Big Capitalist

Chapter 707 Special Industries

Barton looked at Merlin seriously and offered sincere advice, "President Merlin, I know you're wholeheartedly working for the benefit of the people of this territory. While simply distributing money may improve their lives in the short term, it might foster laziness in the long run. Furthermore, if you ever stop distributing it, they'll be used to making money without having to do anything, and suddenly, without that income, they'll likely harbor resentment towards you."

Merlin, who was concentrating on handling government affairs, paused for a moment, then nodded slowly and said, "I understand. This is what is called 'a pinch of kindness, a pinch of vengeance'!"

"Ah?" Patton looked confused, obviously he had never heard of this story from Blue Star.

Seeing this, Merlin patiently explained, "Don't worry, I won't be giving money to the residents of the territory forever. This is just some start-up capital. I've always believed that 'giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him how to fish.' I've already started training the residents of the territory, encouraging them to open their own small workshops. At the same time, I plan to offer them the opportunity to join brands under the Chamber of Commerce, such as Mixue Shiguang and Juewei Luwei. You have to know that it's extremely difficult to join our Chamber of Commerce outside of the Chamber of Commerce right now."

Merlin paused for a moment before continuing, "I'm also planning to open a large supermarket here, which will provide ample jobs. As for setting up a factory, as you know, transportation is inconvenient here, and resources are scarce. Setting up a factory here is really not a wise move."

After continuous learning during this period, Patton has become familiar with the brands under the Merlin Chamber of Commerce and the concept of supermarkets. He has a strong ability to absorb new knowledge and can quickly master it. He is indeed a rare talent.

"President Merlin, right now, the most important issue is food. Our territory produces too little food, and we basically have to buy it all from the Chamber of Commerce. As far as I know, the Merlin Chamber of Commerce doesn't seem to be involved in the food-related industry, so I suggest that the Chamber of Commerce start developing in this area."

Merlin heard this and smiled, saying, "Don't worry about food. Our Merlin Chamber of Commerce has already reached a deep cooperation with the Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce. The Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce primarily deals in food trading, and their connections are with the Aize Federation and the six empires. Supplying food to a mere earldom is a piece of cake for them, and they can easily solve it."

Merlin stood up, walked to the window, opened it, pointed to the distance, and said, "Not only that, look over there."

Barton hurried to the window and looked in the direction Merlin had pointed. He saw a lush forest appear in the distance. He rubbed his eyes and looked closer, only to be surprised to find that the forest seemed to be slowly moving!

Merlin explained with a smile, "I've already negotiated with the elves. They've sent a number of ancient trees of war, wisdom, knowledge, and life to take root in the territory. These ancient trees possess magical powers that can help improve the land. Furthermore, I've also communicated with the Temple of Nature. They'll send their priests to improve and cultivate crops, allowing for large-scale grain cultivation."

"Is this the power of the High Priest of the Moon? It's so terrifying! In this territory covered with loess and yellow sand, he can actually create a forest out of thin air, and he can also let the priests of the Temple of Nature improve the soil, cultivate crops, and increase food production!" Patton marveled in his heart, and felt more and more that he had followed the right person.

"President Merlin is wise!" Barton exclaimed sincerely.

Merlin shook his head slightly and said, "This is just a stopgap measure for now. The territory is currently under construction and there is a lot of work to be done. The chain reaction of the interest industry chain generated by the construction of the territory can keep the entire city running. But once the territory is completed, if there are no attractive points of interest and no characteristics that can attract "outsiders" to come here, it will be difficult for the economy to truly prosper and attract more people to settle here just by relying on the daily consumption of the residents in the territory. Therefore, I must let the territory have its own unique industry, an industry that is enough to attract people to come to this barren land!"

After listening to Merlin's words, Barton racked his brains, but he couldn't come up with any good ideas. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "This is too difficult."

Merlin smiled confidently and said, "No, I already have an idea!"

Barton was immediately astonished and admired Merlin. He was indeed the president of Merlin. He could come up with an industry to attract outsiders in this seemingly hopeless and barren land. He couldn't wait to ask, "President, what exactly is the industry you are talking about?"

Merlin showed a sly and evil smile on his face, and said mysteriously: "You will know soon."

Merlin led Barton slowly along the main street of the town. The further they walked, the more remote the surrounding scenery seemed.

They made their way to a corner of the town, close to the river.

The river in front of us is the only river in Earl Rio's territory.

However, what unfolded before their eyes at this moment was a rather bleak scene.

The river channel is extremely narrow. The river channel that should have been flowing with clear water is now almost filled with yellow mud and silt. Only a thin stream of water remains in the middle, winding forward with difficulty.

According to ancient legends circulating in the territory, there used to be a giant river running through the north and south. The river flowed endlessly, nourishing the fertile land on both sides.

Unfortunately, several years ago, two powerful seventh-level mages had a shocking duel here.

The powerful magic released by that duel was like a terrible disaster, which completely destroyed the ecological environment here, causing rivers to collapse, water sources to dry up, and the land to gradually become barren and desolate, no longer having its former vitality.

Merlin's eyes fell on the building in front of him. This was the only place in the territory where pottery was fired.

Just as Merlin and Barton reached the door, an old but powerful voice came from inside: "Five copper coins for the pottery jar, two copper coins for the pottery bowl and cup, and three copper coins for the pottery plate!"

Merlin couldn't help but smile when he heard the familiar voice, and said loudly, "Grandpa Lincoln, I'm not here to buy pottery."

In the workshop, after hearing Merlin's voice, a hearty laugh was immediately heard.

Then, the door was pushed open, and an old dwarf who was only 1.5 meters tall walked out with steady steps.

Although he is short, he looks very sturdy and exudes an aura of simplicity and determination.

A head of gray beard hangs on his chest like frost and snow in winter, his deep eyes sparkle with the light of wisdom. The years have carved deep wrinkles on his face, but have also given him a unique charm of vicissitudes.