In the final stage of a Ponzi scheme, victims often instinctively pour in a substantial amount of capital, ignoring even the pleas of their closest kin. This is because their behavior and thought patterns have been firmly conditioned.
If they invest, there might be some return, but if they don't, they'll get nothing, even suffering emotional losses on their principal. Savage had no other choice. He just wanted to keep going until he turned the tide.
When his liquid assets were nearly depleted, he began selling off his miscellaneous collections, starting with items of low collectible value, such as modern relics and works of art.
Strangely enough, logistics trucks and arms dealers could not enter, but antique dealers could. These newcomer antique dealers were tough negotiators who cut prices in half with no room to bargain. If you liked the price, you sold; if not, you spared yourself.
Savage intended to pick the highest bidder, but he found the later ones offered even lower prices. Ironically, it was the initial antique dealers who appeared to be the most sincere, although they would also bargain relentlessly, but they signaled their willingness to make large purchases.
In the end, Savage established a partnership with several antique dealers. They helped him trade these artworks and collections and transformed his collections into cash.
After liquidating a wave of collections and getting some working capital, Savage thought he should first build a sustainable base and develop the business within Living Hell.
Next came the old routine of investing money to open shops, expand transport routes, reduce warehouses and transit points, hire people to open businesses, and implement various policies to concentrate people here. Savage even introduced rent subsidies and tax exemptions to enhance the vitality of this place.
Perhaps many people know that the most profitable business for the Mob is not local protection rackets, but smuggling. Smuggling has low costs and high returns, and aside from being relatively dangerous, it has practically no drawbacks.
Savage didn't have smuggling channels and could only rely on local industries. This meant he had to invest heavily to create a business district, like a regular company.
The population density of Living Hell was extremely high. If he wanted to fully develop the business here, money would have to pour out like water.
Savage had a solid foundation. After selling those not-so-impressive collections, he brought out some treasures to attract antique dealers.
Savage initially wanted them to bid on the items. However, to his surprise, these antique dealers seemed to be colluding to lower the prices, each offering lower than the previous one. They didn't care whether Savage would sell or not.
Savage realized that something was amiss. If the less appealing items didn't fetch a good price, it was still understandable, but the items he had were creations of renowned artists.
They included numerous original pieces from famous painters, which were hard to find on the market, and some works that would undoubtedly cause a global sensation once exposed. Yet, these antique dealers acted as if they were blind, sticking to a set price and not budging.
Savage had also considered other methods, such as using regular art companies to auction the items, but it would be too time-consuming. From appraisal to advertisement to auction, it could be as quick as a year or as slow as several years, only suitable for wealthy people who didn't need money urgently.
Of course, he could also directly contact rich private buyers, but without any endorsement, these private buyers couldn't confirm the authenticity of these items.
Savage certainly couldn't tell them, "I've lived for fifty thousand years, and this was an item I picked up casually at Michelangelo's sculpture site." Even if he did say that, they would definitely regard him as insane.
However, if he went for appraisal, it would again mean following the same process as with an art company. Desperate for a quick sale, he was forced to accept the price cuts. The antique dealers continuously ingrained this idea into Savage. In the end, he had no other option but to sell his collections at a low price.
And the ones who purchased these collections were the heads of the Twelve Families.
"I don't quite understand, Professor, why would you want the heads of the Twelve Families to take over these collections? And that too at a comparatively low price?"
In the office, Alberto asked Shiller, who was standing in front of the whiteboard. To Alberto's left sat Bruce, and Victor and Cobblepot sat to his right.
Shiller tapped the whiteboard with the pen in his hand, asking, "What do you guys think is the reason the Twelve Families bought these products?"
Alvis hesitated, then said, "The Falcone Family also bought some. We mainly wanted to keep them for ourselves. After all, we know that compared to many other long-standing families, we lack heritage. These genuine works of art, regardless of the time period, will always hold value as long as human civilization persists."
"However…" Alberto's tone changed, as he added, "From what I know, many people from the Twelve Families plan to sell these when the price is high. After all, the art market investment is still decent these days and could possibly become more popular in the future. Buying these treasures at a low price now and selling them at a high price later would easily turn in a profit."
Shiller nodded, then asked, "No matter their reason, they likely won't decide to sell them in the short term, right?"
Alberto nodded, "Of course. Personally, I plan to keep them for my collection. Most of the heads of the Twelve Families will most likely keep the more precious ones for themselves. Even if they decide to sell, they would likely use auction houses and follow the full process. It will take at least a year or two."
Shiller smiled, "That's enough."
"What do you mean?" Bruce asked, "Why do you insist on having the heads of the Twelve Families buy these Collections?"
"What is your current financial predicament due to?" Shiller asked.
Bruce narrowed his eyes, asking, "What caused it?"
"In reality, it's not that you're out of money, just out of time." Shiller tapped the whiteboard again, "Your strategy is to complete all construction before the Mob reacts, minimizing their aggressive resistance. This requires a heavy investment in a short time, which is why your liquid assets are strained."
"I have to do it this way." Bruce said, "If I delay too long and they react, they will inevitably gather together and resist with force. By then, the entire city will be dragged into a war."
"But what if they willingly wait, giving you time to make money?"
"Why would they willingly wait for me?" Bruce pondered, "The heads of the Twelve Families aren't fools. Once they realize that these renovation plans are essentially undermining their foundation, they will react immediately."
"But your attitude at this time is crucial." Shiller looked at Bruce, "It seems you didn't pay attention during your behavioral studies lesson."
"Their reactions depend on what they think you're trying to do. And what they think you're trying to do depends on how you present yourself."