64 branches

With Malik's gold and silver backing, Zhu Wencong had a smooth opening of the Jiuding Bank branch at the state capital, while also inviting local bankers to the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Naturally, Zhu Wencong didn't have such clout; local white people didn't recognize him or bother to remember an Asian.

It all depended on Ibair, the president of Westwood Bank whom he had first met and who had previously made a small investment in Zhu Wencong, reaping quite a lot.

Through their joint exploitation of the wealth from the Japanese Islands' silver mines, Zhu Wencong had forged a close relationship with Ibair; they belonged to a community of interests.

Ibair hadn't expected Zhu Wencong's growth to be so rapid; in just over half a year, he had expanded from San Francisco to the state capital.

Thinking of the profits he had made, Ibair instantly understood the success Zhu Wencong had achieved; it was indeed genius, almost uncanny.