At dawn the next day, Xia Lun got up and began seeking investors.
Back at Green Tree Fortress, he had learned the basics of how wealth was distributed in the Golden City from the Great Leader of the Tree Herders. After speaking with Derino the previous night, he knew exactly who held that wealth.
Xia Lun had no intention of visiting many people today or chasing as many investments as possible. He planned to visit only three.
With the Scarface Elder sent to buy supplies and recruit personnel, only Xia Lun and White Line would be seeking investors today.
"Why not visit more people?" White Line had changed into the white robes of a Sun Priest. "Shouldn't we grow this thing as much as possible before our credibility collapses?"
"Before the first payout, most people will wait and see, even with Derino's endorsement."
Xia Lun rode along, watching the street as he explained.
"First impressions matter enormously in a venture like this. Now that we've convinced Derino, we need to be careful about whom we approach next."
"How are you so practiced at this?" White Line couldn't help asking.
Xia Lun smiled. "It's a broker's bread and butter."
"So what makes someone worth approaching next?" White Line blinked and changed the subject.
"Two things." Xia Lun raised two fingers. "First, they need something from Derino. That makes them easier to persuade. We can hint that we're acting on his behalf, and that this investment is simply another way for him to collect money. In my experience, they're unlikely to ask Derino directly. We can borrow his authority to get their money."
"..." White Line fell silent for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully. "That's a bit like suggestion in an interrogation. The point is to let them draw their own conclusions?"