Chapter 201 - - 201 Investment Caution_1

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“True Man Wang, can we really trust this profit-sharing arrangement you’re proposing?” someone cried out from within the crowd. “You are cultivators and we are ordinary folk; if you go back on your words later, wouldn’t we lose everything we’ve invested?”

“This fellow villager worries too much,” Duge said with a smile, offering a fist and palm salute. “If I wanted to swindle you, why would I go through such an elaborate scheme? You all have seen the people from Sky Mist Valley; if I commanded them to slaughter the village, who among you could escape?

Afterward, your wealth would be mine, I would kill the witness, and even the Supervisory Academy wouldn’t be able to trace it back to me because, after all, the method of murder would be that of Sky Mist Valley’s…”

Just one sentence.

The faces of all the villagers present had changed.

“I am an upstanding person and would never do such a thing. That’s why I am speaking to you all in good faith. If you disagree, I will not force the issue,” Duge said with a smile, taking out the silver taels he had collected from the people of Sky Mist Valley the day before. “All of you in the village combined might not be able to produce this much money. It is beneath me to ruin the reputation of the Seven Star Gate for a trivial gain. Let’s not speak any more of losing everything; such talk only invites ridicule.”

The burly man who had asked the question blushed and muttered, “No one wants to just throw their money away.”

Pleased with his performance, Duge said, “It seemed like Li Zheng was reluctant to invest earlier. There are many things I haven’t said yet. Since this fellow villager has doubts, I might as well explain everything all at once so you all won’t be suspicious.”

After a pause, Duge continued, “When you invest your silver coins into the Seven Star Gate, we will sign an investment contract with you, which will specify the amount invested, the timing and proportion of profit-sharing, and both parties will sign and affix their seals. When it’s time for profit-sharing, you simply come to Seven Star Gate with the contract to collect your silver.

Seven Star Gate’s every move and the money earned from each project will be announced periodically to everyone, so you all have a rough idea of how much silver you can expect to receive each year.”

Hearing Duge’s words, the villagers began whispering amongst themselves again, their concerns still centered around fabrications and potential losses.

Raising his hand to calm them, Duge spoke up confidently, “I have already considered all of the worries you might have. You need not fear any loss of your invested silver coins as during the establishment period of Seven Star Gate, should you feel that any project won’t be profitable or might even incur losses, you can terminate the contract with Seven Star Gate at any time.

At that point, Seven Star Gate will assess the market value of your shares and buy back your contract from you.

Meaning, if you invest one tael of silver for one-ten-thousandth of a share, and in the future, Seven Star Gate’s value grows to thirty million, or even a hundred million, when you redeem your share, it could very likely turn into seven taels or even ten taels.

Of course, everyone has unforeseen circumstances. If you find yourself strapped for cash but don’t want to give up your investment contract,

Seven Star Gate also offers pawn services similar to a pawnshop where you can pawn your contract for some silver taels to spend as needed. Once you have the money, you can redeem your contract and continue to receive profit-sharing…

If some amongst you are not optimistic about Seven Star Gate but also feel that the repurchase price offered by the Gate is unsatisfactory, yet there is someone else who has faith in Seven Star Gate and is willing to pay a higher price to buy your shares, Seven Star Gate can facilitate the transfer for you and only take a small commission. Happy outcomes on both sides, is that not wonderful?”

Behind Duge.

Li Zheng’s eyebrows lifted, his mind rapidly turning, he was suddenly intrigued. The new Sect Leader of Seven Star Gate had such a comprehensive plan, and if he did not have guidance from a mastermind, Li Zheng would be unconvinced. With such expert advice, this investment might indeed be worthwhile.

All of a sudden, Li Zheng asked, “True Man Wang, is there a minimum amount one has to invest?”

“Certainly, whether it’s one tael of silver or one copper coin, everything will be clearly noted on the investment contract,” Duge replied, turning to look at Li Zheng with a smile. “Each family should invest according to their capability. One cannot put all their silver into buying shares and then lack funds for household expenses. Business always has risks, and everyone must be cautious and consider their actual situation when investing…”

“Is redemption possible at any time?” Li Zheng inquired.

“Of course,” Duge nodded. “Seven Star Gate is right there, what worries could Li Zheng possibly have?” He chuckled. “If you’re truly worried, just play around with one or two spare taels. Even if you lose it, it’s no big deal.”

“True Man Wang jokes,” Li Zheng said, shaking his head, “One or two taels are not spare change to me.”

“Then make it five or ten coppers,” Duge countered. “Invest more, earn more; invest less, earn less. You rest assured, and I am at ease. I, as the Sect Leader of a great sect, would not stoop to deceiving common folk for a small sum of money…”

After some thought, Li Zheng felt that Duge would not concoct such an elaborate scheme just to swindle them of a few dozen silver taels.

After all.

As he had said, direct robbery would be much faster.

Li Zheng smiled, “Alright. Li Zheng will take the lead and invest two taels of patterned silver to support the construction of Seven Star Gate.”

“Li Zheng, are you certain? Investment always carries risks. If Seven Star Gate falls to ruin under my management, that money will be lost,” Duge said, looking at the first ‘fish’ he had caught, kindly reminding him.

“I trust True Man Wang.” Having made his decision, Li Zheng no longer had many reservations. Waving his hand, he laughed, “Besides, I can afford to lose two taels of silver.”

“Good, junior sister, bring the contracts we prepared last night,” Duge instructed, nodding his head and summoning the junior sister carrying a bundle. He took out two pieces of paper filled with writing from her bundle and handed one to Li Zheng. “Li Zheng might as well review the contract first. If it seems agreeable, let’s sign it – one for you and one for me. Then we can collect our dividends when the time comes.”

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