The Times Have Changed, Sir!

Kuroda spat blood-tinged phlegm into the snow, shoved aside the man in front of him with his shoulder, and forcibly edged half a step up the stone stairs.

"Isn't the chairman speaking too soon?"

"The ore from my three mines is all top-grade. As for that pile of junk mixed with stones of yours, those big bosses will have to hold their noses while picking through it."

Dahe Long tugged at the corner of his mouth and forced out two dry laughs without responding.

His hand hidden within his fur coat was trembling violently. His nails dug into his palm, which was soaked with sweat.

The loan from the Money House, at two percent interest every seven days, had to be repaid with principal and interest tomorrow.

He had already forcibly delayed the miners' wages for four days. Last night, someone had even smashed the overseers' shed under cover of darkness.

As long as he handed over the first shipment today and received the first payment, he could at least plug part of the hole before him.

Dahe Long pulled his fur collar tighter, protecting the contract in his chest with his right hand. The bones on the back of his hand stretched his skin taut.

His eyes were bloodshot, and the dark circles beneath them were especially pronounced.

The high interest kept piling up every day. If he could not get cash today, those creditors behind him really would tear him apart to settle the accounts.

The mockery on Kuroda's face did not last long either.

Dozens of managers crowded behind him, along with several armed Money House lenders. Everyone's gaze was nailed to his back.

The land deeds for dozens of acres outside the city had all been mortgaged, and his family warehouse was so empty that even