New Gods of North America.

Chapter 560 Loan
Perhaps out of curiosity about the "great detective who's been appearing in the newspapers lately," Wayne didn't just stand there like a lackey at the Beeton family ball.
However, this was clearly thanks to Mr. Basque's son—who was the least successful of the three generations of his family—who took Wayne and Victor Beaton along to socialize.

Although he suffered greatly in politics in the past, the foundation he built up is still there. Tonight's ball is hosted by his family, so they have to give him face.

So Wayne did get to know quite a few new important figures—whether they can be of any help in the future is another matter, but at least he's "met" them.

But everything has its pros and cons. This father not only demanded that his son Victor Beatondo socialize, but he also dragged Wayne into it, probably using Wayne as a model of "look at other people's kids."

It wasn't enough for her to just wander around in groups of men; she was also constantly being encouraged to invite dance partners, and he would come over and nag her whenever he had a spare moment.

According to the rules of dances these days, "the same couple" can only dance once. Legally married couples can stay together after dancing, but they can either not dance at all, or they can't always dance with each other.
Wayne approached Inessa and Lina first, then a classmate who looked vaguely familiar and whom he thought he "knew" at the academy. After that, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and invite other ladies he didn't know at all.

Inviting a stranger to dance is something that, according to etiquette, can be refused by the woman, and it's not considered shameful. However, bringing it up among friends can sometimes be considered an embarrassing thing.
Wayne initially thought he had a lot of charm, as he kept opening blind boxes without any disappointment, but reality quickly proved him wrong.

The second lady who was "blindly selected" was clearly there to "watch the drama unfold." She asked, "Mr. Wayne, Miss Inessa and Miss Lina are both partners in your detective agency. What is your relationship with them? Which one do you prefer?"

The third person had even more ulterior motives, constantly asking during the dance: "Mr. Wayne, are you really friends with Miss Olivia? I heard you're quite familiar with Ian Fisk? Will he be visiting Richmond soon? Could you introduce us if there's a chance?"

Well……

I'm not even asking you to talk about the "case," but if you paid even a little attention to the "fingerprints" or the "luncheon meat," I would feel a little happier...

After dancing again, Wayne felt that he had enough social interaction and exercise for the evening, so he chose to avoid Victor Beeton and went to the dining table to find something to eat.

These days, the food provided by the host family has a function that can be used to "check census records"—for example, the sweeter the pastries, the greater the probability that the ancestors were Windsor nobles. In the Kingdom of Windsor, sugar was once a delicacy that only nobles could enjoy, while commoners could only occasionally use it in small amounts for "medicinal purposes." Therefore, the sweeter it was, the more "noble" it was.
While the descendants of other immigrants to the Kingdom of Windsor also had this tendency to crave sugar, fortunately, due to the "restraint" advocated by the early Puritans, it had not yet reached a level that would be "lethal" for Wayne. Even the sweetest foods could still be eaten on their own without needing to "chew them with strong tea."

Stereotypes aren't always accurate, but considering the Beeton family's wealth and status, Wayne resolutely avoided the pastries, not even daring to touch the jam, worried that it might crystallize.
While picking out the more "appealing" cuts of meat from the grill, a voice came from beside him, "There were other people around earlier, so I'm not too keen on mentioning it. But I heard, Wayne, that you've been investigating James Damody in the dockside area lately?"

Wayne turned his head and saw that the newcomer was a gentleman he had just spoken to. His last name was "Schwartz," the same as the man behind the journalist case. His presence at the ball suggested a similar status.

Wayne wasn't sure if this guy was the "real person," since there was a chance he was a relative or something, but since he'd come over here now, there was probably no doubt about it.

Wayne nodded upon hearing this. "I've been investigating a murder case recently and discovered that the death of a journalist is actually related to him."

How come you locals are so well-informed?
Did that "Jimmy" tell you that?

Mr. Schwartz smiled kindly. “Who ordered you to investigate? If it was Bishop Corleone, he’s already dead, and his funeral is the day after tomorrow. Perhaps it’s better for everyone if things end here.”

You guessed wrong.

It was arranged by the "current" leader. However, Wayne didn't immediately refute it. For a seasoned shrew with considerable experience, a clear "rejection" actually contains a lot of information.

What Wayne found a little strange was that Mr. Schwartz didn't seem to think that Reverend Tyrell would arrange for someone to investigate him, but that wasn't the case.

To be fair, Mr. Schwartz wasn't on the list provided by Reverend Tyrell, presumably meaning he wanted the detective agency to stop tracing him to his "next level," that is, to the point of "actual action."
Wayne hadn't figured out how to end the case. A successful reversal of the verdict was one possible outcome, but whether the "mastermind" could be brought to justice was another matter entirely. Even if a banker could be prosecuted, once the case reached the court stage, there would often be legal wrangling with various lawyers, and the trial might go through several rounds, making the proceedings even more drawn out.

The "justice" of the United States sometimes needs to be weighed against its costs.

Noticing Wayne's silence, Mr. Schwartz seemed to have made some connection to something:
“I heard that you seem to be planning to invest in a business in Richmond recently. Are you under financial pressure? I can offer you some support, although it won’t be completely interest-free, but the interest rate will definitely be lower than that of loans on the market.”

Although he didn't intend to accept it, Wayne couldn't help but wonder, "What kind of number would that be?"

“A few thousand… ten thousand US dollars,” Mr. Schwartz estimated. “For investing in a restaurant, that amount of money should be enough to buy a very desirable property in Richmond. I can even recommend a location that will satisfy you.”

Wayne's pupils contracted, not so much from the sheer amount, but from a lingering sense of fear.
Fortunately, I didn't stop Lina from picking up the mirror that exuded the aura of a "wise sage," otherwise, my heart would probably be pounding when I hear that number now.
Moreover, "collectibles" are a bottomless pit. Simon Sherman actually threw away $30,000 to buy a broken mirror. The detective agency should really make a memorial tablet for him and enshrine him...

Having satisfied his curiosity, Wayne quickly returned to business, choosing to remain ambiguous for the time being, and responding with a smile, "I'm afraid I need to consider this further."

Mr. Russell has already provided the restaurant for free, and Wayne doesn't see running a restaurant as a dream, so there's no need for him to buy in a better location.

There's no need to spout nonsense. In social situations, leave yourself some leeway, lest you say something you can't keep and end up embarrassing yourself.

Mr. Schwartz also said little, "Very good, caution is a commendable quality."

After Wayne left with his tray, a similarly well-dressed gentleman slowly walked up to Mr. Schwartz from a short distance away. "You're actually planning to provide him with funds?"

“He’s still hesitant. But I think he’s wavering; it’s just a matter of time.” Mr. Schwartz picked up a plate and began selecting his food.

"Are you trying to tamper with the contract?" the other party asked.

“No need. Bazzini mentioned him before the incident, and he’s Corleone’s ‘henchman’ in the shadows. Directly confronting someone like that isn’t my style.”

Mr. Schwartz appeared confident. "According to our analysis, the war in the Old World may be ending soon, probably within the next year or two. At that time, under the constraints of high tariffs, many of America's blindly expanded exports will run into problems. It is estimated that many highly indebted investors will go bankrupt, and related workers will lose their jobs. Business will definitely be difficult for all kinds of shops in the city."

“I am very patient and plan to transfer a shop in the city to him while the premium is still high. If the property price falls and business is not good, then when the loan matures, it will be the time when only I have the right to ‘consider’ it—and maybe he will even discount the shop back to offset the price.”

(End of this chapter)