During the development of the logistics industry, there were indeed setbacks, such as the previous snow disaster, which dealt a massive blow to Gotham's newly emerging industry. However, this allowed the Children's Gang in Gotham to grow stronger.
With the snow blocking the doors, freezing temperatures, coupled with road congestion and no means to do outside work, everyone stayed home. So, what about food, drink, and firewood?
Most people would not choose to shop by themselves, partly because they didn't know which store had stock. It would be a wasted trip if, after braving the cold wind and making the strenuous walk, they were informed that the goods were sold out.
Additionally, in a city riddled with the Mob, a robust adult navigating through others' territories could easily end up being shot.
But this wasn't an issue for the children. They were already well versed in this. They knew which bakeries had inventory, which way to go for the freshest warm milk, the best place to purchase condiments, beer, and daily necessities.
The Mob wouldn't fuss about these kids, nor would they see their intrusion as a provocation. Besides, they knew too many shortcuts, especially the underground tunnels. For a small delivery fee, you could get newspapers, bread, milk, beer—just about anything.
Cobblepot quickly grasped their operation, especially since the previous King of Children was sacrificed to the Devil after getting involved with Constantine.
Afterward, a few children in the gang put up fierce fights, all vying for the throne of the King of Children. At first, Cobblepot, who had shown up midway, was met with many doubts.
However, Penguin Man's ambition and wisdom are undeniable. Not only did he successfully claim the position of King of the Children through violence, but more importantly, he was capable of leading everyone to make money.
None of the other children possessed the power he had to organize all the children of Gotham, redistribute them to suitable posts, map out the most efficient routes to double their daily earnings, and avoid conflicts over customers.
The bakery in the East District also sold milk. Every morning, fresh milk was delivered from rural farms to the bakery, where the children could buy bread and milk. Depending on their customers' preferences, they might also need to visit tobacco shops and pubs to buy cigarettes and beer, and pick up newspapers from newsstands.
Cobblepot arranged these items into different packages. If someone only bought bread and milk, the vendors would suggest adding a newspaper to their purchase. If someone frequently bought cigarettes and beer, the vendor would recommend the breakfast package.
Previously, during the snow disaster, people had no other choice but to send these children to buy things when they were stuck at home. However, afterward, having formed the habit, they found this to be incredibly convenient.
Every morning before they even got up, their hot milk and fresh bread were already waiting outside their door. In the evening, when they wanted a drink, they didn't have to go to the pub; it could be brought to them.
After a few months, the majority of Gotham citizens were purchasing these packages.
In the East District, an average family of three would order a pound of regular white bread, a bottle of milk, and perhaps added bacon and ham if they were well-off, along with a newspaper for breakfast.
As for those who liked to buy cigarettes and alcohol, they would generally place orders the day before for delivery the next day. The same went for household items.
Although the East District is a slum, because Gotham's overall economic level is decent and resources are relatively plentiful, the people here are not starving; the most significant problem in the Gotham slum is the poor living conditions, regular water and power outages, and diseases due to poor sanitation.
The slum renovation in Living Hell progressed smoothly, now entering its third phase. The entirety of Living Hell's perimeter has been renovated, but serious difficulties arose when the renovations reached more remote areas.
The living and sanitary conditions in Living Hell have become unbearable. However, other places are not so severe, and since people are not starving, many are not eager for improved living conditions, and some even prefer things as they are.
A local who has lived here since birth, who has never read or encountered the outside world, doesn't feel the urgent need to improve their living condition because their life can go on the way it is.
They envy those who live in mansions, frequent theatres and fine dining restaurants every day, and they might dream about such a life from time to time, but that doesn't mean they are willing to let their own homes be turned upside down.
This generation's habits have already formed; they have no further aspirations - having enough to eat and a home that doesn't leak when it rains is enough. Hence, in the end, the issue circles back to education.
To inspire them to accept changes from within, it's necessary to raise their education levels to make them realize their living conditions and sanitation situation are not normal. But initiating education with this generation is unlikely, so the focus must be placed on the children.
This is why the Godfather allowed Cobblepot to convert his originally luxurious mansion into an ordinary restaurant. The children here need to witness a society different from their own living environment. They must have the drive to climb the social ladder, to have the motivation to embrace education.