Great Germany Ⅱ Assets And Rich

　　City of Danzig, West Prussia Region, Greater Germany

　　March 13, 1960

　　19:30

　　The Greater German-Polnischen Trade Promotion Association charity ball was underway, the hall filled with laughter and chatter. Edward Strickler and Linda Strickler made their way through the crowd, the air thick with cigar smoke.

　　"This is ridiculous," Linda muttered. "A bunch of Germans drinking and smoking, and then we will eat their food and sleep on their beds. Disgusting."

　　"Good girl, I'm German too." Edward patted her back, his voice a low whisper.

　　"No, you are a Pole. Your mother was a Pole."

　　"But my father is German."

　　"Your father is dead, and your grandfather is a drunkard. So, you are a Pole."

　　Edward Strickler shrugged, and a waitress came over with a standard fake smile. "Sir, do you have an invitation?"

　　"Here." Linda pulled out the invitation and handed it to the waitress.

　　The waitress looked at the invitation and nodded. She looked at Linda in confusion. The little girl looked about 14 years old. "Is she your sister?" The waitress asked.

　　"No, my girl." Edward replied, and the waitress nodded.

　　The waitress led them into the ballroom, the lights dimmed. The music was low, the voices muted. The atmosphere was intimate, and it was clear that this was not a regular charity ball. "Do you want something to drink?"

　　"A bottle of wine." Linda gave the waitress a sweet smile.

　　The waitress frowned and turned to Edward. "A bottle of wine." The waitress nodded and walked away.

　　"Why do we need an invitation to a charity ball?" Linda muttered.

　　"Because the charity ball is not a real charity ball."

　　"What do you mean?"

　　"A meeting." Linda looked at him in confusion. Edward explained again. "There are some things you can't do in public."

　　"Things? What things?"

　　"Bribery, crime and money laundering. This is not a charity ball, but a meeting of criminals."

　　"This is absurd. Are you serious?" Linda's eyes widened, and Edward nodded.

　　Linda looked around, her eyes scanning the crowd. The faces were unfamiliar, and the conversations were hushed. This was definitely not a regular charity ball. "What happens next?"

　　"I don't know, and it is better not to know."

　　The waitress came back with a bottle of wine and a glass. She poured a glass and gave it to Edward.

　　"Thank you."

　　The waitress nodded and walked away. Edward drank the wine and put the glass on the table.

　　"What should we do now?" Linda whispered.

　　"Just wait." As the night wore on, Sponsor after sponsor showed up at the party. Each one brought their own entourage, and the hall became more and more crowded.

　　"Do they all have children with them?" Linda asked, her eyes fixed on the young girl at the door.

　　"Not really. Lovers or adopted orphans. Some are prostitutes."

　　"It is not a place for children." Linda bit her lip. "And how long will this meeting take?"

　　"Until the morning. Next is the waiter serving the dishes and opening remarks, and you can take your order. Then, the guests will enjoy the food, and there will be a dance party in the evening."

　　"It sounds like a long process."

　　"It is." Edward took another sip of wine. "You can leave early. You are too young to participate in this kind of thing. The car is waiting outside."

　　"Are you sure? I want to order food. What are you here for?" Linda asked.

　　"To do the work." Edward smiled.

　　"The work? What work?"

　　"You will see." Edward's smile disappeared.

　　"This is crazy." Linda sighed. The waiter came, and the dishes were ordered.

　　After a while, a fat, bald, middle-aged man and a girl in a black skirt came over. Edward stood up, shook his hand and hugged him. "Zach, how are you?"

　　"Well, Ed. I'm good." Zach gestured to the girl. "This is my niece. She will help you."

　　"Nice to meet you." Linda held out her hand. The girl nodded and shook her hand.

　　"This is my girl, Linda." Edward patted her shoulder. "We've already ordered, what do you want?"

　　"Steak."

　　"How many?"

　　"One, and two glasses of wine."

　　"You can't eat steak." Linda interrupted.

　　"Shut up, little bitch. Mind your own business." Zach's big belly started to stir. "Your girl is being naughty, Ed."

　　"She is a smart girl, and she has a good character." Edward's tone was mild, but his eyes were hard.

　　"Ed, are you sure?" Zach raised his eyebrow.

　　"Yes. The point is not that. Brittany's business, have you stopped working?"

　　"No, why?"

　　"Something happened in South London and Hamburg. The SS found Willibald, and now someone may be coming to Danzig."

　　"SS? What did Willibald do?"

　　"Nothing. Nothing more than fucking his Jewish girl. He was dead." Edward tied the napkin slowly. "I don't know the details, but I'm worried. You know that I have to report to the Gestapo."

　　"Fuck, this is not good." Zach looked at the girl. "Should I stop work and run?"

　　"No, no." Edward waved his hand. "Keep working, and don't panic. Just be careful."

　　"OK. I got it." Zach sighed.

　　The waiter came over and served the food. Linda and the other girl started eating.

　　"So, how is the situation with the Poles?" Zach asked, changing the subject.

　　"Not bad. Although they are poor, but the price is cheap. Now you just pretend to be an ordinary clothing dealer and don't do anything. After the end of the month, I will send you a message, and we can arrange a delivery date."

　　"OK, OK." Edward and Zach continued to talk about their business.

　　"Hey, Linda." The girl looked at Linda and asked, "Do you like the food?"

　　"Yes, it is very delicious." Linda wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Who are you?"

　　"My name is Ange, and I'm Zach's niece. And who are you?"

　　"Linda. I'm a spy."

　　Ange burst into laughter. "What a funny girl. A spy. What kind of spy? Spy in what?"

　　"Spy in this charity ball." Linda's face was serious.

　　Ange narrowed her eyes and looked at her. "Who sent you here?"

　　"Ed, he is my guardian."

　　"I mean, who is your master?"

　　"My master? I have no master. I am free. Free to choose and free to do whatever I want."

　　Ange's gaze softened, and she smiled. "How old are you?"

　　"twelve." Linda took a bite of her steak.

　　"Twelve, that's not enough." Ange took a sip of her wine.

　　"For what?"

　　"For what we are going to do. You will understand later." Ange smiled mysteriously. "twelve, so young. But you have to be careful, the world is not a good place."

　　"I know." Linda's expression turned solemn.

　　Ange and Linda finished their meal, and then Edward and Zach finished talking. "Zach, I'm leaving. Keep in touch, and if anything happens, you can tell me."

　　"The auction is about to start, don't you want to buy something?"

　　"No, not now. I will buy when the situation stabilizes." Edward took Linda's hand. "Bye, Ange."

　　"Bye." Ange waved her hand.

　　Edward and Linda left the ballroom and walked out of the hall. Linda turned and looked at the scene inside the hall, the waiters carrying the trays, the girls laughing, the fat men smoking, the rich enjoying themselves. It was a strange, alien world.

　　"Why did you bring me here?" Linda asked.

　　"You want to see the truth, don't you? The truth is not beautiful." Edward took Linda's hand and walked to the waitress. "Basement elevator."

　　The waitress nodded and pressed the elevator button. "I will accompany you."

　　"No, I know the way." Edward said.

　　"Mr. Strickler, please. I must accompany you. If I don't, the boss will scold me."

　　"Fine, let's go." Edward and Linda got into the elevator, the waitress followed. The elevator was small, and the three of them squeezed together.

　　"You don't have to come. You can go back." Linda looked at the waitress.

　　"I can't. I have to do my job." The waitress pressed the button for the basement floor. "Little girl, is this your first time here? How old are you?"

　　"She's my adopted daughter. She's thirteen." Edward lied.

　　"Really? So young." The waitress looked at Linda with pity.

　　"It's not a problem. I'm very happy." Linda's eyes flashed. "I love my foster father."

　　"Really? I hope you are really happy."

　　The elevator reached the basement floor, and the door opened. The waitress walked out first, leading the way. "This way."

　　Edward and Linda followed the waitress down the dimly lit hallway, the air thick with the smell of dust and decay. They walked to another elevator, and the waitress pressed the button.

　　"Where is this elevator going?" Linda asked.

　　"Down. We'll be there soon." The waitress' tone was nonchalant.

　　"Will I see something different?"

　　"Yes, you will." The waitress smiled.

　　The elevator door opened, and the three of them got in. The waitress pressed the button for the third floor, and the elevator started to rising. "Is it a different place than the one before?" Linda asked.

　　"Yes, this is the special floor. The prom will be held here."

　　The elevator stopped, and the door opened. The waitress led them into a large hall, the ceiling high, the walls decorated with ornate tapestries. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, its crystals glittering in the light. Edward held Linda's hand and walked out of the elevator. Another waitress wearing a domino came over and handed over two dominoes of different styles. Edward took them and put the domino on his face. Linda did the same.

　　"Now, you can call me 'Diana,' and he is 'Dionysus.' Don't remove your masks until the prom is over."

　　"Understood." Linda nodded.

　　Diana led Edward and Linda to a seat in the front row. The stage was set, and the audience was full. "What is this?" Linda asked.

　　"A secret prom." Edward's voice was a low whisper.

　　"What are they going to auction?"

　　"Children. Human trafficking."

　　Linda's eyes widened, her heart beating wildly. The lights dimmed, and the music began to play. A woman walked onto the stage, her movements fluid, her voice lilting. "Damn!" Linda covered her eyes.

　　"It's a show." Edward grabbed Linda's wrist and forced her to lower her hands.

　　"I know, but she has no clothes!" Linda pointed to the woman on the stage.

　　"Yes, that's the purpose." Edward chuckled.

　　Linda looked at the stage again. The woman's movements were graceful, her voice captivating. "Wait, is this Miss Pageant from years past?"

　　"Yes, she is the best actress in Danzig."

　　"How did she fall so low?"

　　"Everyone has to make a living."

　　Linda turned to Edward. "Do they sell the children?"

　　"There are orphans or children from single-parent families here. Some people like boys, and some like to torture or kill them."

　　"That's terrible." Linda's eyes welled up.

　　Edward stroked her head. "Yes, the world is a terrible place. Do you want to leave?"

　　"No, I have to see the truth. I have to see the true face of the world."

　　Edward smiled and kissed Linda's forehead. "I will do everything I can to protect you."

　　"Maybe I just wanted to look at the animals but not get involved."

　　"You are always welcome, Little Caligula."

　　The woman finished her performance, and the music stopped. The lights dimmed, and the sound of applause echoed through the hall. Linda looked around, and everyone was wearing a domino mask. "What will they do?"

　　"They will choose the one they like, and then they will bid."

　　"What do they buy? A boy or a girl?"

　　"Sometimes, a child is enough." Edward's tone was cold. "Then they would take their partner or a partner they brought upstairs or dance and kiss here."

　　Linda's face paled. "How can you do this? Isn't it against the law?"

　　"No, it is legal."

　　"What?"

　　"There are some things you can't do in public, as I told you before. But there are things you can do in private."

　　Linda's heart sank. "But it is illegal. Isn't it wrong?"

　　"There are no laws here, only contracts. Everyone has to make a living. These invitations are from entrepreneurs and politicians, people in power. The girls and boys are all orphans, and the waiters are prostitutes from Eastern Europe or Britain. They have to survive, and we have to survive."

　　"It is still wrong." Linda protested.

　　"Wrong or right, it doesn't matter. The world is not a good place." Rows of girls came out, six years old at the front, then older and older. They were wearing beautiful dresses, their hair neatly combed. Linda felt sick to her stomach. "They are all cute. I think they should be loved, not sold."

　　"No one will love them." Edward looked back. "Your mother was once one of them."

　　Linda turned and looked at Edward in shock. "What?"

　　"She was a beautiful girl. I bought her when she was thirteen."

　　Linda's eyes widened. She had known that Edward was her adoptive father, but she had never known the details of her life before. "My mother...is she still alive?"

　　"No, she died when she gave birth to you. At least that's what they say. Can we go upstairs and talk? What happens next, no one will like."

　　"No, I want to see." Linda shook her head. "What is happening now?"

　　"They will ask the girls and boys to show their talents. There will be some dancing, singing and playing the piano. Then there are the most primitive physiological needs. Some people like to fill the bathtub with champagne or milk, some people like to let his wife or girl serve anyone, and some people play with depth charges."

　　"Depth charge? What is that?" After Edward explained, Linda's face was pale. She turned away and vomited.

　　"Are you OK?" Edward handed her a napkin.

　　"No, it is too disgusting. They are animals! not human beings!"

　　"Yes, they also play other games, you'd better not know about it. Can we go?"

　　"Yes." Linda nodded. "I don't want to see it anymore."

　　Edward stood up, and Diana came over. "Sir, do you want to participate?"

　　"No, I have a girl. Get me a private room, we're going to sleep."

　　"OK." Diana led them to a private room. The room was small, the walls lined with shelves. The shelves were filled with various sex toys and accessories.

　　"This is a storehouse?" Edward shook his head. "Change to a normal room."

　　"There are no more rooms available, and the party is about to end." Diana replied.

　　Edward sighed. "It's okay. Give us some wine and a blanket."

　　Diana nodded and went out.

　　Linda looked at the shelves in horror. "Do you have these things? Why do they need it?"

　　"These are things for fun." Edward's tone was flat.

　　"Fun?" Linda asked.

　　"Yes, fun."

　　Diana returned with two bottles of wine and a blanket. "Enjoy your stay."

　　Edward took the wine and blanket. Linda curled up on the sofa, her eyes glazed. After Diana left, Edward locked the door. "Usually these rooms are bugged or videotaped." He whispered.

　　"You mean, they're going to watch us have sex?"

　　"They think that." Edward shrugged.

　　Linda looked around the room. "Can you turn on the lights?"

　　Edward turned on the lights, and the room was filled with a warm, dim light. Linda took off her shoes and socks, and lay on the sofa. "I said at home that you should come here when you're 18, just like me."

　　"What happened? I am here, but I'm still too young to participate."

　　"I was 18 when I first came here."

　　"But you're a boy. I'm a girl. Tell the truth, Edward, you did those disgusting things here too?"

　　"No, I'm showing you the truth. Do you know the story of Pandora's Box? You can protect yourself by understanding the darkness. And I wanted to teach you a lesson. This is a cruel world, and you need to be strong to survive."

　　"I know. But I don't want to live like this." Linda's voice was barely a whisper.

　　"Yes, so I just want to teach you." Edward placed two bottles of wine on the coffee table. "This organization that facilitates trade is actually engaged in smuggling and crime."

　　"But you are also a part of it."

　　"Yes, I am a sponsor." Edward opened the wine and drank a mouthful. "The police are investigating it. If the police investigate further, I will be in trouble."

　　"But the police won't do anything. These people are important."

　　"Yes, and the police will turn a blind eye to these crimes. But why?"

　　"Because of money, bribes, and corruption. This is a vicious circle."

　　"You are a smart girl, but the real reason is that they are afraid. The government is more powerful than the organization. If it hadn't been for government people to protect it, we would have been in jail. This organization has branches in Britain, Poland, Germany and other countries. It is an international organization, and we will continue to be connected. Even if you arrest a member of this organization, others will continue."

　　"This is terrible. You mean, even if I tell the police, they can't do anything." Linda's face was pale.

　　"Yes, But don't worry, we are the main shareholders of this organization. So you are safe. Now, Guess how this organization makes money?"

　　"Trafficking children, prostitution, blackmail, murder, gambling, fraud, drug smuggling, and so on."

　　"Yes, and it is also a place for business transactions and meetings. Look, for example, this blanket is Europe, and the two bottles of wine are Brittany and Prussia. Do you understand?"

　　"I don't understand. You are a businessman. What is the connection?"

　　Edward is holding the red wine on the left, which symbolizes Brittany. "Brittany, we import American food and Mexican drugs from here."

　　"And the white wine?"

　　"Poland. The Polish women's underwear and prostitutes. You have seen the Polish woman in the basement."

　　"Yes, she was very beautiful." Linda stared at the blanket for a moment. "You mean each of you are smuggling unmarked black market merchandise?"

　　"Exactly." Edward poured the white wine on the blanket, forming a large stain. "Now, We bribed customs and many people, and then moved the goods across the oceans to various countries."

　　"So, that is the true nature of this organization. It is a place where businessmen and politicians can come together and talk business. They will discuss how to smuggle goods, bribe officials, and so on."

　　"Yes, but here's the problem. The money we receive comes from the black market, so it is black money. Now that you are me, how do you launder money and bribe bureaucrats?"

　　"Well, if the money is not black, you can donate it to a charity. Charity is a way to bribe people. It is also a way to get tax relief."

　　"Exactly, and the charity ball is just a front. For example, suppose I want to bribe the provincial secretary of Danzig so that he commissions a trade organization to auction a painting. I spend several hundred thousand marks to auction the painting, and then I meet with him to present the painting to him. Are these actions illegal?"

　　"No."

　　"Exactly, and there are no records. The meeting is in a secret location, and the payment is made through the trading organization. But it is still possible to find out if you are suspicious. So, they have all kinds of treasuries and foundations, writing books, giving speeches, charity events and that sort of thing. It's all a scam, and they're all just a way to launder money."

　　"That is, they all have a foundation. This is their way of laundering money. But I don't understand, what if you are investigated?"

　　"Who has jurisdiction over anti-corruption operations?"

　　"The police and the court."

　　"What if we donate money or give gifts to Himmler, the judge of the People's Court and the leader of the SS?"

　　"Then there will be no problem." Linda nodded. "So, everyone who participates in the organization is a corrupt bureaucrat or politician. That is to say, there is a relationship between corruption and politics."

　　"Yes, if even the top leaders of a dictatorship are corrupt, how can we possibly jail people for corruption? The hapless ones who are jailed or shot are political failures."

　　"I see, but why are the children trafficked and used as prostitutes?"

　　"They have no parents, and there are many people who have a perverted desire. It is a kind of entertainment. You should go to bed early, it's late."

　　Linda took off her shoes and socks, and lay down on the sofa. Edward lay beside her. The room was dark, and the only sound was the beating of their hearts. "You know, your mother was the first one I bought."

　　"So, you are my real father."

　　"Maybe, maybe not. I don't know. Don't sleep on my lap, little lady. There are people watching us."

　　Linda's body trembled, and she moved a little away. "Do they watch the whole night?"

　　"Until dawn." Edward put the blanket on Linda.

　　"Do they also sell adults?"

　　"From 6 to 50 years old, don't ask, You are too young."

　　"I will be thirteen next year. I'm not a child anymore."

　　"Don't try to grow up faster, the world is not a good place. You should live a simple life." Edward took off his shirt under the blanket. "Good night."

　　His skin was warm, and the feeling was comforting. She closed her eyes, and the smell of his body was intoxicating. "Your mother was a very beautiful woman. I loved her, and I love you." Edward kissed her forehead.

　　"I love you too. Edward, I have a question. Do they sell male prostitutes?"

　　"Yes, but they are different from the girls. You don't have to go to a prom. The price is cheaper."

　　"Oh, really?"

　　"Yes, if you want to try, I can take you."

　　"No, it's not a problem." Linda smiled. "Good night, dad."

　　"Good night." Her father's body was warm, his breath heavy, and the feeling was comfortable. She closed her eyes, her consciousness blurry.

　　She was in a dream, her mind foggy. She saw a beautiful woman in front of her. She had the same hair as her, the same eyes, and the same smile. She was a gentle and lovely person.

　　"Mother, I miss you."

　　"I miss you too. But you will be fine." Her mother's voice was soft and melodious.

　　"Mother, I have a dad. His name is Edward."

　　"I know, he has a mistress, and I am a bastard. I was born in the slums of Berlin, and my father abandoned me."

　　"What happened to you? Did you die because of me?"

　　"No, it was an accident. But it is good. We are free. Your father is a bad man. He is a liar, a pervert, and a criminal. But He will protect you. Be good, my daughter, and be a good girl. Grow up, and live a good life. Don't repeat my mistakes."

　　"I will, I promise."

　　"My child, I love you."

　　——

　　March 13, 1960

　　04:00

　　Danzig, Greater Germany

　　Edward got out of bed and put on his clothes. Linda woke up, her eyes wide open. There was a knocking at the door. "who?"

　　"Sir, it's time to leave. The car is waiting outside."

　　"Wait." Linda jumped up and ran to the toilet. Edward took the blanket and folded it.

　　Linda came out of the toilet, her hair a mess. She wore a white t-shirt and pink panties, and her thighs were exposed. Edward shook his head. "You should learn from me and never sleep naked."

　　"Sorry, I will remember it next time." Linda put on her skirt and tied her hair. "Is it the end?"

　　"Yes, let's go." Edward and Linda left the private room. Linda took his hand, and they walked out of the room. The hallway was quiet, and the air smelled of perfume. "Wear a mask. We take the elevator home."

　　"Do they wear masks too?"

　　"Yes, so that their faces are hidden."

　　Linda's expression darkened. "Are they afraid of being caught? This is a crime."

　　"Of course. Put it on, the waiter is coming." Linda nodded and put on the mask.

　　"Sir, Miss, did you have a good time?" The waiter's tone was casual.

　　"Yes." Edward led Linda into the elevator. A few minutes after the guests left, the cleaning and maintenance work began. The waiters cleaned the dishes and cleared the tables. The floor was swept, and the hall was restored to its original state.

　　The cleanup work was carried out mechanically. It was not until the last guest left the room that the employees gathered in the corner of the hall. They took off their masks and talked about the events of the night.

　　"There was a lot of business last night," Edward remarked, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room. Linda, seated across from him, nodded in agreement. The air was thick with tension, and the flickering candlelight cast elongated shadows on the walls.

　　"Yes," Linda replied, her voice barely audible over the low hum of conversation. "And the bidding was fierce. But we will see more later. Once a week, if you want to come."

　　Linda's confusion was evident. "I don't understand. Why can they do this, and the law doesn't stop them?"

　　Edward leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ornate chandelier above. "Because the law is a tool—a means to control the population. In reality, power is based on money and connections." He reached out and gently touched Linda's head. "Laws are made by power. Where does power come from?"

　　"Money," Linda replied, her brow furrowing.

　　"Half true," Edward said, his eyes narrowing. "Power comes from the ability to compel others to obey. It's an invisible force that permeates every corner of society. But here's the paradox: the police and the government, too, are controlled by this same invisible force. So, no matter how many people are arrested, they can't truly challenge the organization. Powerful connections ensure that escape remains an option."

　　Linda's frustration grew. "But if there are so many people involved, why not expose it? If all the corrupt officials and politicians were jailed, they would be out of business."

　　Edward sighed. "First, who would expose it? Second, no one is going to jail willingly. Third, even if corruption were revealed, at best, the little guy takes the blame. Fourth, consider this: if a corrupt official goes to jail, will the new official automatically become clean?"

　　"What do you mean?" Linda asked, leaning in.

　　"You can't change the system overnight," Edward explained, rising from his chair. "The system dictates the operation of society, and power shapes the system. What is the root source of power?"

　　"Money," Linda replied, her voice resolute.

　　"Indeed," Edward said, leading Linda toward the heavy oak door. "Money can create power, but it can also dismantle it. Money is the foundation of the system. If you truly want to change things, you have to strike at the core—the very heart of it all."

　　Linda hesitated. "And what's that?"

　　Edward's eyes bore into hers. "Violence," he said, his voice unwavering. "Sometimes, it's the only language the system understands."

　　Linda hesitated, her mind racing with questions. "Then what should we do?"

　　Edward's eyes bore into hers, a mix of weariness and wisdom. "Don't do anything," he said, his voice low and measured. "Just be a smart and capable person. Live a peaceful and comfortable life, and don't try to change the world."

　　"Why?" Linda pressed, her frustration mounting. "Why can't we challenge the system? Why can't we fight back?"

　　Edward stepped closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "My little Caligula," he murmured, invoking the name of the infamous Roman emperor. "You're going to play a zero-sum game with me?"

　　Linda frowned. "What do you mean?"

　　"A zero-sum game," Edward explained, his gaze unwavering. "If you win, I will grant you your wish. If you lose once, you die. Will you keep playing this game?"

　　Linda's heart raced. The stakes were higher than she'd ever imagined. She climbed into the passenger seat of Edward's sleek Maybach, and he closed the door with a soft thud.

　　As Edward settled into the driver's seat, the engine purred to life. "The best thing to do about weird games," he said, pulling away from the curb, "is not to play them."

　　"But what should I do?" Linda's voice trembled. "What is the right way to live?"

　　Edward's eyes flickered to the streetlight, casting shadows across his face. "Live a good life," he said. "Make friends, have fun, find a job, marry a boy, and have kids. Simple pleasures."

　　Linda's mind whirred. "But money—"

　　Edward cut her off. "Let me ask you, if I give you ten thousand marks, how will you make more money?"

　　Linda hesitated. "Maybe buy stocks, or open a business. How long does it take to double the money?"

　　Edward's lips curved into a half-smile. "If you choose the right path, three months," he said. "As long as you gain assets and get out of debt. Remember the cash flow game we played at home with Monopoly?"

　　"Yes," Linda replied, recalling the late nights huddled around the board, making strategic moves. "But what about it?"

　　Edward's gaze intensified. "Regardless of anything," he said, "if it can continue to generate income, it's an asset. If it continues to generate expenses, it's a liability." He turned left, heading toward the quiet residential area. "You see, money can buy you power, and power can make you rich. It's a vicious circle, and the only way to break it is through violence or political power."

　　Linda's mind spun. "But how do you get money?"

　　"Buy a commodity, sell it, and make a profit," Edward said, his voice steady. "Interest, return on capital—the tax is a fee. And this Maybach we're sitting in? Asset or liability?"

　　Linda glanced at the luxurious car's leather seats, the polished wood paneling. "An asset," she replied.

　　"it is a liability. Because you buy a new car, it will depreciate by at least 20% even if it has not been driven, because it becomes a second-hand car. Likewise, you need to pay for parking space, gas, repairs, etc., which will continue to create liabilities."

　　Linda listened intently as Edward explained the intricate dance between assets and liabilities. The Maybach, once a symbol of luxury, now seemed like a weight around her neck. She pondered his words, the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders.

　　"But can't we sell the car or rent it?" she asked, her mind racing.

　　Edward's eyes bore into hers. "This is the core issue," he said. "One thing can generate both income and expenses simultaneously. If the income outweighs the costs, it's an asset. Renting out a vehicle, for instance—if the income exceeds the expenses, it's an asset. And even buying a second-hand car at a low price, refurbishing it, and selling it at a profit—it's an asset."

　　"But what if you can't sell the car or rent it? What if no one wants it?" Linda pressed.

　　Edward's lips curved into a wry smile. "Then you're left with two options: burn it or use it. But it won't generate any profit." He expertly parked the Maybach in the garage, the engine purring to a halt. "If you're poor, speculate. If you're rich, maintain steady profits and beat inflation."

　　Linda's mind raced. "How do you escape poverty, then?"

　　Edward's gaze softened. "You need ability," he said. "Education, hard work, and a dash of luck." He stepped out of the car, his polished shoes tapping against the garage floor. Linda followed suit.