Everyone in the room exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement. There was no turning back now. They knew this task was more than just a job. It was a life-or-death mission, not just for them, but for the hopes of many under the Empire's shadow.
"Alright, if there are no further questions, let's get moving. Build good relationships and gather as much information as possible," Nico said with a firm tone that filled the room with determination.
They all stood up in unison, responding loudly, "Ready." In an instant, the group dispersed, spreading out across the city. As newcomers, they understood that the first step was to grasp the pulse of this city Soltera. Trust was key, and only by forging strong connections could they establish a solid foundation.
Nico chose to walk alone through Soltera's narrow streets, savoring a peace he rarely found in his daily life. However, Sana his loyal companion wouldn't let him enjoy the moment so easily. "You shouldn't go alone, Nico. You never know what could happen," she said, her voice firm and leaving no room for argument.
Nico sighed heavily, realizing there was no point in resisting. "Alright, Sana. You can come," he relented, though his tone still held traces of reluctance.
They walked side by side, passing through increasingly crowded streets. Merchants displayed their goods with loud promotions, while children ran between the legs of adults. The air was filled with the scent of spices and laughter, creating a warm atmosphere that briefly made Nico forget his main goal. However, he knew that behind the visible happiness, this city hid many dark secrets.
The sound of a heated argument suddenly caught his attention. From the crowd gathering in front of the vegetable stall, a tense exchange of words filled the bustling market. Nico approached with calm steps, observing an elderly man named William an experienced trader engaged in a heated dispute with Lena, the stall owner who was struggling to make ends meet.
"William, I can't pay this month's debt! My goods aren't selling!" Lena cried out, her voice full of panic and desperation.
"Without payment, I can't supply you with more goods! We've made an agreement, Lena!" William responded, his tone firm but not entirely cold.
Nico decided to intervene. With steady strides, he stepped into the circle of onlookers. "What's going on here? Perhaps there's a way to resolve this without hurting each other," he said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority.
William turned sharply, narrowing his eyes with suspicion. "Who are you? This is none of your business!"
Nico gave a slight smile and introduced himself calmly. "My name is Tang. Just call me Tang," he said, glancing slightly at Sana, who stood beside him. "And this is my wife, Mrs. Tang." The name was a carefully crafted identity to maintain their cover from the Kashgar Empire.
William still eyed him with skepticism. "Why are you covering your face? I don't know you."
Unbothered, Nico met William's gaze with impressive composure. "Here's the issue," he said, shifting his attention to Lena. "Lena keeps borrowing, and so far, she hasn't been able to repay. I understand your concerns, William, but there's a solution that might work for both of you."
He looked at Lena with empathy. "What if I help? I can offer you an interest-free loan to cover your debt. In return, we'll implement a profit-sharing system. If your sales don't do well, you don't have to repay the loan."
Lena's eyes widened with hope. "But... what if I still can't pay?" she asked hesitantly.
"If you make a loss, it's fine. However, if you make a profit, we'll share it based on our agreement," Nico explained. "We can adjust the loan amount according to your potential earnings. For example, we can start with 12 times your average monthly profit."
William seemed to consider the proposal. "And what if she needs more money?" he asked, his tone softening.
"If there's an urgent need, Lena can pawn her goods to me. That way, she can get additional capital without too much risk," Nico replied with a confident smile.
"And what if she runs away with your money?" William asked, still skeptical.
Nico's smile deepened, this time with a hint of seriousness. "The Tang family has many ways to deal with that. Anyone who tries to run will soon learn that it's unwise to anger good people."
The crowd swallowed nervously. His words were simple, yet they carried a weight that made everyone think twice about taking risks. Lena looked at Nico with undisguised gratitude. "That sounds fair! But are you sure you can trust me?"
Nico nodded firmly. "We'll make a written agreement. That way, everyone knows what to expect. If we work together, we can all thrive."
The tension in the market gradually eased. Other traders who had been listening began nodding in agreement, with some even showing interest in working with Nico. With this plan, Lena saw a glimmer of new hope, while William started to realize that cooperation might be more profitable than conflict.
Two days later, Nico officially announced the opening of his loan and pawn business. The news spread rapidly across the city, bringing new hope to those drowning in debt. Amidst the chaos of the world, Soltera now had a reason to believe that better changes were still possible.
On their way back, Sana looked restless, clearly holding back many unspoken questions. Nico, sensitive to her feelings, glanced at her. "Sana, what do you want to ask?"
Sana jolted, then quickly said, "Nico uh, I mean, Mr. Tang. Why do you want to offer interest-free loans? Why choose a profit-sharing scheme instead of interest? Isn't that too risky? Aren't you afraid that the hard-earned money of our people will be wasted? How will you explain this to the Emperor?"
Nico smiled slightly, then chuckled. "You're really adorable," he said, gently tapping Sana's forehead. Her face instantly turned red.
Calmly, Nico began to explain, "This world only uses two main currencies, and there aren't many of them. With our power to control money trade and channel it wherever we want, this money will eventually circulate widely in Kashgar . The money we receive and lend will ultimately revolve within Soltera. We will direct significant profits to Kashgar ."
He paused briefly, ensuring Sana was absorbing every word. "Of course, this isn't the Emperor's biggest move. Do you know why the Emperor turned the Kashgar mountain valley into an agricultural district? Because its produce will be sold across the country, especially to Soltera. The people of Soltera will be drawn to our goods because we sell them at low prices. They will buy from Kashgar , and once many Soltera citizens depend on cheap food from Kashgar , the Emperor will implement a policy requiring them to use Kashgar 's currency."