"Mr. Hans, here is your prize: a sum of five million marks. However, you will need to pay the taxes yourself," said Karl von Jonalett, the General Manager of the German Welfare Lottery Company, his face beaming with a broad smile as he handed a check to the grand prize winner, Hans.
After confirming the winner, Karl had rushed to Düsseldorf overnight, bearing the five-million mark check, while simultaneously notifying the major newspapers of the news. Now, in front of the gathered journalists, he presented the prize to Hans publicly.
"I... I cannot thank you enough," Hans stammered, visibly overwhelmed. At that moment, he felt as if he were in a dream. He could hardly believe that fortune had smiled upon him, bestowing the grand prize upon him; even after paying taxes, he would still have four million marks left! For him, this was an unimaginable fortune. With this money, he would no longer need to toil in the mines, and his wife and children would no longer have to squeeze into their cramped living quarters.
"Mr. Hans, how are you feeling right now?" a reporter asked, his eyes filled with envy. He wished he were in Hans's shoes, wondering why luck had not favored him. If he had won the grand prize, he would never have to work so hard again.
"I am ecstatic and incredibly grateful. Thank God, and thank the German Welfare Lottery Company. As a coal miner, life has been quite challenging for me. However, from this point forward, my life will be completely transformed," Hans replied, filled with anticipation for his future.
"Dear journalists, the mission of the German Welfare Lottery Company is to provide individuals with the opportunity to change their destinies. While two marks may not be a trivial amount, it is affordable for the vast majority. Investing two marks for a chance at a life-altering opportunity is undeniably a worthwhile gamble. Winning the grand prize means a fundamental change in one's life. Additionally, our company is committed to giving back to society. From the proceeds of each draw, we allocate a portion for social welfare initiatives, enhancing the entire community," Karl seized the moment to expound on their mission. Although still young, he exhibited remarkable maturity and poise, showing no signs of stage fright.
"Bravo!" The surrounding journalists and onlookers erupted into enthusiastic applause.
The news of a coal miner winning the grand prize of five million marks rapidly spread through the major newspapers. Naturally, Qin Tian and his team invested significantly in public relations to achieve this. This surge of attention rekindled fervor for the double-color ball lottery, attracting an increasing number of people eager to change their fortunes through participation.
Although two marks was not insignificant for the average person, given the current wage levels, it remained manageable. Consequently, sales of the double-color ball lottery continued to rise.
By the fourth draw, sales had escalated to forty million marks. After deducting costs and prizes, Qin Tian and his associates realized approximately four million marks in profit, two million of which belonged to Qin Tian. With this steady stream of income, the realization of his plans became considerably more feasible.
The explosive sales of the double-color ball lottery naturally garnered the attention of many. Some sought to seize this lucrative opportunity, yet found themselves at a loss as to how to proceed.
Despite not enjoying the favor of Wilhelm II, Qin Tian remained a prince of Germany. Targeting the ventures of a prince would undoubtedly be seen as a provocation against the monarchy. Without sufficient strength, one could hardly withstand the wrath of the royal family.
Furthermore, the German Welfare Lottery Company made weekly donations exceeding a million marks to Germany's civil government for social welfare causes, establishing an excellent reputation in society. Any reckless attempt to undermine the company would likely provoke public outrage.
However, even amidst this, Qin Tian sensed that as the allure of the German Welfare Lottery Company grew stronger, the greedy would soon find it difficult to restrain themselves.
In a capitalist society like Germany, even the monarchy would exhibit caution in the presence of formidable capitalists.
"Karl, to date, we have conducted six draws, yielding a total profit of ten million marks. After deducting the two million marks already donated to the civil government, we have remaining profits of eight million marks. Here is one million marks for you," Qin Tian said, handing a check to Karl.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I never anticipated that we would recoup our costs in just over a fortnight. Everything from this point forward is pure profit," Karl replied, his face alight with joy. Although he would only receive ten percent of the profits, he was more than satisfied. At the current profit margin, he could easily earn over two hundred thousand marks each month.
"Indeed, however, our substantial earnings have undoubtedly stirred jealousy in others. It seems there are quite a few capitalists eager to swallow us whole," Qin Tian expressed, a strong sense of crisis creeping over him.
"Your Highness, is your identity not enough to instill fear in them?" Karl's expression turned serious.
"In the short term, it may suffice to keep them at bay. However, as our profits continue to swell, their patience will wear thin. By then, my status as a mere prince will hardly intimidate them," Qin Tian said with a wry smile, shaking his head.
"What should we do then?" Karl understood the cutthroat nature of capital accumulation. In pursuit of profit, capitalists would resort to any means necessary. Qin Tian's princely status indeed offered little deterrence. Should he elevate his position further and become the heir apparent, perhaps that would instill some caution among them.
"Karl, please visit the palace and ask your father to convey this check to my father, the king. Our prior decision was to allocate twenty percent of the profits to the royal family. I hope that, considering this sum and our familial bond, my father will grant us protection," Qin Tian instructed.
Karl nodded, "Understood, Your Highness. I will head to Potsdam right away."
Karl recognized that if the royal family could issue a warning to those greedy individuals, they would likely abandon their designs on the German Welfare Lottery Company. After all, since the unification of Germany, the royal family's influence had soared, and even the wealthiest capitalists dared not openly defy the monarchy.