Chapter 737: Cooperation
Chapter 737: Cooperation
The sunlight of April streamed through the glass windows into the Hogwarts Headmaster's Office, illuminating everything inside and dispelling the usual gloom of the ancient castle. The atmosphere in the room was as bright and invigorating as the weather outside, reflecting the current mood of Ryan and the others.
The war situation was now as uplifting as the weather, and they took advantage of this gathering to discuss the many arrangements needed after the war. The war had torn British society apart, and a lot would need to be handled once it ended.
With the war's end in sight, Ryan and the others needed to make some broad preparations to avoid mistakes and unnecessary losses when victory was finally achieved.
Fortunately, the experience from the previous war meant that issues like the handling of war criminals and post-war reconstruction didn't require much discussion. They could follow established precedents, with the only difference being that more criminals would need to be tried, requiring more effort and resources. Therefore, these topics didn't need much debate.
However, there were some new situations that needed to be addressed in advance, such as the United British Wizarding Bank. Its existence would break Gringotts' financial monopoly in the British wizarding world.
Professor Dumbledore had clearly noticed this. After finalizing the plan for the attack on London, the first post-war issue they discussed was the United British Wizarding Bank.
"Now, the first thing we need to discuss is the status of the United British Wizarding Bank after the war", Dumbledore said, looking around at the others in the room. "Of course, I have also invited the bank's manager, Mr. Xiong Duosu, to join us in this discussion."
With that, Professor Dumbledore summoned his Phoenix Patronus. The silver Patronus circled the office and then vanished into the wall. A few minutes later, a furry, plump figure pushed open the door and walked in.
"Good morning, it's a pleasure to see you all", Xiong Duosu said, bringing his paws together in front of his chest and bowing slightly. The others in the room stood up and greeted him in their respective ways.
"Ah, Mr. Xiong Duosu, please sit down", Dumbledore said, rising from his chair and speaking in Mandarin. He waved his wand, and a large, sofa-like chair appeared next to Ryan and the others, gesturing for everyone to sit.
"Headmaster, may I ask why you've invited me here today?" Xiong Duosu asked, a gentle smile spreading across his bearish face. If a Celestial Alchemist were present, they would recognize that this Panda Person had spotted a lucrative opportunity and was using his racial advantages to lower the guard of his negotiating partners.
Of course, Dumbledore was unaware of this. Having dedicated most of his life to education, he wasn't particularly adept at business negotiations. Therefore, he directly stated the purpose of his meeting with the Panda Person.
"Mr. Xiong Duosu", Dumbledore said, "you know that we are close to victory in this war, so we need to start making some post-war arrangements. One of the most important issues is the status of the bank."
"I understand, Mr. Dumbledore", Xiong Duosu said, raising a paw. "As the bank that issues currency, it can't be controlled by foreigners. I assume you want us to hand over control of the bank, correct?"
"Yes, that's right", Madam Bones said quietly. Xiong Duosu's straightforwardness made Dumbledore and Bones a bit uncomfortable, as it made them seem ungrateful. They had relied on the Panda People during the most difficult times, and now, as they were about to reap the rewards of victory, they were excluding them. However, for the financial independence of the British magical community, some sacrifices had to be made.
"That's good, I prefer doing business with straightforward people like you", the Panda Person said, patting his thigh with a paw. "In fact, we have already received instructions from home. They consider the current situation a temporary measure for an emergency. We are willing to offer 28.1% of our shares to the British Ministry of Magic, bringing their total to 50.1%, a clear majority."
As he spoke, Xiong Duosu reached out and picked up a golden, honey-glazed pastry from the plate on Dumbledore's desk, took a bite, and continued, "Since we were prepared beforehand, we've also helped you Britons train a batch of personnel. Now, as soon as the key positions are vacated, your people can step in right away."
"Thank you so much", Madam Bones said, her voice filled with gratitude. Given the Goblins' notorious greed, she had expected reclaiming the bank to be a difficult and arduous process. She never imagined that the Panda People would be so reasonable, not only agreeing to the terms but also helping them train a team of technicians who could take over the bank immediately.
"By the way, what will we have to pay for all this?" After a moment of excitement, Madam Bones realized an important question. Such a significant deal couldn't possibly be free.
"Simple. We only require you to increase the market value of the shares we transfer to you by fifteen percent within two months. This covers all the training and technical transfer costs", Xiong Duosu explained.
This demand was not unreasonable and could even be considered fair. Of course, Xiong Duosu wasn't at a loss. The initial investment in the bank had been minimal, and the money earned from selling these shares was already more than twenty times the original cost. Moreover, they would retain 21.9% of the shares, ensuring long-term benefits.
More importantly, as the vanguard of the Imperial Magic Community's expansion overseas, they had successfully gained the goodwill of the British Magic Community and firmly established themselves here. This investment was a resounding success for the Panda People.
"Of course, of course, your terms are very reasonable", Madam Bones said, looking somewhat embarrassed. "However, we might not be able to come up with the money within the time frame you specified."
Madam Bones was being honest. The war over the past year had placed a significant financial burden on the Ministry of Magic, leading to multiple bond issuances. Since most of those standing here were not wealthy, over ninety percent of these bonds were eventually bought by Liam at a discount of ten to fifteen percent, in exchange for various goods and hard currency needed by the Ministry of Magic.
Thus, after admitting their financial constraints, Madam Bones turned to Liam with a somewhat awkward expression, "Mr. Liang, well—"
"Need to borrow money again, I see", Liam said generously. "How long do you plan to borrow this time?"
"Probably for twenty years", Madam Bones said, her embarrassment growing. "Given the amount we've already borrowed, the Ministry of Magic is unlikely to repay you in the short term. So, rather than face the embarrassment of not being able to pay, I think a longer-term loan is better."
"Three years at 4%, five years at 5%, ten years at 8%", Liam recited the interest rates the Ministry of Magic had offered in previous loans. "If it's twenty years, what interest rate would you propose?"
"13.5%", Madam Bones blurted out, clearly having discussed this with others at the Ministry of Magic beforehand. This rate wasn't low, but compared to the exorbitant rates the greedy Goblins at Gringotts had demanded, Liam's terms were much more reasonable.
"Of course, that's fine", Liam nodded and turned to Xiong Duosu. "Uncle Duosu, let's go to the bank and transfer the money. Madam Bones, you can come along to sign the loan documents."
"Excellent", "No problem", both the bear and the human said in unison. With the deal finalized, Professor Dumbledore clapped his hands, and a House-Elf appeared. Dumbledore gave a few instructions, and the House-Elf nodded and disappeared.
Soon, the House-Elf reappeared with a silver tray carrying a bottle of wine and several glasses. Dumbledore used his wand to open the bottle and poured Honey Mead into each glass, then had the House-Elf distribute them to everyone in the office.
"To our successful partnership, cheers!" Dumbledore raised his glass with a smile once everyone had a glass in hand.
"Cheers!"
(End of Chapter)
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