America 1919

Lazack Babu was also a notable person in the North District, running a boarding house; he would occasionally help fund the black residents living in hardship in the North District. Even people like Bart Bield had stayed at Lazack Babu's boarding house when they first arrived in Atlantic City.

Upon hearing the name Lazack Babu, everyone in the room initially showed happy expressions, truly recognizing Lazack Babu's influence in North District, but their expressions soon turned to worry.

"Bart, if Lazack could stand out, that would naturally be good, but everyone also knows about Lazack's personality; he never gets involved in these matters. Moreover, I've heard that Lazack Babu has already signed a contract with Westglenn, and he's among the first batch of people leaving North District!"

Mayo Logan said with concern.

Bart Bield responded, "As long as we sincerely persuade Lazack, he will definitely give it serious consideration. After all, we are seeking welfare for all the black people in North District. We can't let those damned white people forever loot our wealth!"

Seeing Bart Bield so determined, everyone wore a serious expression. Indeed, they were seeking welfare for all the black people in North District, and Lazack Babu must stand with them.

The task of persuading Lazack Babu naturally fell upon Bart Bield.

Bart Bield didn't delay after ending the discussion with everyone. Regardless that it was already past 11 PM, he left his residence and went straight to Lazack Babu's boarding house.

"Dear Bart, why did you come over? Are you feeling lonely?"

Lazack Babu greeted him affectionately upon seeing Bart Bield.

Lazack Babu's boarding house followed the excellent tradition of Atlantic City's boarding houses; after all, the energy of black people was indeed very vigorous, but his place only accommodated black women.

And serviced only black people!

Bart Bield sat opposite Lazack Babu and unlike usual, didn't go straight in to pick a girl.

"Lazack, can we trust you?"

Facing a different Bart Bield than usual, Lazack Babu immediately thought of the rumors that had been spreading in North District the past few days, becoming alert, but not wanting to upset Bart Bield, he spoke up.

"Bart, I'm just running a boarding house. Normally, if you guys have any difficulties, I'll try my best to help resolve them, but there are some matters I definitely won't touch. Actually, our life in Atlantic City is already not bad now, much happier than people in other cities. We're just moving to a different place.

Westglenn has already told me that the new North District will have everything – schools, hospitals, and even a bank especially to serve us black people, which North District doesn't have.

And considering the current pace of Atlantic City's development, our area will soon join here, and by then, this old North District would have already become one of the bustling areas of Atlantic City, and our new North District will also join it. Isn't that great?"

Bart Bield, angrily waving his hand, said, "Not good at all – hospitals, schools, they're just deceiving us. If they really cared for us, they would let us stay here, build hospitals and schools for us here, provide us with the same welfare as those despicable white people."

At this, Bart Bield looked at Lazack Babu seriously and said, "Lazack, our ancestors were brought here on slave ships, treated like animals, creating wealth for them. They are nothing but parasites feeding off the fruits of our labor.

We can't back down anymore. If we keep retreating, they'll only continue to take advantage of us. We should resist, to show these people that we are no longer who we were hundreds of years ago.

We have the right to live wherever we want, and they must provide us the services we deserve!"

Lazack Babu gestured dismissively, "That was hundreds of years ago, Bart. I just want to live a good life now. If you want to enjoy coming here, I welcome you very much, but as for other matters, let's not talk about it – I won't agree!"

Having said that, Lazack Babu stopped speaking to Bart Bield.

As he was leaving, Bart Bield turned and yelled angrily, "You are a disgrace to black people, completely tamed by the white man!"

At Bart Bield's scolding, Lazack Babu just gave a bitter smile and didn't argue.

"How did it go? What did Lazack Babu say?"

Seeing Bart Bield come out, Mayo Logan immediately approached to ask.

"That poor coward has willingly become the white man's slave, not considering us black people at all!"

Bart Bield said in great anger.

Mayo Logan first joined Bart Bield in cursing Lazack Babu, then said, "But if we don't have Lazack Babu's support, whom else can we turn to?"

Bart Bield snorted coldly and said, "It's not about whether he wants to do it or not now – we can force him to do it!"

Mayo Logan asked excitedly, "How do we do that?"

Bart Bield sneered, "Like this..."