Chapter 151: The Mouse in the Broth

Broad common knowledge and tacit convention were a very special social phenomenon. This phenomenon had appeared from the first day human society took shape, and had continued down to the present.

People would form a kind of consensus without knowing why. When they found themselves at a certain stage, they would know what kind of actions to take. Perhaps no one had ever accurately told them what to do, yet they had already mastered the technique.

From the first purchase of an entry-level secondhand luxury good, they gradually became, in other people’s eyes, “the moneyed men.” Along with that came not only satisfying looks of envy, but also people’s respect.

This was a very interesting social phenomenon. We always emphasized respect for learning, respect for cultured people, while in reality, we respected only power and money.

To preserve their respectability and their class, the middle class needed William, and they needed those cheap “high-class” clothes they had sworn they would never tell anyone were counterfeit brands.

Look, the problem was solved. Lunite would not say anything. William would not say anything. The people who bought these things naturally could not go around advertising that what they wore were fakes. Was there any more perfect link than that?

There was not. So no one had to worry.

After leaving Lunite’s plant, however, William was thinking about something else. He wanted to acquire Lunite’s plant. This had to do with certain plans he would carry out next, but he was also very clear that now was not a good time.

The situation had not yet deteriorated to the stage where the mayor, or rather the whole society, had no choice but to make concessions. So they were still persisting in deceiving themselves that this was, in fact, a civilized society.

When they could no longer keep going, when they could no longer maintain their respectability and kindness, they would tear off the false coat and let people understand that this was not a civilized society. It was a society where men “ate” men.

Only under such circumstances would certain acts regarded as moral pillars have the opportunity to be changed. William could wait. He had enough patience.

A little later, he met with the mayor’s nephew, a big young man named Mark. He looked twenty-five, not quite thirty, and there was still some greenness left on his face.

He was very enthusiastic. As soon as he arrived, he began talking about his uncle, the man who controlled the city, and his conversation with him. Then he talked about William’s business and his intention to buy a stake.

“I’ve already entrusted a friend of mine to investigate it. I have to say, Mr. Carter, you chose the right business at the right time. My uncle...” He shrugged. “Mayor Langdon speaks very highly of your performance. He is always praising how outstanding and excellent you are in front of the family. It makes people jealous.”