#73 - Chapter 73 Electronic Currency

"Boss Niu, I simplified things at the start. I didn't expect to find so many problems these past two days of visits," Mayor Gong said with a frown, expressing his apologies.

In his heart, he also hoped that currency could circulate. Only in this way could people's lives be stabilized and the economy prosper. Otherwise, like now, everyone is idle, and the entire settlement is lifeless. If this continues for too long, chaos will inevitably occur.

"Then, Mayor Gong, have you considered using electronic currency?" Niu Xingwang asked.

"Electronic currency?" Mayor Gong asked dubiously.

"Yes," Niu Xingwang replied affirmatively.

"Boss Niu, don't joke around. I just said that our settlement lacks electricity, and there is no internet, computers, or settlement system. Besides, how many ordinary people have mobile phones? How can electronic currency be implemented?" Mayor Gong said with a smile.

"I can solve the electricity, internet, and computer problems," Niu Xingwang replied.

"What?" Mayor Gong was astonished.

He knew very well what Boss Niu did. He would believe it if he said he could get excavators, but he didn't believe he could get computers. Getting electricity was even more of a fantasy.

"Mayor Gong might not believe it, but I can clearly tell you that our Chamber of Commerce and Union will restore electricity within a few days. If there are no accidents, the signal tower should also be built by now," Niu Xingwang said.

"Really?" Mayor Gong asked.

"What are you saying? When have I, Niu Xingwang, ever failed to deliver on my promises?" Niu Xingwang boasted.

"Boss Niu, you are truly the lucky star of our settlement! Sometimes I wonder, what kind of deity are you, Boss Niu? Any problem becomes a non-problem in your hands," Mayor Gong exclaimed.

"Mayor Gong, you flatter me. This is also for the benefit of our Chamber of Commerce."

"Alright! Since Boss Niu has already done so much, then I, Gong, will shamelessly hitch a ride on your coattails," Mayor Gong said.

"No problem," Niu Xingwang said.

"Oh, right, there's another problem. Now that the internet and settlement system issues are resolved, it's still difficult to manage because the people don't have terminal devices," Mayor Gong said awkwardly.

It was truly impossible to move an inch without Niu Xingwang.

"We have also thought of a solution to this problem. The Chamber of Commerce and Union originally planned to issue unified settlement cards. These cards have built-in chips and batteries and also have identity recognition functions. My idea is that you should retain the core currency issuance and settlement functions, and then we in the Chamber of Commerce will handle the other businesses," Niu Xingwang said.

This method is equivalent to the Chamber of Commerce borrowing money from the government and then using the money to buy crystal cores and pay wages. People can use this money to buy whatever they want anywhere in the settlement, thus forming a cycle.

In this way, the Chamber of Commerce obtains crystal cores, and the settlement government achieves currency circulation, a win-win situation.

Wouldn't the amount of money in circulation increase as crystal cores are continuously purchased?

Of course not. The Chamber of Commerce will recover the money while selling goods, services, and equipment, and use it to repay government loans. After a full circle, the money returns to the government.

Therefore, as long as Mayor Gong controls the two key aspects of issuance and settlement, he can ensure the normal flow of funds.

Money only has value when it circulates; if it doesn't circulate, the economy will stagnate.

"Is that so? Boss Niu, as you know, Meilin is not my one-man show after all. I still need to discuss these situations in a meeting before a final decision can be made. Can you wait for two more days, Boss Niu?" Mayor Gong suddenly said with some embarrassment.

"Hmph! This old fox is probably worried that our issuance of terminals will affect the official influence," Niu Xingwang thought to himself.

"Mayor Gong, your influence in Meilin is unquestionable. Let me be frank, whether you participate or not, our Chamber of Commerce will definitely popularize electronic settlement cards internally, or else business cannot be carried out. Therefore, you must act as soon as possible," Niu Xingwang hinted slightly.

Now, not to mention Meilin, probably not many settlements across the country are operating normally. As for whether things will slowly improve in the future? Don't be ridiculous; the situation will only become more severe. Settlements that don't establish underground bases within a year or two won't even have a chance to survive.

Therefore, he wasn't worried that Mayor Gong wouldn't agree. It would be even better if he disagreed. When the influence of the Chamber of Commerce and Union rises, it's hard to say whether he will still have a place in Meilin. The situation is stronger than people; it depends on his choice.

The last sentence clearly carried a threatening tone. Mayor Gong felt somewhat uncomfortable, vaguely feeling controlled. However, now that more and more things in the settlement required relying on Niu Xingwang, he could only endure it for now and not lash out.

Not long after Boss Niu left, Secretary Liu came in.

"Mayor Gong, people from above are here and want to see you."

"Oh? Quickly, please!" Mayor Gong said hurriedly, straightening his clothes.

Soon, Secretary Liu brought a group of three people into the office.

"Hello, Mayor Gong. We are from the Military and Political Department. These are our credentials." With that, the leader took out his credentials.