Feast of villains

Chapter 89 89. Social Problems Reflected by the Decline of the Li Family
The location is by the window, and the skating rink is outside the window.

Du Xiuxian was ordering food, Nance was looking out the window, and the adjutant lady was spinning and jumping gracefully on the ice.

From time to time, skaters catch up with her and want to talk to her, but she ignores them at all, and only occasionally returns to Sister Reina's side, and gently pulls Mother Reina to skate together. Scarf around mother's neck.

Fortunately, Mother Reina was not too stupid to be hopeless, and she resolutely refused to reveal the secret on her neck.

"What would you like to drink? How about some wine?" Du Xiuxian looked up and asked.

Nance nodded: "Yes."

"Is there any fresh seafood?" Du Xiuxian asked the attendant.

"There are fresh oysters and flounder," replied the waiter.

"Are oysters classy?

"It is a high-end product cultivated in purified Marne river water."

"Then, let's order some oysters too." Du Xiuxian pointed at the menu, "Flounder with thick soy sauce, roast beef; fresh vegetable soup salad, help us choose some desserts, and fresh fruits, not canned... ..."

"Okay, sir."

"Go." Du Xiuxian handed the menu to the waiter, "First serve our wine and oysters together."

"Please wait."

The waiter ran to the back kitchen with fluttering tuxedo, and came back with the dining car in less than 5 minutes. There was a large stack of shelled oysters and a bottle of reddish-brown wine in it.

He respectfully uncorked the wine bottle and poured it into the guests' glasses.

"Chairman Adel, you're welcome, let's eat. The oysters from the Marne River can be called the queen of oysters." Du Xiuxian rubbed the napkin, stuffed a corner of it into the vest, and then used a silver fork to remove the oysters from the oysters. Peel it from its shell and swallow it whole.

The Marne is a tributary of the Seine.

Hundreds of years ago, it was also the place where the famous Ginardo oysters were produced.

Nance followed his example and ate one.

The oysters are really fresh, as if they have just been caught from the bottom of the sea, with the smell of the sea they live in.

The waiter poured the wine into the exquisite wine glass, glanced at the two guests respectively, showed an obvious business smile, adjusted his white tie, and said, "I'll go and remind the guests for other dishes."

After the attendants left, Du Xiuxian picked up the wine glass and had a drink with Nance.

Putting down the wine glass, he peeled the oysters from their shells with a fork, and said, "I didn't intend to see you so soon, but last night really surprised me. You go to the dance together."

"How big is the effect?" Nance wiped the oyster juice from the corner of his mouth with a napkin.

"Many people are going to have a headache, including the royal family." As he said, Du Xiuxian poked his head with his fingertips, "I don't know whether to praise you for being attractive, or call you reckless."

Nance turned his gaze out of the window and looked at the pair of blond beauties on the skating rink.

"What's your opinion on that?" he asked.

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I have no objection." Du Xiuxian laughed heartily, and when he saw Nance turn his gaze back, he said softly: "I come to Shin-Yokohama, and I have three things to do, one of which is the first of yours. Lesson Nine has something to do with it and needs your help."

"Please say."

Nance smiled slightly.

"Before I say this, I want to show you some information." Du Xiuxian picked up a tablet-like screen from the chair next to him and passed it across the table, "After reading it, maybe you will understand what I want to say Things can be viewed from multiple angles.”

Nance took the screen and looked at it.

This is a comprehensive research report on the GNP of California in 268 years.

According to the data listed in the report, California’s gross national product was 3681 billion pounds last year, and its per capita GDP just reached 1 pounds. Both the total amount and the per capita GDP are the highest of any provincial economy in the world, even if it is considered as a country. Squeeze to the fifth position in the world. The total GDP of 3681 billion pounds, of which the tertiary industry accounts for 85%, the secondary industry 11%, and the primary industry only 4%.

The data is very beautiful!

However, the core of the report points to the problem of California's dying secondary industry. It bluntly states that the output value of the manufacturing industry is sluggish and cannot provide enough jobs, resulting in low incomes for Californians and the general inability to obtain stable job opportunities.In addition to employment issues, the report also criticizes social contradictions such as the exaggerated gap between the rich and the poor, unaffordable housing prices, and the difficulty for young people to obtain opportunities for upward mobility.

At the end of the report, the gun was directly pointed at the highly developed financial industry in California.

It used a sharp text to criticize this vampire industry that "accounts for 40% of the gross national product but only creates 12% of jobs", and bluntly stated that the future of California will definitely be destroyed in the hands of the financial industry.

The more Nance looked at it, the more familiar it became.

High housing prices, the gap between the rich and the poor, and few opportunities for advancement are all social problems that are difficult to solve after hundreds of years...

While he was reading the report, all the dishes were served. While eating, Du Xiuxian said to him slowly: "More than 100 years ago, California was a truly prosperous place. At that time, half of the laborers in California were workers. But now Well, finance, shipping, commerce and logistics, service industry, etc. are the main industries, and only one worker can be found in ten people. The financial industry makes the most money, and everyone wants to squeeze in and get a share..."

Nance put down the screen and took a sip of his drink.

"The development of science and technology and the economy failed to bring continuous real prosperity to California, but instead made people's living standards lower and lower." Du Xiuxian sighed slightly and continued: "The financial industry has an amazing ability to create wealth, but only a few The elite enjoy the wealth. Ordinary people are either engaged in low-end service industries, or are on a boat, or are unemployed..."

"Why is physical manufacturing running out?" Nance asked.

"Oh, it's very complicated..." Du Xiuxian smiled, and looked at him, "Do you know the paradox of capital accumulation?"

"The growth of capital mainly increases the rate of labor exploitation by suppressing the full growth of wages related to productivity. Exploitation for the sake of capital growth will eventually restrict the expansion of capital itself. This is the 'paradox of accumulation'."

"You really understand, don't you study the Fa?"

"...I saw it in a book."

"I'm still a person who likes to read, haha." Du Xiuxian held his wine glass and squinted his eyes slightly as if he was going to test him, "I'm a fool, I don't know anything about economics, please tell Mr. Adel in the simplest words. How about I explain the accumulation of paradox?"

The mouth of a capitalist, a deceitful ghost.

Nance ate an oyster that might cost a few pounds, took a sip of a bottle of wine that cost more than fifty pounds, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and said slowly: "Assume that a capital economy is carrying out production activities. The total output value of the year is unit 1. Capital needs to accumulate and expand, and the wages received by workers must be less than the total output value. If the total wages of workers are 0.7, then this part of the remaining production value of 0.3 will become capital expansion funds.”

"Well, that's easy to understand." Du Xiuxian sipped the wine with a smile.

"Capital uses this 0.3 output value to invest in production equipment or production technology. More advanced production equipment and technology mean larger-scale production activities and more jobs. Therefore, in the value-added and expansion of capital in the early stage, it can be used for Society brings a steady stream of development momentum.”

"This sounds perfect." Du Xiuxian echoed like an old fox.

Nance complained about his shameless behavior while explaining: "But in this process, there will be a huge loophole."

"Oh?"

Du Xiuxian was surprised.

"The total value of the product is equal to 1, but the workers get only 0.7 of the money. Even if all the 0.7 is used for consumption, it is impossible to consume all the products, and there will inevitably be overcapacity."

"Extra products or excess productivity is indeed a big problem, and California also encountered it not long after the founding of the empire." Du Xiuxian crossed his fingers on the table and whispered: "But at that time, California was still at the most competitive and vital. During the period, different manufacturers lowered product prices through price competition, which made up for excess production capacity to a certain extent... But it was not a long-term solution after all, does Section Chief Adel know why?"

Nance glanced at the report on the screen, thought about some of the most well-known oligarchy companies in California, and replied: "With the expansion of capital, the originally loose funds began to gather together, forming a capital oligarchy. The capital oligarchs, which are the lifeline of the economy, are seeking to seek common interests, price competition is prohibited, and the loopholes of overcapacity are beginning to emerge.”

"What will overcapacity bring?" Du Xiuxian asked with a smile.

Look at his innocent expression, as if he has forgotten that he is a capitalist oligarch.

"Remember the 0.3 I just said?"

"remember."

"With the advancement of science and technology, the means of production can bring more and more productivity, and overproduction will accumulate over time. At this time, reinvesting in the means of production can no longer bring greater benefits. Originally used for The 0.3 that continues to invest in the means of production is idle, from one 0.3 to countless 0.3. When the funds no longer flow, the economy will be in a downturn, and growth will stagnate or even negative growth. At this time, if there is no major technological innovation or war stimulus, the depressed economy The situation will continue..."

The more Nance said, the tighter his brows were.

He thought of the Great Depression in the United States more than 500 years ago.

- Overproduction, insufficient demand, idle production capacity leading to mass unemployment.

But in the world at that time, World War II indirectly stimulated the continued global economic downturn, followed by the rise of the third industrial revolution, which brought a steady stream of impetus to the world's economic growth in the next few decades.

What now?
The current social situation seems to be similar to that of the 21st century.

The development of a model has come to an end, and there has been no creative technological innovation for a long time, which has led to an increasingly sluggish economic environment and increasingly prominent social conflicts.

There was a sudden silence at the dining table, Du Xiuxian bit his pipe and smoked for a while, and returned to his appearance as a capitalist oligarch.

"California's economy has been in a downturn for a relatively long period of time. After a period of idle time, the part of the funds that were originally used to invest in means of production entered the financial market to seek new ways to increase value."

After hearing what he said, Nance smiled helplessly: "The problem is even bigger now."

"Compared with the funds entering the physical manufacturing industry, the funds entering the financial market have neither brought new means of production nor created a large number of jobs. Not only did they not provide impetus for social development, but instead occupied The investment share of the industry." Du Xiuxian said while smoking a cigarette.

Nance nodded silently.

Different from physical capital that can create actual production value, the so-called appreciation of financial capital is just a process of transferring the surplus value of production from small capital to large capital. During this period, there is no new production activity, and it also leads to another large capital Problem: Through speculation in the financial market to obtain high profits, financial capital is becoming stronger and stronger, and finally can rely on the abundant funds in hand to dominate the entire real industry in turn.

But what does this have to do with his precarious little class leader.

If he has time to talk about this, he might as well have a pair figure skating session with Miss Adjutant.

"Mr. Du, are you here just to talk to me about economics?" Nance wiped his mouth with a napkin, as if preparing to leave.

"Young people nowadays are really impatient." Du Xiuxian exhaled and put the pipe aside, "Pick up the information again and open the next file, that's what I'm looking for you for."

Nance picked up the screen again.

The second document, which attracted his interest, was the whole process of the rise and fall of Li Qinglian's family.

The Li family's enterprise is a large-scale seed company dedicated to the research of improving grain varieties.In the world at this time, due to the frequent occurrence of natural disasters around the world and the serious loss of soil nutrients, most of the varieties in the past could not survive.

For a long period of time after the Chaos Calendar, the greatest challenge faced by mankind was food shortage.

Relying on an improved sweet potato that can adapt to the earth ravaged by magic elements, Li's company began to rise in the 56th year of the new era.Since then, the scale has been rapidly expanded, and various improved fruits and vegetables related to people's livelihood, such as improved rice, corn, and Chinese cabbage, have been introduced successively, and the research field has gradually expanded to livestock products.

After 200 years, the food shortage situation has been greatly improved.

However, such a thriving century-old enterprise that benefited the country and the people collapsed in just five years from 260 to 265.

—The culprit is the financial industry.

During that period of time, Li's company was short of operating funds due to simultaneous research in multiple directions. Li Qinglian's father, Li Ting, had to go to major banks to seek loans.

However, those bank managers who originally regarded him as a guest of honor all rejected him.

Li Ting didn't understand, but he was helpless.

The company had to continue to operate. He thought about not letting the company go public to raise funds, but was rejected by the Shin-Yokohama Exchange for various reasons.It is already too late to list on other exchanges.Finally, under the advice of an investment institution, he sold part of the company's assets and invested the money in the stock market.

The financial industry, which should have been used to serve entities, has in turn coerced the entity industries.

Forced by the coercion and lure of the financial market, the real industry can only seek change and begin to invest more funds in the financial industry.

Li's company officially set up.

In the Shin-Yokohama stock market, there is a very hidden "old thousand shares".

Generally speaking, normal stocks are speculated upwards to attract investment, while old stocks wait for a fool to get in, and then the big dealers start selling stocks regardless of cost.This kind of old stock has never paid dividends, and it doesn't matter whether the performance is good or not, as long as the stock price keeps falling.

Li Ting bought this kind of old thousand shares.

While the stock price was falling, he was constantly being fooled by the manager to take over the order. In the process of taking over the order... the major shareholder of the old thousand shares started the procedure of issuing additional shares to persons acting in concert.

It is not so easy to start additional stock issuance in other places, but Shin-Yokohama is a very free market... Major shareholders have absolute right to speak, and they can issue additional shares as long as they get an official letter.

The entire additional issuance process can be completed quietly within a few days.

Li Ting, who was immersed in research, didn't know the opportunistic methods of the financial market. He watched helplessly as the major shareholders used the money from selling stocks to re-own the additional stocks at a lower price through the additional issuance process, and then started a new round of selling. fell again.

Li Ting's equity was diluted.

The stock price has been falling all the way. In order to get rid of the situation, he continued to sell the company's assets and increase his position under the advice of his manager... This process lasted for more than three years. Under the calculation of a circle of financial bosses, he owned With a history of 200 years and a good reputation, Li's company is unsurprisingly difficult to maintain operations.The remaining assets were constantly being embezzled, and they disappeared completely after barely two years.

Is this over?
not yet.

Don't forget that lending is also part of the financial industry.

As one of the behind-the-scenes drivers of Li's company, Inagawahui directly extended his claws to the Li family.They were looking at several grain seedlings that Li Ting personally kept and were researching.

Li Ting owed a lot to usury, but refused to hand over the data in his hands, and finally moved out of Shin-Yokohama due to the pressure of survival.

Li Qinglian also accidentally fell into the hands of the Inagawa Society during this process.

Looking at Nance's serious face, Du Xiuxian cut up the roast beef, chewed it slowly and relished it, and took a sip of wine from time to time.After seeing Nance put down the screen, he said: "The local government in California and financial capital are colluding, disrupting the flow of funds in the entire society, which is the biggest reason for the physical manufacturing industry to flee California. And the primary purpose of my coming to California, It is to take the lead in raising the banner of reviving California's manufacturing industry."

"No wonder you didn't come alone, but brought a whole business group." Nance said politely.

"Oh, rare." Du Xiuxian put down the knife and fork, and teased with a smile: "After talking for so long, I finally heard you use honorific words to me."

"Whether you succeed or not, having this idea is already worthy of my respect."

Hearing his words, Du Xiuxian lightly pressed his temple with his index finger, and scolded with a smile: "If it wasn't for the fact that my younger brother, whose target is the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, is about to enter the cabinet, in order to give him some political achievements, I wouldn't want to come here." Local investment to set up factories."

"..."

Nance could only drink in silence.

He actually thought that the capital would find out with conscience, he was still a little naive.

Du Xiuxian put his reaction in his eyes, couldn't help but laughed a few times, and said in a relaxed tone: "California is the world of Tokyo people. We imperial powers are struggling here. It's human nature not to want to come. But it's all right now. It is a landmark event for us that Evelyn Group won the 50-year operation right of Kwai Chung Port. We can build a port industrial zone around Kwai Chung Port, and each has a backstage, so we don’t have to worry about financing It is harvested by local financial capital in California. With us as the leader, more and more physical manufacturing industries will definitely return to California in the future. If you, the ninth class leader, can no longer be the leader of the ninth class, it will be easier to enter the assembly line in the future, right? "

"Hopefully." Nance shrugged and filled his glass.

Du Xiuxian picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and said, "The second thing I did when I came to California was to find Li Ting and cooperate with him."

Nance leaned back in his chair and motioned for him to continue.

"I also have an animal genetic research company, whose main business is the production and sales of livestock meat and edible poultry. Li's company is leading the world in breeding research in this area. Of course, I want to cooperate with him." Du Xiuxian looked into his eyes Said, in a low tone, "You are currently handling Li Qinglian's case, so I hope you can find Li Ting as soon as possible and protect him. This is related to the second and third things I want to do, and it is also related to the entire people's livelihood big event."

Before I knew it, there were no guests in front of or behind this table.

All the hustle and bustle disappeared unconsciously, and there were bronze utensils, mirrors, and crystal lamps all around.

Du Xiuxian's eyes sparkled meaningfully. While scratching the rough oyster shells with a fork, and covering up his voice with noise, he said in a low voice:

"The third thing I did when I came to California was entrusted by the cabinet ministers to come to understand the disaster situation in California and the illegal activities of the major grain traders behind the disaster situation. I will report all the information I get to the cabinet. Provide a clear case-handling idea for the joint investigation team that will arrive soon."

"Why are you telling me this?"

Nance was surprised.

Du Xiuxian didn't speak, just looked at him with a strange smile that all men could understand.

——A wretched smile.

Nance was lost in thought.

Although he did have the idea of ​​knowing the meaning of the high level of the empire, but for such a confidential matter, he asked and the other party took the initiative to say, there are two different concepts... It is impossible for Du Xiuxian to know what he thinks, so he should not tell the secret, after all He just had an idea last night, and he was only with Marlene...

and many more!

——Marlene, how many important people do you know, a bad woman?

(End of this chapter)