Chapter 53

The tricycle, something John wasn't sure if it had been widely used in American history, was definitely everywhere in the streets of his previous life in the Heavenly Kingdom, with a huge market. Especially in this era, it was believed to have significant advantages over ordinary carriages.

The reactions of the crowd confirmed this point.

Soon, under Feng Ke's urgent urging, it took only a few minutes for everyone to preliminarily agree on a plan to put this new product into production in John's study. Joshua was responsible for applying for the patent, Feng Ke for the expansion of the factory and production arrangements, and even Tare happily secured another batch of machine orders for his family. John, as usual, stood to the side watching...

"What about me?"

Steve immediately became somewhat unhappy. The heir to the real estate developer anxiously asked, "You didn't bring me here just to listen to the plan, did you?"

Steve was also a bit envious of the recent craze over bicycles.

However, after hearing his words, Joshua and the others immediately fell silent. They all looked at John, somewhat resentful, not understanding why he had called Steve. But as the main person, John had no self-awareness and still smiled, saying, "Steve, the toy factory hasn't been confirmed for investment yet. Are you interested?"

"Toy?"

His heart stirred, and Steve seriously considered it.

As the son of a real estate developer, Steve clearly understood that the times had changed. A few decades ago, the wealthy in New York looked down on factory owners, and buying land and building houses, or being a merchant, were their usual routines. But now, everyone knew that industry and finance were the most profitable. Just look at Carnegie and Morgan to know that. So, being able to quickly integrate into this circle, Steve naturally had this intention.

But he also understood that it wouldn't be easy to squeeze into the bicycle factory.

Everyone knew that bicycles were profitable, and this tricycle would certainly not be far behind. Who would be willing to bring in another shareholder to share the profits? Besides, even if the factory needed to expand and required funds, their families would certainly invest without hesitation!

But...

Toys, would that work?

Like the others, Steve had no confidence. In fact, everyone's attention was on the tricycle. Apart from Emma, who was very interested, no one paid much attention to the toy designs John had brought out. In their view, most people were still struggling for survival, and these things would only be bought by the rich, making the market too small.

But John didn't mind, smiling, he said, "You can think about it. These toys are very simple to produce, with low costs, and they are very suitable for you."

As a穿越者 (time traveler), John clearly understood how massive the future toy industry would be. However, he couldn't be sure if it would succeed in this era. But relatively speaking, the industry's threshold was low, with minimal technical requirements, and he could produce these things based on his memory with little investment. After all, the technological and material limitations of this era were significant, and John didn't have much capital at hand, so many good ideas were not yet feasible.

"I'll think about it."

After hesitating for a moment, Steve nodded.

Pausing slightly, John continued, "Also, Steve, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

With this on his mind, Steve asked somewhat absentmindedly.

"I want you to help me buy a piece of land."

John smiled, "Find me a plot in Manhattan, preferably in a densely populated area, and it should be at least two acres!"

"What do you want to buy the land for?"

Steve was startled and quickly asked.

The others' attention immediately focused, immediately thinking that John might have some new ideas. After all, two acres of land was not a small number, especially in a densely populated area. At the current Manhattan land prices, it would cost at least tens of thousands of dollars!

Why spend so much money to buy land?

John chuckled, waving his hand, "Don't worry, I'm buying the land purely for personal reasons, nothing special. But Steve, this is very important to me. I'll prepare the funds, and once you find a suitable plot, just contact my grandfather, and he will handle the purchase for me..."

In the puzzled gazes of the others, John entrusted his two most important tasks before leaving New York to his friends.

Because of the success of the bicycle, the tricycle design showed enough potential for profit, so neither the expansion of production nor future sales required much worry from John. Joshua and Feng Ke would naturally handle it carefully, and John, who had given up his patent for shares, just needed to wait for the dividends. As for the toy factory, although others were less interested due to the existence of the bicycle factory, John believed Steve would give it a small try, and then he could have old Hunterlal take a certain share.

Actually, in John's heart, asking Steve to help buy a piece of land was the most important thing today.

This land was not for immediate use. In fact, John was preparing for the future. If possible, he would even have Steve break ground and start construction on a building destined to attract worldwide attention before he returned to New York...

...

After a lively day, John's birthday finally passed.

After seeing off the last batch of guests, the somewhat tired John said goodbye to his grandfather and thanked those who had helped today before going upstairs. However, after washing up and preparing to go to bed, John stopped in front of the large dressing mirror.

Today, I'm fourteen years old!

Looking at his tall figure in the mirror, John stood there for a moment, his thoughts suddenly becoming hazy.

Thanks to the genetic inheritance from the Hunterlal family and his unknown father, along with ample nutrition and moderate exercise, John's height was already close to six feet, or 1.8 meters, which was considered tall in this era. And although his growth had slowed, it had not stopped, and reaching 1.85 meters or more was not a problem.

Compared to his tall stature, John's appearance might be a bit ordinary. Under his smooth black hair was a rather plain face, lacking the three-dimensional features most Westerners admired. However, in others' eyes, his demeanor could make up for this shortcoming.

It was a very special personal aura.

"This is one of the benefits of being reborn."

Looking at himself in the mirror, John lightly touched his smooth chin, smiling bitterly and murmuring to himself.

With the mind of an adult, John's demeanor was naturally very different from that of an ordinary fourteen-year-old boy. It was precisely because of this difference that old Hunterlal, after much consideration, finally decided to send John to study in Europe.

In the past year, John's performance had indeed been very impressive.

John's rapid progress in mathematics, physics, and chemistry convinced old Hunterlal of his extraordinary scientific talent. His mature and steady demeanor also made the old man more confident in sending him to study in Europe at the age of fourteen...

Of course, someone would definitely accompany him.

After getting a doubled annual salary, Hans agreed to accompany John to Europe until he completed his studies. The butler, who had several children to support, could not resist this temptation. Using a few years of separation to secure a better future for his children was, in Hans's view, part of a father's duty.

After arranging these two matters today, John was truly prepared.

"Europe..."

Thinking about his upcoming journey to the European continent, and if he had enough luck, he might even meet great figures like Lister and Koch, and participate in many historically significant events, John's long-dormant passion flared up.

Clenching his fist tightly, a bright smile appeared on his face, and he murmured, "So, let me witness this glorious era..."

...

Not having a stock of chapters is indeed troublesome.

With more things to do these past two days, updates have become an issue. Sigh, I'll see if I can write another chapter later. If not, I'll have a small burst tomorrow.

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