this area, but he would take whatever he could get. He had to show his attitude.
Our Black Street is not what it used to be. As long as you Crocodile Heads are doing business, I want to do it too.
All things considered, there are many benefits. The wine will have a market, the prostitution business can expand to the center of Sand Castle, transportation, procurement, and political operations will be much more convenient, and at the same time, the security system of Sand Castle Government can be squeezed out of the Black Street and the fourth and fifth districts, and become autonomous!
"That was a brilliant move..." Chen Xiong couldn't help but think.
However, he would be a fool not to make money, so he agreed to the agreement on the spot and shook hands with Qin Che.
"Mr. Qin, I'll take my leave now. I'll be busy when I get back. Today, I'll treat my colleagues from District 1 and District 2 to a meal." Chen Xiong smiled and bowed slightly.
Qin Che smiled and said, "Remember, if we bring Districts One and Two in to work together, I'll only give you a larger share, but you have to keep this agreement a secret."
Chen Xiong chuckled and revealed a sly smile, "I understand, I understand... It's good to do business with Master Qin."
"Goodbye."
Take care.
What does it mean to collude with evil? What does it mean to be influenced by one's surroundings?
Qin Che's goal is to bring everyone in and solidify the established facts, making future activities in Sandcastle much easier.
After Chen Xiong left, Qin Che leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes for a short rest. He felt someone approaching him and knew it was Xiao Tao. She was quietly squatting next to the sofa, massaging his legs.
"Sir, are you going to sell the liquor to the police?"
Qin Che said with his eyes closed, "There are more than a dozen crocodiles in the liquor business, why can't I do it?"
"I don't understand these things, as long as Master can make more money," Xiao Tao said.
Qin Che smiled silently and said, "Have you learned how to keep accounts for yourself now?"
Xiao Tao said, "I'm still a bit rusty, but I understand the principles. Trying to get some subsidies for my sisters is the only thing I can do."
Qin Che said, "Xiao Tao, do you know? The profession of prostitution has existed for a very long time. It's an ancient profession. Even now, no matter how advanced human civilization becomes, there will always be people who want to gain without working. It's just that the methods and operating models are different. Look at those people inside the inner city walls. They have no worries about food and clothing and enjoy a noble status. But sometimes, they also need this kind of business as a political lubricant and a tool to divert social conflicts. But if one day we want to abolish this profession, we can only succeed after women have equal job opportunities with men and women have real dignity and power."
Xiao Tao raised her head and said blankly, "Master, I don't understand."
Qin Che patted her head and said, "You'll understand later..."
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