Cough, cough!
Mike Joseph took out a handkerchief, covered his mouth, and coughed a few times.
The fog in the factory area was thicker than in other places. The air was gray with a yellowish hue, as if there was dust floating in it. Occasionally, it would emit a pungent smell, making it unbearable for the reporter, who was already used to Baekeland's air.
He turned his head to Klein, who was also coughing softly.
"I've always supported the government's establishment of the Kingdom's Atmospheric Pollution Council and the establishment of the alkali industry prosecutor, but I only realized today that the problem is so serious."
"If we don't take effective measures, it might lead to a tragedy in the future." Klein tried his best to clear his clogged nose.
Perhaps all of Baekeland will be shrouded in fog with a visual range of no more than five meters, and an evil god might very well descend or be born in such a scene … he silently added.
Old Kohler didn't quite understand their conversation. He cleared his throat, which was filled with phlegm, and led the reporter and the detective to bypass the guards and sneak into a lead white factory.
The factory was dominated by female workers. They were busy working without any protection, and the factory was filled with obvious dust.
Looking at the "tiny particles" floating and floating in the air, Klein seemed to see poisonous gas. The young women who weren't wearing masks were like lambs waiting to be slaughtered.
At that moment, it was as if he had returned to Tingen, to the time when he helped Sir Deweyville deal with his resentment.
He seemed to have witnessed the future of the female workers here. Some of them had a throbbing headache, some had a blurry vision, some became hysterical, and some had blue lines appearing on their gums. In the end, they either became blind or quickly died.
This is like a large-scale bloody sacrificial ritual, except that the target is the flashing money symbol … If the Aurora Order, Rose School, and other cults can make good use of such things, just like what Lanevus has done, then there will be a huge problem … Klein covered his mouth and nose as he quietly watched.
Mike Joseph whispered in shock and anger.
"How can this be?"
"How can they do this?"
"Some time ago, all kinds of newspapers and magazines focused on the matter of lead poisoning, but they didn't take any precautions?"
"They can't even bear to part with a mask?"
"These factory owners are committing murder!"
What a righteous reporter. Although he wasn't young, his style was stingy, and his acting was excellent, he still retained his original heart … But how did he know so much about lead poisoning? By the way, I forgot. I got Sir Deweyville to publicize the dangers of lead poisoning in all the newspapers and magazines … It seems like he did a good job, but to some people, what's the big deal if one or two lowly untouchables die? There are plenty of people waiting for job opportunities! Klein thought with a heavy heart.
As a senior reporter, Mike did not lose his mind. He quietly observed and asked a few workers who were changing shifts before leaving the lead white factory.
After that, they entered one factory after another. They were in no mood to discuss the dirty environment and the high-intensity labor of the people inside.
When it was close to noon, Klein suddenly noticed that a lot of people had gathered outside a factory in front of him. They were mainly women. They were shouting excitedly and trying to rush inside.
"What happened?" Mike asked Old Kohler in puzzlement.
Old Kohler was also puzzled.
"I'll go over and ask."
He jogged outside the factory and blended into the crowd. After a few minutes, he returned to Klein and Mike's side.
"They want to smash those new machines!" Old Kohler caught his breath and got to the point first.
"Why?" Mike had never been in charge of such news before, so he didn't know much about it. However, Klein could vaguely guess the reason.
Old Kohler pointed at the factory and said, "This is a textile factory.
They want to switch to the latest textile machines, and the number of people in charge of operating them will also decrease. It seems like … it seems like they're going to fire a third of the workers! "
"Those women want to smash the machines and get their jobs back. Otherwise, they might not be able to survive, or they might end up as street girls."
Mike opened his mouth. From the shape of his mouth, it was clear that he wanted to say "foolish," but in the end, he didn't say anything. He only looked over in silence and didn't even approach.
After a long time, Mike sighed and said, "Let's go back. I'm almost done with my investigations and interviews."
The three of them immediately turned around and walked out of the factory area. No one spoke along the way.
Just as they were about to part ways, Mike glanced at Klein and said in a low voice,
"Tell me, if the unprotected lead factories are shut down or their bosses are sent to court, will those women be able to find something else to do?"
Klein thought seriously and said, "If it's just a few, it won't be a big problem.
"If it's just a few rooms, it's not a big problem, but some female workers might endure hunger and cold in the process of looking for other jobs, gradually losing their labor force because they have no savings at all."
"If too many of them are shut down in a short period of time, coupled with the people who will lose their jobs after using the new textile machines, it will be a disaster."
Just the Baekeland factory area alone might have thousands or even tens of thousands of unemployed workers. They would be without food or clothing, wandering the streets like zombies, or lowering their salary requirements to fight for the jobs of other workers … It's unknown how many people in East Borough will die as a result, or lead a more difficult life. It will be a hellish scene. Even if this World doesn't have Beyonder powers, it will still bring about a great disaster. And now, the various evil gods are secretly watching and waiting … Klein swallowed the words he wanted to say.
Mike fell silent again. After paying the ten pounds and six soli, he took a carriage and left the smoke-filled factory area.
Klein watched the carriage leave and didn't speak for a long time.
When he was a Nighthawk, he had understood and come into contact with the lives of the poor, but it wasn't as deep of an impression as this time.
The omni-directional, three-dimensional observation presented a complete abyss in front of him.
East Borough is really full of hidden dangers and kindling. If I'm not careful, I might be ignited by some evil cult … Klein pondered for a few seconds and said, "Kohler, I would like to ask you to help me keep an eye on the situation in East Borough.
"Kohler, I'd like you to help me keep an eye on the situation in East Borough. Yes, when you're not working."
"I'll pay you so that you have the money to build a relationship with the other workers. Every week, we'll set a time to meet at the coffee shop from before."
Old Kohler's eyes lit up.
"No problem!"
He didn't mention a price, fully trusting the kind detective.
Klein deliberated and said, "Every time we meet, I'll give you 15 soli plus remuneration.
"Every time we meet, I'll give you 15 soli plus remuneration. If I'm satisfied with the information you provide, I'll give you an additional 5 soli as a reward."
"One pound?" Old Kohler blurted out in shock.
Even during the warmest and happiest years of his life, his weekly salary was only 21 soli, which was one pound and one soli.
"Yes." Klein nodded and said, "You have to pay attention to your words and actions. Don't be too eager to gather information. Maintain a state of asking less and listening more. Otherwise, you'll be in danger."
In theory, this kind of informant fee can be reimbursed. However, I'm now a fivepence man who brings his own rations … Klein let out a self-deprecating laugh.
...
In Empress Borough, in the Earl Hall's luxurious villa, in Miss Audrey's study.
The blonde, blue-eyed girl was listening to her psychology teacher, Miss Escalante's lecture. From time to time, she would stroke the large dog, Susie, who was sitting beside her.
Escalante Osleyka, who had waist-length black hair, noticed that the dog seemed to be listening very seriously. She couldn't help but smile and pause for two seconds.
Then, she continued her introduction.
"At present, there's no absolute orthodox theory in the field of psychology. There are several schools of thought, such as the school of psychoanalysis, the school of personality analysis, and the school of behavioral psychology.
"Of course, the study of the mind and spirit is not only done by psychologists and psychiatrists. Many professionals in the field of mysticism are also doing similar work. Among them, the most famous is … Heh, sorry, I deviated from the textbook. Let's return to the topic from before and talk about the school of psychoanalysis first."
Audrey could tell that he was trying to seduce her. She pretended to be ignorant and curious.
She pretended to be ignorant and curious and asked, "Teacher, I'm more interested in the research on psychology in the field of mysticism."
She pretended to be ignorant and curious and asked, "You know, I'm very interested in this area."
Escalante pursed her lips, frowned slightly, and said awkwardly, "But this involves some oath of confidentiality.
"But this involves some oath of confidentiality. I'm saying that these theories and research results belong to the secrets of certain mysticism circles. They are only spread internally."
"I see … Then, then can I join?" Audrey asked in anticipation. "They shouldn't be involved in evil matters, right?"
"Ha, how is that possible? That's just a seminar organized by enthusiasts. " After Escalante mentioned it, she took the initiative to change the topic. "Let's talk about this later. Let's continue with the class."
Knowing when to stop and taking things one step at a time. If this is the general quality of Psychological Alchemy members, then I don't have to worry too much about them being filled with lunatics and perverts like Mr. A … Audrey deliberately revealed an expression of reluctance to leave the topic, but she still listened to the theoretical foundations of psychoanalysis in a well-mannered manner.
After the class ended and Escalante left, she returned to the study, carefully closed the heavy wooden door, and said to the large golden retriever,
"Susie, what do you think of her?"
"She's not sincere!" Susie replied bluntly.
Then, it tilted its head and said, "However, what she talks about is very interesting.
"However, the things she talks about are very interesting. I think they're more interesting than meat and snacks!"
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
