Chapter 58: The Stainless Steel Set Meal as a Reward

As more and more people obtained their citizen cards, the administration of Black Wind City gradually stepped onto the right track, and everyone was filled with anticipation for their future lives.

Seeing formal citizens enjoying various benefits with their citizen cards, the temporary citizens began to murmur among themselves.

A group of temporary citizens gathered together, discussing in animated voices.

"Tell me, how can we become formal citizens? These benefits look so tempting."

A tall, thin young man said with a face full of envy.

A middle-aged man nearby echoed his sentiment.

"Indeed, getting discounts on purchases can save quite a bit of money. We must find a way to become formal citizens."

The crowd nodded one after another, their eyes filled with yearning.

However, Chen Tong did not immediately open the application channel for formal citizenship.

Just as the temporary citizens were full of expectation, Chen Tong promulgated a land tax policy. As soon as the news spread, the entire Black Wind City became lively once again. Liu Meng stepped onto the high platform once more, shouting at the top of his lungs.

"Attention, folks! Starting this month, temporary citizens living in our Black Wind Fortress must pay a monthly land tax of ten copper coins. This fee must be paid in advance before you can stay."

Upon hearing this, the temporary citizens under the platform instantly broke into an uproar.

"What? Ten copper coins every month? Isn't this daylight robbery?"

A burly and rugged man roared with a face full of anger.

Some people in the crowd also began to clamor along.

"Exactly, we earn our money through hard work, why should we hand over so much?"

The scene became somewhat chaotic for a moment.

At this time, a young laborer stepped forward and said in a loud voice.

"Everyone, don't rush to complain. I've calculated: our daily wage is a hundred copper coins, so ten copper coins a month is really not much."

"Besides, earning money by working here is much easier than before. Consider this small amount as a 'protection fee' for the good life we have here."

Hearing him say this, the crowd quieted down and began to whisper among themselves.

"What he says does make some sense. This Black Wind City is indeed much better than the places we stayed before."

"Yes, if we can continue to make a stable living like this, ten copper coins are acceptable."

There was a temporary citizen named Li Si who was quite hesitant at first. He approached Chen Feng and said with a troubled expression,

"Brother Chen, although these ten copper coins are not much, they are still not a small sum."

"Can we pay a little later? I still have an elderly mother to take care of at home, and things are really a bit tight right now."

Chen Feng patted Li Si on the shoulder and explained patiently,

"Li Si, I understand your difficulties. But this tax is collected so that our Black Wind City can develop better and provide everyone with more benefits in the future."

"Think about it: if Black Wind City develops well, not only will your earnings become more stable, but it might even provide your mother with a better living condition."

"And just as you said, compared to what you earn, this little money is really nothing."

"Grrit your teeth and push through this, and it will pass."

Hearing this, Li Si lowered his head and pondered carefully for a while, finally deciding to pay.

"Brother Chen, you are right. I will go pay the tax right now."

For a time, the temporary citizens of Black Wind City flocked to the designated location to pay the land tax.

Scholar Zhao, who was responsible for collecting the money and keeping records, was busy and sweating profusely, collecting payments and recording them simultaneously.

"Next, Wang Er, ten copper coins, registered, next..."

Miss Sun, on the other hand, maintained order on the side and pacified everyone's emotions.

"Everyone, don't be anxious. One by one, it will be done quickly. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."

With the smooth collection of the land tax, the financial situation of Black Wind City improved to a certain extent.

Standing on the city wall and looking at the bustling scene inside the city, Chen Tong began plotting his next development plan in his mind.

After accumulating a considerable amount of wealth, Chen Tong eagerly entered the system and carefully exchanged the accumulated copper coins into system coins according to the exchange rate.

Watching the numbers of system coins continuously increase, a flash of excitement gleamed in Chen Tong's eyes.

Immediately afterward, Chen Tong selected stainless steel kettles and stainless steel basins from the dazzling array of goods in the system.

Chen Tong picked up the virtual stainless steel kettle and examined it closely, as if the physical object were right in front of him.

"The biggest advantage of this stainless steel kettle is that it is sturdy and durable, and not easily damaged no matter how hard it falls. Furthermore, its heat retention is exceptional. Once filled with boiled hot water, it remains warm for an entire day."

As Chen Tong thought to himself, he checked the stainless steel basin as well.

"This basin is equally sturdy and won't crack easily like ordinary basins. Using it for washing clothes and vegetables will last for many years."

After confirming everything was correct, Chen Tong decisively placed the order. In an instant, these stainless steel products appeared right before him.

To motivate everyone to continue contributing to the development of Black Wind City, Chen Tong decided to reward the top ten individuals who had brought in the most new arrivals.

Chen Tong summoned these ten people to the square, which was surrounded by curious residents watching the spectacle.

"Quiet down, everyone!"

Chen Tong shouted loudly, pressing his hands downward in the air to signal for silence.

"These ten brothers have made monumental contributions to the expansion of Black Wind City, bringing in many people and making our city more vibrant by the day."

"To commend them, I have decided to reward each of them with a stainless steel kettle!"

The crowd beneath the platform instantly erupted, and gasps of amazement echoed through the gathering.

"What on earth is that?"

A young man dressed in coarse hemp garments stretched his neck, looking around curiously with eyes full of puzzlement.

"I've never seen it either, but it looks so shiny, it must be extraordinary!"

An older woman nearby echoed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

At this moment, Chen Tong had people bring out the gleaming stainless steel kettles.

The ten commended individuals beamed with smiles, walking forward with their heads held high and proudly accepting the kettles.

One of the young men excitedly lifted his kettle and shouted loudly,

"Thank you, Fortress Master Chen! I will definitely bring more people to Black Wind City in the future!"

The people around cast envious glances, and some could not help whispering softly.

"If someone could get their hands on a kettle like that, it would be such a prestigious thing."

Following that, Chen Tong ordered the remaining stainless steel kettles and basins to be placed on the shelves of the supply store.

The supply store instantly became bustling. People rushed in like a tidal wave, crowding around the shelves to curiously inspect the new merchandise.

Chen Tong stepped forward, cleared his throat, and announced loudly,

"Attention, respected villagers! These stainless steel kettles and basins are now on sale, priced at nine hundred and ninety-nine copper coins each!"

"Formal citizens can enjoy a discount with their citizen cards, while temporary citizens must purchase them at the original price."

As soon as this news came out, another stir rippled through the crowd.

"Nine hundred and ninety-nine copper coins—that's certainly not cheap!"

A middle-aged man frowned and stroked his chin as he spoke.

"However, they look so fine. If we could get a discount, it would actually be quite a bargain."

A young wife spoke softly from the side, her eyes fixed steadfastly on the stainless steel basin upon the shelf.