Chapter 1740: We Don’t Have The Conditions To Do It
The creation of the steam train and the railroad within the short span of a few months was backed by Buffett Bank’s investment and support from Chaos City so that the elves could have direct transportation to Chaos City via the railroad.
The city lord’s castle’s contribution was no lesser than the Buffett Bank’s. Most of the workers were from the city lord’s castle.
Therefore, when Michael boarded the steam train, everyone applauded.
“It’s been hard on everyone. I represent the city lord’s castle, Chaos City, and all the civilians who might have escaped war and benefit because of all of you to thank and express my greatest respect for you,” Michael said in a bright and sincere voice before bowing deeply to everyone.
Thunderous applause sounded, and many workers even turned away to wipe their tears.
Michael stood up straight, and nodded at Scheer to tell her that she could come up to make her speech.
Scheer looked at the exhausted faces down the stage, and sincerely said, “I am Scheer Buffett, and I thank everyone here for putting in double the hard work during this period. I promise that other than your salary, after the end of all works, all workers will be able to receive an extra half a month of salary as your bonus.”
Cheers erupted, and everyone smiled brightly.
Because of the uniqueness of the project, the salary was already much higher than what one would get outside. No one would expect another half a month’s worth of salary as bonus, and that was already a huge sum to most of them.
Scheer looked at Mag.
Everyone turned to look at Mag as well.
Many of the workers could recognize this young man. He was the designer of this steam train, and also the founder of this project. Even the supervisor showed him a lot of respect, and he would be invited to all the important tests. His advice would also be sought with regard to all the improvements made on this steam train.
They had all gathered here because of this man to overcome all odds to create this remarkable fellow.
“Seven minutes, you left seven minutes for me?” Mag raised his brow, but everyone had already looked over. As the founder of this project, he should say something, and there was indeed a lot that he wanted to say.
Mag held Amy’s hand, and took the wide and flat metallic steps up the platform at the head of the train. The heater was burning, so the entire train was warm, and even the metal railings were warm.
“What a cute little girl.”
“Yeah. She must have a very beautiful elf mother.”
“This man here is very handsome as well!”
Everyone chatted softly as they watched the father-and-daughter duo.
“Hello, I am Mag, the owner-cum-chef of Mamy Restaurant and the father of the best contribution student, Amy. Just like all of you, I am an important part of the creation of this steam train,” Mag said with a smile.
Everyone smiled. Although it was just some humble words by Mag, they could feel the equality and respect he was expressing, as well as the acknowledgment of their hard work for this whole time.
“I am very touched to finally see this steam train come to fruition. It was a very wild idea, but with all of you as my extraordinary partners, we created a miracle. Perhaps we have also created a new chapter for a new era. All of you will be remembered in the history of the Norland Continent. On your tombstone, you could write: one of the creators of the steam train. This glory belongs to you and only you,” Mag said sincerely.
Applause erupted, and everyone’s eyes were gleaming with tears.
Mag watched them silently, and felt his vision go a little blur because of the tears.
He used to have the chance to become just like these engineers, but he did not have the conditions to do it, because he was way too rich.
However, he was with them spiritually.
Scheer looked at Mag in shock.
Michael looked at Mag with admiration, and, of course, a little surprise. His impression of Alex was not one of a person who would say something so sentimental.
Amy stood obediently as she looked at Mag, and then at the staff standing down the stage, and thought, These uncles and aunties must be very impressive and noble people, right?
“I will not be repeating all the formalities. You are the best team I have seen, and what I want to talk to you about is the future of the steam train and the railroad. I want to tell you exactly how noble a thing you are doing now,” Mag said with a smile after a pause.
The chatter softened down, and everyone looked at Mag expectantly.
They knew that the steam train might be able to make some changes, but they were unable to predict what these changes were.
Mag continued, “The steam train, which gets its kinetic energy from burning coal, will replace most of the modes of transportation to become the top choice for cargo shipping and long-distance travel. Our railway will be all over the Norland Continent, and we’ll be able to go anywhere. People will get to choose where they want to go on the train. The world will be more integrated than before, and that will cause trade barriers to crumble. Perhaps in the near future, we can see a world that is increasingly integrated, and the railway will be a web that joins the continent together.”
The various pairs of eyes lit up in disbelief and joy.
They did not think that the steam train which could move by burning coal made by them could actually have such a great impact on the Norland Continent. Just listening to Mag’s description made their passion burn.
Scheer also looked at Mag with wide eyes. She pressed her lips together as she hesitated to speak.
Whether it’s Alex from the past or the current Mag Alex, he could always make me see him in a different light. Michael was the first to applaud. He looked at Mag with admiration, and thought to himself, The current him is more stable and calm. It seems like the ambush three years ago and Little Amy had quite some impact on him.
Mag was a little surprised at his improvisation’s reception as he heard the thunderous applause, and looked at the pairs of shining eyes. Perhaps he should have tried his hands on the smartphone industry back then, and he might just be another Steve Jobs.
After the applause died down, Scheer glanced at her watch, and nodded at Mag.
“I am very honored to be able to take part in this trial run with all of you today. Right now, let us witness the moment of miracle,” Mag announced loudly.
Woo…
The train whistled loudly, and white smoke rushed out of the chimney as the large train shook a little. After that, it chugged forward slowly…