Rebirth: Super Banking System Chapter 2459 - 2297: Sanctions

~4 minute read · 1,110 words
Previously on Rebirth: Super Banking System...
The European Union held a tense conference on the Greek debt crisis, where debates shifted against compromise, leading to a vote rejecting a bailout without severe reforms like wage cuts and reduced benefits; a harsh ultimatum was sent to Greece. The Greek President, trapped between EU demands and public outrage over welfare reductions, gathered his cabinet, which proposed holding a referendum on exiting the Eurozone to pressure the EU and buy time. Protests erupted in Greece amid growing anti-EU fervor, and the shocking announcement of the referendum stunned global media, with Tang Qing foreseeing a strong vote to leave.

Three days had passed.

Arctic region.

The icebreaker vessel sailed away from the frozen waters, wrapping up this Arctic journey successfully. They avoided a thorough push toward the North Pole since the schedule simply didn't allow it.

Except perhaps via aircraft.

Come next year.

Ge Feng along with his group aims to explore Antarctica, though not during the year's close like the current timing; they'll opt for July or August instead, seemingly to flee the scorching summer.

Tang Qing intends to participate as well.

The key factor.

Stems from Qin Shiqi and the others begging to come along for the adventure. With his free schedule, he decides to tag along with the girls on a summer outing while guaranteeing their protection.

That's true.

Bodyguards remain close by.

Yet.

Their abilities remain somewhat constrained.

...

At the ship's prow.

Across the deck.

Tang Qing relishes the breeze, striking a confident stance. Despite comfortable setups, the team feels somewhat worn out; nevertheless, Tang Nian’er and the women overflow with vitality.

The upcoming destination.

Norway.

Following that.

They'll board a flight to Davos for some excitement, then gear up for the journey back. Just two weeks remain before the Spring Festival, making the timeline rather pressed.

Hence.

The full conference won't be on their agenda.

Only a couple of days there.

Before departing.

Additionally.

This year stands out; since the initial group company gala, none have followed. Tang Qing's vision was to organize one every five years.

Currently.

Five years elapsed, so it's due to happen.

...

January 24th.

Switzerland.

Historic fortress.

The sun dipped toward the horizon.

"In the end, that's exactly what occurred." Upon viewing Greece’s second referendum outcome, Chai Ren let out a wry internal chuckle. Earlier, even analysts back home.

Deemed the odds slim.

After all.

Remaining in the Eurozone benefits Greece far more than striking out alone. The populace got fooled once, so the follow-up should bring clarity. As events demonstrate.

It's wiser to doubt the so-called experts.

Forecasts?

No way.

They lack such foresight; post-event breakdowns are their expertise. In reports, this verdict brought joy to most Greeks.

As though.

They'd struck at the European Union’s weak point.

Meanwhile.

People in fellow Eurozone nations buzzed with thrill, demanding Greece's requests be met and it booted from the zone without hesitation.

Some even paraded through streets, toasting in jubilation.

For a moment.

The scene erupted in fervor.

...

Around the dining table.

"What steps will the European Union take now?"

Chai Ren inquired.

"Probably impose penalties on Greece." Tang Qing grinned.

"Really?"

"With Greece pulling this stunt, doesn't the European Union feel pressed? Wouldn't they negotiate instead?" Qin Shiqi wondered, nibbling on a crab leg.

At those words.

Tang Qing grinned.

"Partly yes."

"And partly no."

"While the European Union hates the idea of Greece exiting, it's no pushover. With Greece pushing boundaries time and again, the EU has its limits too."

"Thus, expect a firm stance ahead. The path forward hinges on talks between them—be it departure or support."

"Both sides hold valid grounds."

Upon hearing this.

The group nodded in agreement.

Though.

His words skirted a firm verdict, offering little concrete, yet it sufficed. Such matters prove tough to foresee accurately.

Tang Qing isn't some oracle who knows all fates.

...

The following day.

Afternoon hours.

En route to Davos.

"Damn!"

"Sanctions are here already." Chai Ren burst out.

Right away.

Zheng Lin and the rest sharpened their attention, "That quick? What kind of sanctions?"

"Limits on daily cash pulls from accounts," Chai Ren explained. Moments ago, reacting to Greece’s moves, the European Union voiced strong disapproval and slapped on penalties.

Effective from tomorrow dawn.

Throughout Greece.

Every financial institution, individuals limited to two hundred Euros cash daily, with possibilities of tighter caps lowering that figure further.

These measures struck hard.

To realize.

Since swapping their currency for the Euro, Greece's money flow sits fully under the European Central Bank’s oversight, making such blocks straightforward.

"Greece faces even wilder turmoil soon."

...

During this period.

Greece.

Facing the penalty outline, officials stood stunned briefly. They'd anticipated various EU responses, but few foresaw this broad assault.

Aimed at every Greek resident.

Two hundred Euros?

Sure.

It covers basics.

But.

This marks just the start, and the European Union warned of potential drops to one hundred or even fifty Euros per day.

Should that occur, daily life would suffer greatly.

Therefore.

Numerous folks grew hesitant deep down.

Still.

Before dwelling on it, Greek news outlets fired back fiercely, blasting the European Union for targeting everyday people with such tactics.

"Shameful tactics."

"Greeks won't yield an inch."

"..."

For an instant.

The wavering resolve turned fierce abruptly.

Right!

We're Greece after all, steeped in ancient glory and past triumphs. In today's world, must we bow to the EU’s whims?

Impossible.

This dignity.

Must stay intact.

"Time to exit the fold; we're capable enough to thrive independently." Sentiment shifted once more, firing up the Greek public.

Retaliation.

Likewise.

Citizens from France and Germany cheered loudly. Across online platforms, they piled scorn on Greeks, flaunting their smugness.

Look!

That's the fallout from rebellion.

Tension.

Intensified.

...

Greece.

Presidential residence.

"Hmm."

"Indeed, we can't back down." The leader beamed at the public's response, unafraid of worsening strife. He only worried it might not heat up enough to boost Greece's position.

Capping cash access amounts to temporary hardship.

All of it.

For a brighter future.

Press on.

Resist.

Though sensing the chaos might slip from grasp, he brushed it off; with his term holding the pivotal phase, holding firm matters most.

What's ahead.

Let future leaders handle the mess.

Even if.

Things boil over truly in his watch, leading to exit, he could concede or meddle in the withdrawal steps.

Ultimately.

Exiting demands vast efforts. If the President desires, stalling years isn't hard, and truthfully, he harbors no intent to depart.

Lingering in the Eurozone lets the gains flow steadily, doesn't it?

...

Right now.

Tang Qing had reached Davos, where the atmosphere buzzed vibrantly this year, packed with business leaders and officials. On her debut visit, Qin Shiqi buzzed with eagerness.

Wandering about.

Tang Qing stayed behind.

No choice.

His presence draws too much notice; stepping out risks media snaps. In the lounge, tracking Greece's unfolding drama, he couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"Soon, a cast shake-up awaits."

The sitting Greek leader.

Resists any split.

Thus.

Counting on him proves futile; with events progressing this far, accelerating Greece's departure becomes essential. Once momentum builds like this.

Delay proves risky.

If prolonged.

Shifts might emerge; take Greek morale, currently inflamed—half a year on... once acclimated, then what?

Therefore.

Greece.

Requires a fresh leader immediately.