This time, returning to Backlund, they found that quite a few changes had taken place.
Aside from the denser presence of law enforcement officers on the streets due to the Great Smog Incident in the Queen's Area,
the bicycles they rode also added a touch of liveliness to the streets.
The middle class and above had little interest in bicycles. They felt they would diminish their status; carriages were still better. But such people were only a small minority.
Most ordinary people with some assets would not reject such a convenient means of transportation.
Especially since law enforcement officers were all patrolling on bicycles. It was obvious that the bicycle factories had received government orders.
Without question, that was surely the influence brought by the name "Franklin."
Although Xu Yue had stepped in, causing Klein not only to invest more money but also to receive a smaller share,
Xu Yue's intervention had also kept outside capital from entering the bicycle industry. Instead, the churches had endorsed it and directly contacted manufacturers to produce bicycles under profit-sharing arrangements.
Combined with the direct opening of government procurement channels for promotion, along with military orders, the bicycle industry had expanded at a terrifying pace.
Even Klein's originally diluted shares had become more valuable than before.
Catching the scent of gold pounds, Klein's eyes lit up. He then glanced at Leonard, who was introducing the recent changes and situation to Xu Yue beside him.
He secretly tugged on Xu Yue's sleeve and lowered his voice. "Don't forget my shares."
"Interest."
Xu Yue glanced at him and replied casually.
Klein immediately staggered, barely managing to keep his footing.
For a moment, even the money he had borrowed to pose as a wealthy man felt unbearably heavy.
Leonard was also somewhat curious about the nonsensical exchange