Chapter 564: A Noble Benefactor
"Brother Wang, is it really true? We could also go to East Africa and live well like you?"
Hearing this, André felt a bit elated. Showing off in front of others was always satisfying. Still, he was self-aware and replied, "I wouldn't say I live well. I'm just an ordinary citizen in East Africa. It's only here in the Far East that I live a bit more comfortably. Back in East Africa, I'm nothing special."
"Brother Wang, our expectations aren't high. We just want to eat our fill, drink well, and maybe marry a wife—that would make life complete. But you're different. You've made something of yourself and even became an officer. As the saying goes, there's a difference between officials and commoners. So stop being modest—we really admire you."
Had André's subordinates heard that, they would've scoffed—just a squad leader, not some big general. But the praise from these Far Eastern laborers truly hit the sweet spot.
He laughed heartily. "Don't worry, life in East Africa won't disappoint. Maybe I can't promise riches, but food, clothing, and housing? Absolutely. As long as you work hard, East Africa treats you right."
"We believe you. Just from working here these past few days, the food is better than what we'd get during New Year's back home. Your soldiers are all so healthy—they don't look like they're missing meals."
André chuckled. "Of course! Like I said, the military in East Africa gets the best treatment. Ever heard of a ranch? Huge lands not used for farming but for grazing cattle and other livestock. My unit had several ranches—just to supply meat for the army."
"Wow! Isn't that a waste of good land? No one would use prime farmland for raising animals unless they were really wealthy."
André shook his head. "It's good land, no doubt about it. Compared to the Far East, it's at least as fertile. But in East Africa, land is abundant. Not everything needs to be for crops—there's plenty to spare for livestock."
As they chatted, lunch was served—canned stewed fish. Seafood was abundant on the islands, but after three months, even that got boring.
Still, that was just the troops' mindset. The laborers were more than satisfied. Most came from inland regions, and to them, seafood was still meat. Combined with East Africa's processed grains, life here was far better than scraping by on husks and weeds back home.
Many back in the Far East didn't even have the luxury of eating husks. Having endured hardship, they now found this life extremely fulfilling.
Watching the laborers devour their meals, André—initially unenthused—found his appetite returning. He picked up his army lunchbox and joined in.
After the meal, during their digestion break, André took the opportunity to share some advice: "If you're serious about building a life in East Africa, I suggest something. After this project is finished, you'll have saved up a decent sum. My advice—go back home first, arrange your affairs. Most of you came out here to escape hardship. Probably still haven't married. So take that money, find a wife, settle down, then bring the whole family to East Africa."
East Africa had a solid reputation in the Far East. Wages were never withheld, and the pay was far better than local standards. These few months of labor had earned them a small fortune—enough to marry. In chaotic times, life was cheap—a bag of grain could get you a bride. André's advice made perfect sense.
"Brother Wang, can't we find wives in East Africa?"
"You could—but you'd have to wait. And let's be honest, most of you aren't young anymore. Can you really afford to wait? Plus, East African women are hard to please. Without skills or status, why would they choose you? I say, marry in the Far East first, then come over. Also, immigration rules have gotten stricter. Family migration has a higher success rate."
"Brother Wang, you've been in East Africa a long time—are you married?"
André shook his head. "Not yet."
"You?! With your skills? East Africa must be super competitive!"
He laughed. "It's not that I can't find someone. I've just gotten picky after all these years. Also, I moved to East Africa fairly late—missed the golden window."
"Brother Wang, what kind of woman are you looking for? My sister's pretty great—gentle, hardworking. Want to meet her?"
André chuckled. "Appreciate the offer, but I'm hoping to marry a white woman. That'd really help my career—in the army or if I transition into government or state-run businesses later."
Everyone understood immediately—he wanted a foreign wife. The laborers admired him even more.
"Of course, if you all dream big and want a foreign wife too, it's not impossible. But East Africa's changed a lot—it's not like a few years ago. Opportunities aren't as plentiful. By the time you get there, things could be very different."
East Africa encouraged intermarriage between Germans and Chinese. That's why André wanted a white wife. Mixed-race children were seen as having a brighter future—especially when it came to promotions and benefits. In the military or in civilian life, having a white spouse could open many doors.
"Brother, what do mixed kids look like? Ever seen one?"
"Of course! Most of the younger generation in East Africa is mixed. Their looks are just a blend of both parents. Pretty if the parents are good-looking, not so much otherwise."
"Can you have multiple wives in East Africa?"
"Hah!" André shot a glance at the questioner. "Li San, really? No skills, but you dream of a harem?"
"Just curious, Brother Wang! Rich people seem to do it."
"That's the Far East. In East Africa—and the West in general—there's no such thing as polygamy. One wife only, even for kings."
"They're not afraid of dying without heirs?"
"They don't care as much as we do. Sure, some value family legacy, but they have their own rules. Let me warn you—in East Africa, follow the law. Don't mess up. Your personal records follow you for life. Even your kids' futures can be affected. So if you go there, stay honest."
"Thanks for the advice, Brother! If we had wine or tea, we'd definitely toast you."
The laborers were truly grateful. In their eyes, André wasn't just a mentor—he was a benefactor. With his help and their effort, the future looked a whole lot brighter.
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