73: Chapter 73 Electronic Currency

"Boss Niu, I initially thought this matter was simpler. I didn't expect to find so many problems after visiting these past two days," Mayor Gong said with a frown, expressing his apologies.

He also hoped that currency could circulate. Only then could people's lives stabilize and the economy prosper. Otherwise, like now, everyone was idle, and the entire Settlement was lifeless. If this continued for too long, chaos would inevitably ensue.

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

"Electronic currency?" Mayor Gong asked, puzzled.

"Yes," Niu Xingwang replied affirmatively.

"Boss Niu, don't joke. Didn't I just say it? Our Settlement lacks electricity, and there's no internet, computers, or a Settlement system. Besides, how many ordinary people still have mobile phones? How could electronic currency possibly be implemented?" Mayor Gong said with a laugh.

"I can solve the issues of electricity, internet, and computers," Niu Xingwang replied.

"What?" Mayor Gong looked as if he was hearing something from a heavenly book.

He knew exactly what Boss Niu did. If he said he could get an excavator, he might believe him, but he didn't believe he could get computers. And getting electricity was even more of a fantasy.

"Mayor Gong, you can choose not to believe me, but I can tell you clearly that our Chamber of Commerce and Workers' Union will restore electricity within a few days. If all goes as expected, the signal tower should also be built by now," Niu Xingwang said.

"Really?" Mayor Gong asked.

"Look at what you're saying. When have I, Niu Xingwang, ever failed to deliver on my word?" Niu Xingwang boasted.

"Boss Niu, you are truly the lucky star of our Settlement! Sometimes I wonder, just who exactly is Boss Niu? Any problem that comes to you ceases to be a problem," Mayor Gong said with emotion.

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

"Alright! Since Boss Niu has gone this far, then I, Gong, will shamelessly hitch a ride on your bandwagon," Mayor Gong said.

"No problem," Niu Xingwang said.

"Oh, right, there's still one more issue. Since the internet and Settlement system problems are resolved, it's still difficult to proceed when the common people don't have terminal devices," Mayor Gong said, feeling awkward.

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

"We have also thought of a solution for this problem. The Chamber of Commerce and Workers' Union originally planned to issue a unified Settlement card. This card has a built-in chip and battery, and it also has identity verification functions. My idea is that you, on your end, retain the most core functions of currency issuance and Settlement, and then other services will be handled by our Chamber of Commerce," Niu Xingwang said.

This method was equivalent to the Chamber of Commerce borrowing money from the official side, and then using that money to acquire crystalss and pay salaries. People could use this money to buy whatever they wanted anywhere in the Settlement, thus forming a cycle.

This way, the Chamber of Commerce obtained crystalss, and the official side of the Settlement achieved currency circulation, a win-win situation.

So, if this continued, wouldn't there be more and more money in the market as crystalss were continuously acquired?

Of course not. The Chamber of Commerce would reclaim the money when selling goods, services, and equipment, using it to repay official loans. After one cycle, the money would return to the official side.

Therefore, as long as Mayor Gong controlled the issuance and Settlement Links, he could ensure the normal flow of funds.

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

"Is that so? Boss Niu, as you know, Meilin isn't my personal domain where I can make all decisions. I still need to finalize these matters after a meeting. How about you, Boss Niu, wait two more days?" Mayor Gong suddenly said, somewhat hesitantly.

"Hmph! This old fox, it seems he's worried that our proxy issuance of terminals will affect their official influence," Niu Xingwang thought, clear as day.

"Mayor Gong, your influence in Meilin goes without saying, right? I'll also be frank with you: whether you participate or not, our Chamber of Commerce will definitely implement electronic Settlement cards internally, otherwise, business cannot proceed. So, you must act quickly," Niu Xingwang slightly hinted.

Currently, let alone Meilin, it was estimated that only a few Settlements across the country could operate normally. As for whether things would gradually improve in the future? Don't be ridiculous, the situation would only become more severe. Settlements that didn't establish underground bases within one or two years wouldn't even have a chance to survive later on.

Therefore, he wasn't worried that Mayor Gong wouldn't agree. It would be even better if he didn't agree; by then, with the influence of the Chamber of Commerce and Workers' Union rising, it would be hard to say if he would even have a place in Meilin. The situation was stronger than any individual, it depended on his own choice.

This last sentence clearly carried a sense of threat. Mayor Gong felt a little uncomfortable, vaguely sensing that he was being manipulated. But now, more and more matters in the Settlement relied on Niu Xingwang, so he could only endure it for now and not react.

Not long after Boss Niu left, Secretary Liu entered.

"Mayor Gong, someone from above is here to see you."

"Oh? Please, quickly!" Mayor Gong straightened his clothes and said in a hurry.

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

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