The biggest issue with bootlegging right now is the trust crisis.

Ever since those contaminated individuals were widely reported, drinking bootleg liquor leading to contamination, mutation, and death has almost become a reflexive association.

If we can relieve people of this psychological burden, the long-standing craving for alcohol will only push the bootleg business to a new peak.

In fact, achieving this is quite simple, especially since the source of contamination has been taken care of. With gradual promotion, the business will eventually return to its track.

"But I think we should take this opportunity to push our grape brick product out there and earn double the money back."

Ethan proposed his view.

"So do you have any good ideas?"

Sandro looked at him, now calm and composed as if nothing had happened.

Even George, who had just lost a hand, perked up and looked over, enduring the pain.

After all, he had the most grape bricks on hand.

Grudges can be set aside for now; the purpose of everyone sitting here is just to make money, isn't it?

Making money is the most important thing.

"It's simple, we proceed in two steps..."

On one hand, it's crucial to quickly obtain approval from City Hall to sell the grape bricks legally.

Sandro will definitely be able to secure connections with City Hall, and when the time comes to sell, find enough people to reach a quorum; the products will definitely sell.

On the other hand, we target the high-end market.

Specifically targeting Wenster's young masters, ladies, and socialites, hosting banquets and promoting the product.

They are actually the trendsetters of society; once they approve the product, they will in turn validate the grape bricks.

By then, we can even create a special batch of grape bricks exclusively for them.

As the grape brick business picks up, those yearning for alcohol will naturally return to the underground bars.

This two-step approach was approved by everyone.

John Hott proposed that he could obtain the approval document as soon as tomorrow.

He was rather desperate.

The business had been at a standstill for almost a month, and it was finally about to start up again.

On the way back, as soon as Vincent got into the car, he said, "Sandro is nothing more than this."

Ethan, however, looked at him, saying, "Vincent, eighth family motto."

Upon hearing this, Vincent fell silent.

The eighth family motto, never underestimate your enemies.

Today's meeting.

Sandro came with Klei, almost alone to the gathering.

Was he truly without any backup?

This old fox had been standing firm in Wenster for over twenty years, from one person to an unstoppable family.

It wasn't through merely smiling and retreating.

"Anyway, business is back on track."

At least on the surface, the honeymoon period has returned.

After returning home, Ethan first called Palon and then sought out Haska.

He met with them individually.

Because in his two-step plan, he already had the best candidates in mind for the upper-level business.

Palon and Haska.

Although Palon has no talent for family management, nor any martial prowess, he knows how to play; he's already well acquainted with the city's rich kids and officials' children. With enough resources, hosting a few banquets and promoting grape bricks would be easy.

As for Haska, he is an enhanced version of Palon; though he may not enthrall thousands of young ladies with his looks, at least a large number of noblewomen in the city are enamored with his attire.

Sending him to sell grape bricks to the noblewomen is simply the perfect job.

"Haska, I'm sorry about your family's territory. You know the situation is tense right now; I can't persuade everyone to let you back at the table. But you shouldn't worry too much; your territory is temporarily stored with me. After all, the contract is in your name, and we're friends. I couldn't possibly covet your land."

Ethan extended his hand, looking as if to say, 'You trust me, right?'

Haska hesitated to speak but eventually nodded, "Of course, Ethan, I trust you. So..."

"You go take care of this matter for now. If you do well, I'll have something to speak up for you, won't I?"

And so, the Murich family's territory fell under the Bolita family's name.

As for the territories of the Evans Clan and Corleone Clan, he wasn't overly concerned.

Because those aren't clean, unclean means unstable, making them of low value.

What he cared most about was the Corleone Clan's shipping route.

The smuggling route connecting the old and new continents.

If he could secure this route, his bootlegging business would have much greater scope.

However, the Evans Clan and Sandro might also be quite interested...

"Virel, go call Bob and tell him, now is the time I need him the most."

Unlike violent coercion, now is the time to adhere to rules.

It was only until the evening that Ethan finally had a moment to catch his breath, eat a bit, and rest.

Tonight's dinner, Ethan was again alone.

Because Virel needed to patrol the new territory, rounding up the remnants of the Murich Clan, while Vincent returned to the distillery where the new liquor and grape bricks needed to begin production—he had to keep an eye on things.

Dinner was classic grilled veal and mushroom stew.

After eating for a bit, Ethan leaned back tiredly in his chair.

After a sleepless night filled with plots and schemes, even with Ethan's abundant energy, he felt somewhat worn out.

He closed his eyes, slightly dozing off as he felt a pair of cool hands rest on his temples.

Ethan didn't open his eyes.

Because he knew it was Anya.

If there were anyone in this world he could trust, there'd be only three.

Anya, Virel, half of Vincent, and half of Klei.

Among them, Anya was the only one who allowed him to completely relax, without the slightest hint of wariness.

Anya gently massaged Ethan's temples, and Ethan felt an immense sense of comfort.

After a while, he extended his hands, saying, "Anya, do you know what time it is now?"

Anya seemed momentarily surprised.

Ethan smiled and said, "Now, it's just before the storm."

Never mind that everything seems calm again, with everyone quietly stowing their swords under thick coats.

The next encounter will be a true fight to the death.

"Sandro and I are like two sword fighters, and whoever draws their sword first next time is very likely to lose their life unless... before then, sharpening the sword to be quick and sharp enough to cut through everything!"

As Ethan spoke, he suddenly clenched his hands tightly as if grasping an invisible sword.

After a long pause, Anya gently said, "Young master, no matter what happens, I will always be by your side."

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