The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 853: Chapter 2 Is Money Friendship? No, Friendship is Money_3

Lionel heard this and couldn’t help but shake his head slightly. He looked at Arthur’s face and burst out laughing: “Arthur, you, my friend, are truly different from the common folk.”

Unexpectedly, Great Dumas glanced at the remaining 4660 pounds on the table and couldn’t help but frown: “Why is there only 4000 pounds left? I remember back in Liverpool, you…”

Louis waved his hand slightly at Great Dumas: “Alexander, you’ve been out of the public office for too long. The money in Liverpool isn’t just yours, mine, Heinrich’s, and Arthur’s, it’s also associated with a series of Your Excellencies involved in this affair. If it weren’t for this, how would Liverpool’s urban renovation plan have gone through so smoothly, and why would Liverpool merchants be so grateful to Arthur? Take what you should, that’s all I can say.”

Great Dumas, hearing this, glanced at the 5500 pounds in front of Lionel, leaned back on the sofa, and laughed: “Arthur, I was wondering why you could easily give up so much money? 5500 pounds is 110,000 Francs, and you could give it up so easily because you’ve done similar things before.”

Lionel tucked the stack of checks into his pocket and half-jokingly said: “That’s right, Alexander, I’ve already said, our Sir Arthur Hastings is not like ordinary people. I’m very fortunate to have such a noble friend. He’s much easier to get along with than those old men who reek of copper.”

At this, Lionel suddenly changed the topic: “However, Arthur, since our friendship is so deep, I can’t help but want to share a piece of interesting news with you. I think if you wish to recuperate, you might consider Wales or the southwest of England. The air and sunlight there are wonderful, unlike the cold and damp of London. More importantly, I hear Parliament is considering approving the construction of a 171-mile railway starting from London’s Paddington, linking all the major towns in the southwest of England and Wales. So, when you return from Hanover, travel will be very convenient if you decide to vacation there.”

“Oh?” Arthur swirled his glass: “That indeed sounds like a great project. May I be fortunate enough to know who the chief engineer responsible for building this railway is? To be honest, while trains are an excellent new invention, I also have to consider travel safety. If the engineer isn’t well-known, I would be very concerned about the railway’s quality.”

Lionel laughed: “You needn’t worry at all on that account, as the chief engineer for this ‘Great Western Railway’ project is none other than the illustrious Mr. Isambard Kingdom Brunel. If you remember, I once suggested you buy stocks in his bridge company, so this name shouldn’t be unfamiliar to you.”

Arthur nodded slightly, taking out three thousand pounds from the checks and handed it to Lionel: “I’ve always held this gentleman in high regard. Even though I’ve never met him, the mere virtue of his surname is enough to earn investors’ trust.”

Louis and Great Dumas, seeing this, generously contributed as well: “Building such a project surely lacks initial funding. Although we are French, as long as it’s for the people, France and Britain should be no different.”

Even Plunkett and Ledley, who were somewhat short of funds, couldn’t help but feel a little tempted. But investing in stocks is typically not something poor policemen from Scotland Yard can play with, even though they are now a police superintendent and a police inspector.

Just over a year ago, they were an ordinary sergeant and an aspiring officer, unable to save much for stock investments in such a short time.

Arthur casually drew out two hundred pound checks from his hand and handed them to them.

“Sir, you…”

Arthur calmly said: “Remember to repay me when I return from Hanover.”

The two, seeing this, couldn’t help but stand up and salute: “Of course, Sir Hastings, we trust you will return soon!”

Seeing this, Arthur laughed and patted them on the shoulders: “Well then, save these words for when I return. Now, take me to see our old friend, Mr. Schneider, the assistant undersecretary from the Foreign Office. I’m new, and there are many things I’d like to ask him before assuming office. Where is he now?”

Ledley grinned: “Where else could he be? That guy is obsessed with Miss Fiona’s pleasure house. He rushes to get whipped there every weekend. I suppose he must be there now. If it’s convenient for you, shall I lead you and the other gentlemen over right now?”