Chapter 87: Dutch's Shock
After hearing Johnny's words, a look of confusion and doubt appeared on Dutch's face. He frowned and pressed further, asking:
"Oh? That sounds quite interesting... but what is this 'half-purchase'? And what kind of business can our Gang even do?"
Johnny looked around with a look of feigned confusion, carefully observing the movements of the others in the Gang.
In the Gang, only Susan and Pearson had already woken up and started their day's activities.
Johnny gave Dutch a suggestive look and lightly gestured with his chin toward the edge of the distant cliff.
Dutch nodded in understanding, and the two walked toward that direction in silent agreement.
After reaching the cliff's edge, Johnny lowered his voice and said to Dutch:
"Dutch, here's the deal. Arthur and I happened to run into a wealthy young master a while back. This kid has always dreamed of being a Robin Hood, robbing the rich to help the poor!
I plan to go to Six Point Cabin with John, Kieran, and Arthur to help him live out his Robin Hood fantasy. He's promised to give Arthur and me a total of 600 dollars."
At this point, Johnny's eyes couldn't help but light up, his excitement plain to see. He continued:
"Not only that, this young master also gave his word that he can help us register a legal company with the Federation! He'll even handle the supply channels, staff training, and all that stuff."
"Unfortunately, he can only provide the supply and training for coffee and cake, but that brings me to my other plan—moonshine."
As Dutch listened to Johnny's non-stop explanation, a look of disbelief appeared on his face.
Before this, he had never even considered the idea of running his own business.
In his view, once one stepped into the world of commerce, they would be no different from those profit-driven Capitalists!
"From what I've gathered recently, there's no one selling moonshine near Valentine, so there's a profit to be made."
"You have to understand, with moonshine, as long as the taste is right, one person with one machine can make a net profit of 3,000 dollars a month! And that's using a distribution model; if we sell it ourselves, the profit would be even higher!"
However, when he heard the profits Johnny mentioned, Dutch's eyes widened, clearly shocked by such a substantial income.
Seeing that Dutch was starting to be swayed, Johnny spoke with even more passion:
"Dutch, the most important raw material for moonshine, malt mash, is the same as for desserts like cake! No one in Valentine is selling it yet. As long as you give the nod, we can immediately obtain a steady stream of wealth!"
"But the problems we face are not small. First, we'll have to deal with the constant harassment from Revenue Agents, and second, there's the suppression from major established liquor brands."
"Dutch, if we successfully make this money, then our long-held grand ideal of robbing the rich to help the poor can truly become a reality!
However, once we resolve to walk this path, those wealthy, bloated Capitalists will surely see us as their sworn enemies!"
Johnny looked at Dutch with bright eyes, his words earnest and logical.
He paused briefly before continuing:
"Dutch, think about it carefully. Buying Rainbow Skies would be incredibly significant for us!
It wouldn't just allow many in the Gang to live the relatively stable life they've dreamed of. Moreover, as long as we manage this moonshine business well, money will keep rolling in.
By then, we'll be able to help even more people living in hardship escape their misery!" At this, Johnny couldn't help but wave his hand excitedly.
However, he quickly pulled back his smile and added with a serious expression:
"But in doing so, those profit-driven Capitalists won't be able to sit still!
They definitely won't stand by and watch their interests be damaged; they will inevitably find ways to deal with us.
So, what awaits us next will be an unprecedentedly massive challenge."
"Dutch, are you afraid?"
Johnny's words were very skillful, first explaining the necessity and importance of buying Rainbow Skies.
Then he detailed the rich returns the moonshine business could bring.
Only at the end did he point out the serious consequences such a move might trigger.
This step-by-step, layered way of speaking was like a blazing torch, instantly igniting Dutch's passion and fighting spirit.
At this moment, even the usually steady and calm Dutch could hardly suppress the surging emotions in his heart. His eyes flashed with a burning light, as if he could already see the beautiful vision of the future.
"Hmph, when have I ever feared such things?" Dutch suddenly crushed his smoke and roared loudly,
"It's just... what I'm a bit worried about now is, if we finally manage to settle down there...
Will those Pinkerton Detectives be like rats smelling grease, biting onto us and never letting go!
If things spiral out of control and we're forced to flee in panic again, my prestige in the eyes of the Gang members will likely plummet to rock bottom!
You should know this better than anyone, Johnny!"
Hearing this, Johnny spoke with confidence:
"The Pinkertons? They're already a pack of hounds that have lost their teeth. Just recently, with the release of the new Federal bill, the Pinkertons have officially lost their interstate law enforcement powers."
"We are currently in the State of New Hanover, and our status is still that of legal citizens!
What we have to face is merely the potential future liquidation of old-era Gangs like ours by the Federation.
But I believe that as long as we grow step by step through the moonshine business and help more poor people under your leadership, Dutch...
Then when the Federation wants to liquidate us, the citizens here won't agree to it."
Finally, Johnny extended a finger and pointed at Dutch:
"You are their true savior. We shouldn't overthrow the government; instead, we should use the rules that favor us to gradually realize our dreams!"
With the atmosphere built up to this point, Dutch knew that if he backed down now, Johnny would surely look down on him.
So Dutch gripped Johnny's hand and said solemnly:
"What do you need me to do?"
Johnny described what had just happened in great detail. After finishing, Johnny breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes revealing his reliance on Dutch as he said:
"Dutch, I feel like only you can fully utilize your oratorical charm to have a good talk with Mr. Robel and explain this matter clearly."
Dutch nodded slightly to show he understood, his deep and wise gaze lingering on Johnny for a moment.
He then walked over to Strauss's tent to wake him up, before walking with firm steps toward Robel, who was sitting at the dining table.
When he reached Robel, Dutch first gave Johnny a fierce glare, then spoke loudly in a stern tone:
"Johnny! How could you treat our friend from afar like this?
Quickly return Mr. Robel's property to him in full!"
His words carried an unquestionable authority.
After speaking, Dutch immediately switched to a sincere and slightly apologetic expression, then said to Robel:
"Respected Mr. Robel, please forgive my negligence. It's all because I've been too indulgent with this sensible child in my daily life, which led to such a big misunderstanding between us today. I am truly sorry!"
Strauss stood by like a cold translation machine, translating Dutch's words word for word!
At this time, Johnny was very cooperative. He deliberately put on a look of terror as if he had been scolded by an elder, his body trembling slightly, not daring to lift his head, while slowly extending his hands.
He carefully placed the money he had just scrounged from Robel onto the table, while muttering some apologies under his breath.