Chapter 738: The Bank Changes Hands
Chapter 738: The Bank Changes Hands (Please subscribe, add to favorites, and vote!)
After a series of discussions, it was already noon. Ryan and the others politely declined Professor Dumbledore's invitation to lunch and left Hogwarts Castle. After all, they had a significant financial transaction to complete, and before that, it was unlikely that anyone involved would have much of an appetite.
Soon, they arrived at the United British Wizarding Bank in Hogsmeade. However, the bustling crowd at the entrance truly surprised Ryan and the others, as well as Madam Bones: the cream-colored marble three-story building was surrounded by a throng of wizards, some of whom were impatiently waving their money bags over their heads, making them jingle.
"Uncle Duosu, what's going on here?" Hermione asked curiously, looking at the wizards being organized into a queue by two bank clerks. "Why are there so many people queuing outside the bank? Is there something inside that's attracting them?"
"Today, the Chinese Magic Association is issuing the first batch of bonds in Britain, but I didn't expect such a large turnout", Xiong Duosu said, scratching his ear. "I think this is because Gringotts in Britain has traditionally only provided financial storage services to most ordinary wizards, so British wizards often lack sufficient investment opportunities. This batch of bonds is releasing that pent-up demand."
"Previously, when we issued Ministry of Magic bonds, there were never this many people queuing", Madam Bones said from the side. "Most of the Ministry of Magic staff come from the Muggle world, so when they realized the Ministry was short on funds, they decided to issue bonds through the bank. However, very few people bought them."
"How could that be—" Liam turned to look at Madam Bones, curious. He knew that few people had bought the bonds in the past, but he didn't understand why the Ministry of Magic would abandon the idea of issuing bonds to the public and instead borrow money directly from him.
"Because the Ministry of Magic's reputation is really in shambles", Madam Bones said with a bitter smile. "Especially after losing the London Ministry of Magic, even with your and Professor Dumbledore's full support, people still lack confidence in us."
"You know, the last few times we issued bonds, we barely sold any. In the end, it was your generous contribution that solved the problem. This time, with a 20-year bond, even we internally don't have much faith, so we decided to just borrow directly from you."
"To be honest, Madam Bones, we in China are actually very interested in British wizarding world bonds, but you impose too many restrictions, so we had to give up", Xiong Duosu said, his voice tinged with a hint of grievance.
"Of course, I know you are genuinely friendly, especially during our darkest hour, when you were the only ones to openly support us", Madam Bones quickly reassured the panda person. "But you must understand, these are Ministry of Magic bonds. We simply can't allow foreigners to have too much involvement in this area, as it concerns the independence of the British Ministry of Magic."
"Of course, I understand", Xiong Duosu nodded, while Hermione asked through the Phoenix Mark, "Liam, why would the Ministry of Magic allow you to take on the entire debt? Don't they worry about you gaining control of the Ministry?"
"They can certainly guess that, the Ministry of Magic isn't populated by fools who can't see the danger", Liam replied through the Phoenix Mark. "But what can they do?"
As they followed Xiong Duosu into the bank, Liam explained to Hermione, "Don't forget my age and magical prowess, not to mention the followers and supporters we've gained during this war. Professor Dumbledore, the only one in the British wizarding world who could match me, is over 100 years old. If I really wanted to control the Ministry of Magic, who do you think could stop me?"
"So, the British Wizarding World simply chose to trust your character?" Hermione's steps paused for a moment before she continued walking. "That makes sense. After all, a wizard of your caliber can lead a nation's wizarding world into a new era. And you haven't shown any signs of being anti-human or antisocial. For the British Wizarding World, your era is likely to follow Professor Dumbledore's, regardless of whether you lend money to the Ministry of Magic or not. So, they decided to take the money with confidence."
After bypassing the main gate and entering through a small staff door, Ryan and the others were led to the Reception Room by an employee. Xiong Guangcai was already sitting on the sofa, waiting for them. As soon as they entered, he placed a series of documents on the table.
"All the documents for the transfer of shares are here", Xiong Guangcai said. "Of course, in addition to the transfer documents, there are also standard forms for signing the Ministry of Magic's loan agreement."
"Ah, thank you!" Madam Bones took the documents and sat down, then retrieved a pair of glasses from her robes. A few minutes later, the door to the Reception Room was knocked on, and Percy and another Muggle-born wizard, Henry Baker, who had been trained at the Joke Shop and joined the Ministry of Magic, entered, each carrying a briefcase.
"Mr. Weasley, and Mr. Baker, it's a pleasure to see you", Madam Bones greeted them and the other people in the room, then invited them to sit down. "Alright, take a look at these contracts to ensure they accurately reflect our intentions and avoid any misunderstandings."
"Understood, Minister Bones." The two Ministry of Magic employees immediately sat at the table and carefully examined the documents. After ten minutes, they both looked up. "The documents are in order."
"Good." Madam Bones nodded, took a quill from the inkwell on the table, and signed her name at the end of the document before passing it to Liam. Liam signed next, then passed the quill and document to Xiong Duosu. Once everyone had signed, Xiong Duosu lit a candle to melt the sealing wax.
The wax melted quickly, and each person used their seal to stamp the contract. Liam used his personal seal, while the other two used the official seals representing the bank and the Ministry of Magic.
"Alright, the Ministry of Magic is now the largest shareholder of this bank", Xiong Duosu said after carefully checking the signatures and seals. "As the largest shareholder, you have the right to appoint the bank's manager and a deputy manager."
"We don't plan to replace the manager in the short term", Madam Bones said. The Ministry of Magic currently lacked suitable candidates for this role, and they felt they had already taken too much from the Panda People. So, not replacing the manager was a way to compensate those who had consistently supported the Ministry of Magic.
"As for the deputy manager", Madam Bones thought for a moment, "Old Barty Crouch has been released from prison and is still some years away from retirement. However, returning to work at the Ministry of Magic isn't suitable for him. I think he could serve as the deputy manager here."
Liam found Madam Bones' choice very wise. Old Barty Crouch, a former candidate for the position of Minister of Magic, was undoubtedly capable and his meticulous, somewhat rigid personality made him a suitable choice as a Ministry of Magic representative to oversee the bank.
As for his previous case, it could be considered understandable, and he had already served his punishment. So, when Madam Bones proposed this candidate, Ryan and the others agreed with the arrangement.
"May our business flourish", Xiong Duosu said with a smile after everything was settled. "May the Wealth God bless us."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
