Bank Redemption

Old Tom, unaware that he had narrowly escaped disaster, pulled Henry in front of a white wall, snapped a few photos with a click-click, then safely delivered him to the bank.

First National Bank of Alaska was one of the most common banks in Alaska and one of the top-performing banks in the United States, with a long-standing five-star rating.

Founded in 1922 by old Winfield Erwin, it had built a solid foundation during Alaska's railway construction boom of the 1920s.

A bank like this naturally offered a wide range of services, and its manager knew well how to receive every kind of customer.

At least, the moment Tom led someone through the door, the bank manager seated in his office came out to greet them.

"Hi, Mr. Tom. You're as handsome as ever today," the bank manager said, extending his hand.

Old Tom gave him no face at all. "You might as well say Franklin is still Franklin. He won't change even in another hundred years, right?"

"Haha, Franklin has been around as long as this bank's history. Of course he won't change." The bank manager poked fun at himself, then asked, "And this guest is?"

"Henry, one of Old George's crewmen. He's here to cash a check."

"Welcome, welcome to our bank. We have the best reputation in the country, along with the most convenient service. May I ask whether you would like to deposit the funds into an account at another bank or open a new account with us?"

Tom answered for Henry. "Cash. He wants to withdraw cash directly."

"For cashing out, there is a six-per-thousand service fee. The usual check-cashing fee is four per thousand. If you open an account with us, I can reduce it to two per thousand. Would you consider opening one?"

"Some of his documents aren't fully in order yet. If you're willing to be accommodating, other options aren't out of the question." Tom tactfully explained the situation, then turned and asked, "Henry, what do you plan to do?"

Some people cared about the difference in service fees, so Tom had no intention of making the decision for Henry. Of course, the reason he had laid everything out was also to let the bank manager know that there would be certain noncompliant "difficulties" involved, so he should be mentally prepared.

"No, I'll just take the cash." Henry did not think much about it and answered directly.

Having understood Tom's hint, the bank manager naturally said nothing more about Henry's choice. After all, carrying out noncompliant procedures involved some risk.

Though doing so would probably have earned him an extra commission under the table, since the customer had made his decision, it was easier for everyone to follow the rules and save themselves additional trouble.

The bank manager's smile did not change as he slid an exquisite wooden tray in front of Henry. "Please place the check you wish to cash on the tray, and I will process it immediately."

The speed of it caught Henry somewhat by surprise. He had assumed that for such a large cash withdrawal, the bank would either make excuses or delay things.

Seeing Henry's faintly surprised expression, Tom did not need to ask to know what these newly arrived greenhorns were thinking. He explained:

"During crab season, some Little Green guys take cash directly and never come back. So banks keep extra cash on hand during this period. There's nothing surprising about it."

That also explained why, though this small-town bank was not large, Henry had noticed quite a few armed security guards.

Following the grand principle that there was no need to cause himself trouble when he had a legitimate way to make money, robbing a bank was naturally not under consideration. Henry placed the check Old George had signed on the tray.

The bank manager took back the tray, looked at the number on the check, and confirmed, "Sir, you wish to cash this check for eighty thousand Dao, correct?"

"Yes."

"Very well. Please wait a moment." Rising with the tray in hand, the bank manager went to process the transaction.

At the same time, a long-legged woman in black stockings entered the office and politely asked, "Would the two gentlemen like coffee or tea?"

No third option? Henry thought regretfully. Aloud, he said, "Coffee, thank you."

Tom wanted nothing. He had the bank receptionist leave, then strolled over to the manager's liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of whiskey. At the same time, he asked, "Kid, are you of age?"

"Mm. What's the legal drinking age?" Henry asked. He was not entirely sure whether the rules in this world were the same as those in his memories, so he asked an extra question.

"Twenty-one."

"Then that's really too bad. Coffee for me. Shame there isn't any milk."

"Tsk. Then your life is missing half its pleasures."

Holding his whiskey, Tom returned to the sofa and settled into it comfortably. Then he asked, "Tell me, how did you get onto George's boat?"

"I didn't know you ran background checks here. Who are you? A CIA undercover agent?"

"Ha, we'll be waiting for a while. If we don't chat, are you going to stare at me? Or admire this tasteless office together? I can responsibly tell you that none of the paintings or decorations here cost more than a hundred Dao."

Not intending to comment further on the office's cheapness or lack of taste, Henry answered Tom's question.

"Polack introduced me to the boat. I met Polack at Old John's bar. You know that little town up north?"

"Ah, that old stubborn bastard left over from World War II, right? I know him. A whole family of patriots, and in the end, only the oldest one was left."

Henry had no intention of refuting such a slightly rude jab.

Old Tom asked again, "That's not all, is it, kid? That old George rarely takes an interest in a Little Green. What else did you do?"

"Well, there was a small accident on the boat, and I helped solve it. Then there was the fact that I learn quickly and work a little harder, at least in my own opinion. As for the rest, you'll have to ask George. I don't know what exactly he was thinking."

"Oh, a small accident." Tom said it casually, but did not press further.

The two could not continue chatting. The bank manager came back in. This time, he carried a larger tray piled with stacks of cash and placed it in front of Henry.

"After deducting the 480 Dao fee for cashing out at our bank, there is a total of 79,520 Dao here. Each bundle of hundred-Dao bills contains one hundred notes. There are seven bundles here. For the remaining amount, I took the liberty of exchanging it for some smaller bills. Everything is here. Please count it."

At the same time, the bank clerk who had brought in the coffee appeared again. This time, she wheeled in a bank-grade bill counter, efficiently counted all the cash in front of Henry, and used a calculator to total it, demonstrating that the amount was correct.

By the time the bank clerk finished counting, Henry had finished checking as well. He had no intention of counting everything again by hand, but holding several bundles of bills still made him feel rather foolish.

Seeing this, the bank manager had someone bring over a small carry bag and packed all the cash into it. Smiling, he said, "This bag is complimentary."