Goodman left the office with a dejected look, muttering incomprehensible phrases like "no sportsmanship."
For the first time as the boss, Carter, who had just asserted his authority, didn't have time to savor the feeling. Following Goodman, he also walked out of the office and downstairs.
The counters at Blake Bank were predominantly made of wood, and the wall lights were designed to resemble antique sconces. Unlike the modern setup with counters lined up in rows, Blake Bank's counters were spacious and independent of each other.
Each counter was like a small booth, with partitions to ensure the privacy of customers seated there. Behind the counters, all the staff were young, attractive blondes. Clad in tight-fitting pencil skirts, stockings, and heels, their upper bodies adorned with snug blouses, they epitomized elegance and grace.
With their slender figures and beautiful faces, Carter couldn't help but admire his bank's staff. He had to admit that for a town like Douglas, with a population of less than fifty thousand, half of whom were African American, the fact that they managed to recruit such a bevy of beauties from the remaining twenty thousand or so Caucasians was impressive. However, this seemed to be the norm in banks these days.
Now wasn't the time to admire the ladies, though. Like a lion surveying its territory, Carter glanced at everyone before walking to the door and pulling it open.
"Goodman! We're here to withdraw money! You mean to tell me Blake Bank can't even give me my $3,400?"
"Why are you closing? I just want to take my money!"
"Damn it, give me my money back!"
As soon as he opened the door, Carter's ears were assailed by the cacophony of voices, sounding like a flock of ducks. He cast a surprised glance at the short man at the forefront who was shouting about getting his money back, then reached down to try and quiet him.
It was futile!
The crowd gathered outside Blake Bank continued to clamor for their money. Strangely enough, in this day and age, American bank accounts were generally divided into three types: savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates of deposit.
Savings and CD accounts were pretty straightforward, similar to current and fixed deposits in China, respectively. Both types earned interest, with savings accounts offering lower rates and CDs offering higher rates. The only difference was that before withdrawing from a savings account, you needed to notify the bank in advance, with the notice period ranging from thirty days to as long as a month.
In terms of convenience, they were inferior to current deposits in China.
The third type, the checking account, was rarely used by Chinese people. The checks commonly seen in foreign films were drawn from these accounts!
Banks didn't pay interest on checking accounts. In return, most Americans used them the most. After opening an account and depositing money, the bank would issue a checkbook. This allowed individuals to write checks for everyday expenses, and the merchants who received the checks would deposit them at the bank for payment. The bank would then deduct the amount from the account of the person who wrote the check.
So the current crisis was unlikely, considering that the most widely used type of account, the checking account, was being honored as usual. In theory, it shouldn't have occurred.
Carter admitted that the death of the founder could indeed undermine the trust of the masses in a small rural bank or business. However, as long as the bank's operations didn't halt, such distrust wouldn't erupt so quickly but rather gradually rebuild trust in the successor.
After all, as long as the bank didn't collapse, their funds were safe, making life convenient. There was no reason not to trust them. Perhaps there was some foul play among their peers?
"Everyone, please calm down and listen to what Little Blake has to say!"
Finally, the meaningless clamor ceased. All eyes were on Carter, who, having regained his composure, smiled.
"I don't have much to say. Blake Bank remains as reliable as ever! Whether you're withdrawing money or cashing a check, we'll honor all requests!"
Carter's confident words were like a spark igniting the tinder of the crowd, reigniting the cacophony that had just subsided for a few seconds.
"Little Blake, are you saying we can withdraw all the money from our savings and checking accounts?"
"Of course, you can. When you deposit your money in Blake Bank, you have the right to withdraw it! It's your money after all!"
Carter's tone remained calm, and there was no change in the smile on his face. Honestly, facing this crowd and speaking, Carter felt no pressure at all. Moreover, providing the solution himself was only natural and the most effective way to solve the problem.
Weren't you worried that Blake Bank didn't have enough money? Well, go ahead and withdraw. I'll let you take it! When everyone has their money, this sense of mistrust will naturally dissipate.
"I want to withdraw my $3,000 now!"
"No problem! Please come in! Everyone else, you can also withdraw your money as you wish. Just queue up quietly, and I guarantee that everyone will get their own money!"
As Carter spoke, he moved aside, making way at the door. Watching the crowd gradually quiet down and begin to line up orderly, Carter continued:
"You don't need to worry about Blake Bank's reputation. In 1973, Blake Bank purchased deposit insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for each and every one of you. Even if one day Blake Bank goes bankrupt, your money will not be lost!"
"FDIC deposit insurance provides coverage of up to $40,000 per depositor! If I'm not mistaken, we don't have many customers at Blake Bank with deposits exceeding $40,000, do we? This means that almost everyone who deposits money in Blake Bank can sleep soundly at night!"