Chapter 375 - 20: The Life of Ordinary People

Chapter 375: Chapter 20: The Life of Ordinary People

"It means the East German economy has collapsed," Werner said. "The currency has lost all credibility, there are extreme shortages of goods, and production has virtually stopped. Under these circumstances, any attempt at reform is just buying time."

"Then what’s your recommendation?"

"Merge with West Germany," Werner said calmly. "It’s the only way out. There’s no longer any point in East Germany existing on its own."

Borg stared at Werner. After a long moment, he finally said, "Comrade Betelich, do you realize what you’re saying? This is tantamount to abandoning East Germany’s independence."

"Independence?" Werner laughed. "Comrade Borg, the Berlin Wall has fallen. Hundreds of thousands of people are flooding into West Germany. Do you really think East Germany has any independence left to speak of? The reality is that the East German people have already voted with their feet. They don’t want this country; they want life in West Germany."

Borg fell silent, his expression turning grim.

"I know this is hard to hear," Werner said, his tone softening. "But it’s the truth. As someone who worked in the old system for more than twenty years, I understand better than anyone that East Germany’s problems aren’t about a particular policy or leader, but the system as a whole. The system is rotten to the core. It can’t be fixed, only torn down and rebuilt from scratch."

"But... but there are still many people who want to preserve East Germany—"

"Those are the ones with vested interests. They’re afraid of losing their power and privileges. But the common people don’t care about any of that. They just want bread, freedom, and dignity. And those are things East Germany can’t give them—only West Germany can."

Borg lowered his head to look at his notebook and didn’t speak for a long moment.

"Comrade Borg, I know you’re a reformist. You hope to build a new, democratic East Germany," Werner said. "But I must tell you, that dream has been shattered. The moment the Berlin Wall fell, East Germany died. The question now is not how to save it, but how to bury it with dignity."

Borg looked up at Werner, his expression complex. "Comrade Betelich, why are you telling me this?"

"Because I think you’re an honest man," Werner said. "And honest people should face reality."

Borg was silent for a long time before finally sighing. "Thank you, Comrade Betelich. Your words are harsh, but perhaps you’re right."

"You’re welcome." Werner stood up. "If you need me, I can continue to act as a consultant. I can offer advice on the East German economy and the merger with West Germany."

"I’ll consider it." Borg stood as well, walking Werner to the door. "Comrade Betelich, there’s one more thing."

"What is it?"

"I’ve heard that for the past few years, you’ve been secretly supporting certain dissidents." Borg looked Werner in the eye. "Is it true?"

Werner’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained blank. "Who told you that?"

"A few of the reformists now working in the provisional government," Borg said. "They said you used to fund them and helped them evade capture by the Stasi."

Werner was silent for a few seconds, then nodded. "It’s true."

"Why?"

"Because I knew the old system was wrong," Werner said. "Even though I worked within the system, I didn’t believe in it. So when I was in a position to help, I did my best to aid those who were trying to change it."

Borg stared at Werner for a long moment before speaking. "Comrade Betelich, I underestimated you. You’re not just a shrewd businessman; you’re a man of conscience."

"You’re too kind," Werner said. "I just did what I believed was right."

"Good." Borg extended his hand. "Welcome aboard, Comrade Betelich. The new East Germany needs people like you."

Werner took his hand. "Thank you."

***************

「November 16, Thursday, 3:00 PM.」

Werner was driving through the Prenzlauer Berg District on his way to see Pastor Weber.

His car stopped at a red light, and he saw that the bus stop on the roadside was crowded. They weren’t waiting for a bus; they were gathered around a middle-aged man.

The man was standing on a bench in the bus shelter, holding a large bag of bananas, his face alight with a joyous, excited smile.

"It’s true! I just got back from the West! Look! Fresh bananas!"

The onlookers craned their necks to stare at the bag of bananas. Some gasped in amazement, others looked on with envy, and a few were dismissive.

"How much did they cost?" an old woman asked.

"I didn’t buy them! They were a gift!" the middle-aged man said. "Some West Germans, right outside the supermarket. They saw us waiting in line and just gave me a whole bag! Said they were welcoming their East German brothers!"

"For real?"

"Of course it’s real! Why would I lie to you?" The man pulled a banana from the bag, peeled it, and took a bite. "Just smell that! It’s been thirty years! We East Germans haven’t seen fresh tropical fruit like this in thirty years!"

The light turned green. Werner pressed the accelerator and drove away from the intersection.

In his rearview mirror, the middle-aged man was still standing on the bench, holding up a banana.

*************

Half an hour later, Werner arrived at Pastor Weber’s church.

The church basement had been converted into a temporary shelter, housing more than a dozen families. They were all people who had decided to remain in East Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall but had lost their homes.

Werner went down the stairs and saw a young woman sitting in a corner, quietly crying as she held a two- or three-year-old child in her arms.

"What’s wrong?" Werner asked, walking over.

The woman looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "My... my husband went to West Germany."

"When?"

"Three days ago." The woman wiped away her tears. "He said he was just going to check things out and would be back soon. But... but he called today. He said he’s staying in West Germany and not coming back."

"Did he ask you to join him?"

"He did." The woman’s voice trembled. "But I don’t want to go. My parents are here. My job is here. But he said the East German Mark is about to be worthless, that the money in our bank account will soon be useless. He told me to sell everything we own, to get as many West German Marks as I can."

Werner fell silent.

"What should I do?" The woman looked at him. "Should I believe him? Is the East German Mark really going to be worthless?"

"Yes," Werner said honestly. "By next year at the latest, the East German Mark will be replaced by the West German Mark. When that happens, how many West German Marks you get for the money in your account will depend on the official exchange rate set by the government."

"So... so what should I do?"

"Convert everything you can," Werner said. "Trade your East German Marks for physical goods, or find a way to exchange them for West German Marks. Otherwise, your life’s savings could be wiped out overnight."

The woman covered her mouth as tears streamed down her face.

Werner turned and walked away, heading up the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, Pastor Weber was waiting for him.

"You heard?" the Priest asked.

"I heard," Werner said. "How many more are there like her?"

"Many," Pastor Weber sighed. "Couples separated, families torn apart. Some go to West Germany and never return. Others stay in East Germany only to lose their jobs. This country is disintegrating, Werner."

"And you, Pastor?" Werner asked. "Will you leave?"

"No." Pastor Weber shook his head. "I’ve served here for forty years. My parish is here, my congregation is here. No matter what becomes of this country, I will stay."

Werner nodded but said nothing.