dognovel Chapter 623 Zhang Chi: I say, it’s time for a salary increase
Chapter 623 Zhang Chi: I say, it’s time for a salary increase
"Opponent?" Truman repeated in a low voice, his eyes subconsciously scanning the venue, as if looking for a potential shadow.
"Yes, our opponent." Yegorov lowered his voice, pulled the other party to a corner of the banquet hall, and gestured, "A red empire that is completely different from us, with a vast territory, powerful military, and is rapidly expanding its influence outward.
I think you know who I mean."
Truman was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly.
The Potsdam Conference was about to be held. Although he had never dealt with the Man of Steel, as a hardliner, he was wary of the Soviet Union's expansionist ambitions.
Although he had not yet formed a clear and coherent strategic response in his mind, Yegorov's words had undoubtedly touched him.
Yegorov continued to pour out his carefully prepared rhetoric, which perfectly met the needs of the White Eagle military-industrial complex and some of its strategists:
“It is true that the end of the war means a reduction in military orders.
But the security and global leadership of the United States require a new and clear strategic focus.
A ‘challenge’ that will rally allies, require sustained investment, and ensure the long-term survival of our nation’s industrial and technological advantage.”
"And the Russian bear is undoubtedly the most logical choice. This is not an active pursuit of confrontation, but rather... a precautionary measure based on sober judgment based on realpolitik."
Truman fell into deep thought.
Yegorov's words provided an attractive framework for his chaotic thoughts.
Shifting the strategic focus to containing the Russian bear will not only resolve the pressure of domestic military-industrial transformation, but also provide a clear coordinate for the White Eagle's global leadership.
Seeing Truman's intention, Yegorov changed the subject and began to lay the groundwork for the legitimacy of Nanyang's strategic actions:
“However, the main battlefield in the confrontation with this red giant will inevitably be in Europe.
In far-flung Asia, especially Southeast Asia, what we need is not a direct deployment of large ground forces to consume our strength, but strong, reliable allies whose interests are aligned with ours.”
He mentioned Nanyang at the right time:
"Just like our young friend, General Zhang Chi of the United States of Southeast Asia.
He decisively expelled the Japanese invaders from Sumatra, supported the Ryukyu Restoration Movement, and even promoted autonomy for the Lan Fang territories in Borneo... These actions, while seemingly radical, were actually clearing away the legacy of old colonialism and building a solid 'breakwater' for us.
"These regions have traditionally been the sphere of influence of countries like the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Now, having Nanyang, which shares similar ideologies with us and relies on our support, exert influence is far less troublesome and laborious than for us to take over directly, and it will also minimize direct conflict with our old European allies."
"More importantly," Yegorov finally threw out the most tempting point, "a strong Nanyang that cooperates with us can effectively curb the spread of the Red Camp in Southeast Asia and echo our main efforts in Europe from the flank.
This is an extremely cost-effective strategic investment.”
Truman nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
"Of course, what you said makes sense."
Yegorov's logic was clear and persuasive, which perfectly answered many of his inner confusions and provided him with strong arguments to deal with those voices at home who questioned the expansion of the South China Sea.
Yes, if the main opponent is Russia, then Nanyang’s actions in Southeast Asia will no longer be a trouble, but a valuable asset.
"Ivan, your insights are always so profound." Truman said sincerely, feeling that the pressure on his shoulders seemed to be relieved a little. At least in one direction, he had seen the path.
"It is my honor to serve you, Mr. President." Yegorov bowed slightly, his posture elegant. "The New Century Consortium, and the Texas industrial power we represent, will continue to support you and the great cause of the United States."
The wine glasses clinked gently again.
In this conversation, which no one knew about, the future strategic space of Nanyang was tacitly approved and even recognized by the highest level of the White Eagle.
The chess pieces that Zhang Chi had laid out in advance began to show huge returns at this historical juncture when Commander Luo passed away.
Although Zhang Chi, who was far away in Pegu, could not be present at the scene in person, he was able to know everything almost in real time through encrypted telegrams across the ocean.
The wheel of history cannot be stopped.
But Zhang Chi, the time traveler, is trying to make it lean towards the direction he designed.
-----
At noon, in a small restaurant, Zhang Chi, Bai Hongsheng, Chen Zhenchuan, and Zhang Guangsong sat around a table and had dinner.
The news of General Luo's death has come, but it has little impact on Nanyang.
The war must be fought, life must go on, and everything must proceed according to plan.
Zhang Chi took a few bites of rice, picked up an economic report that had just been delivered to him, flipped through a few pages, and frowned.
He put down his bowl and looked at Bai Hongsheng:
"Old White, your steps are still too conservative."
Bai Hongsheng was stunned and put down his chopsticks:
"Commander-in-Chief, this... the data for the first four months shows that industrial output has been growing very fast. Both light and heavy industries are increasing. There's no problem."
"The production side is moving fast, but what about the consumer side?" Zhang Chi tapped his fingers on the report. "After you produce something, someone has to buy it. Ordinary people don't have money. No matter how much you produce, will it just sit in the warehouse and rust?"
He turned to look at Zhang Guangsong who was carefully picking up the fish:
"Hiromatsu, tell me the truth, do the civil servants and teachers in our cabinet want a pay raise?"
Zhang Guangsong was so frightened that he almost dropped the fish on the table. He quickly put down his chopsticks and waved his hands:
"Enough, enough. Commander-in-Chief, the current treatment is much better than during the war. Everyone is very satisfied and grateful."
Zhang Chi laughed: "Are you kidding me? Guangsong, you're not being truthful. Is there anyone in this world who doesn't want a pay raise? I've never met one."
He glanced at the three people at the table and immediately threw out his thoughts: "If you ask me, the money supply needs to be increased! Then, give all civil servants, teachers, and military and police officers a general salary increase! At least a 10% increase!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the table fell silent.
Zhang Guangsong was a little confused, wondering why the commander-in-chief suddenly mentioned a salary increase.
Chen Zhenchuan adjusted his glasses and said nothing, as if he was doing mental arithmetic.
Bai Hongsheng's mind worked the fastest, his eyes lit up, and he seemed to have grasped something.
Zhang Chi didn't keep anyone in suspense and explained directly:
"For example, right now, in our industrial park, there are quite a few factories producing bicycles, tricycles, and those gasoline-powered bicycles with a small motor attached.
But how’s business? It’s just so-so.”
"Why? It's expensive. Ordinary people can't afford it.
But think about it, who among those civil servants sitting in offices or teachers standing at the podium wouldn't want to buy a bike for transportation? Riding a bike to work is so convenient."
"But they don't have enough money. That's okay, I'll give them a raise."
He spoke more and more excitedly:
"They took the money and bought cars. The car factory's business was booming, so they wanted to expand production and hire more people.
Producing a car requires steel, rubber tires, bearings, and various parts, right?
Workers in upstream steel mills, rubber factories, and auto parts factories will have more work and earn more money.”
“These workers have money in their hands, what do they do?
You have to spend money! Buy clothes, buy food, go to restaurants, watch movies... Doesn't this put money into circulation?
If each layer supports the next, won’t the market heat up? Won’t the economic scale increase? "
Zhang Chi spread his hands:
"We used to pay salaries with knives, so we didn't dare do this. Now we print our own Nanyang dollars. As long as we don't print them recklessly or go overboard, what's there to be afraid of?"